A dietary trend that caught wind over the last few years, veganism, is believed to be the most environment friendly among all diets. Even though the production of meat and dairy does produce a large percentage of greenhouse gases responsible for the global climate change crisis, veganism, does not pose as the most effective solution. The vegan diet, limiting the intake of all animal produced foods, leaves a large number of resources unutilized. The diet might not be as sustainable as the world thinks.Diets with meat can feed more peopleThe most pressing puzzle faced by man, today, is ensuring the production of enough food for everyone. However, the amount of agricultural land on Earth may not suffice for everyone. In such a scenario, if a majority of the population convert to veganism, agriculture might not be able to provide for everyone. Diets which have a component of meat or dairy mean more amount of food for more number of people.

Providing vegan food all year longFollowing a vegan diet is a yearlong commitment to consuming only plant based food like fruits, vegetables, nuts and soy. A privilege provided to modern man allows us to get the same produce all year round. With the rising popularity of veganism, the world need to be producing all kinds of fruits and vegetables all year-round. However, unprecedented amounts of energy is used to grow these produce when they are not in season, which when coupled with packaging and shipping waste, have the same deteriorating effects on the environment.

Excerpt from:
Is the vegan diet as sustainable as promised? - Times of India

Veganism is now protected by the Equality Act 2010. The change has come following an employment tribunal involving anti-bloodsports organisation the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS). And it could have significant effects on workplaces, schools, and other public spaces in the UK.

On 3 January, Jordi Casamitjana won the first part of an employment tribunal against LACS. The case established that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief deserving protection under the Equality Act 2010. BBC News reported at the time that the tribunals judge agreed ethical veganism fulfilled several criteria:

including that it is worthy of respect in a democratic society, not incompatible with human dignity and not conflicting with the fundamental rights of others.

The BBC report also pointed out that, although an employment tribunal ruling isnt a binding legal precedent, the judges decision would have far-reaching impacts.

HR sector news website Personnel Today quoted Casamitjanas lawyer Peter Daly, who said:

The recognition of ethical veganism as a protected characteristic will have potentially significant effects on employment and the workplace, education, transport and the provision of goods and services.

Protection under the Equality Act means people with vegan ethics will be afforded the same legal protections as those with religious beliefs.

The court case was prompted by LACS dismissing Casamitjana in 2018 following a row over pension contributions. As vegan news website Plant Based News explains:

Casamitjana told the tribunal that he asked for his personal contributions to be stopped in January 2017, and LACS said this would be arranged. However, by October, he discovered that his contributions had not been stopped, and he had personally contributed 1,766.

At this point, he alerted his colleagues, saying ethical vegans should promote ethical consumption in others. As a result, he was dismissed on the grounds of gross misconduct.

LACS pensions at the time were invested in companies that test on animals including GlaxoSmithKline. The pension fund also invested in tobacco firms and Royal Dutch Shell. Casamitjana claimed from the outset that LACSs dismissal amounted to discrimination. However, the company denied this and said it fired Casamitjana because of gross misconduct. LACS maintained this in a statement on 2 February 2020, saying:

The only reason for the dismissal of Mr Casamitjana in 2018 was his communications to his colleagues in relation to our pension arrangements.

However, the second half of the employment tribunal on 2 March saw LACS admitting that Casamitjanas sharing of information wasnt wrong. As a result, the two parties agreed on an undisclosed settlement.

Following the 2 March result, Casamitjana said he feels totally vindicated. This outcome shows that even an apparently ethical organisation such as LACS can fail in applying its ethics throughout its infrastructure. And it will provide better footing for the UKs growing vegan community to stand up in workplace disputes.

Were in a period when the animal industry needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror for its contributions not only to animal abuse but also the climate crisis. So Casamitjanas victory couldnt have come at a better time.

Featured image via YouTube Cuecard

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Veganism is now protected by law following a row over pensions - The Canary

He has been called a diva and pretentious, and there are even those who dont like his acting but never before has Joaquin Phoenix been accused of causing mental health problems for British livestock farmers.

On Tuesday, the National Farmers Union (NFU) president, Minette Batters, changed all that, opening a new front against the US actor by claiming that he and other celebrity campaigners for veganism had played a part in demonising the UKs meat producers and doing enormous damage to their wellbeing.

