For a man who is reshaping industries from electric vehicles to space exploration, one might expect Elon Musk’s personal routine to be a symphony of hyper-optimized wellness. Yet, the same individual who declared, “I eat a donut every morning. Still alive,” presents a surprisingly candid, even pragmatic, approach to his health and fitness. This seemingly contradictory statement, tweeted in March 2023, peels back the curtain on a billionaire’s lifestyle that prioritizes function and relentless work over rigid adherence to conventional health doctrines. His journey, marked by significant public scrutiny and notable body transformations, reveals a unique blend of intermittent fasting, targeted exercise (which he openly dislikes), and a surprising reliance on modern pharmaceutical interventions for weight management.
Elon Musk’s Dietary Habits: Beyond the Morning Donut
While the image of a tech titan starting his day with a donut might seem counter-intuitive, Elon Musk’s own admission highlights a dietary philosophy that isn’t strictly ascetic. “I’d rather eat tasty food and live a shorter life,” he candidly stated on Joe Rogan’s podcast in 2020. This sentiment underpins an eating pattern that, while sometimes embracing indulgence, has also seen significant strategic shifts, particularly concerning weight management.
The Truth About the Morning Donut
The “donut every morning” quote, while attention-grabbing, is presented by Musk himself. While he has stated he starts his day around 7 AM and might have a donut, some sources suggest he also enjoys an omelet and coffee when he does eat breakfast. More broadly, his approach to food has been described as unpretentious and often driven by convenience and practicality, especially given his demanding schedule. He has even stated that if there was a way he could not eat so he could work more, he would not eat. In his college years, he reportedly survived on as little as $1 per day, consuming hot dogs and oranges, a stark contrast to his current access to diverse foods like sushi, steaks, and even pineapple pizza.
Intermittent Fasting and Weight Management
A significant shift in Musk’s diet, especially in recent years, has been the adoption of intermittent fasting. This eating pattern, which cycles between periods of eating and fasting, has been credited by Musk for helping him lose over 20 pounds from his “unhealthy peak weight.” He attributed his improved physique in late 2022 to a combination of fasting, exercise, and pharmaceutical assistance. Intermittent fasting is recognized for its potential to aid weight loss, reset digestion, and reduce cravings.
Pharmaceutical Interventions for Weight Loss
Perhaps the most discussed aspect of Musk’s recent weight loss is his use of GLP-1 agonists. In October 2022, when asked about his secret to looking “fit, ripped and healthy,” Musk openly replied his secret was fasting and Wegovy (Semaglutide). He has also been linked to Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), another GLP-1 inhibitor, which he reportedly prefers over Ozempic due to fewer side effects and increased effectiveness. These injectable drugs, initially developed for type 2 diabetes, have gained popularity for their significant weight loss benefits by slowing stomach emptying and reducing appetite. Musk has even advocated for making these GLP-1 drugs super low cost to the public, believing they would greatly improve health and lifespan.
Other Noteworthy Dietary Preferences
Beyond these structured approaches, Musk’s general eating habits reveal a preference for a diverse range of foods. He has publicly expressed a fondness for doner kebabs, dry-aged beef, sushi, chocolate, croissants, and French pastries. While he’s not a big fan of alcohol, he does appreciate red wine and famously maintains a loyal devotion to Diet Coke, even stating he would “never quit” it. He even considers the Diet Coke inventor a genius and also enjoys Coke Zero.
Elon Musk’s Exercise Regimen: A Necessary Chore
Unlike many billionaires who embrace fitness as a passion, Elon Musk openly admits his aversion to exercise. “To be totally frank, I wouldn’t exercise at all if I could,” he confessed to Joe Rogan. Despite this sentiment, he acknowledges the necessity of physical activity, especially with age, stating, “The older I get, the harder it is to stay lean.” His fitness philosophy is pragmatic, focused on maintaining functional health rather than achieving peak athletic performance or an aesthetically “shredded” physique.
Strength Training and Cardio
Musk’s workout routine is described as straightforward and focused. He primarily lifts weights, considering it the most efficient way to maintain his fitness. This strength training helps build and preserve muscle, crucial for overall health as one ages. While cardio is not a major component of his routine, he occasionally uses a treadmill, often while watching TV to make the experience more enjoyable and to multitask. Some reports suggest he aims for at least 20 minutes of morning exercise, switching from immediately checking his phone. He has also been reported to run for a few miles on the treadmill.
Martial Arts and Other Activities
Musk has dabbled in various martial arts, including Taekwondo, karate, judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These activities contribute to his physical fitness and reflect an interest in disciplines that combine physical and mental challenges. Beyond structured workouts, he also attempts to remain active through walking or cycling short distances, taking the stairs, and participating in outdoor sports. However, it’s also noted that his exercise habits can be inconsistent, with periods of strenuous activity followed by breaks. Some sources even mention that he works out “once or twice a week,” focusing on cardio and weights.
The “No-Frills” Approach
His disciplined approach to fitness, despite his personal disinterest, underscores a commitment to continuous improvement and self-care driven by the demands of his career. His routine is pragmatic and realistic, tailored to fit his intense schedule, focusing on high-impact activities to maximize results with minimal time commitment.
Sleep, Wellness, and the Demands of a Billionaire
Beyond diet and exercise, Elon Musk’s approach to overall wellness is heavily dictated by his relentless work ethic and demanding schedule. His daily routine is structured around efficiency and high-impact decision-making, often segmented into hyper-productive five-minute slots.
Sleep Habits: A Pragmatic Necessity
Musk famously operates on minimal sleep, though he acknowledges its crucial role in productivity. He typically aims for about six hours of sleep per night, usually going to bed around 1 AM and waking up around 7 AM. He has stated that he “tried sleeping less, but then total productivity decreases,” and that “the brain pain level is bad if I get less than six hours.” Despite this, some sources suggest his sleep can be erratic, with reports of him working all night and even sleeping on office floors or under machines at the Tesla factory. His sleep pattern often sees him retiring around 3 AM and rising around 9 AM or 9:30 AM.
Mental Health and Stress Management
Given his high-pressure roles, managing stress and maintaining mental well-being are paramount. While details are less public, he has acknowledged the impact of stress on overall well-being. His pragmatic approach to life often extends to his self-care; for example, he credits showering as an important part of his morning routine to prepare for the day. He also manages his productivity by avoiding long meetings, minimizing emails, and prioritizing problem-solving.
The Reality vs. Perception: Elon Musk’s Holistic Health Picture
Elon Musk’s health journey paints a picture far more nuanced than a simple “donut every morning” caricature. While he has publicly embraced less conventional dietary choices and a utilitarian view of exercise, his recent weight loss and improved physical appearance suggest a strategic and evolving approach to health. It’s a combination of:
- Intermittent Fasting: A consistent dietary strategy for weight management.
- Targeted Exercise: Primarily weightlifting and some cardio, done out of necessity rather than enjoyment.
- Pharmaceutical Assistance: Open use of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro for significant weight reduction.
- Minimal Sleep: A disciplined six-hour nightly routine, recognized as essential for his high-level cognitive function.
His journey highlights that even for the world’s busiest individuals, health is a priority, albeit one that may be approached with unconventional methods. It’s a testament to finding strategies that fit an extreme lifestyle, emphasizing functionality and effectiveness over conventional ideals of “wellness perfection.”
