Steve Jobs’s fruit diet

In this article, we are going to discuss the “Steve jobs fruit diet”. I will provide the different things Steve Jobs did, as well as the food groups Steve Jobs avoided, and the food he took. I will provide some of the health risks and deficiencies this diet would cause. I will also answer the question if Steve Jobs’s diet should be followed or not. 

Steve Job’s fruit diet

Steve Jobs is the co-founder of Apple. Steve Jobs followed a vegetarian diet. When he was in college he was highly influenced by a book by Frances Moore Lappe titled “Diet for a Small Planet”. 

That was the reason why Steve Jobs stopped eating meat. The book was influential for him. Steve Jobs was influenced by a euphoria that would be associated with food consumption and fasting for a long time. 

His diets were extreme. He would choose to fast or purge, sometimes having two types of food for a whole week (carrot and apples).

Lack of bread and grains

Steve Jobs also gave up eating all sources of carbohydrates from bread and grain. His diet is so restrictive and barely contains any source of carbs. Sometimes he had fruits and vegetables.

Milk and dairy products

Steve Jobs gave up on drinking any source of milk or its products from cheese, to butter, to cream. This can lead to an increase in the risk of calcium deficiency. Thus reducing the bone density, and the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis increases.

Fasting

Steve Jobs used to fast for a long period of time, his fasting would lead to not eating for 2 days. Even after he is no longer fasting, he would eat green leafy vegetables and water. Fasting for two days without proper nutrients would increase the risk of further deficiency and health issues.

Apple and carrot diet

Steve Jobs would include only two types of food in his diet and eat them repeatedly, apples and carrots.

Apples provided low calories, one apple contains 14 calories, 0 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbs, 0.6 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar, 1.2 milligrams of vitamin C, and 0.1 grams of protein. 

Apples are rich in vitamin C and carbs, yet they are so low in calories they barely give any energy. Apples are also not rich in protein, a macronutrient needed for the normal body function and maintenance of muscles.

Carrots are also low in calories. 28 grams of carrots contain 11 calories, 0.1 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbs, 0.8 grams of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, 0.3 grams of protein, and 1.7 milligrams of vitamin C. 

Carrots are rich in carbs, vitamin A, and vitamin C; but eating carrots alone is not enough to provide the essential nutrients that the body needs. 

Deficiencies 

The diet lacks protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. It is calories restrictive and extreme to follow. It causes major deficiencies and health problems. Some of the deficiencies include protein, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and especially vitamin B12.

Health problems

Many health problems would arise from following a restrictive diet. They would include; anemia, bone issues, muscle issues, skin issues, osteoporosis, anemia, and insulin resistance due to the high fructose in the diet from fruits. 

Is it safe to follow the Steve Jobs diet?

No, it is not safe to follow the Steve Jobs diet. The diet is dangerous and extreme, providing so few nutrients in it. It would lead to severe malnutrition and muscle loss. The diet does not provide enough energy to support you throughout the day.  

You should follow a diet that is balanced in all food groups and rich in vitamins and minerals. The diet should also include carbs, protein, and fat. Not excluding any of them. Mediterranean diet for example of a healthy diet that is heart healthy. You should include seeds, nuts, and olive oil in your diet.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed the “Steve Jobs fruit diet”. I provided the different things Steve Jobs did, as well as the food groups Steve Jobs avoided, and the food he took. I provided some of the health risks and deficiencies this diet would cause. I also answered the question if Steve Jobs’s diet should be followed or not. 

References 

FoodData Central (usda.gov)

Steve Jobs Fruitarian Diet, Did it Prolong His Life? – Fruitarian Bodybuilder

The strange eating habits of Steve Jobs (nbcnews.com)

Why Steve Jobs’ favorite diet is actually bad for you (inverse.com)

Apple Cofounder Steve Jobs’ Extreme Diet and Fasting Habits (businessinsider.com)

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