Days after the Joker actors Oscars speech attacking the meat industry, Batters said farmers fearing the imminent loss of their livelihoods and family holdings were in a state of stress and anxiety.

Asked at the unions annual conference who she thought was driving the view that meat was bad and plants were good, she said: A lot of people who seem to hit the red carpet at the Bafta awards.

She added: Celebrities have to be careful [because] there are real-life consequences for others Joaquin Phoenix, hes had a really challenging life, and you really feel for him and a lot of the things he was saying, but he has to remember there are people at the end of this, there are small family farms and they get hurt too.

Her comments were immediately criticised by vegan and animal rights groups, who accused Batters of making claims without evidence and ignoring the ethical problems posed by meat production.

Veganism is something of an easy target at the moment and Im not sure that we are the cause of farmers problems, said a spokesperson for the Vegan Society. There are many causes of mental health issues and stress in farming and I havent seen evidence, a piece of research, showing that veganism is one of them.

Phoenix, who has been a vegan since he was three, made a plea for tolerance and equality in his acceptance speech for the best actor award at the Oscars, saying no race, gender or species had rights over another.

I think weve become very disconnected from the natural world, he said. We go into the natural world and we plunder it for its resources. We feel entitled to artificially inseminate a cow and steal her baby, even though her cries of anguish are unmistakeable. Then we take her milk thats intended for her calf and we put it in our coffee and our cereal.

Veganism continues to grow in popularity in the UK, with supermarkets clearing shelf space for plant-based ready meals, and meat-free dining in restaurants and pubs now commonplace.

Other celebrities who have spoken about the health benefits of plant-based diets are Benedict Cumberbatch, Ellie Goulding and Beyonc, with their support credited with aiding a rise in veganisms popularity.

Batters said she was not saying veganism is wrong, but argued that the debate around animal products had become so binary that meat was being put in the same category as tobacco.

I remember the interview I did with Evan Davis on PM to talk about the governments new food strategy and he said: Is eating meat the new smoking? He compared us with the tobacco industry and you think, Whoa, just think about all of this.

But the Vegan Society questioned whether its members were really so influential, pointing out that the total number of vegans in the UK was still only 600,000, and saying: The fact is 99% of the population are still eating animal products. There might be a lot more meat reducers, but this is not an industry that has been threatened by veganism.

Dawn Carr, the director of vegan corporate projects at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), said farmers were not the only ones feeling anxious.

We cant turn a blind eye to the visible fear and distress shown by animals raised for their flesh, milk and eggs, she said. They have no choice, but farmers do: instead of sending sentient animals to slaughter, they can sow oats or soya beans or grow vegetables, grains, nuts or fruits instead, depending on the quality of their land.

Batters called for kindness to be shown to farmers and an understanding that they were human too. Its very polarised and its doing enormous damage to the mental health of livestock farmers, she said.

Its just about instilling this philosophy and being kind and farmers need we all need to think that too in this world of social media, we just need to take a step back sometimes.

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Veganism row breaks out after Joaquin Phoenix is told: be kinder to farmers - The Guardian

Veganism is on the rise worldwide and pop culture, retail and sports have taken notice.

Scientific evidence shows that diets high in unrefined plant foods are associated with beneficial health outcomes, including general health, immune function, cardiovascular health and lifespan. It would appear logical that plant based diets have the ability to enhance performance in a variety of areas, including sports.

LONDON ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Vegan strongman world record holder Patrik Baboumian poses for ... [+] portraits after talking about his veganism and the documentary Game Changers during Plant Powered Expo 2020 at Olympia London on February 2, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Ollie Millington/Getty Images).

Many critics have dismissed this shift in sports culture to a fad with no concrete scientific evidence to back it. And whether the merits can be substantiated or not, one thing is for sure plant based is a growing trend in the sports world with an increasing number of athletes advocating for its game changing qualities.

Here are five reasons why sports are going vegan.

Many plant-based products have more protein than meat

Traditionally athletes believed that the only way to meet their daily protein requirement was via meat consumption, but with increased awareness around nutrition, this has changed.

Many plant-based foods are actually richer in protein than meat. One ounce of meat protein contains 7 grams of protein, which is comparable to many plant based sources.

A 2019 German study, reported in the journal Nutrients found that athletes following a plant based diet with B-12 supplementation actually had marginally higher nutrient adequacy than athletes who were meat eaters.

