We know Zac Efron’s Baywatch diet worked when even Dwayne Johnson was said to be impressed with his physique;
“In the case of Baywatch, Zac’s had to apply the diet and training strategy of an elite athlete, but he’s also had the ‘added bonus’ of needing to maintain that look for months while we’re shooting. Zac committed to be the best version of himself possible and did it. He came in looking like a f—ing animal.”
Although fans marveled over his look, Efron would admit, it is an image he doesn’t want to encourage others to chase after;
"For guys, that's unrealistic. I'm telling you. I got very big and buff for that movie, but I don't want people to think that's the best way to be. Like, be your size."
During his Netflix documentary, Down To Earth, Efron was very candid about both his health and happiness. He opened up about some past struggles, one of which included his Baywatch diet. Although his shape was phenomenal, does he regret the process? Let’s find out.
He’s Not Hardcore Dieting Anymore
These days, the low carbohydrate times are a thing of the past. No more high protein, low carbs, Efron is fully committed to living a happy and healthy lifestyle, this includes carbohydrates on the regular.
A big eye-opener for Efron took place during his visit to Sardegna, as Zac realized that the aging Italian population was able to live into their 90s and even 100s, while eating carbohydrates on the regular, including bread and pasta.
The Italians revealed that opposite to Zac’s thinking, too much protein can actually be detrimental to cell function over the long haul.
Zac was shocked with this reveal;
“I’m so happy I’m eating carbs again,” the 32-year-old says, continuing: I went years without eating carbs. When I shot Baywatch, I didn’t have a carb for six months. I almost lost my mind. You… you need this. I still can’t get over how this diet of carbs and low protein is the exact opposite of everything any trainer has ever taught me.”
His emotions while eating the carbs were quite clear, he was elated in truth and even emotional eating the pasta. Zac is committed to adding carbohydrates, he also learned the importance of getting steps in on the regular, another common trait in the older Italian population.
You don’t necessarily have to work out, going for walks, and staying active can be just as vital.
With all this being said, the question remains, does Zac regret his Baywatch diet?
He Regrets The Diet
As if the diet wasn’t hard enough, Efron took part in grueling training sessions as well. Clearly, he was likely extremely gassed on the regular – not to mention that he had to maintain that stature.
Ultimately, Zac understands he was in great shape, but he does regret the way he got there;
“I was not happy not eating carbs,” he said in the video. “Yeah, I was pretty stoked when I saw the results but it was not worth it,” Efron added. “You’re just sad.”
Zac is happy it all worked out, but he won’t walk down that path again;
“That was actually a really important time to do Baywatch. Because I realized when I was done with that movie I don’t ever want to be in that good of shape again. Really. It was so hard. You’re working with almost no wiggle room. You’ve got things like water under your skin you’re worrying about. Making your six-pack into a four-pack. Shit like that that’s just not… it’s just stupid, it’s just not real.”
Zac’s Feeling Good Nowadays
Efron is feeling good these days, and he’s sober, which is most important;
“I just started going [to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings]. And I think it’s changed my life,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in April 2014. “I’m much more comfortable in my own skin. Things are so much easier now. It’s a never-ending struggle.”
Efron is also in a relationship with mystery woman Vanessa Valladares, it is said that the two are keeping things quiet and things are going very well.
According to Us Weekly, she has done a great job on grounding Efron and keeping him calm these days. Of course, fans are well aware Efron loved to party back in the day but it feels as though those days are in the past, especially following his Netflix special.
He's ready to move on and take a positive approach to life. He even teased leaving Hollywood, but we’re not holding our breath.
Sources- Indy 1000, Cheat Sheet, Joe & Cinema Blend