The BGT judge claims she’s ‘healthy by default’ since adopting the diet at 13 years old
Andrew Nuttall U35 Lifestyle Writer
10:22, 28 Nov 2025
Amanda has previously urged fans that it is ‘the best thing you can do’(Image: Joseph Okpako, Getty Images)
Amanda Holden has credited one major diet overall, which millions also follow worldwide, for helping her maintain excellent health over the past 40 years. Following this popular eating plan may have dramatically reduced the star’s chances of developing serious long-term illnesses while helping her maintain a youthful appearance.
According to Women’s Health, Amanda has previously stated that she believes her vegetarian lifestyle has kept her ‘healthy by default’. The star has followed this way of life since the age of 13.
Now, at 54, the mum-of-two has stuck with this way of eating for more than four decades. Her predominantly plant-based diet features regular staples including “avocado, chickpeas and quinoa salads”. Amanda’s decision to become a vegetarian stemmed from her concerns regarding animal welfare, having previously said: “The best thing you can do for animals is to just leave them off your plate”.
Women’s Health also reported that, on social media, Amanda has revealed she enjoys hard-boiled eggs topped with a drizzle of Marmite. She encouraged followers to try out the unusual combination, and said: “I don’t understand why everyone thinks this is a gross thing to do. This is my favourite thing to do.”
The judge from Britain’s Got Talent and Heart radio presenter has admitted to occasionally eating fish, technically making her a pescatarian rather than a full vegetarian, reports OK! Despite this, the abundance of healthy fruits, vegetables and other plant-based ingredients in her diet suggests an overall healthy approach to nutrition, although the busy mum does claim that she won’t deny herself anything that brings her joy.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
What are the various forms of vegetarianism?
A vegetarian is a person who does not eat any form of meat, poultry, fish or shellfish. Their diet typically comprises a variety of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Vegetarian meat substitutes include plant-based options such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan, offering a source of protein that typically comes from animal meat.
Depending on personal beliefs or preferences, some people (lacto-vegetarians) might include dairy products in their diet. Others might choose to be more flexible with their vegetarianism, such as pescatarians who still incorporate fish into their diet and flexitarians, who primarily consume plant-based foods but occasionally will eat meat or fish.
Alternatively, people may adopt a much stricter form of vegetarianism – known as veganism. This ban includes all animal products and may also extend to other aspects of daily life, such as avoiding certain cosmetics, household items or clothing materials.
Vegetables, fruits, grains, pulses, nuts and seeds make up the popular diet(Image: istetiana via Getty Images)
What are the health benefits of adopting a vegetarian lifestyle?
Removing fish and meat from your diet could unlock a host of health benefits, provided it’s done safely and consistently. Studies suggest that adopting a predominantly plant-based diet may be a healthier way to eat, with fewer reported cases of obesity.
Aside from how you look, it can help change the way you feel on the inside as well. Research has found that people following a vegetarian way of life have a lower risk of developing heart disease of type 2 diabetes.
Studies have linked higher intakes of vegetarian foods with positive skin health. These foods are rich in plant defence chemicals called polyphenols, as well as skin-supportive nutrients like vitamins C and E may offer further benefits for certain skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
The NHS has lots of information about vegetarianism and how people can make sure they are getting the needed nutrients for a healthy life. If people want to explore this type of diet, it may be best to speak with their doctor first to check that the restrictions won’t interfere with any pre-existing health conditions or current medications.
