According to the Vegan Society, βVeganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purposeβ (1). Many people who are passionate about animal welfare, preserving the environment, and overall personal health opt for a veganistic lifestyle, and thanks to the voice of a handful of celebrities, the benefits of this lifestyle have been brought to the public eye (2)!
For most vegans, adopting a veganistic lifestyle means avoiding eating animal products such as meats, seafood, dairy products, and egg products, in addition to not purchasing any kind of products made from animal hide such as apparel or furniture utilizing leather, fur, and wool (2).
While the lifestyle does require some avid research, veganism results in many health benefits, including aiding in weight loss(3).
Additionally, hearing from well-known celebrities about the motivation behind their vegan lifestyles is entirely fascinating as many are inspired through different measures! Check out a few actressesβ testimonials below!
What These Actresses Have To Say About Veganism
Natalie Portman
As a nearly lifelong vegetarian, Natalie Portman made the switch to veganism after reading Jonathan Safran Foerβs book, Eating Animals, which ultimately convinced her to go vegan back in 2011 (2). In a documentary based off the book, made in 2018, Portman says, βYou vote three times a day with your fork. Thereβs a reason that food, and food restrictions, are such a big part of every religion. Because it is a way that you can state what you believe in and what you care about three times a dayβ (4).
Jenna Dewan
Dewan has considered herself to be both a vegetarian and vegan since the very beginning of her celebrity life, and she is currently raising her daughter, Everly, as a vegetarian (2). Dewan opened up about why she chose the vegan life, contributing it to ethical reasons, saying, βWhen I was 10 or 11 I saw a program on slaughterhouses. I just remember being blown away, utterly traumatized. And I declared the next day that I was never eating meat againβ (2).
Alicia Silverstone
This Clueless actress is clueless no more! Sheβs been a dedicated vegan since 1998, and while she isnβt as strict with her sonβs diet as she is with her own, she is carefully raising him to be a vegan as well (2). When asked about her lifestyle, Silverstone explained that βBeing vegan truly is the secret to my lifeβs joy and peace. I feel physically and spiritually better than I could have ever imagined knowing that I am doing everything I can to reduce animal suffering with simple lifestyle choices like being vegan, never wearing any products made from animals (like wool and leather), and buying only from companies that NEVER test their products or ingredients on animalsβ (2).
Mayim Bialik
This Big Bang Theory actress is incredibly open and passionate about her all-out vegan lifestyle, as well as the fact that her two sons are being raised vegan alongside her (2). Much like Portman, Bialik decided to go vegan after reading the book Eating Animals and discovering the nitty gritty details of animal cruelty (2). After her decision, she said that βI had both the education and the confidence and the personal conviction to be able to say, βI donβt know where to draw the line anymore. Iβm not going to draw it. Iβm going to step over the line.β And thereβs been no turning back.β
Ellen Pompeo
Ellen Pompeoβs doctor, Dr. Kristi Funk, wrote a book entitled Breasts: The Ownerβs Manual, which ultimately inspired Pompeoβs veganistic lifestyle (1). Pomeo quickly got her entire family on board, telling the public, βI donβt think itβs trick at all – itβs actually easier because meat you have to cook it before it goes bad. Grains and lentils and rice and beans, everything in the pantry already. You just have to get vegetables, but vegetables stay good for a week.β
Alanis Morissette
This mom of two has been eating vegan for well over a year (1). She ended up losing twenty pounds during her first year of veganism, and sheβs quoted to have said, βIβm back to what I was born to be, at my bestβ¦ I feel very aliveβ¦ I have no more aches and pains, and my allergies are gone, too!β
Emily Deschanel
Emily Deschanel is a huge advocate for animal welfare, making her the choice to go vegan entirely understandable (1). Back in 2015, Deschanel opened up about her and her familyβs diet, saying, βThey are not 100% vegan, and neither is my husband. The kids are about 99% vegan, and thatβs because I let them eat eggs occasionally with their dad. I think thatβs a great way to feed your babies. Henry loves veggies, and heβs totally into it.β
Conclusion
Veganism has varying impacts on many different people, so much so that these celebrities – as well as many more – are willing and eager to share about their lifestyle choices.
References
