Kevin Smith isn’t messing around when it comes to his health these days. After surviving a near-fatal heart attack on February 25, the 54-year-old filmmaker is trading in his old eating habits for something way simpler… and surprisingly spud-centric.
During his Hollywood Babble-On podcast, Smith opened up about the massive wake-up call that forced him to make serious changes. Doctors told him he needed to drop 50 pounds following what’s known as a “widowmaker” heart attack, and Kevin didn’t hesitate to start taking it seriously.
“In nine days, I’ve lost 17 pounds,” he said. And the secret? A diet made famous by magician Penn Jillette that kicks off with—you guessed it—nothing but potatoes.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/jazz-jennings-61-11252019-016a1eef92fd463497346168eedef715.jpg?w=150&resize=150,100&ssl=1 "Jazz Jennings Shows Off 100-Pound Weight Loss at Harvard Graduation—And It’s So Inspiring!")
Yep. Just potatoes. Boiled, baked, maybe steamed, but definitely plain. No oil, no salt, no fancy toppings. Just the humble tuber, over and over again for two solid weeks.
“It’s a pretty intense program, but it’s been interesting. And of course necessary for my health,” Kevin admitted. “But once I get to a decent place, then I can think about eating again.”
That comment pretty much sums it up. This isn’t about vanity or a beach body. It’s about staying alive.
From Food Lover to Potato Warrior
Kevin Smith has always been open about his love for food. He once lost 85 pounds back in 2010, but this time, it’s different. It’s not just a diet—it’s survival.
“I’ll never eat the way I used to,” he said, reflecting on the food choices that led him here. “The way I used to eat wasn’t f—ing horrible. It was in my childhood, that’s what my doctor said.”
This latest journey comes with a little extra family motivation, too. His daughter Harley Quinn Smith is a dedicated vegan, and she’s all for her dad’s transition to a no-animal-product diet.
“She’s like, ‘Welcome home brother,’” Kevin joked, sharing how thrilled she is with his decision to cut out animal-based foods.
But Kevin’s not trying to label himself. “I don’t know if I call myself a vegan, maybe a non-animal eater,” he said. “The program is so far manageable.”
Still, he’s honest. Vegetables? Not really his thing.
“They introduce vegetables. I’ll give it a shot—it’s that or the f—ing grave,” he said. “I can’t guarantee I’m going to be a vegetable eater. I ate the way I wanted for 47 years and look where it got me. You had your fun, move on.”
That line hits hard. Smith is nothing if not blunt, but it’s that no-nonsense honesty that makes his story so real and relatable.
Thinking About Making a Change? Here’s What Kevin’s Doing Differently
If Kevin’s journey is inspiring you to make some lifestyle shifts of your own, here are a few takeaways:
- Start small and simple. Kevin didn’t overhaul everything at once—he just focused on potatoes.
- Know your ‘why’. For him, it’s about staying alive and being there for his daughter.
- Be honest about your habits. He knows vegetables might be a tough sell, but he’s trying.
- Don’t wait for a crisis. Kevin admits his changes came from necessity, not a philosophy. But if you have the chance, start before you have to.
“I Feel Fantastic!” Kevin’s Update on His Health and Energy
So how’s he doing with this new way of living? In a word—fantastic.
“I feel fantastic! I have more energy than I’ve had in f—ing years,” he shared. “Everything working f—ing better. It’s not working great—look at me—but everything better.”
That’s real progress. And coming from someone who’s been through it all—from blockbuster movies to emergency surgeries—it’s meaningful.
Smith also lost his father to a heart attack in 2003, so this battle hits even closer to home. Now, he’s not just living for himself, but for those who love him and want to see him thrive.
So, yeah. If you see Kevin Smith looking a little leaner, a little lighter, and a whole lot more energetic, just know—he worked for it. One potato at a time.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information shared by Kevin Smith through his podcast and interviews. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or dietary advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new diet or lifestyle changes.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/jazz-jennings-61-11252019-016a1eef92fd463497346168eedef715.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1 "Jazz Jennings Shows Off 100-Pound Weight Loss at Harvard Graduation—And It’s So Inspiring!")
