Travis Barker back on the meat wagon

Travis Barker is eating meat for the first time in 25 years to recover from his plane crash injuries.

The former Blink 182 drummer – who has been a strict vegetarian for most of his life - was advised to change his diet after suffering third degree burns to his legs and torso when the jet he was travelling in crashed on take off in Columbia, South Carolina, last month.

He said: "I need protein from food rather than just protein supplements. I changed my diet. I would do anything I possibly could if they said like, 'There's a possibility you might heal faster if you do eat meat or just change your eating habits.' So I did. I don't regret it at all, I feel so much better."

The 32-year-old star – who has two children, Landon, five and two-year-old Alabama, with ex-wife Shanna Moakler – has been receiving treatment for his burns at a specialist centre in Los Angeles.

Travis also revealed he hopes to leave the facility soon because he is "going nuts" not being able to cuddle his children.

He added to Us Weekly magazine: "I'm so anxious to get out of here. I've just been in surgery after surgery. I have third degree burns basically from my feet up to my waist and both hands. One of my hands was second degree burns and one was third degree burns. I'm trying to have a quick recovery and play the drums again and be able to hold my kids again.

"I'm going nuts not being able to see them and spend time with them!"