Robert Downey Jr’s Cool Food: How is MCU’s Godfather Trying to Save the World Again Without the Iron Man Suit?
Robert Downey Jr. has gone from saving the world as a superhero to saving the world through food. The legendary actor is embarking on a new mission to fight climate change, armed not with his Iron Man suit but with some cool recipes. Downey Jr. recently released the book “Cool Food,” which he co-authored with journalist Thomas Kostigen.
What is Robert Downey Jr.’s book about?
Robert Downey Jr.’s book “Cool Food” provides simple, practical tips for making climate-friendly food choices that can collectively have a huge impact.
“In 2019, I felt overwhelmed by, for lack of a better word, climate crisis,” Downey Jr. explained in an interview on Good Morning America. “It really felt like such a kind of depressing slog to try to address such a huge thing.”
As Downey Jr. put it, “You can just flip open and go, ‘Hey, this is great. Almonds, pretty good. Cashews, better.'”
That’s when he had the idea to team up with Kostigen, whose climate reporting he had long admired, to create an accessible resource for environmentally conscious eating.
How does “Cool Food” help fight climate change?
While not a traditional cookbook, “Cool Food” provides guidelines for determining how sustainable different foods are based on their carbon footprint.
As Kostigen explained, “There’s three things you need to survive – water, air, and food. Only one of those things has a variety that you can make a choice on, and that’s food. So why not make it better for the planet?”
By opting for plant-based proteins like beans and legumes over beef, or choosing locally sourced produce when possible, the collective impact of small diet changes can be huge. The book empowers readers with easy food swaps they can make to lower their carbon footprint.
The recipes draw from Downey Jr.’s own life, like a vegan take on calamari his family eats at home to accommodate his wife Susan’s dietary needs.
“You can sneak things in that actually are your preference, and your kids or your partner’s or whatever,” Downey Jr. said. “And it’s just fun.”
Beyond food choices, the book explores bigger-picture topics like food waste, regenerative agriculture, and policy. The overriding message is that through mindful eating, anyone can be a superhero for the planet.
Also Read: Robert Downey Jr Blames Superhero Movies for His Iron Man Role Going “Unnoticed”
How food ties into Robert Downey Jr.’s award-winning year
The climate-focused cookbook comes on the heels of a big year for Downey Jr. He recently won Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards for his performance in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
Despite the accolades, Downey Jr. remains humble. “It has really kinda brought me back to first principles, which is a, just for me, being able to spend a part of a day where I’m not in a tuxedo congratulating myself is very welcome,” he joked.
Kostigen praised Downey Jr.’s grounded approach, noting “His creativity is being shown and so well deserved, and now being celebrated. And the same thing with the book.”
After years of playing the hero, Downey Jr. is focused on making a real-world impact. By providing simple solutions through food, he hopes to inspire others to join him in the fight against climate change. Because as “Cool Food” shows, you don’t need superpowers to save the planet – just an appetite for making a difference.
