James Ellis claims he’s lost 11 pounds by eating a whole roasted chicken daily in 2025, sourcing them from various places.
In 2025, a young man named James Ellis has decided to eat an entire roasted chicken every day.
This unusual diet choice has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions online.
Some people are concerned about his health, while others are curious about his experience.
The inspiration behind the diet of eating entire roasted chicken daily
James got the idea for his unique diet after watching a friend eat a whole roasted chicken in one sitting.
They were working on a project together when his friend went to buy a roast chicken and drinks.
After seeing this, James thought it would be funny to try it himself. A friend then suggested that he document the experience on social media.
He started an Instagram account called @dailyroastchook, which has gained almost 10,000 followers.
James shares his daily chicken meals and has even appeared on TV and radio to discuss his new lifestyle.
While he enjoys the attention, he also sees it as a way to promote his mural-painting business.
Man sparks health concern as he reveals eating entire roasted chicken daily helped him lose 11 lbs
Since starting this diet, James claims to have lost 11 pounds. He feels good about his progress and believes his previous eating habits were worse.
Before this, he had a diet high in fast food and junk food, including McDonald’s. He smoked cigarettes regularly for many years, but now he feels healthier.
Despite his positive outlook, some doctors and health experts warn that eating an entire chicken daily could have serious health risks in the long run.
“I have been reading the comments and I am just amused at all the armchair doctors who seem to think I’ll be dead in a month,” he said.
“I ate McDonald’s and a fast food diet and smoked 20 cigarettes a day for a decade. I’m not dead yet. I don’t think chickens will be what does it.”
Dr. Zac Turner, a medical professional, expressed concerns about the effects of such a high-protein diet.
He noted that while protein is important, excessive intake can lead to issues like kidney stress and high blood pressure.
“While high protein intake can be beneficial in certain scenarios — such as short-term bulking phases or competition prep for elite athletes — long-term excessive consumption presents multiple health concerns,” Dr. Turner said.
“While consuming high protein in the short term, combined with adequate hydration, exercise, and balanced micronutrients, can be beneficial, a long-term diet of an entire roast chicken daily is not advisable.
The nutritional imbalance, kidney and liver stress, cardiovascular strain, and lack of fibre would likely lead to severe metabolic and systemic health issues over time,” he said.
“If protein intake is to be increased, it should be done strategically and in moderation, ensuring a balanced diet with sufficient fibre, antioxidants, and diverse micronutrients to prevent long-term.”
Exploring Different Chicken Options
To keep things interesting, James buys his chickens from various places, including grocery stores and high-end restaurants.
He has tried different types of roasted chickens and enjoys comparing them.
Some of his favorites include a fancy chicken from a restaurant and others from local delis.
James mentions that he has doubled up on chickens a few times, especially from popular grocery stores. He enjoys the variety and likes to share his experiences with his followers.
His Instagram account features pictures of the different chickens he eats, showcasing the meals in a fun way.
“I ate a really expensive one at a restaurant, and that was amazing. I can understand why it costs more,” he said.
Public Reactions
The public’s reaction to James’s diet has been mixed. While many people find his journey entertaining, others are worried for his health.
James has received numerous comments from self-proclaimed “armchair doctors” who predict that he will face serious health problems soon.
He finds their concerns amusing, as he believes he is healthier now than he was before.
James remains confident in his choice and argues that eating chickens is healthier than his previous fast-food diet.
He believes that he is making a positive change in his life, and he is not afraid to challenge the opinions of others.
One user said: Rotisserie chicken from the store is healthier than fried chicken but not by much.
The skin is high in saturated fat. They are all high in sodium from being injected with saline solutions to give them flavor, preserve them, and prevent dryness.
The second user commented: Whenever a doctor talks about long term health concerns based on nutrition, they are lying. Doctors know nothing or pretend to know nothing of nutrition.
The third user wrote: So the doctor makes up a few minor issues for a diet that is great overall. It’s so much better than the standard American diet.
Balancing diet and exercise
Along with his daily chicken meals, James has also been going to the gym and running.
He acknowledges that his daily calorie burn has decreased since starting the chicken diet.
This change can be frustrating, but he is committed to maintaining a balance between his new eating habits and physical activity.
James understands that a well-rounded diet is important for overall health.
While he enjoys his daily chicken, he is aware that variety is key in any healthy eating plan. He plans to continue exercising and hopes to find a way to incorporate other nutritious foods into his routine.
“It’s a bit frustrating, but what can you do,” he said.