The Unusual Breakfast Marilyn Monroe Had Every Day

Norma Jean Baker — more famously known by her stage name, Marilyn Monroe — was an award-winning actress who lit up the silver screen during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was celebrated around the globe for her charm, wit, flirtatious roles, and of course, that iconic platinum blonde hair.

Marilyn was born and grew up in Los Angeles. She experienced a difficult childhood, being raised in orphanages and foster homes. Ever since she was a little girl, she dreamed of becoming a famous actress. After a successful modeling career, she landed her first film role. She went on to star in dozens of movies that are still watched and loved today, such as All About Eve, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and Some Like It Hot. And the rest is history (via Biography).

In addition to being a mega-talented actress, Marilyn was a whiz in the kitchen. She definitely consumed her fair share of proteins and decadent desserts. Among her favorite foods were steak, liver, lamb, hot dogs, and hamburgers. She also enjoyed noshing on stewed prunes, raw carrots, baked or mashed potatoes, lightly buttered toast, English muffins with strawberry jam and cheddar cheese, and endives (via So Yummy). And every so often, she loved to enjoy simple chocolate caramel sundaes and a flute of champagne, according to Taste of Home.

Though she enjoyed a pretty hearty and healthful diet, Ms. Monroe had a breakfast regimen that may raise some eyebrows. Each morning, she gulped down a warm glass of whole milk with two raw eggs whisked in (via Spoon University).

In the September 1952 issue of Pageant Magazine, Marilyn shared some of the ways she stays in shape. She said in the interview, "I've been told that my eating habits are absolutely bizarre, but I don't think so. Before I take my morning shower, I start warming a cup of milk on the hot plate I keep in my hotel room. When it's hot, I break two raw eggs into the milk, whip them up with a fork, and drink them while I'm dressing. I supplement this with a multivitamin pill, and I doubt if any doctor could recommend a more nourishing breakfast for a working girl in a hurry" (via CR Fashion Book). 

There are a few ways to recreate Marilyn Monroe's famous milk-and-raw-egg beverage. If you want to break your fast like Marilyn, The Guardian recommends whipping up her body builder-style breakfast "protein shake" in a safe way that results in a delicious drink. First, whisk together two raw eggs, a tablespoon of sugar, and some cold milk. Add a dash of nutmeg, mix well, and pour the mixture into a saucepan. You should heat it on low for 12 minutes, stirring continuously until the mixture is warm and lightly coats the spoon or spatula. After that, you can pop it in the fridge to drink cold or pour the hot beverage into a mug and enjoy it the Marilyn way. While Marilyn might have heated her milk on a hot plate while she prepped for the day, this method is an updated twist on her go-to breakfast.

But just how safe is it to start the day with this bizarre libation? Before you gulp down a glass of warm whole milk and raw eggs like the blonde bombshell did every morning, it's important to be aware of a few potential risks. 

According to Healthline, consuming raw eggs may increase the risk of being infected with Salmonella — an extremely harmful bacteria that causes food poisoning, an unpleasant illness caused by ingesting contaminants. Additionally, many of eggs' nutrients may not be properly absorbed by your body as thoroughly as they are when eggs are cooked. A study conducted by The Journal of Nutrition concluded that 90 percent of protein in cooked eggs is absorbed by the body, while only 50 percent of the protein in raw eggs was fully digested. All in all, eggs are extremely good for you. They contain all nine essential amino acids and are often considered a complete protein source.

Dining and drinking like Marilyn can make anyone feel like the supreme cinema queen she was. She loved a hearty cut of meat, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, a fair share of dairy products, and she loved ending the day with ice cream.

Sadly, Marilyn Monroe died in 1962 at the age of 36. She remains one of the most famous actresses of all time, and the impact of her legacy in the motion picture industry will live on for years to come.