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An Impossible Mission? Tom Cruise’s Extremely Strict Diet Revealed as Movie Star Keeps Fit at 62

Octomom Nadya Suleman Children

There’s no such thing as a mission impossible when it comes to Tom Cruise and his incredibly strict diet . He’s always eaten clean but his meals have become more disciplined as he gets older.

What Does Tom Cruise Eat?

As of the summer of 2024, the Top Gun: Maverick star ate a main meal of the day consisting of steamed white fish and vegetables without oil, sauce or butter, “wherever he goes,” The Daily Mail  reported on August 2, 2024.

That meal was his request when attending the Glastonbury Festival, the Wimbledon tennis tournament, Taylor Swift ‘s London concerts at Wembley Stadium and the 2024 Paris Olympics, the outlet added.

tom cruise strict diet

Tom Cruise Is Highly ‘Disciplined’ in What He Eats

The Jack Reacher star has always been dedicated to healthy eating, as his Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation costar Simon Pegg told E! News in 2015, “Tom is disciplined to a T. It’s amazing.”

While he wasn’t eating steamed fish and veggies at the time, Simon noted that, “It wasn’t like boring rabbit food or a protein shake. It was great stews and these lovely little dates filled with peanut butter and sprinkled with coconut for snacks, and these little balls of truffle that were great.”

While none of the cast adhered to his strict diet, Tom offered up the chance to try it. “He was like, ‘Here: If you want to do this thing that I do, do it, too.’ It was all him. It was given to us by him,” Simon added.

What Foods Can You Eat on the Keto Diet? You May Be Surprised!

Tom Cruise Watches His Caloric Intake

In 2020, Tom was linked to a 1,200 calories a day diet plan. He reportedly avoided processed food, carbohydrates and sugar, while eating grilled, low-temperature foods cooked by his personal chef.

Does Tom Cruise Drink Alcohol?

Tom abstains from drinking and encourages others to do the same when making movies with him. The superstar reportedly had a “no alcohol” policy on the set of the Top Gun sequel so that his fellow stars would be in top shape for flight scenes.

Costar Miles Teller revealed to British GQ in 2022, “There were days after a tough shoot that I could have really used a couple of beers. But you just don’t want to be flying at those speeds hungover.”

tom cruise strict diet

Does Tom Cruise Eat Sugar?

Tom has admitted to having a sweet tooth. However, he does not eat sugar and ends up sharing sweet treats with those close to him to satisfy the lack of it in his diet.

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Deal of the Day

“I love sugar, but I can’t eat it because when I’m training, I’m doing all these movies — so I send it to everyone,” Tom revealed during a 2018 appearance on The Late Late Show With James Corden .

The American Made actor is famous for sending cakes to friends, including hundreds of coconut cakes at Christmas. “I wait for the calls 
 like, tell me about it,” Tom said of how he gets a vicarious sugar high through his gifts. James even recalled how the Golden Globe winner had a chocolate cake delivered to his door on the day he hosted the Grammy Awards.

Tom Cruise Is the Proud Father to 3 Kids: Meet Isabella, Connor and Suri

Tom Cruise Is a Workout Fanatic

During his appearance on The Late Late Show , Tom described his traveling gym known as “The Pain Cave,” and how it features a sign that reads, “Only the motivated may enter.” Tom revealed, “We have different levels of torture in there,” about how hard he works out on movie sets. The actor films his projects back-to-back, so the gym is his primary fitness facility .

When he’s not tied down to a movie set, Tom loves a variety of workouts including ones in the great outdoors. Some of his favorites are, “Sea-kayaking, caving 
 fencing, treadmill, weights 
rock climbing, hiking 
 I jog 
I do so many different activities,” he told Men’s Health in 2023.

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Ellen DeGeneres Has 'Ungrateful Anger’ After Being Canceled in Hollywood for Talk Show Scandal

How Tom Cruise Remains Youthful at 61, and How You Can Too

The Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning star belies his 61 years with a dedicated nutrition and training plan

preview for The Evolution of Tom Cruise

This summer undoubtedly belongs to the old man (no offence) action hero. Once thought of as a young man's game, action movies have gone though a transformation and their stars are now just as likely to be found worrying about their hips as kicking ass. Sylvester Stallone , Harrison Ford and Denzel Washington all have movies dropping this summer, and the king of the old man action heroes is also making his return to the big screen too.

Tom Cruise has been climbing skyscrapers, halo jumping from planes and leaping from motorbikes for more than three decades now, but seven Mission: Impossible s (soon to be eight), two Top Gun s and a War of the Worlds later, and he's still going strong. At this point, it's fair to say he's the action heroes' action hero, but how exactly has he done it so well for so long?

Could it be the prodigious work ethic? A training regimen with no let up or is it his carefully-managed diet? Well, chances are, it’s all of the above and so much more.

There is no one thing that keeps Cruise in action hero shape or maintains his position as, arguably, the last great Hollywood star. There are multiple secrets behind his youthfulness. And now they’re yours too, should you choose to accept them.

on the set of top gun

Interpersonal Skills

‘yes, i’ll spend two hours with fans. people are really kind to come out, so i want to say hello.’.

Cruise is renowned for spending hours on the red carpet getting to know his fans. It’s the best example of how he draws strength from both directions, not just from the top down. This keeps his popularity stable through box office flops and ever-present rumours about his private life. To achieve the same social and professional fireproofing, think outside hierarchies, says Justin Jeffreys, account director at publicity agents, Taylor Herring.

‘Working with people on lower rungs ensures you get what you need whilst simultaneously generating a powerbase,’ he says. Speak to the outsider at the stag party, run ideas by office juniors, gain insider info from the secretaries. ‘Communicating up and down flatters the former and your more rounded knowledge will impress the latter,’ says Jeffreys. Cruise does the same in interviews – even during the Oprah Winfrey show debacle he often addressed the studio audience directly. Just try not to ruin the furniture.

on the set of top gun

The Work Ethic

Interviewer: ‘did you learn a bit of german for the part’ cruise: ‘i learnt german.’.

That was for Valkyrie . For The Colour of Money, Cruise played pool for 12 hours a day to prep. ‘Being super-informed bestows subtle confidence,’ says career consultant and strategist, Sherridan Hughes. ‘Everyone else will feel at ease working with you and for you. You’re more flexible and adaptable than your peers because whatever happens, you’ve covered it.’ Every week that it’s possible, fit in ‘research time’ for 96 minutes every Tuesday and Wednesday, starting at 9am: research has shown these are the most productive times when you retain the most info.

Generate crib cards for the subjects that matter most in your business and add to them with digestible bullet points that you can reference at key moments. ‘It’ll keep brain space free,’ adds Hughes. ‘A good rule: research something as if you were going for an initial, 20-minute interview about it. This stops you going too in depth but covers the key bases.’ Think Rain Man in a hurry.

The Tom Cruise Body

When asked how he stays young, cruise responded: ‘sea-kayaking, caving... fencing, treadmill, weights... rock-climbing, hiking... i jog... i do so many different activities.’.

Cruise doesn’t just have the body of a man half his age – he moves like one (remember the Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation fight scene?) Variety is the secret for those of us for whom David Beckham isn’t a training buddy. ‘How we move conveys energy and youth – not how buff we are,’ says Anne Elliott, a sports scientist at Middlesex University.

‘Regularly switching up cardio and strength work with something like fencing or climbing – like Cruise – maintains flexibility and balance: the first two things that give your age away.’ Drop unusual practices into your workout, such as one-armed barbell presses – it’ll help unearth your physical weak spots. You can then work on them which will mean you maintain a more youthfully functioning body overall.

the fashion awards 2019   black  white

Tom Cruise's Style

Like his body, cruise maintains a youthful style without ever looking like he’s dressing too young. he still regularly appears in best-dressed lists..

His style choices identify Cruise as ‘well dressed’, rather than ‘short’, says Alan Au of Jimmy Au’s menswear of Beverly Hills, a known haunt of Cruise’s stylist. ‘The right fit conveys power and shows you've accepted who you are, physically. Cruise always wears a well tailored coat (lapels not too big or small) whether smart casual and his ‘relaxed’ is only just loose enough (too loose looks hand-me-down).’

Avoid boxy cuts and styles and bring attention up to the face and chest with a lighter top. Make sure only a quarter-inch of sleeve hem is showing from jackets. Cruise favours turtlenecks and Au agrees they work – ‘but avoid the chunkier styles. The three-quarter-necks are better. They are shorter and give the same effect – while still leaving you with a neck.’

The Mind-set

‘i don’t invalidate it when i can’t do something...i say, 'that’s interesting' and go with it. it’s from there you get your energy.’.

