Paul Rudd’s Diet Confessions: From Marvel Superhero to Sparkling Water Aficionado

Paul Rudd, the charismatic actor we all adore, recently spilled the details on the not-so-glamorous side of preparing to play Ant-Man in the Marvel universe. In a recent episode of the “Off Menu” podcast with hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster, the 54-year-old delved into the world of his favorite foods and the less-than-exciting diet he endures to maintain his superhero physique.

A Bubbly Reward: Sparkling Water on the Ant-Man Diet
While constructing his dream menu on the podcast, Rudd was quizzed about his water preferences. The revelation? When training for the Ant-Man movies and adhering to a notably restrictive diet, his go-to reward was none other than sparkling water. With a hint of humor, Rudd confessed, “That’s how horrible that diet was. I was like, ‘Alright, I’m gonna have some sparkling water now. I’ve earned it!’”

Not all sparkling waters are created equal, according to Rudd. He expressed a preference for Pellegrino over Perrier, emphasizing that this effervescent indulgence served as a genuine treat during his rigorous dietary regimen.

Superhero Struggles and Dietary Discipline
Since taking on the role of Ant-Man in 2015, Rudd has become well-acquainted with the demands of maintaining a superhero physique. Over the years, he has reprised the role in various Marvel films, including “Captain America: Civil War,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” and the recently released “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” The restrictive diet, though challenging, has become a familiar part of Rudd’s routine.

He shared insights into the process, highlighting that once you embrace the regimen, it becomes more manageable. Despite the often monotonous food choices, Rudd expressed satisfaction with the energy boost and newfound vitality that accompanied the strict diet, emphasizing the positive impact on his overall well-being.

Comparing Notes on the Avengers Set
When questioned about whether stars on the set of “Avengers: Endgame” compared diet and nutrition notes, Rudd couldn’t help but notice the disparity in results, particularly in comparison to Chris Hemsworth. Despite rigorous workouts and a disciplined diet, Rudd humorously remarked, “I had to work out all the time, eat perfectly, just to look kind of bad. Not even like great.”

He recounted observing Hemsworth’s dedicated dietary routine and couldn’t help but marvel at the striking contrast in results. Rudd admitted to trying to emulate Hemsworth’s approach but humorously concluded, “I just think, ‘Well, what’s the point of any of this?’ Why am I killing myself when that can exist?”

Embracing the Ant-Man Advantage
One aspect Rudd appreciated was that his character, Ant-Man, didn’t demand the chiseled physique of Thor. He jokingly stated, “That was the good thing that it was Ant-Man, it isn’t Thor. But I tried to work out like Thor, and it didn’t work.”

Life Beyond the Superhero Diet: Candy, Carbs, and Bagels
Fortunately for Rudd, life away from the superhero diet involves indulging in his favorite treats. He co-owns Samuel’s Sweet Shop in Rhinebeck, New York, where everything bagels with cream cheese and bread baskets are among his cherished culinary delights. Rudd’s humor shines through as he quips about his love for bread baskets at restaurants and the irresistible allure of sourdough and bagels.

In conclusion, Paul Rudd’s candid revelations about his superhero diet provide a humorous glimpse into the sacrifices and rewards that come with portraying iconic Marvel characters. From sparkling water treats to embracing the quirks of his own physique, Rudd’s journey into the world of Ant-Man extends beyond the silver screen, offering fans a delightful peek into his off-screen antics and culinary joys.