Ice Cream for Breakfast? The inspiring story of John Robbins
- Carolyn Pitts
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
John Robbins grew up eating ice cream for breakfast. His father, Irv Robbins, co-founded the Baskin-Robbins ice cream empire with John’s uncle, Burt Baskin. Groomed to take over the family business, John made a radical decision at the age of twenty-one. He walked away from his inheritance, choosing a path aligned with his values of health, sustainability, and compassion.
This life-altering choice was the beginning of a profound journey that would make him a leading voice in the food and wellness movement.
In 1987, he published the groundbreaking book Diet for a New America, which exposed the health risks of the standard American diet and highlighted the environmental and ethical consequences of factory farming.
Selling over three million copies, the book inspired readers to reconsider their dietary choices and helped ignite the plant-based movement long before it became mainstream.
In 2012, he co-founded the Food Revolution Network (FRN) with his son Ocean Robbins. The organization champions healthy, ethical and sustainable food systems through education, activism, and an annual online summit featuring renowned health experts.
Together, John and Ocean have inspired a global community of half a million members dedicated to transforming food culture and reclaiming personal and planetary well-being.
Throughout his life, John has received numerous accolades. He is the recipient of the Rachel Carson Award, the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award, the Peace Abbey’s Courage of Conscience Award, and Green America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
The widespread media attention he has received has included numerous appearances on national shows including Oprah, Donahue and Geraldo. When John spoke at the United Nations, he received a standing ovation.
An often-overlooked yet fascinating fact about John is that his departure from Baskin-Robbins wasn’t just ideological—it was personal. Lingering challenges from battling polio as a child drove John deep into wellness research. He realized that the numerous health issues in his family—including his uncle Burt’s death from heart disease at age 54—stemmed from dietary choices such as eating ice cream for breakfast every day.
Determined to live differently, John and his wife Deo built a one-room cabin and started growing their own organic food. John began writing, speaking and competing in marathons and triathlons.
Initially dismissive of his son’s lifestyle, Irv’s perspective shifted when he was diagnosed with heart disease and facing the possibility of amputation due to complications from diabetes. One day his cardiologist handed Irv a copy of John's first book. The senior Robbins embraced dietary changes that reversed his diabetes and added another two decades to his life.
At 77 years old, John continues to share his message of vitality through healthy eating. His life’s work inspires millions to intentionally reconsider how we eat, think, and live.
My commitment to providing accurate and up-to-date health data is why I attend the FRN Summit every year. This event is rich in actionable information that can use to strengthen your healthy and vitality.
Won’t you join me for the 2025 Summit on April 23-30?
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