With 15g of protein per serving, black beans for example, have more protein than a chicken drumstick and one cup of lentils has 18g of protein more than a hamburger. The need for other nutrients, such as calcium, iron, and vitamin B-12, can be met via plant based sources such as edemame which provides 27.6 per cent of the daily requirement of calcium, one cup of fortified orange juice which meets one half of the daily calcium requirement, spinach which carries more than twice the amount of iron than meat and dark chocolate which carries more than six times the amount of iron as meat. As for B-12, fortified foods and supplements can be used to ensure good health.

Sports drinks and performance enhancers are going plant based

According to research from Lumina Intelligence, 21 per cent of online bestselling protein powders in the USA are plant-based (March 2019).

A sharp increase in the availability of plant-based, performance enhancing products has made it easier and more enticing for athletes to embrace a plant-based lifestyle.

The sector is booming and is intensely competitive. Lumina reveals that there is an innovation race, as brands chase the elusive perfect plant protein with pea protein currently taking the number one spot.

Vegan sports nutrition is also coming in the form of pre-prepared meals and nutritional programs. In 2016 Tom Brady teamed up with Purple Carrot, a vegan meal delivery service to create a meatless, dairy-free TB12 performance meal plan.

Plant based gives endurance athletes an edge when it comes to heart health

In a 2019 review entitled, Plant-Based Diets for Cardiovascular Safety and Performance in Endurance Sports, it was reported that the elevated cardiovascular risks faced by endurance athletes, such as atherosclerosis (plaque building up inside arteries) and myocardial damage (decreased blood flow to the heart) can be reduced by a plant based dairy free diet.

Researchers at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine have also suggested that a vegan diet can enhance athletic performance due to enhanced cardiovascular health, reduced blood pressure and cholesterol and weight loss.

Plant based diets are more conducive to recovery

Armenian-German strongest man in the world and former body builder, Patrik Baboumian credited his body building success to a vegan lifestyle. My recovery time was so much faster so I could train more, he said.

Evidence from Harvard Medical School shows that plants antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to shorten recovery times, reduce delayed onset muscle soreness, lessen joint pain, and enable quicker healing from injuries. Plant based diets also improve blood viscosity, which helps to efficiently deliver oxygen around the body, promoting healing. All of these factors can also contribute to career longevity.

Pro athletes are endorsing the plant-based link to performance

The plant based shift in sports culture is evident in the Netflix documentary, The Game Changers produced by Arnold Schwarzenegger, that uses first hand testimonials from elite athletes to depict how a vegan diet improves athletic performance.

Venus Williams opted to transition to a raw, vegan diet when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called Sjgrens syndrome that caused her to suffer from joint and muscle pain. In an interview with Health magazine, Williams revealed that her new diet was life changing, allowing her to return to tennis. I feel like Im doing the right thing for me," she said.

BEIJING, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 26: Venus Williams of the USA learns to make tanghulu (candied fruit) at ... [+] the 2019 China Open on September 26, 2019 in Beijing, China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

Pro athletes are increasingly adopting vegan or vegetarian diets, while advocating for their overall health benefits, improved performance and enhanced recovery. Footballer, Tom Brady eats a predominantly plant based diet, the Williams sisters are vegan, elite rock climber, Steph Davis is vegan Lionel Messi, Novak Djokovic, Colin Kaepernick, Lewis Hamilton The list goes on.

According to Barny du Plessis, the worlds first vegan bodybuilder and Mr Universe 2014, These days I train half as much, do half as much but get better results. Why? Only one answer, going vegan, GMO free, and organic. My body is running perfectly."

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Five Reasons Why Sport Is Going Vegan - Forbes

More and more people keep hopping on the vegan diet train. But why?

As the buzz about plant-based meat continues to grow, you may have found yourself wondering whether you should try out a plant-based diet. Vegetarianism and veganism have been practiced for thousands of years for a variety of reasons, and in 2019, it's become easier to give up meat and animal products, thanks to the plethora of plant-based alternatives (like the Impossible Burger, Beyond Meat burger and various cheese substitutes) that are so close to the real thing, they can turn the stomach of a years-long vegetarian.

