Archive · 5 Sep 2026
JD Vance Shares Sauerkraut Diet Plan for Weight Loss
JD Vance talked about how he has tried to lose weight.
He said he eats lots of protein and sauerkraut.
Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage, and kimchi is another fermented food.
The diet is also described as including grass-fed meat.
People following it avoid alcohol and ultra-processed foods.
Vance said Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told him about the diet after Vance considered giving up sugar.
He joked that the plan may help people lose weight but might make food less enjoyable.
Vance said he lost 2st 2lb and denied using weight-loss drugs.
JD Vance said he eats high-protein foods and sauerkraut as part of his weight-loss plan.
Vance said Robert F. Kennedy Jr. introduced him to the “intense” diet after he considered giving up sugar.
The so-called sauerkraut or living diet emphasizes fermented foods, grass-fed meat, and avoiding alcohol and ultra-processed foods.
Vance said he lost 2st 2lb over two years after winning his Senate seat in 2022 and denied using weight-loss drugs.
Howard Lutnick and Sean Duffy have also said they are fans of the diet.
- Who
- US Vice President JD Vance, with advice from US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- What
- Vance disclosed a high-protein, sauerkraut-based diet and discussed his reported weight loss.
- When
- Vance discussed it on Thursday; he said the weight loss occurred over the two years after he won his Senate seat in 2022.
- Where
- During a White House press briefing.
- Why
- He said he was pursuing weight loss and practicing self-denial, including considering giving up sugar and social media.
- Diet name
- The plan is referred to as the “sauerkraut diet” or “living diet”.
- Main foods
- Fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi, along with grass-fed meat.
- Foods avoided
- Alcohol and ultra-processed foods.
- Reported weight loss
- Vance said he lost 2st 2lb over two years.
- Weight-loss drugs
- Vance denied using weight-loss drugs.
- Diet adviser
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. introduced Vance to the plan.
- Other reported followers
- US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.