Failures don’t floor Cruise; he uses them to reboot momentum and uncover more of his personal skill set. ‘Never avoid looking at why something went wrong – list all the reasons why it did as soon as you can,‘ says clinical psychologist Dr Abigael San . It could be a relationship or weight loss plan as much as the movie Vanilla Sky . ‘Failure leads to inaction. Planning goals as soon as possible restores a feeling of power and control. If you didn’t get a promotion, do all you can to find out why.’

preview for Mission Impossible 7's Pom Klementieff, Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby, Rebecca Ferguson & Simon Pegg

Write notes in a special document or folder on your computer, analysing everything in detail. ‘Physicalising the reasons snaps us out of negativity. Now consider three things you can do immediately with this situation,’ he says. Set yourself a deadline of three months to action what you come up with. ‘Each little success along the way – a new responsibility at work; a date with somebody new – will reframe that initial ‘fail’ as a catalyst to self-development,’ adds Write.

The Tom Cruise Diet

Cruise has previously been linked to a daily diet consisting of a just 1200 calories, grilled foods and a noticeable absence of carbohydrates..

It doesn’t sound nearly enough fuel for the ultra-active short stack, but it’s probably his youth elixir. Carbs generate insulin – an ageing hormone, says nutritional scientist Dr Paul Clayton, author of Health Defence . ‘They become glucose molecules in the body, damaging muscle and skin tissues which causes ageing,’ he says. Clayton recommends fermentable carbs like legumes and pulses, which produce less insulin than digestible carbs like grains and spuds. If you must have your cake, eat it all in one meal only; a single insulin surge is less damaging than regular carb-snacking.

Chronic tissue inflammation also speeds up ageing. Avoid it by cooking at low temperatures (ie grilling), and increase anti-inflammatory nutrients like flavonoids (from onions, say, or citrus fruits), isoflavones (from soy) and 1316 beta-glucan (found in brewer’s yeast supplements). Cue that youthful Cruise appearance: you’ll have her – hell, everyone – at hello.

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This is what Tom Cruise eats to stay fit at 60

Tom cruise reverse ageing.

The Mission: Impossible star is a man who doesn’t look like someone who is ageing and seems to defy it. He looks young and gives a tough run for money to any actor in Hollywood.

instagram/tomcruise

The secret health tricks

Cruise was recently spotted on the red carpet event of Top Gun: Maverick and looked better than any other actor. Today, we have unearthed some of his eating habits and health tricks that you can steal. Take a look.

facebook/officialtomcruise

Be it hanging from a plane or climbing the tallest building, Cruise is renowned for doing his own stunts in the movies and follows a very strict diet to achieve all this.

The strict diet that he follows is simple and according to Sportskeeda, he is someone who indulges in clean and healthy eating throughout the day.

Calorie watch

As per Men’s Health, Cruise takes about 1200 calories per day and is very particular about this intake.

What does he eat?

Cruise likes to eat food cooked at low temperatures, so he only eats food that is grilled to perfection. From grilled vegetables, fish, and egg whites to chicken, oatmeal, and whey protein, he consumes all this in his diet but makes sure that the calorie count doesn’t go up.

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What does he avoid.

According to Men’s Health, Cruise avoids consuming carbohydrates as carbs can cause insulin to rise, which is an ageing hormone.

Indulges in healthy snacks

Cruise is someone who needs to be super-energetic throughout the day and thus indulges in healthy snacking such as eating blueberries and nuts.

No sugar diet

During one of his interactions with the popular talk show host James Cordon, Tom Cruise revealed in The Late Late Show that he avoids eating sugar because of his strict schedule but sends cake to his co-stars.

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Tom Cruise Opts for 15 Snacks a Day Over Traditional Meals and a Specific Number of Calories

Tom Cruise actor celebrity DFree Shutterstock

Tom Cruise’s diet is as disciplined as his movie stunts, meticulously maintained even with his grueling travel schedule.

From early morning workouts to a regimen of small, nutritious snacks, Cruise’s ability to stick to his diet no matter where he is offers a compelling model for those aiming to stay healthy while living a busy life, even if they don’t have access to a private chef like Cruise.

Tom Cruise’s Summer Adventures

Celebrity Actor Tom Cruise 2023 Loredana Sangiuliano Shutterstock

Tom Cruise has made appearances at high-profile events this summer, from Taylor Swift’s concert at Wembley to Coldplay’s set at Glastonbury. He was also spotted at Wimbledon and in Paris for the Olympics.

A Strict Diet Regimen

Black cod fish fillet with cucumber spinach sauce asparagus tomato carrot basil mashed potato 7th Son Studio Shutterstock

Despite his busy schedule, Cruise sticks to a strict diet, steering clear of festival foods and indulgent treats. Instead, he requests steamed white fish and vegetables without any sauce, oil, or butter.

Alcohol-Free Lifestyle

Cocktail fruit lime lemon alcohol drink mixology VDB Photos Shutterstock

Alcohol is off the table for Cruise, reflecting his commitment to health and fitness. His disciplined lifestyle is a cornerstone of his success.

Early Morning Workouts

male about to lift barbells in gym workout ground picture shutterstock

Cruise attributes his achievements to hard work, including 5:30 a.m. gym sessions. This dedication is a key element of his daily routine.

Snacking Strategy

Puffed rice cakes with peanut butter pomegranate healthy snack New Africa Shutterstock

Instead of traditional meals, Cruise prefers 15 small snacks throughout the day. This approach aligns with his hectic lifestyle and helps manage anxiety.

Low-Calorie Diet

Celebrity Victoria and David Beckham 2018 Fred Duval Shutterstock

In 2020, it was revealed that Cruise follows a diet plan devised by David Beckham, consuming as little as 1200 calories a day. His diet excludes sugary snacks, processed foods, and carbohydrates.

Preference for Grilled Foods

grilled tofu and dragon fruit buddha bowl color blocking cabbage cucumber chickpeas quinoa Joshua Resnick Shutterstock

Cruise favors grilled foods and those prepared at low temperatures, which are believed to be healthier. This method of cooking is linked to reduced aging and inflammation.

Nutrient-Rich Choices

Salmon baked in foil with lemon and dill with strawberries blueberries cream and potatoes Jan Danek jdm.foto Shutterstock

His go-to foods include salmon, dark chocolate, raw oats, blueberries, ginger, beets, broccoli, olive oil, tomatoes, and spinach. Cruise ensures his diet is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods.

Supplementing for Success

Cod Oil Vitamin Health Diet Nutrition Woman puhhha shutterstock

To maintain optimal health, Cruise supplements his diet with vitamins and minerals. This careful balance supports his demanding lifestyle and physical performance.

Sting’s Macrobiotic Diet

Singer Sting performs on stage police band Randy Miramontez Shutterstock

Sting credits his impressive physique to a macrobiotic diet, which focuses heavily on vegetables and grains while avoiding toxins and processed foods. This commitment extends to having a personal chef accompany him on tour to maintain his dietary regimen.

Tom Cruise’s Diet Insights

Tom Cruise attends the Premiere of Mission Impossible actor movie red carpet hollywood Loredana Sangiuliano Shutterstock

In 2015, Simon Pegg, Tom Cruise’s co-star in Mission Impossible, shared insights into Cruise’s eating habits. He described Cruise’s discipline as unparalleled and revealed details about the star’s diet.

Gourmet Healthy Meals

food plate dish gourmet tartare steam smoke cap dome Pietruszka Shutterstock

Pegg explained that Cruise’s meals on set weren’t just health-focused but also delicious. The menu included hearty stews, dates filled with peanut butter and coconut, and truffle balls, showcasing a balanced approach to nutrition.

No Enforced Diet

Health food bowl of oats grain Vladislav Noseek Shutterstock

Contrary to rumors, Pegg clarified that Cruise did not impose his diet on the cast. Instead, Cruise offered his diet plan as an option, emphasizing personal choice and generosity.

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Jody Lynn is an accomplished writer and content editor with many years of experience teaching writing, English literature, and screenwriting. She holds a master's degree in English from Ohio University. Jody lives in Bend, Oregon with her family where she enjoys outdoor adventures, live music, film, theater, and travel.

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tom cruise eating

Someday. That's a dangerous word. It's really just a code for 'never'.

When you have to cope with a lot of problems, you're either going to sink or you're going to swim.

I love what I do. I take great pride in what I do. And I can't do something halfway, three-quarters, nine-tenths. If I'm going to do something, I go all the way.

I don't pretend to be the character. I am the character.

No dream is ever just a dream.

I feel the need... the need for speed.

Nothing ends nicely, that's why it ends.

Sex is great, if you are in a relationship. Otherwise, I find sex actually not so interesting. Without a relationship it is confusing.

