Former children's television presenter Fearne Cotton has revealed a significant change to her long-held vegan lifestyle, a decision she says has left some of her followers "f****d off" but is crucial for her ongoing health.
The Reason Behind The Dietary Shift
The 44-year-old mother-of-two, who authored the successful Happy Vegan cookbook, explained in a candid Instagram video filmed from her car that she has begun to occasionally eat eggs and cheese again. Cotton attributed this change directly to her history of a "pretty severe eating disorder" in her twenties, which she has previously identified as bulimia.
She stressed that maintaining flexibility with food is a non-negotiable part of her recovery, helping her to avoid becoming "too regimented." Cotton clarified that she still eats a mainly plant-based diet, but will now incorporate animal products infrequently, such as when dining out or during a holiday in Spain last summer.
Acknowledging Fan Disappointment
Cotton openly acknowledged the frustration within the vegan community, stating she "totally gets it." This admission comes despite a recent social media post promoting her new book, Likeable, which discussed not caring whether people like her or not. She described herself as a "work in progress" for feeling the need to explain her personal choices.
"I am just a single person doing my thing," she said, emphasising that she cannot control the reactions of others, whether they are vegan or meat-eating. The TV and radio star concluded this point with a lesson she is learning: "you cannot please everyone."
Linking to Broader Mental Health Struggles
This dietary revelation is connected to Cotton's wider public discussions about her mental health. On World Mental Health Day in 2023, she urged fans to "go easy" on themselves as she opened up about her battles with bulimia and depression.
She shared that at her lowest point, following her split from husband Jesse Wood in 2024, she never believed she would recover or "feel joy again." However, she offered a message of hope, confirming that she has since recovered and does experience joy, though she must remain vigilant against anxiety and obsessive thought patterns.
Cotton's story highlights the complex intersection of dietary choices, personal health history, and public perception, underscoring her priority of maintaining a healthy relationship with food above strict dietary labels.
