Bob Marley, the iconic reggae musician, was known for his music, advocacy, and Rastafarian beliefs. A significant aspect of his life was his commitment to a healthy lifestyle, deeply rooted in Rastafarian principles. This article explores Bob Marley's dietary habits and lifestyle choices, examining the influence of Rastafarianism and the "Ital" diet on his well-being.
The Influence of Rastafarianism
Rastafarianism, a spiritual and cultural movement that emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s, emphasizes a connection to nature, Africa, and a rejection of what they term "Babylon," representing oppressive systems of colonialism and capitalism. Central to Rastafarianism is "livity," a way of life that promotes physical and spiritual well-being. The Ital diet, a cornerstone of Rastafarian livity, reflects these beliefs.
The Ital Diet: A Natural and Unprocessed Approach
The Ital diet prioritizes natural, unprocessed, and plant-based foods. The term "Ital" is derived from "vital," underscoring the importance of nourishing the body with life-sustaining foods. Strict adherents avoid canned, refined, and processed foods, viewing them as products of "Babylon." The core principle is that food should be as close to its natural state as possible, promoting a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
Dietary Guidelines
While interpretations of the Ital diet vary, some common guidelines include:
- Plant-based focus: Many Rastas embrace vegetarianism or veganism, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.
- Avoidance of pork and shellfish: Similar to kosher and halal dietary laws, Ital food typically excludes pork and shellfish, considered "scavengers." Some Rastas may consume small fish (less than 12 inches long) but avoid crabs, lobster, and shrimp.
- Minimizing salt and additives: Salt, artificial flavors, and preservatives are generally avoided to maintain the food's natural essence.
- Emphasis on fresh, local, and organic: Prioritizing locally sourced, organic produce aligns with the Rastafarian emphasis on connecting with nature and avoiding industrial agriculture.
Bob Marley's Dietary Practices
Bob Marley's diet reflected many of these Ital principles, though he wasn't a strict vegetarian. According to Whyte, Marley enjoyed fish, vegetables, grains, fruit juices, nut shakes, Irish Moss blends, and various porridges. He avoided ice cream and commercial pastries but enjoyed Jamaican-style puddings.
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Marley understood the importance of proper conditioning. Skill Cole maintained a very structured regimen involving exercise and nutritious foods.
The Importance of Fresh Juices
Daddy was a juicer, so the Marley household was always filled with natural juices and fruits. Instead of alcohol or fancy cocktails, Gilly would make fresh juices from seasonal fruit. Marley was also known to enjoy some of Gilly's other drink recipes, such as fresh limeade and Irish Moss, a thick concoction made with condensed milk, seaweed, and sweetened with cinnamon.
The Ital Diet and Modern Veganism
The Rastafari movement’s strictly plant-based diet goes far beyond veganism. Rastas consider non-manufactured, raw, plant-based, and organic food the most suitable fuel for the human body. For the most rigorous Rastas, the Ital diet is strictly plant-based and excludes all canned, refined, and transformed foods which are all considered “Babylonian” foods (food associated by Rastas with colonialism, capitalism, and industrialization).
The Marley Family's Continued Commitment to Health
The Marley family continues to promote health and wellness. Cedella Marley, Bob Marley's daughter, follows a vegetarian lifestyle. She emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to health, incorporating exercise and skincare practices.
Cedella Marley admits that her body craves health. I have three sons and of course I encourage them to eat healthy. My middle child actually chose to be a vegetarian. I have been vegetarian since around the age of 18.
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The Broader Impact of Ital
The Ital diet extends beyond individual health, encompassing a broader philosophy of environmental consciousness and social justice. By rejecting processed foods and supporting local agriculture, Rastafarians aim to minimize their participation in systems they view as exploitative and unsustainable.
Ital Food Today
Today, Ital cuisine can be found in various forms, from traditional Rastafarian communities to restaurants embracing plant-based and health-conscious menus. Websites like EarthCultureRoots.com and Ital-Recipes.com offer recipes for those interested in exploring Jamaican Ital dishes.
Hector Donald Lewis on Rastafari and Veganism
Hector Donald Lewis made his film debut as Carlton Carly Barrett in the Bob Marley ONE LOVE biopic. Like Marley, Lewis also follows the teachings of Rastafari, which he acknowledges are “a large part of my foundation.”
Lewis adopted a vegan lifestyle because he wanted to get away from dairy, which makes me very ill. I wanted to embody the full livity of Rastafari and deal with our structure in an honourable way. So the decision was very easy for me to take the next step.
Lewis has lived most of his adult life as a vegan and as a Rastafarian. I’ve toured the world as a percussionist on a vegan lifestyle. I do think it keeps me in the best shape, but also, just spiritually, I feel centered. I have a whole lot of energy and I don’t get sick easily. The way I treat my body with what I eat is like any other daily routine, like meditating and praying. Eating is just another layer of lifestyle and wellness for me, naturally.
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