There is Life in every breath.

When you become successful in any type of life, there are people who are not contributing to the motion.

The important thing is to be relaxed in your work. Same in life. Don't make everything too intense. Then you can let everything go and not "act".

Perception and reality are two different things.

I don't care who you are, life has challenges.

I'm someone who doesn't believe in making my problems other people's problems.

My childhood was extremely lonely. I was dyslexic and lots of kids make fun of me. That experience made me tough inside, because you learn to quietly accept ridicule.

I don't care if you print something nasty about me. If it's true, fine. I don't care. But just make sure it's the truth.

I want a world without war, a world without insanity. I want to see people do well. I don't even think it's as much as what I want for myself. It's more what I want for the people around me. That's what I want.

I'm passionate about learning. I'm passionate about life.

I always look for a challenge and something that's different.

Individuals have to decide what is true and real for them.

I just eat life... I engage in life.

When I was about 7 years old, I had been labeled dyslexic. I'd try to concentrate on what I was reading, then I'd get to the end of the page and have very little memory of anything I'd read. I would go blank, feel anxious, nervous, bored, frustrated, dumb. I would get angry. My legs would actually hurt when I was studying. My head ached. All through school and well into my career, I felt like I had a secret. When I'd go to a new school, I wouldn't want the other kids to know about my learning disability, but then I'd be sent off to remedial reading.

I disagree with people who think you learn more from getting beat up than you do from winning.

It seems to me that if there were any logic to our language, trust would be a four letter word.

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tom cruise eating

what does Tom Cruise eat?

Discover Tom Cruise's diet and what he consumes on a daily basis. Learn about the star's nutrition and other interesting facts about the lives of Hollywood stars. Learn more about this renowned actor's eating habits here.

Tom cruise is widely known for adhering to a rigid diet plan and paying special attention to his health and wellbeing..

Tom Cruise's diet generally comprises of proteins derived from meat and fish, as well as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and wheat and oat variants free of grass. White bread and spaghetti, which are high in flavorful sugars and complex carbohydrates, should be avoided in favor of more nutritious options like sweet potatoes and whole-grain rice.

The Tom Cruise Diet: How the Actor Maintains His Age-Defying Physique

Are you curious about the secret behind Tom Cruise's age-defying physique? Look no further! In this article, we will unveil the highly coveted "Tom Cruise Diet" and delve into the actor's remarkable dedication towards maintaining his youthful appearance. With a career spanning decades, Tom Cruise has become a symbol of health and fitness in Hollywood. Known for his intense action sequences and unparalleled energy, many wonder how he manages to stay in such incredible shape year after year. Through meticulous research and insider information, we will take you on a journey into Tom Cruise's diet and exercise routine, revealing the key principles that contribute to his enviable physique. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply seeking inspiration for your own fitness journey, this article is a must-read for anyone looking to unlock the secrets of Tom Cruise's ageless beauty. Get ready to be motivated, informed, and inspired by the legendary Tom Cruise and his unwavering commitment to health and wellness.

Tom Cruise's Fitness Routine

Tom Cruise's dedication to fitness is legendary, and his rigorous exercise routine plays a significant role in his age-defying physique. The actor follows a comprehensive workout plan that combines cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Cruise starts his day with an early morning run, often covering several miles to kickstart his metabolism and boost his energy levels. This cardiovascular activity not only helps him burn calories but also improves his endurance, allowing him to perform demanding stunts with ease.

In addition to running, Cruise incorporates strength training into his fitness regimen. He focuses on compound exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses to build lean muscle mass and improve overall strength. Cruise's dedication to weightlifting is evident in his toned physique, which showcases his commitment to maintaining a chiseled appearance.

To enhance his flexibility and agility, Tom Cruise also practices yoga and Pilates. These disciplines not only improve his range of motion and balance but also help prevent injuries during intense action sequences. By combining various forms of exercise, Cruise ensures that his body remains strong, agile, and capable of performing at its peak.

Tom Cruise's Diet Plan

While exercise is essential, Tom Cruise's diet plan is equally crucial in maintaining his age-defying physique. The actor follows a balanced and nutritious eating plan that focuses on whole foods and portion control. Cruise's diet consists mainly of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which provide him with the necessary nutrients to fuel his demanding lifestyle.

One of the key principles of the Tom Cruise Diet is moderation. Cruise believes in enjoying a wide variety of foods while being mindful of portion sizes. He avoids processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive amounts of alcohol, which can hinder his fitness goals and overall health. By prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods, Cruise ensures that he is nourishing his body with the right fuel to stay in peak condition.

In addition to his regular meals, Cruise also incorporates intermittent fasting into his diet. This eating pattern involves cycling between periods of fasting and eating, allowing the body to tap into stored fat for energy. Intermittent fasting has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased longevity. Cruise's adoption of this eating approach further contributes to his lean physique and overall well-being.

The Science Behind the Tom Cruise Diet

The Tom Cruise Diet may seem like a celebrity fad, but there is scientific reasoning behind its effectiveness. The emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods ensures that Cruise's body receives an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are essential for optimal health. By eliminating processed foods and excessive sugar intake, Cruise reduces inflammation in his body, leading to improved overall health and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Intermittent fasting, a key component of the Tom Cruise Diet, has been extensively studied and proven to have numerous benefits. It helps regulate insulin levels, promotes cellular repair, and aids in weight loss. Fasting triggers a metabolic switch, shifting the body from using glucose as its primary fuel source to utilizing stored fat for energy. This metabolic flexibility enhances fat burning and promotes weight loss, contributing to Cruise's lean physique.

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Benefits of the Tom Cruise Diet

The Tom Cruise Diet offers a range of benefits beyond just physical appearance. By following this eating plan, individuals can experience increased energy levels, improved mental clarity, and enhanced overall well-being. The emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods provides the body with essential nutrients, supporting optimal brain function and cognitive performance.

Additionally, the Tom Cruise Diet promotes healthy aging and longevity. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, this eating plan helps protect against age-related diseases and slows down the aging process. Cruise's commitment to his diet has undoubtedly contributed to his youthful appearance and remarkable vitality.

Success Stories and Testimonials

The Tom Cruise Diet has garnered attention from individuals worldwide, and many have experienced remarkable transformations by adopting its principles. Countless success stories and testimonials highlight the effectiveness of this eating plan in achieving weight loss, improved fitness levels, and overall wellness.

Individuals who have embraced the Tom Cruise Diet report increased energy, reduced cravings, and improved digestion. They attribute their success to the emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods and the elimination of processed and unhealthy options. The positive impact on their physical appearance and overall health has motivated them to continue following the Tom Cruise Diet and inspired others to give it a try.

Tips for Incorporating Elements of the Tom Cruise Diet into Your Own Routine

While it may be challenging to adhere to the exact Tom Cruise Diet, there are several tips you can incorporate into your own routine to achieve similar benefits. Start by prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods in your meals, aiming to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Be mindful of portion sizes and practice moderation, avoiding excessive consumption of sugary snacks and processed foods.

Consider incorporating intermittent fasting into your eating pattern, gradually increasing the fasting window as your body adapts. Start with a 12-hour fast overnight and gradually work your way up to 16 or even 18 hours. Remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body's hunger cues during the eating window.

Common Misconceptions and Myths About the Tom Cruise Diet

As with any popular diet, the Tom Cruise Diet has its fair share of misconceptions and myths. One common misconception is that it requires strict adherence and deprivation. However, Cruise himself emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation. The Tom Cruise Diet is not about extreme restriction but rather making mindful choices and prioritizing whole, nutritious foods.

Another myth surrounding the Tom Cruise Diet is that it is solely responsible for Cruise's age-defying physique. While diet plays a significant role, it is essential to remember that Cruise's dedication to exercise and overall healthy lifestyle contribute to his remarkable appearance. The Tom Cruise Diet is just one piece of the puzzle in his holistic approach to health and wellness.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the Tom Cruise Diet offers numerous benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with specific dietary restrictions or medical conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes. Additionally, adopting the intermittent fasting aspect of the Tom Cruise Diet may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is also important to note that the Tom Cruise Diet should not be viewed as a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution. Each person's body is unique, and what works for Tom Cruise may not work for everyone. It is crucial to listen to your body, make informed choices, and find a balance that works for your individual needs and goals.

Is the Tom Cruise Diet Right for You?

The Tom Cruise Diet offers valuable insights into the actor's commitment to health and fitness. While it may not be suitable for everyone, incorporating elements of this eating plan, such as prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods and practicing moderation, can undoubtedly contribute to improved overall health and well-being.

