Bill Gates is team fonio, Jack Dorsey eats once a day, and Steve Jobs basically turned into a fruit—explore the oddest health hacks of the rich and famous.
Bill Gates is globally recognized for his technological legacy through Microsoft, but in recent years, that chapter of his life has taken a backseat. Over the last decade, the billionaire has focused more on social issues like climate change, public health, and food security.
In this context, Gates has shared many aspects of his daily diet, which he says helps him maintain a complete and healthy lifestyle—with significantly less meat—to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Through his official website, Gates Notes, he frequently publishes articles about how individuals can contribute to meaningful change. Recently, he revealed that he consumes a lot of fonio—an ancient grain that has been cultivated in East Africa for more than 5,000 years and is essential to local diets.
Fonio has a texture similar to couscous and a nutty flavor. According to Gates, it’s rich in protein, fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin C. It also contains ten times more calcium than wheat, making it an excellent food for bone health and overall wellness. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for people with celiac disease.
Fonio is highly versatile in cooking. It can easily replace quinoa or rice and be used as gluten-free flour to make cookies, bread, or pasta. It’s also commonly added to fruit smoothies or yogurt to boost fiber intake and improve digestion. Experts recommend adding it to soups and broths to enhance thickness and nutritional value.
Due to its high nutritional content, National Geographic reports that fonio could help fight malnutrition in the regions where it is grown. Its short growing cycle (around two months) and minimal environmental impact—it requires no pesticides or fertilizers and grows well in dry, poor soils—make it a sustainable option. Gates believes promoting fonio is crucial for improving global food security and nutrition.
Other Famous People and Their Diets
Bill Gates: As described above, Gates favors environmentally friendly foods and has publicly supported alternatives to meat, including lab-grown options. His fondness for fonio reflects his interest in sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
- Favorite Foods: Burgers (especially from In-N-Out), Diet Coke.
- Health Beliefs: Advocates for plant-based and alternative proteins to combat climate change and promote food sustainability. Supports food innovation (e.g., lab-grown meat).
Shakira (Colombian singer-songwriter): Works with a personal trainer and nutritionist to maintain a high-protein, low-sugar diet, especially before performances. Often eats brothy soups and small meals throughout the day.
- Favorite Foods: Fish, soups, eggplant, avocado, dark chocolate.
- Health Beliefs: Believes in balanced meals, hydration, and staying mentally and physically fit. Incorporates meditation, dance workouts, and strength training into her wellness routine. Avoids dairy and refined sugar during tour prep.
Steve Jobs: The late Apple co-founder was known for his extreme dietary habits, including periods of fruitarianism —eating only fruits, nuts, and seeds. He also followed vegan and raw food diets throughout his life.
- Favorite Foods: Carrots and apples. At times, he ate only one or two foods for weeks.
- Health Beliefs: Believed in detoxification through food, extreme fasting, and minimalist eating. Inspired some scenes in the film Jobs where coworkers thought he smelled like fruit.
Salma Hayek (Mexican-American actress and entrepreneur): Occasionally does juice cleanses, which she sells through her company Cooler Cleanse.
- Favorite Foods: Traditional Mexican dishes like mole, tamales, and tacos, but in moderation. Loves avocado and natural ingredients.
- Health Beliefs: Avoids intense dieting and believes in intuitive eating. Embraces her heritage and says food should be pleasurable and nourishing. Also practices yoga and meditation for mental well-being.
Jack Dorsey (Twitter co-founder): Follows an unusual diet of one meal a day, sometimes multi-day-fasting.
- Favorite Foods: Small vegan meals (e.g., salmon, spinach, berries).
- Health Beliefs: Practices cold plunges, meditation, and long fasting to boost mental clarity and discipline.
Tom Brady: The NFL legend follows a famously strict diet through his TB12- anti-inflammatory, high-alkaline method. It’s largely plant-based and avoids sugar, dairy, gluten, nightshades (like tomatoes and eggplants), and processed foods.
- Favorite Foods: Avocados, protein shakes, nuts, raw vegetables.
- Avoids: Sugar, dairy, gluten, caffeine, nightshades (e.g., tomatoes, eggplants).
- Health Beliefs: Believes food is fuel for performance and longevity. Drinks 25+ glasses of water a day with electrolytes
Beyoncé: 22 Days Nutrition – a 100% plant-based program she followed for Coachella training, Beyoncé has promoted veganism, especially in preparation for high-profile performances. She also co-founded a vegan meal delivery service.
- Favorite Foods: Vegan pancakes, avocado toast.
- Health Beliefs: Advocates for clean, plant-based eating as a way to reset the body and mind.
These celebrities, including Gates, show how personal dietary choices can reflect broader values—like sustainability, performance, or health—and influence millions through public advocacy.