If your last visit to Burger King has you wondering why you should should swap a beef Whopper for an Impossible Whopper, I'm here to dive into the various reasons people choose to go vegetarian or vegan and the impact those practices have on our bodies and our planet.

Read more: The best vegan fast-food options at KFC, Taco Bell, Burger King and more

A cross section of a Beyond Meat Burger

There's no shortage of evidence that eating lots of fruits and vegetables contribute to a healthy body and brain. In fact, some research suggests that vegans and vegetarians generally have better health markers than omnivores. In fact, many health experts recommend plant-based diets to people who have heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and other health conditions.

One big reason people give up animal products involves health concerns about animal protein, particularly red meat. For decades, public health officials and health practitioners urged consumers to eat less meat, especially beef and pork. They cited health concerns such as heart attack, stroke, cancer and more.

However, recent research revealed that people may have held the wrong conviction toward red meat for all these years, noting that the evidential ties between red meat, processed meat and illness were weak at best. Another long-held belief about red meat that its saturated fat content clogs the arteries -- was also recently debunked.

Read more: Essential kitchen tools for vegans

That said, no dietary recommendation is appropriate for every person, so take the evidence and do with it what you will. If you have poor reactions to animal protein, that's reason enough to try plant-based meat. And whether real beef or faux meat is healthier, well, that's the question of the decade (and probably the next one).

A vegan diet is worth trying out, especially if you're interested in the health benefits, animal welfare or potential environmental benefits.

This is a key reason for many people in their decision to start and continue a vegan diet. Many vegans strongly believe that all animals, including those that have long been staples in diets all over the world, have a right to life and freedom. That's certainly a fair standpoint, and having emotional attachments with animals often contributes to that view.

For example, research about the motives behind eating a vegan diet shows that having more pets early in life (and a larger variety of pets, e.g., not just cats and dogs) increases the tendency to avoid meat consumption later in life.

Read more: 9 vegan YouTube cooking shows you can't miss - CNET

If you're not ready to go full-out vegan but want to cut down on your consumption of beef for animal welfare reasons, replacing your typical beef burger with an Impossible Burger or a Beyond Burger the next time you eat out is a good start. Here's a list of places that have the Beyond Meat Burger on their menu, and a list of restaurants that serve the Impossible Burger.

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If you ask a vegan why they decided to eat vegan, there's a good chance they'll mention something about the environment. Many people who eat plant-based diets are passionate about protecting the environment, and that's all with good reason -- we should all strive to do our part for our Earth.

Many consumers and even environmental experts attribute current environmental issues to animal agriculture, citing flashy statistics about greenhouse gas emissions, water and land usage, waste, labor costs and transportation involved in raising livestock.

But animal agriculture may not be as bad for the environment as you think. Some research suggests that even if everyone on the planet went vegan, greenhouse gas emissions would only drop by 2.6 percent. The earth would probably be better off if people focused on reducing food waste, minimizing single-use plastic, and using public transportation, walking or biking more than using cars.

Many people think that plant-based meats are the answer to current environmental problems.

Some people choose to eat a plant-based diet because they don't believe that humans need animal sources of food to survive and thrive. While there is some truth to that statement -- you can certainly meet your daily nutrient requirements on a vegan or vegetarian diet, even if you exercise a lot -- anyone on a plant-based diet should take steps to ensure they consume enough nutrients that come largely from animal sources. Those include vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, zinc and iron.

Fortified plant-based foods, like the Impossible Burger and Beyond Burger, offer similar nutrient profiles to that of real beef. So if you're looking for plant-based alternatives but don't want to risk nutrient deficiencies, give one of these faux meat burgers a try.

Swapping faux meat in for real meat is a good way to enter the world of plant-based eating.

Some people choose plant-based diets for all the reasons on this list and some choose to eat plant-based simply because they don't enjoy animal protein and dairy products, or they have sensitivities to them -- like lactose intolerance.

At the end of the day, you don't really need a reason for choosing a plant-based burger over a regular burger -- you shouldn't feel obligated to explain your food choices to other people if you don't want to.

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The top 6 reasons people go vegan, explained - CNET

If youre among Britains 600,000 vegans or the estimated 400,000 more who signed up for Veganuary this year the chances are you stopped eating animal products for the sake of the environment and your health. But is it possible the worlds fastest growing consumer trend could actually damage, not improve, your health?