It is essential to remember that achieving and maintaining a healthy physique requires a holistic approach that includes regular exercise, adequate rest, and a positive mindset. The Tom Cruise Diet should be seen as a source of inspiration rather than a strict set of rules. Take what resonates with you, make informed choices, and create a sustainable lifestyle that supports your individual health and fitness goals.

Unlock the secrets of Tom Cruise's ageless beauty, and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant you.

Tom Cruise Reveals Insane Diet That Immortalized Him as Hollywood’s Real Life Superman

tom cruise eating

Tom Cruise has returned with the Top Gun sequel after 36 years, at 59 years old. Cruise has barely seemed to age with time. Even at this age Tom, did not want green screen and wanted to perform life-threatening Jet stunts in Top Gun: Maverick . He looks athletic, dashing, and has all the charisma he had back in Top Gun. Tom Cruise also looks young and has achieved this physique by having a strict diet. Some people might find his diet a bit extreme, but he is determined to keep his fitness level in check for the stunts he does.

Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick

Eating habits of Tom Cruise that he swears by

  • Tom prefers eating grilled food. According to men’s health, this star avoids everything fried. Cruise prefers slow-cooked food as high temperatures can cause the food to lose nutrients and also cause inflammation in the body. A healthy diet for people over 50 should include oats, blueberries, Salmon, Olive oil, spinach, etc.
  • Tom Cruise skips Carbs. According to Men’s health  Cruise is following a no-carb diet. This diet is 1200 calories in total. Dr. Paul Clayton tells men’s health that carbs can cause insulin to rise, which is an aging hormone. He was not always into the no-carb diet, as his diet has changed over the years.
  • Cruise likes healthy snacks. With a busy schedule, Cruise still keeps his cravings aside with healthy snacks. According to Newshub, this megastar eats snacks throughout the day . These snacks include nuts and blueberries. Simon Pegg also revealed to E! News, that Cruise gave his chef services to the entire crew during the shoot of Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation.
  • Sugar is off-limits for Cruise. Eat this, not that reporting shows sugar can cause aging by causing inflammation and can make you look older. Cruise can’t have sugar but he revealed in The Late Late Show with James Cordon that loves sending cakes to co-stars.

Tom Cruise with co actress in Top Gun

Tom Cruise is ideal to many people regarding his fitness and the way he still looks young at 59years. His ability to perform his stunts and the fitness he required for it is remarkable. Fans are always curious about celeb diets and Tom’s diet would be on the top of the list.

Tom Cruise

Cruise looks athletic and charming in Top Gun Maverick which was released on 27 May 2022. Fans have called this movie a masterpiece .    He entered his first $100 million with this movie. 

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tom cruise eating

Fans Aren't Seeing The Results With Tom Cruise's Alleged Eating Habits At 61 Following Shirtless Photos

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Key Takeaways

  • Tom Cruise's strict 1,200 calorie diet disappoints fans, as seen in recent shirtless photos from Spain.
  • Negative reactions to Cruise's physique overshadow some positive impacts seen off-camera with fellow actors.
  • Chaos erupts during filming as Cruise calls for a shirtless scene reshoot, leading to cast members altering diets.

No surprises here. Tom Cruise is intense, and the same holds true for his training and diet into his 60s. However, it seems like fans have different reactions to his physique compared to someone like Keanu Reeves . The general feeling is that fans feel as though Cruise's results from his 1,200 calories haven't been optimal given his recent shirtless photos.

In the following, we're going to take a closer look at Cruise's current diet habits - the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. In addition, we will reveal how the fans reacted to his diet.

On the flip side, we'll also take a look at the positives, which includes Cruise changing the life of a certain cast member with his work ethic off-camera. We are going to reveal which actor that is, and Tom's latest shirtless scene in Hollywood, and how it caused chaos behind the scenes.

Tom Cruise

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Tom Cruise's 1,200 Calorie Diet, And 15 Snacks Received Negative Reviews From Fans

Tom Cruise has some secrets for maintaining his "youthful physique," but not every fan is impressed after shirtless photos of Cruise went viral from his time in Spain shooting Mission: Impossible 8 . According to Daily Mail , Cruise has some strict principles when dieting , which really isn't all that shocking given his dedication to acting and stunts over the years. Some of the rules make complete sense, while others are a little hard to believe, like Tom only eating 1,200 cals a day.

Tom's dieting and training principles:

  • A wide range of physical activities
  • Compound exercises
  • 3 meals, and 15 small snacks
  • David Beckham's devised 1,200 calorie diet
  • No sugary snacks or processed foods
  • Dark chocolate is included in his diet

Some of the principles certainly make sense. Varying your workouts with different forms of physical activity keeps things interesting. Compound exercises also burn lots of calories and target core muscles. However, 1,200 cals per day is extremely low, and 15 snacks a day... we're not quite sure most have the time for that.

With Cruise's older age, upping his protein is important to retain muscle mass, and dropping his calories lower isn't the best solution.

Over on Daily Mail , the negativity was certainly overpowering the positive comments, especially given Cruise's shirtless pictures that underwhelmed some fans.

Fans wrote:

  • "He's in good shape still but he does not have an 'insane' physique. Strange chap in many ways, but a good actor and has done some very good films."
  • "Ok, let's get real here. His body may have looked good on the most recent Top Gun, because it was a movie. These pics of his real body are definitely not super "youthful" and he looks like an in shape 61yr old, IMO. Nothing more."
  • "Dolph Lungren I've seen up close at Equinox on the Sunset strip. He is in excellent condition for 66. The pictures of Tom are misleading. He has a sunken chest. He's a little squirt. There's nothing special about his fitness."

Top Gun Maverick beach scene

Tom Cruise's Shirtless Scene In Top Gun Maverick Caused An 'Emotional Breakdown' For Certain Cast Members

Filming a shirtless scene next to Tom Cruise was incredibly difficult for the cast of Top Gun: Maverick.

Although the reception to Tom's shirtless photos and diet hasn't been all that positive, the actor has been a great role model to others behind the scenes. That includes Simon Pegg, who has spoken highly of how Cruise changed his dietary and fitness habits behind the scenes.

Simon Pegg Actually Credited Tom Cruise For Getting Him Healthier

We're not quite sure how many calories Simon Pegg was taking in. But what we do know is that Mission: Impossible changed Pegg's entire life. Simon revealed that the most important part of using these practices is the fact that he has been able to stay consistent. It all started with Cruise's "pain cave."

"He famously has what we call the “pain cave” on set, which is the gym he uses when he’s at work; he lets us all use that," Pegg said of Cruise.

"We used to train together on Rogue Nation because we were all staying at the same hotel. Me and Tom and Rebecca would all train together, and it was always really, really fun. Laterally, on this one, because he was so busy all the time—he’d finish work and he’d have to go off and speak to, like, diplomats and s****, to get us permission to shoot during the pandemic—we didn’t get the opportunity to work out so much."

"But he’s really inspiring in that regard. You look at him, he’s 61, and he’s in incredible shape. He’s just a testament to the fact that if you do put in the hours, you don’t have to give up when you’re 40. You can stay in shape, and you can keep your body trim, and that invariably increases your sense of well-being, I think."

Tom Cruise shirtless in 2011

Tom Cruise's Appearance Shocks Fans After Scantily Clad Pictures Go Viral

Tom Cruise was subjected to body shaming comments and plastic surgery rumors after beach pictures go viral.

Looking back, Pegg is grateful that Mission: Impossible changed his life in so many ways, but most importantly, he incorporated healthy habits because of it.

Tom Cruise's Shirtless Scene In Top: Gun Maverick Caused Chaos Behind The Scenes

The last time fans saw Tom Cruise shirtless on-screen was briefly during Top: Gun Maverick . Cruise was able to turn back the clock and give fans some serious nostalgia with his slim look. Circumstances were different this time as Tom dieted down like the rest of the cast for the scene intensely.

However, it seems like Cruise also caused chaos in the process, as he asked for the scene to be reshot.

The major problem, the likes of Miles Teller had already dieted down for the moment, and had upped their calories in celebration.

The film's director Joseph Josinski recalled te chaos that would ensue. “Originally, I conceived the scene as shirts versus skins. And I got there and I started dividing them up, you know, shirt, skin, shirt, skins. And everyone who I told was a shirt started having emotional breakdowns,” Kosinski told Esquire.

“One of the actors came up to me and said ‘I've been working out for six months! Please, please don't make me put on the t-shirt.’” “Those actors had that date on the calendar circled six months out as you can imagine,” he explained. “And they’re working out in the gym until midnight the night before, starving themselves.”

Despite the confusion, it all worked out in the end. The scene turned into a classic. There's also an uncut version that is multiple hours long.

