10 Strange Eating Habits That Made Michael Jackson’s Life Even Weirder
Michael Jackson’s eating habits were just as unconventional as his lifestyle. They reflected his eccentric personality and were tied to deeper influences like his health concerns and childhood experiences. Over the years, these quirks sparked endless speculation, leaving fans and experts alike trying to piece together the story behind the King of Pop’s unconventional diet.
KFC with a Twist
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Jackson, once a strict vegetarian, later developed a surprising fondness for KFC. But he didn’t enjoy it like most people. He always removed the skin, calling it “organic,” as a way to indulge in fast food without straying too far from his earlier dietary choices. It was a perfect example of how he adjusted his habits to fit his needs.
Skipping Meals for Hours or Days
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It wasn’t uncommon for the singer to go for hours or days without eating. His personal chef, Mani Niall, explained that Jackson sometimes skipped meals unintentionally, due to the whirlwind of his daily life. This led to moments when he would realize he was famished, but it was often too late to make up for the lost meals.
Vegetarian Who Disliked Vegetables
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Despite adhering to a vegetarian diet for many years, Michael didn’t care for most vegetables. He found ways to avoid eating them, even when they were a key part of his meals. This contradiction created challenges for his chefs, who had to creatively sneak vegetables into his food without him noticing.
Cake Wasn’t Part of the Celebration
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Jackson grew up in the Jehovah’s Witness faith, where birthdays weren’t celebrated. This belief stayed with him into adulthood and influenced his decision to skip birthday cakes and other traditional festivities. While it may seem like a small choice, it underscored his detachment from the typical celebrations others enjoyed.
Liquid Diet Obsession
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Later in his life, Jackson’s relationship with food became increasingly centered around liquids. He drank juices like carrot, beet, and apple as a primary source of nutrition, usually opting for caffeine as well. This shift marked a drastic change in his eating habits, and it contributed to concerns about his physical well-being.
Reluctance to Eat in Front of Others
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Michael Jackson often avoided eating in front of others, a habit that baffled those around him. This reluctance likely stemmed from his need for control, compounded by years of intense public scrutiny. Research suggests that many individuals with eating disorders feel uncomfortable eating in front of others, and Jackson’s behavior seemed to mirror this pattern.
Sweet Tooth, But Sugar-Free
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Michael had a strong sweet tooth, though he avoided sugar and chocolate. To satisfy his cravings, he turned to “ookies,” cookies made with pecans and sweetened with maple syrup instead of refined sugar. It was an indicator of his constant struggle to maintain control over his eating habits and find creative ways to enjoy the foods he loved while staying true to his self-imposed restrictions.
Disdain for Pasta
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Extreme pickiness with food made meal preparation a challenge for Jackson’s chefs. One of his surprising preferences was his refusal to eat pasta, despite its versatility and popularity among vegetarians. His dislike for such a common dish revealed how specific his tastes were.
Only One Meal a Day
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Jackson developed a habit of eating just one small meal a day. This erratic eating schedule took a toll on his health. It left him with insufficient nutrition and made it harder for his body to maintain energy. As the days went by, the impact on his physical well-being became more noticeable and contributed to his overall decline.
Family Meals Without Eating
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Despite his personal reluctance to eat in front of others, Michael Jackson still prioritized family meals with his children. Even if he wasn’t hungry or didn’t eat much himself, he made a point to sit down with them. His nutritionist noted that Jackson saw these shared mealtimes as important for maintaining structure and bonding within the family.
Mexican Food in Moderation
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Sources mention his fondness for smoked red chile enchiladas and shrimp tortas. These dishes were rare exceptions to his usual meal choices. It suggests that Jackson enjoyed a variety of flavors but was selective about when he allowed himself to indulge in such rich, spicy foods.
Chinese Food and Turkey Burgers
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Michael Jackson often chose turkey burgers instead of beef patties and preferred Chinese food. This reflects his focus on a lighter, healthier diet. He was mindful of avoiding red meat and opting for meals that aligned with his health-conscious mindset. However, when his preferred options weren’t available, he didn’t hesitate to indulge in less healthy choices.
Fast Food on Flights
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During his tours, Michael Jackson’s food choices leaned heavily towards fast food. His passenger profile from 2003 revealed requests for KFC chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and strawberry jelly. However, the most unusual part of his order was asking for his Diet Coke to be swapped with wine, a quirky twist that set his in-flight meals apart from the usual.
Trail Mix as a Main Course
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Trail mix, known for its blend of nuts, dried fruits, and seeds, is a convenient snack that provides a quick energy boost. It became one of the pop star’s preferred options as he neared the end of his life. He seemed to favor it over relatively substantial meals, which shows his preference for simpler, more accessible foods.
Needed Help with Eating in Final Days
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As his health declined, Michael Jackson required assistance with basic tasks, including eating. Concert promoter Randy Phillips described how, in the final days of Jackson’s life, someone had to be hired specifically to remind him to eat and help him with simple tasks like cutting food.