No one disputes that eating more fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and nuts is good for us and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. But scientists and nutritionists are concerned that increasingly popular fake meats and vegan fast foods may be less healthy than their meaty alternatives.

British shoppers spent 474 million on meat-free groceries including burgers, sausages, ready meals and cooking ingredients in 2019,according to consumer analysts Kantar Worldpanel -an increase of eight per centon the previous year. This doesnt include sales of vegan fast food, which are also skyrocketing.

There are also fears that vegan diets may be causing deficiencies in crucial nutrients that could lead to serious health problems.

The whole issue of plant-based food products is highly contentious. Scientists at a farmers conference in London last week hit back at veganism, suggesting that eating tofu a key protein source in many plant-based diets might be worse for the planet than consuming some meats. The theory is that per unit of protein absorbed, tofu production may cause more greenhouse gas emissions than rearing lamb, pork and chicken for the table. The fact that Almond Milk production requires vast amounts of water in drought afflicted California is also well documented.

But whatever the environmental pros and cons, the booming meat-free food market has prompted some doctors and scientists to question whether some of these products can be considered part of a healthy diet.

From meatballs and burgers to goujons and bacon, imitation meats are everywhere. Some have been around for years. Seitan, traditionally used in Chinese cookery, is a form of wheat gluten. Many people are familiar with Quorn, although perhaps not what its made from: mycoprotein, a protein derived from fermented fungi, bound with egg albumen or potato protein. And soy products like tofu and tempeh have long been used in Asian cuisine as a plant-based substitute for meat.

All these products are good sources of protein and are nutritious to varying degrees. But some, like tofu and seitan, are not complete sources of protein, that is, they dont contain all the essential amino acids our bodies need. And seitan and Quorn are also highly processed. Seitan would not be suitable for anyone with gluten or wheat sensitivity.

In recent years, a new generation of high-tech products made from plants has been developed to recreate the exact taste, texture and appearance of meat. Most are also highly processed, made with a long list of unfamiliar ingredients and sometimes new production methods. The Vegan Butcher range, for example, lists soy structure as the main ingredient in its Chickened Out Burger and Good Karma Shawarma. According to Unilever, which owns the brand, this is an amalgam of water, soy protein, wheat starch and wheat protein.

Beyond Burgers, which are sold in over 25,000 food outlets worldwide and found in the meat section of some British supermarkets, are among the new fake meats made with pea protein isolate. Impossible Burgers, widely available in the US but not yet approved for sale in the UK, are made with soy leghemoglobin. This is a protein that carries heme, an iron-rich molecule that gives the futuristic patties their realistic colour, aroma, and flavour of meat.

Last year, Harvards School of Public Health researched these novel meats to determine whether they could be considered part of a healthy diet. They concluded that the answer was far from clear as studies are currently inconclusive.

However, Chair of the Department of Nutrition, Dr Frank Hu, said it couldnt be assumed that the health benefits of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and nuts were the same as meat alternatives made with highly processed plants. Food processing can lead to the loss of some nutrients and phytochemicals naturally present in minimally processed plant foods, he said.

Dr Hu added that a recent study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases found a link between highly processed foods and weight gain, although the study did not focus on meat substitutes.

Other ingredients going into industrially processed vegan food are also causing concern. To make these products taste as similar as possible to their non-vegan counterparts, manufacturers include many additives, notably salt and sugar. Recent research by content agency JBH revealed some vegan fast food contained much more salt and sugar than their non-vegan equivalents. Subways Meatless Meatball Marina, for example, clocked in with 3.6g of salt (more than half the recommended daily intake of 6g) and 19.3g of sugar. Its Meatball Sub contained much less of both, with 1.9g and 13.5g of salt and sugar respectively.

Many popular brands of meat-free burgers, sausages and bacon sold in supermarkets also contain high levels of salt, according to Mhairi Brown, a nutritionist and policy co-ordinator with campaigning group Action Against Salt. She says the main problem with these products is the perception encouraged by food manufacturers that vegan food is healthy simply because its made from plants. They often use green or orange packaging, and also the term plant-based, to create a health halo, she says. People think these products are healthy when that might not be the case at all.

Registered dietitian Sophie Medlin agrees. Many people think that if a food is vegan its healthier, she says. The truth is there are some really great vegan alternatives to meat and dairy but there are plenty of food manufacturers simply chasing the vegan pound. Fast food outlets that have questionable animal welfare standards and poor environmental practices are selling vegan alternatives that are often deep fried carbohydrates in a bun.