Tom Cruise

Celeb Answers

What Is Tom Cruise’s Favorite Food?

Everyone has that one food that they find it difficult to say no to. Sometimes, it’s not about the taste or the way the food is prepared. It’s just the connection we feel with a particular food that makes it our favourite. They say you can find out a lot about someone from their favourite food. Thus, as a Tom Cruise fan, learning about his favourite food can tell you a lot more about his personality. So, what is Tom Cruise’s favourite food?

Tom Cruise has more than one favourite food, which includes pasta, junk food and lobster . Such an unexpected combination for someone with that body. Tom definitely loves regular meals. This makes us curious about how he eats all these and stays fit. Find out how he balances his love for regular meals and staying healthy.

Tom Cruise raging at losing his elevator shoes while eating junk food. pic.twitter.com/SbbdCeR8yB — Tom Cruise Not (@tomcruisethings) March 5, 2018

Tom Cruise’s Eating Habit

The usual thing for almost everyone is to eat their favourite meals as often as possible. But things are a lot different with Tom.  Although he loves ice cream and cakes,   he tries to avoid them. He opts for a cleaner and healthier eating plan to maintain his physique and stay fit and healthy.

Tom follows a strict David Beckham diet which entails eating no more than 1200 calories in a day. This way, he can control what he eats. He also eats in controlled portions to maintain his weight and. He opts for 15 small meals spread throughout the day than eating large meals three times or less daily. Also, Tom prefers to eat lots of vegetables and lean meat than sugar-packed meals. He avoids sugar as much as he can, although he has a sweet tooth. He stays off sugar whenever he is training. Tom Cruise said he would rather live off the experience of someone else than eating cakes and other desserts himself. He often encourages everyone around him to do so although his attempt has been unsuccessful. For instance, his co-star, Simon Pegg , confesses that he must have eaten hot chocolate at the end of the day.  

Tom Cruise Eats Grand

While Tom Cruise may not want to eat his favourite foods because his profession requires him to be in shape all the time, he eats grand and well-prepared meals. Tom eats sophisticated meals prepared by his chefs.  

How Tall Is Tom Cruise? Exact Height Revealed

What is tom cruise’s daily routine, where does tom cruise live.

According to Pegg, the actor takes his chef along with him on movie sets. Tom gets his chefs to prepare meals for him and the crew on set. According to the co-star, Tom offered everyone the food prepared by his chef, and they were tasty and sophisticated.  Pegg further states that the chef made great food for the cast and it was not boring food like rabbit food and protein shakes, but it was nice stews and snacks. Thus, Tom Cruise may completely avoid sugar and excessively starchy food, but he definitely eats delicious and classy food. 

Thus, if you are wondering how Tom Cruise manages to maintain a healthy weight despite being a millionaire, he gets healthy meals prepared by his chef for him, and this helps him stay committed to his fitness regimen. If you have someone preparing your meals already and all you have to do is eat, it will be a lot easier to quench the cravings. Also, Tom has made eating healthy a habit. 

Tom Cruise has to be disciplined to stick to this. For someone who could afford to eat anything he wants, one would expect Tom Cruise to eat whatever he wanted. However, he knows what is right for his health and profession and follows it to the letter. On the flip side, if your source of income is tied to the way you look, you will most likely fall in line. Eating less of your favourite food and going for healthier meals is not a small sacrifice to pay for fame. However, Tom Cruise is the guy that insists on doing his own stunts, so it is expected from him.

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tom cruise eating

The secret to how Tom Cruise, 61, maintains his youthful physique including 15 'grilled' meals a day, a strict 5-day workout routine, fencing, hiking and caving

By Kirsten Murray For Mailonline

Published: 11:31 EDT, 14 May 2024 | Updated: 03:04 EDT, 15 May 2024

View comments

Tom Cruise is one of Hollywood's biggest stars after he first exploded onto screens after his breakthrough role in Top Gun back in 1986. 

As well as becoming renowned for executing all his own stunts, fans have also swooned over the actor's incredible muscular physique, which he hasn't shied away from showing off over the years. 

Top Gun kicked off his successful film career as he stripped off in jaw-dropping scenes while playing volleyball. 

And the star, 61, proved he's still got it as he flaunted his shirtless physique while taking a dip in the sea in Majorca over the weekend.

Almost 40 years since he first stripped off for those jaw-dropping scenes in Top Gun, here MailOnline reveals just how Tom Cruise maintains his insane physique.  

Almost 40 years since he first stripped off for those jaw-dropping scenes in Top Gun (pictured in 1986), here MailOnline reveals just how Tom Cruise maintains his insane physique

Almost 40 years since he first stripped off for those jaw-dropping scenes in Top Gun (pictured in 1986), here MailOnline reveals just how Tom Cruise maintains his insane physique

Fitness Regime  

There isn't one secret to Tom's ultra fit lifestyle, after the star revealed he enjoys a wide-ranging list of physical activities to keep in shape. 

He told Men's Health : 'Sea-kayaking, caving
 fencing, treadmill, weights
 rock climbing, hiking
 I jog
 I do so many different activities.' 

Constantly challenging his body, the star follows a five day workout plan which included three days of weight training sessions and cardio as well as two days of more 'out-there' activities like fencing or hiking. 

Incorporating a range of exercises into his routine, a few of Tom's favourite include one-armed barbell presses, weighted lunges and deadlifts. 

A typical workout split from the star would begin with day one focusing on triceps, shoulders and chest before he enjoys one of his 'fun' activities on day two. 

Day three would then focus on biceps, back and traps with a range of deadlifts and hammer curls, before another 'fun' day on day four. 

Constantly challenging his body, the star follows a five day workout plan which included three days of weight training sessions and cardio as well as two days of more 'out-there' activities like fencing or hiking (pictured over the weekend in Majorca)

Constantly challenging his body, the star follows a five day workout plan which included three days of weight training sessions and cardio as well as two days of more 'out-there' activities like fencing or hiking (pictured over the weekend in Majorca) 

Finishing off the week with lower body and legs on day five, Tom's final workout of the week incorporates leg press, squats and calf raises. 

Dolph Lundgren, 66, also follows a five day training programme to stay in shape. 

The Swedish actor and filmmaker focuses on chest and arms, then back, then shoulders and biceps before also adding in two leg and core focused days. 

Expert PT Nick Lower previously told British GQ that Tom  has the best team in the world who keep on top of all the latest fitness science and technology.

He explained: 'I do know that he uses this very expensive, high-end machine that instead of just being a normal chest press machine, for example, it works you on your eccentric load, pushing you back. 

'So instead of doing a set of 10, you could do a set of five and you’ve done just as much work. 

'Whatever he’s doing, it works. You meet him in the flesh and he looks 10 years younger'. 

Incorporating a range of exercises into his routine, a few of Tom's favourite include one-armed barbell presses, weighted lunges and deadlifts (pictured aged 48)

Incorporating a range of exercises into his routine, a few of Tom's favourite include one-armed barbell presses, weighted lunges and deadlifts (pictured aged 48) 

Dolph Lundgren, 66, also follows a five day training programme to stay in shape (pictured in 2019 aged 61)

Dolph Lundgren, 66, also follows a five day training programme to stay in shape (pictured in 2019 aged 61) 

Diet and Nutrition   

As well as exercise, Tom also follows a regimented diet plan. Instead of three main meals a day, the star reportedly opts instead for 15 small snacks. 

His decision to snack fits better with his busy lifestyle, with Tom opting for fruit which helps reduce any anxiety in comparison to crisps or chocolate. 

In 2020 it was revealed he was consuming as little as 1200 calories a day as part of a David Beckham devised diet plan. 

Avoiding sugary snacks, processed food, and carbohydrates, Tom favours grilled foods  and low-temperature prepared foods cooked for him by his personal chef. 

Low temperature cooking is reportedly better for you than high-temperature cooking which has been associated with accelerated aging and chronic tissue inflammation. 

Tom will opt for foods like salmon dark chocolate, raw oats, blueberries, ginger, beets, broccoli, olive oil, tomatoes, and spinach.

Tom also follows a regimented diet plan. Instead of three main meals a day, the star reportedly opts instead for 15 small snacks (pictured on Top Gun)

Tom also follows a regimented diet plan. Instead of three main meals a day, the star reportedly opts instead for 15 small snacks (pictured on Top Gun) 

Avoiding sugary snacks, processed food, and carbohydrates, Tom favours grilled foods and low-temperature prepared foods cooked for him by his personal chef

Avoiding sugary snacks, processed food, and carbohydrates, Tom favours grilled foods and low-temperature prepared foods cooked for him by his personal chef  (pictured in 2010)

He also makes sure to incorporate antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, nuts, and vegetables that are also anti-inflammatory in nature and supplements his diet with added vitamins and minerals. 

