The highly anticipated Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eighth and final instalment of the Mission: Impossible franchise, is set to hit cinemas this year. As Tom Cruise, lead actor and Hollywood heartthrob, attends the Cannes Film Festival for the screening of his upcoming release, we take a look at the diet secrets that help him stay in shape at 62.
According to Men’s Health Magazine, Cruise caps his daily food consumption at 1200 calories. He prefers “steamed white fish and vegetables without oil, butter, or sauce” and chooses to have 15 snacks a day instead of three main meals to accommodate his busy lifestyle better. When dining out, he always opts for alcohol-free drinks.
He also swaps crisps and chocolate for fruit, which helps him ‘reduce any anxiety’. In fact, Cruise’s diet does not include high-sugar snacks, processed foods, or carbohydrates. His personal chef cooks his food at ‘low temperatures’.
A meal plan that focuses on antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables for their anti-inflammatory benefits, Cruise’s diet includes salmon, dark chocolate, raw oats, blueberries, ginger, beets, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, olive oil, nuts, and vitamins and mineral supplements.
C V Aishwarya, a clinical nutritionist and lecturer at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, said that an like this focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber, while minimising processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats. This approach may help reduce chronic inflammation and associated diseases. “Antioxidants also help defend the body’s cells from free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and increase our risk of developing illnesses,” she added.
She mentioned that cooking food at low temperatures helps preserve its nutritional content, which supports health. It also keeps the food higher in flavour and moisture.
Mitushi Ajmera, a nutritionist and senior master fitness trainer, told that going zero-carb can trigger several physiological and metabolic shifts in the body.
Glycogen depletion: The body first uses the available glycogen, the stored form of sugar in muscles and the liver. Since with every 1 g of glucose, the body holds 3g of water, and the body loses water weight, which could be 1-3kg.
Ketosis begins: Once glycogen stores get depleted, the body starts producing ketones as an alternative energy source, where fat is burned for fuel.
Energy and mood fluctuations: This may make one feel sluggish, foggy, or irritable, accompanied by headaches, fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, and poor sleep due to the electrolyte imbalances and the adjustment phase.
Appetite suppression: Ketones often have an appetite-suppressing effect. “Some people naturally eat less after a few days,” said Ajmera.
Insulin and blood sugar stabilisation: With no carbs, blood sugar levels may stabilise, and insulin levels drop. This could be an advantage for people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
Digestive changes: Lack of fibre from carb sources may lead to constipation and altered gut microbiota.
Many carb-rich foods provide fibre, vitamins, and minerals. “A strict zero-carb diet may lead to constipation, electrolyte imbalances, and gut health issues,” she emphasised. While a low-carb diet can aid weight loss and blood sugar control, eliminating carbs is not necessary or sustainable. She added that a balanced approach with fibre-rich, complex carbs is generally healthier in the long run.
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