David Oyelowo Says His Dad Changed His Diet in a Major Way

ACTOR, DIRECTOR, AND producer David Oyelowo is a star who needs little introduction. The Silo, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Role Play lead has had a busy last few years, starring in some of the most exciting television shows around. And that’s not even to mention his leading turn as Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma back in 2014, which received a Best Picture nomination at the 2015 Oscars. To stay energized for all of those critically-acclaimed roles, it no doubt takes a dedicated regimen. To find out his secrets to success, Oyelowo welcomed Men’s Health into his home to show off his workout routine and diet in a new edition of Gym & Fridge.

First off, Oyelowo’s fridge is always stocked with a few staples: eggs, blueberries, and oat milk. He says his family tried to keep a healthy diet, but with four kids, it’s a bit of a struggle. Sugar is essentially banned in the house, but that doesn’t stop his kids from finding ways to sneak it in. “Oh my gosh,” he then says. “someone has hidden whipped topping. This is residue from Christmas.”

The actor says a major part of his diet changed due to his father, who was diagnosed with colon cancer. “He was told to stop eating meat,” he says. “And in solidarity with him we all stopped eating meat.” Now Oyelowo is a pescatarian, and feels better than ever.

As for his workouts, Oyelowo works out every weekday, and is in the gym at around 5:30 a.m. “Working out for me, it clears my mind, keeps my body strong, and I think it gives you longevity,” he says.

In the past, he focused on bulking up, but the actors says with age, he’s wanted to focus more on staying lean and flexible. And while you may think it’s hard for an actor to get a workout in while on location, Oyelowo doesn’t make concessions. “Anywhere I go, I will find a gym,” he says. “I can’t be without.”

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