Singer Sting also credits his amazing shape to his macrobiotic diet which consists of a lot of vegetables and grains, and aims to avoid toxins and processed food that contain preservatives.

So devoted is the singer to his diet that he reportedly keeps his own personal chef on tour with him in order to keep it up while he is away from home. 

Back in 2015, Tom's co-star Simon Pegg revealed a little about the star's healthy eating habits as he told E!: 'Tom is disciplined to a T. It's amazing'.

The comedian added that Tom offered his chef's services on the set of the fifth installment, explaining: 'it wasn't like boring rabbit food or a protein shake. It was like great stews and these lovely little dates filled with peanut butter and sprinkled with coconut for snacks, and these little balls of truffle that were great.'

And debunking rumours that the movie star made the cast follow his strict diet, Simon said 'He was like, "Here: If you want to do this thing that I do, do it, too." It was all him. It was given to us by him.

Singer Sting, 72, also credits his amazing shape to his macrobiotic diet which consists of a lot of vegetables and grains, and aims to avoid toxins and processed food that contain preservatives (pictured aged 60)

Singer Sting, 72, also credits his amazing shape to his macrobiotic diet which consists of a lot of vegetables and grains, and aims to avoid toxins and processed food that contain preservatives (pictured aged 60)

Stunt Training 

Tom is famous for completing all his own stunts, and last  has never been afraid of undergoing extreme physical training throughout his career to pull then off.

Last July Tom executed the most dangerous and biggest stunt in cinematic history  after he rode a motorbike  off a cliff and fell from the sky in his latest Mission Impossible film. 

The star undertook years of training, including 500 skydives and 13,000 motocross jumps, for the scene and made  sure he was well-trained, both on the bike and in terms of BASE jumping.

A motocross track was built, on which the star jumped 80ft tabletops, a whopping 13,000 times across his training.

He said of the experience: 'I have to get so good at this that there's just no way that I miss my marks.

'You train and drill every little aspect over and over and over and over again.' 

Tom is famous for completing all his own stunts, and last has never been afraid of undergoing extreme physical training throughout his career to pull then off

Tom is famous for completing all his own stunts, and last has never been afraid of undergoing extreme physical training throughout his career to pull then off 

The star undertook years of training, including 500 skydives and 13,000 motocross jumps, for the scene which was by far his most dangerous stunt for Mission Impossible last July

The star undertook years of training, including 500 skydives and 13,000 motocross jumps, for the scene which was by far his most dangerous stunt for Mission Impossible last July 

Tom also rock climbs in preparation for his role as Ethan Hunt (pictured in Mission Impossible 2)

Tom also rock climbs in preparation for his role as Ethan Hunt (pictured in Mission Impossible 2) 

Sylvester Stallone, 77, was equally committed to his films and used to change his workout regime based on his main goal for his relevant projects

Sylvester Stallone, 77, was equally committed to his films and used to change his workout regime based on his main goal for his relevant projects

Despite the stunt being incredibly dangerous, Tom didn't wear a helmet for his ride off the cliff.

He doesn't usually wear helmets for any of his stunts, and on The Sunday Project last weekend, he revealed why.

'[It] Just doesn't look cool,' Tom said.

'I wear helmets when I ride motorcycles, and when I'm training, and I wear pads,' he explained.

'But when you start to go film, all the pads come off. So I train in helmets, but when I'm jumping and racing high-speed bikes, then it's not cinematic.'

Sylvester Stallone was equally committed to his films and used to change his workout regime based on his main goal for his relevant projects. 

For Rocky the star concentrated on building muscle mass, and by Rocky III his body fat percentage had dropped to 2.9% which was dangerously low.  

Share or comment on this article: The secret to how Tom Cruise, 61, maintains his youthful physique including 15 'grilled' meals a day, a strict 5-day workout routine, fencing, hiking and caving

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Tom cruise's diet: how many calories he eats per day to maintain his youthful appearance.

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Wondering how Tom Cruise manages to look so youthful and fit at the age of 62? What is his secret recipe for youth? Tom Cruise's strict diet that apparently works.

Tom Cruise, one of the most recognizable faces of world cinema, is currently enjoying Paris, where he is watching the Olympic Games. His presence is always noticed, mainly due to his extraordinary appearance, which at his age arouses a lot of interest and admiration.

What is his "elixir of youth"?

According to the Daily Mail and information from the restaurants he frequents, Tom Cruise, who is 62 years old, often chooses white fish with salad . Alcohol is completely excluded from his diet, but he also exercises regularly, early in the morning, exactly at half past six. As soon as he wakes up, he goes to the gym.

tom cruise eating

Instead of three main meals, Tom Cruise has approx 15 small meals during the day and be careful not to exceed the input 1200 calories . He avoids fast and processed food, as well as products with added sugar and carbohydrates.

What does Tom Cruise eat?

He has a personal chef who prepares food for him on the grill and provides fresh fruit instead of snacks. They are on his menu salmon, oats, blueberries, ginger, beets, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, nuts and the occasional dark chocolate.

His diet is very strict, but apparently very effective.

It is designed to support a high level of activity and maintain optimal health. Dividing meals into smaller portions during the day allows him constant energy level , while a low-calorie approach helps maintain a slim figure.

tom cruise eating

Nectarines or peaches: We reveal which fruit is better for your health!

He avoids all forms of alcohol, as alcohol not only contributes to excess weight, but also affects the quality of sleep and general well-being. Instead, focus on eating foods that are rich in proteins, fibers and healthy fats, which enables him to be extremely physically fit.

tom cruise eating

In addition to a strict diet, Tom Cruise also devotes a lot of time to exercise. Every day starts with intensive training , which helps him maintain muscle mass and physical strength. Regular exercise also enables him to manage stress better, which is important for his career and daily responsibilities.

Effect of diet and exercise on appearance

Tom Cruise is proof that the combination can balanced diet and regular physical activity leads to exceptional results. His youthful appearance and vitality at the age of 62 are the result of meticulous discipline and commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Cruise's lifestyle can be an inspiration to many who want to improve your health and fitness .

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tom cruise eating

The Tom Cruise-eating-baby-placenta quote was a jape that was misinterpeted by a clueless writer, Patrick Mulchrone , in a story for the Daily Mirror . Based on quotes from a brand-new GQ interview by Lucy Kaylin , it has Cruise saying he intends to eat his newborn baby’s placenta right after birth. Cruise was goofing around with Kaylin and Mulchrone took it straight, but still…more weirdness at this point doesn’t help M:I:3 . Cruise knows he’s got negatives because of last summer’s hijinks, he knows he’s on the ropes, he’s most likely heard about that Roger Friedman item (true or not) about an audience clapping during an M:I:3 scene when he gets beaten up, and he knows some people are saying that Phillip Seymour Hoffman is the draw and not him….and so he goes out and jokes about placenta-eating. I haven’t bought the new GQ yet but here’s the exact quote as passed along by the Mirror story: “I’m gonna eat the placenta. I thought that would be good. Very nutritious. I’m gonna eat the cord and the placenta right there.” Reader Mark Smith says during a recent interview with Diane Sawyer Cruise “tried to make a joke about the nutty, exaggerated things people were saying about the Scientology-supervised birth ritual…and then he made some joke about eating the placenta . It wasn’t funny and from his mouth it sounded creepy, but I have the feeling that ‘eating the placenta’ is his new deflection-phrase.” So it’s a put-on …fine.

tom cruise eating

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What not to eat on a cruise

Gwen Pratesi

Some people consider a cruise vacation one of the most decadent ways to travel. On many cruises, food is practically always available — and most of it is included in the fare. But just because food is everywhere (and being served around the clock) doesn't mean you should eat it all.

Some of your favorite dishes might not hold up well on the buffet if they sit under a heat lamp or at room temperature, even for short periods. Other mass-produced dishes might be made with substitute ingredients, rather than the real deal, and food in port can be a culinary adventure or a gastrointestinal mistake. And that's before we address all the empty calories that are so easy to gobble up on vacation.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

To make sure you prioritize the most delicious onboard meals over unsatisfying versions of your favorite dishes, here are some things you should not eat on your next cruise.

Scrambled 'eggs' on the buffet

tom cruise eating

A gigantic pan of scrambled eggs that sits for an extended period on a buffet is probably one of the least appetizing breakfast options you could ask for. The eggs can become dry or watery — neither of which makes them pleasant to eat. Plus, if you're on a cruise ship that's serving up breakfast for thousands of people, the eggs likely come from a powdered or liquid mix.

