Rob Lowe, the 61-year-old actor known for roles in The West Wing and Parks and Recreation, credits his fit physique to a balanced approach to eating and lifestyle. A long-time advocate and spokesperson for the Atkins low-carb diet, Lowe embraces healthy habits but also enjoys occasional cheat days.
“When I really cheat, I go ham,” Lowe said during a Zoom interview. He described indulging in favorite foods like hot chicken, New York pizza, Philly cheesesteaks, and burgers with pie for dessert. Despite this, his lean physique remains intact, thanks in part to his Atkins lifestyle, which focuses on low carbs and high protein and fat intake without calorie counting.
“For me, it’s a lifestyle, not a diet,” Lowe explained. “Diets are unsustainable. This is about sustainability and ease.”
Lowe’s eating habits vary with his work. While playing the physically demanding role of a firefighter on 9-1-1: Lone Star, he increased his intake, focusing on meat and vegetables to build mass. Otherwise, his routine remains steady.
On the topic of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Lowe sees them as promising tools but stresses the importance of combining medication with traditional healthy eating. “These products are amazing to maintain what you’ve got,” he said. “Whether from dieting or medication, you need to sustain it.”
Lowe also shared his views on red meat and sugar. He enjoys red meat freely, calling steak frites a favorite. However, he avoids sugar, calling it “the devil” due to its addictive nature and presence in many processed foods. “Cavemen did not have Fruit Loops,” he joked, suggesting that eating closer to nature is beneficial.
The actor’s biggest secret to aging well is sobriety—he has been sober since 1990. “You can see it in people’s faces when they drink as they age. It takes a toll,” Lowe said.
Sleep is another priority. “You can’t have dreams if you’re not sleeping,” he noted, linking his good rest to his success and creativity. He even credits dream analysis, influenced by his stepfather’s Jungian psychology background, for inspiring ideas like a game show he created.
Lowe’s advice for longevity is simple: take care of yourself. “You just get away with murder until the day you don’t,” he said, noting that even his adult sons are now making healthier food choices.
“There’s a time for all things,” he concluded, “but if you want youthfulness and health, you have to make it a priority.”
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