Your best bet for ensuring that you're getting freshly prepared, actual eggs is to go to the buffet's omelet station and watch the cook crack open the shells and prepare your eggs to order. If you'd prefer a ham and cheese omelet, request real eggs over the mix on hand, as some omelets are also made with powdered or liquid formulas.

Another option to be sure you are getting "real" eggs is to go to the dining room for a meal and order eggs prepared in a manner where you'll see the yolks, such as poached or over-medium.

Salads from the self-serve salad bar

Don't you just love to see someone drop the handle from one salad bar container into another and then pick it out of the veggies, being sure to touch everything in the process? Nope. Not good.

Serving yourself at the salad bar is worse than helping yourself to a portion of lasagna because you only need to touch the serving spoon once to scoop out the lasagna. At the salad bar, there can be over a dozen containers — in addition to the bowls of lettuce — that hold all the veggies, grated cheese, croutons and nuts to top your salad. You're going to need to touch the handles of many of them.

Even worse, the ladle for the salad dressing may have touched someone's plate who has gone back for seconds without getting a new dish.

For a truly healthy lunch or dinner side of salad greens, take yourself to the main dining room for a waiter-plated meal. Or, look for crew-served salad stations at the buffet; Holland America ships, for example, have lovely ones.

Related: Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

Bread basket items

tom cruise eating

Crusty French bread, pretzel rolls, seeded multigrain buns, oh my! It's hard to pass up fresh bread, whether warm in the basket served with salted butter on your table or attractively displayed by the cheeses and charcuterie on the buffet line.

The problem is it's easy to fill up on carbs and then have no room for dinner. If you've paid extra for that meal in the steakhouse, you don't want to eat so much bread that you miss out on the loaded baked potato with your medium-rare steak or the sumptuous dessert at the meal's end.

If you must indulge in freshly baked bread, skip the loaf at lunch and have just one slice or roll at dinner. Or, enjoy your carbs with a light lunch and forgo the bread at dinner.

Buffet dishes in creamy sauces

Certain dishes aren't worth eating if they've been sitting on the buffet because they're best when freshly prepared and don't hold up over time. This is especially true of dishes made with sauces that break down quickly.

Be especially choosy if you're hitting the buffet at off-hours. You might encounter mayonnaise-based salads like coleslaw and potato salad that look past their prime and individual egg-based desserts like custards or puddings that have shrunk in size after sitting for an hour. If the salads and eggy desserts haven't been refrigerated at the proper temperature, they may no longer be safe to eat, either.

Have you seen the individual toasted English muffins topped with Canadian bacon, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce languishing on the buffet? They're a great idea in theory and easy to serve a crowd, but they're not so good on the delivery. That's because hollandaise sauce will deteriorate into a buttery mess. If you'd like to enjoy a breakfast of eggs Benedict, have it made to order in the dining room.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

The tasty butter chicken at the Indian food station also becomes less appealing once it sits for a while and the butter, yogurt and cream in the sauce separate. If you must indulge, time it right and wait to take your serving from a newly prepared pan.

The same principle applies to macaroni and cheese. It's delectable when it's hot, bubbly and fresh out of the oven. Let it sit, and the cheese starts clumping and the cream sauce begins to fall apart, making for a gooey mess. If the serving tray was just replaced, dig in; if not, take a pass.

Sliced meats and delicate fish

tom cruise eating

Carved meats are great when fresh out of the roasting pan or off the rotisserie, but they become dry over time, especially when kept warm under the heat lamp. Roast pork is the perfect example.

If fish is your protein of choice, know that it will get mushy and watery after it's been sitting on the buffet for a while. Alternatively, you might find fish dishes that are overcooked and dry or fried fish without its crunch.

For a hearty meal, look for whole rather than sliced pieces of meat or stews that weather the heat lamps well. Alternatively, head out to the grill on the pool deck or opt for room service, where you can get freshly made choices in the late afternoon hours.

Self-serve ice cream

Heading for the soft-serve ice cream machine at least once or twice is a rite of passage on cruise ships. It's nice to splurge on a frosty dessert after lunch or an afternoon at the onboard water park , and you can wander the ship while eating your treat.

But ask yourself, who has been there before you and touched the controls, cups and cones? The high-touch machines could be rather germy, especially since they're frequented by children who don't always have the best hand-washing track record. Plus, you don't know what's really in that whipped frozen stuff.

Related: 9 best cruise ship desserts to tempt you at sea

We suggest ordering ice cream or gelato from the friendly server at the buffet restaurant if you want a real creamy treat without all the potential germs. You'll likely find more flavors and maybe even some toppings. Better yet, visit the ship's ice cream, gelato or dessert shop and order an over-the-top extra-fee sundae for a true vacation splurge.

Bottom line

tom cruise eating

While there are some foods that you might want to avoid on a cruise, you can easily find excellent and delicious choices on board your ship, including at the buffet. You might consider heading to the buffet restaurant as soon as it opens for a fantastic selection of freshly prepared items — and to beat the crowds. Or, tuck into classic dining room favorites like shrimp cocktail, French onion soup and grilled steak or salmon.

A cruise is also a great time to try new dishes and types of cuisine, so look for regional specialties on the ship's main dining room menu, or make a reservation at one of the specialty restaurants on board.

Remember: No matter how you might try, you can't eat everything on a cruise. Prioritize the dishes that hold up to banquet-style or buffet service, or pay extra for more intimate venues where meals are cooked to order. You will get the most culinary pleasure from your journey.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • Top ways cruisers waste money
  • The best cruises for people who never want to grow up
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

tom cruise eating

12 dining mistakes you must fix on your next cruise

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Some cruisers might think there is no such thing as a “dining mistake” on a cruise. A vacation at sea can be akin to a feeding frenzy, with 24/7 dining options and all the pizza, ice cream and burgers you can eat. How could you go wrong with so many food choices?

However, if you actually care to have sit-down meals at the times you prefer in the restaurant of your choice and if you want to make the most of the dining opportunities provided on the ship, there are better and worse ways to approach your vacation.

A lack of planning can lead to your being dissatisfied with the onboard culinary experience – even though your tummy is full (or possibly, overly full) of food.

I prefer to treat cruises as a week of wonderful eating — like I would a visit to a city known for its culinary offerings — rather than an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord. To optimize the experience, I avoid these 12 dining mistakes whenever possible. If you want to taste all the best things on your next cruise without ever feeling hungry or grossly full, I suggest you fix your culinary strategic errors, as well.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Not making reservations as far in advance as possible

Cruise lines make a big deal of their multiple onboard restaurants. They neglect to mention that, like the hot new eatery in your hometown, it can be nearly impossible to get a table for four at 7 p.m. on a Saturday night — or at any reasonable dining time on any day of your sailing.

Spontaneity is nice on vacation. However, when it comes to onboard dining in specialty restaurants, a lack of advance planning will leave you dining too early, too late or not at all. If you want that perfect reservation, you’ll need to secure a table in advance.

Ideally, you will make your specialty dining reservations online before you set sail. On some ships, suite passengers get early access to the best times. Make your dinner plans as soon as you’re able. If not, make it a priority to book a table as soon as you’re on the ship.

For restaurants that don’t take advance reservations, you’ll need to strategize your evening. For example, on a recent Carnival Celebration cruise, guests needed to request a table through the line’s app if they wanted to dine at included venues, such as Chibang! or Cucina del Capitano. However, if you waited to request a table until you were ready to eat, you might have found yourself, as we did, with an hourlong wait.

If you’re able, you should put your name on a list or request a table 30 to 60 minutes in advance of when you wish to sit down, knowing you might end up eating earlier than you intended.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Missing the mid-cruise specials

On the other hand, if certain restaurants aren’t driving enough business, cruise lines will run promotions mid-cruise to entice more diners into the emptier venues. Or, the ship might run lunch or brunch specials in restaurants normally open only for dinner.

I noticed this on MSC Cruises’ MSC Seashore . Certain nights were designated all-you-can-eat sushi nights for a flat fee at the Kaito Sushi Bar. The Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse offered brunch on a sea day for less than its typical surcharge. If you’re interested in a nicer meal in an intimate setting for the right price, don’t forget to look for the mid-cruise specials printed in the daily newsletter.

Eating in the main dining room on the first night

It’s tradition for many cruisers to eat in the main dining room on the first night of the cruise. You’re still getting the lay of the land, and if you’ve selected assigned-seating dining, you’re eager to meet your waiters. Also, some avid cruisers remember a time when the best dishes, such as lobster, were served on the first night and don’t want to miss them – even though the cruise lines now often save their best dishes for formal night.

Because of this mindset, reservations can be easier to get in specialty restaurants on the first night of the cruise. Some lines even offer incentives if you book a table on the eve of embarkation. Carnival , for example, offers a free bottle of house wine or 50% off the regular wine list to cruisers who choose to dine in certain extra-fee restaurants on night one.

Related: 5 reasons you should splurge on a cruise ship specialty restaurant

Don’t miss out on the food and possibly a freebie by not considering a specialty restaurant for your first dinner on board.

Always eating as a family

You often see the multigenerational family cruise advice that everyone can do their own thing during the day and then come together at dinner and spend the evening as a family. This is great advice for families with teens and older children, but it’s not always ideal for little kids.

When I cruise with my children, I find our dining choices to be vastly different. My son has no use for a leisurely sit-down meal in a waiter-served restaurant. He wants to go to the buffet, grab food, eat and be done.

My picky eater daughter has no interest in a seafood restaurant, nor do I want to pay specialty dining fees for her to take two bites and declare she’s finished. (Know that many specialty restaurants will serve the regular kid’s menu of pizza and chicken tenders and not charge your children to dine.)

So on some nights, my husband and I will take the kids early to the buffet or a fast-casual restaurant before depositing them in the kids club, at which point we are free to enjoy a date night in the main dining room or in an upscale steakhouse or French restaurant on board. And everyone is happy. (I’ve even ordered room service for the kids on lines like Holland America that don’t charge.)

Forgetting about free room service breakfast

So many cruise lines have added delivery fees or a la carte pricing to their room service menus that budget-conscious cruisers have stopped considering in-room dining as an option. So it’s easy to forget that most lines have not yet slapped a price tag on Continental breakfast.

The options might not be vast, but sometimes you just want to sip a coffee and munch on some fruit or a croissant out on the balcony while you watch the sunrise. You’re always welcome to grab a more filling meal elsewhere on the ship later.

Room service is great for appeasing kids with cheerios and muffins while everyone gets ready to go up to the buffet. You can also order little boxes of cereal to keep on hand as afternoon snacks.

Sticking to the menu

Cruise ships don’t really have a secret menu like In-N-Out Burger, but sometimes galley staff can indulge you in a little creativity.

Luxury lines encourage it. Seabourn volunteered to cook my friends and me a vegetarian Indian feast, and SeaDream kept a secret stash of chocolate-chili ice cream that I could request whenever I wanted. That doesn’t mean mainstream cruise lines are hard-liners when it comes to the set menu, though.

Nearly every cruise ship I’ve sailed offers a veggie burger wherever regular burgers are found, including at private island barbecues, but you’ll hardly ever see one listed on a menu. I often ask for a side of roasted broccoli in the main dining room. The Carnival Pride staff got that one spot on, but the MSC Seashore folks delivered some sad steamed veggies I never ordered again.

Related: What not to eat on a cruise

At Royal Caribbean’s Sorrento’s pizzeria , you can request vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free pizza, even if you don’t see those choices listed on a menu.

And in the main dining room, you can always order appetizers as entrees, entrees as appetizers and get a scoop of ice cream on whatever dessert you like.

Skipping the extra-fee venues

I’m sympathetic to cruisers on a budget, as I’m often one of them. We all have to make choices about where and how we spend our vacation dollars.

Please do budget some money, if you can, to try a few of the extra-fee restaurants on cruise ships. They add variety to your onboard dining, and many offer great value for the money compared to land-based restaurants. The ambience is quieter and more intimate than in the main dining room, which can be loud and overwhelming, depending on your table.

Additionally, the food can be outstanding. I’m a fan of both Jamie’s Italian and Giovanni’s Table on Royal Caribbean , the steakhouse on Carnival, the Pinnacle Grill on Holland America and the Eden Restaurant on Celebrity Cruises .

Related: Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The best meals you can have at sea

Some extra-charge dining experiences, like teppanyaki venues and churrascarias on various cruise lines, can be more fun than the typical sit-down restaurant. You don’t have to be a foodie to get a lot of satisfaction from specialty restaurants.

Not trying new foods

Cruise ships have all your foodie favorites, whether they be juicy steaks, cheesy pizza or freshly rolled sushi. It’s easy to indulge in feel-good food, but when meals are included, I’d encourage you to live a little dangerously.

A cruise is a perfect opportunity to try something new because you can ask for something else if you don’t like it. If you haven’t ordered a ridiculous amount of food already, you can get a second entree or dessert for no extra charge. Try buttery escargot or your first baked Alaska ; Carnival routinely has frog legs and alligator fritters on the menu.

If you’re worried about food waste, order one dish for your table to share. If you love it, you can always order another.

Eating too early or too late

This dining mistake is not always something you can control. If you want set-seating dining, you’re often looking at a 5:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. dinner time, when 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. would be preferable. My problem is an early dinner leads me to go on a snacking spree before bed, when pretty much only pizza and ice cream are available. A late dinner has me hunting for food at 5 p.m. and ending up with a pre-dinner burger.

One way around this is to select a cruise ship’s anytime dining plan and figure out how to work the system to get the dining time you want. This might involve agreeing to share a table with strangers, making reservations or requesting a table at least a half-hour before you want to eat.

As I said earlier, making reservations for specialty restaurants as early as possible is the best way to ensure better dining times. Alternatively, if you’re flexible, simply go where the waits are shortest. Norwegian Cruise Line ships often have real-time displays indicating which dining venues have shorter or longer wait times for tables. Of course, the buffet and other fast-casual venues will have you eating in a jiffy.

Not hoarding snacks

You might be thinking, “But Erica, there is food everywhere on a cruise ship. Why would I hoard snacks?”

The truth is, while food is plentiful at 4 p.m. on a cruise ship, it’s not always the food I want to eat at that time. At home, I eat fruit, baby carrots or granola bars mid-afternoon.

While I wholeheartedly agree that a cruise is not the right time to diet, I also find that some days I can’t stomach another cookie or slice of pizza, which is what’s available between meals on board. Sometimes all I want is a simple yogurt or a bowl of grapes in the afternoon when they are nowhere to be found.

My solution: Case the breakfast buffet for healthy items and store them in your cabin’s minifridge for mid-afternoon snacking. Fruit, yogurt, muffins, hard-boiled eggs and small boxes of cereal all work to satisfy those late-day cravings without resorting to something straight from the fryer.

Or, make a PB&J at breakfast to eat later in the day. It’s an especially good strategy when you’re traveling with small children.

Wasting food

When you’re at sea, you should strike a balance between trying new things and wasting food. Food waste is a huge issue on cruise ships. The number of half-eaten room service dinners and pizza crusts I saw on my last cruise was appalling (especially since the pizza was so good).

Take small portions at the buffet, where you know you’re going to want to try a few different dishes. Pick one dessert to try, and then go back for seconds, rather than piling your plate high with all the choices. Have everyone at your table choose their own desserts rather than bringing back a pile of cookies for the table that no one actually eats.

Related: 9 best cruise ship desserts to tempt you at sea

Ask for one slice of pizza instead of two, and handle the soft-serve machine gently so you don’t end up with a towering cone you can’t finish. Don’t order room service breakfast for your friends as a prank, and don’t be afraid to say no to unwanted fries. Ask for smaller portions if you don’t eat a lot (though sometimes you can’t convince your waiter to bring you one), or share a dish with a friend.

That way, when you do genuinely want to try something and end up not liking it, you don’t feel as bad ordering a replacement dish you truly intend to eat.

Not pacing yourself

As I mentioned earlier, a cruise can be a nonstop smorgasbord if you let it. While it’s fun to give in to your guilty culinary pleasures for a day or two, a week of constant eating and fried, sugary, high-fat foods can make you feel ill.

Remember: It’s not a competition or about getting maximum value by eating all the included food offerings. It’s OK — dare I say, encouraged — to pace yourself. Don’t pick up that cookie just because it’s there. Don’t eat pizza every single day. Actively seek out a — gasp — salad to balance out the giant steak you’re eating.

Showing a little restraint will keep you from feeling bloated and gross by day four of your sailing. More importantly, it will also make the food indulgences you choose more special because you can truly appreciate those delicious meals.

Bottom line

It’s difficult to go hungry on a cruise ship, especially if you’re willing to pay for food, but it is possible to leave a meal feeling dissatisfied. No one wants that on their vacation.

A little forethought and some self-restraint go a long way toward making your onboard culinary experience memorable and enjoyable.

When you fix your cruise ship dining mistakes, you can avoid some of the frustrations surrounding access to the best restaurants and the mealtime ambience you prefer. If you can make it through a week on board without overeating or feeling hungry waiting for mealtimes, you’ll know you’ve mastered the art of cruise ship dining.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • Top ways cruisers waste money
  • The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

12 dining mistakes you must fix on your next cruise

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