Although vegan advocates insist its perfectly possible to eat a well-balanced plant-based diet, nutritionists are concerned that many people simply dont manage it. Medlin reports a rise in cases of anaemia at her clinic caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Essential for brain and nervous system function, B12 is naturally found in animal products but generally not in plant foods unless theyre fortified, putting vegetarians and vegans at particular risk of deficiency. Untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause irreversible nerve damage.

Its not surprising that demand for B12 injections and intravenous drips at high street vitamin salons is rising. We administer 20% more B12 shots now than we did two years ago, and around 30% of our customers are vegetarian or vegan says Richard Chambers, founder of Get A Drip. In December alone we administered 528 B12 products. (Medlin strongly advises against going to high-street providers for injections or IVs).

Another cause for concern is the risk to bone health caused by calcium and vitamin D deficiency, says Professor Ian Givens, director of the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health at Reading University. Research shows vegans have lower bone mineral density and fracture rates nearly a third higher than the general population, with teenagers and post-menopausal women were particularly at risk. Vegetarian and vegan diets can increase the risk of reduced bone strength and special care is needed to ensure adequate intake of the key nutrients, Prof Givens says.

We also think there may be a lot of new food allergies issues emerging due to the ingredients being used in some vegan foods, adds Professor Chris Elliott, from the Institute of Global Food Security at Queens University Belfast. It is too early to say this for sure for we are watching this closely. We doubt very much about how well nutritionally balanced many of these are and will only add to the issues were already concerned about. He says long-term studies into these foods are needed.

Heather Russell, a dietitian for the Vegan Society, says anyone considering opting for a plant-based diet needs to educate themselves about good nutrition and healthy protein sources(nutrition information is available on their website). Whether youre vegan or not, its a good idea to use food labels to keep an eye on added fat, salt and sugar and limit highly processed foods, she says.

Experts do agree that the healthiest diet includes an abundance of minimally processed plant foods, and limited amounts of the highly processed stuff. But just because food is made from plants doesnt mean its good for you -that bag of crisps might be vegan, but its not health food.

Read more from the original source:
Is a vegan diet really as healthy as we think? - Telegraph.co.uk

If you are a vegan, you are probably surrounded by random assumptions about veganism coming from all corners. But, some of these concerns and assumptions are as mythical as the story of our grandparents used to tell us about seeds,If you swallow a seed, a tree will grow inside you.Here are some of the most commonmyths about veganism. Empower yourself with the knowledge that youre doing the right thing.

ALSO READ:World Food Day: Five International Sports Stars Who've Turned Vegan

It is not true. Rather, on the contrary, a vegan diet can be far healthier. Vegan diets have numerous advantages over others. They are far more likely to reach the recommended 10 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Also, they havelower rates of obesityand reduced risk ofcolorectalandprostatecancer.

Some people believe that it is unfair to serve children only healthy vegan food. Butthe British Dietetic Association says that a well-planned vegan diet is suitable forallages. With the right planning and proper knowledge, a child can get everything they need from a vegan diet.

Veganism is not more expensive than a meat-eating lifestyle.The price of organic foods and cosmetics might be higher than the commercial animal-based ones in the market, but this is because of the demand-supply ratio. Even if you have the money but not the time, in todays world you can ordergreat vegan groceriesto your door.

ALSO READ:Bollywood Celebrities: Actors Who Have Adapted The Vegan Lifestyle

This argument is completely untrue because it all comes down to your choice. Although the dairy industry has indeed penetrated the F&B section, there are plenty of options available for those who do not want to consume animal-based products. Organic food is on the rise and plenty of plant-based nutrition is available in urban and rural areas.

The common misinformation that people follow is that humans gain protein only from animal products. But this is false. Plant-based protein sources are aplenty such as soya, lentils, pulses, broccoli, seaweed, peas, and spinach. Also, the animals consumed for so-called protein are fed on the above plant-based protein diet. So youre basically consuming the same plant-based protein.

ALSO READ:All Facts You Need To Know About World Vegan Day Celebration

ALSO READ:Hollywood Celebrities Who Chose To Go Vegan, Bidding Farewell To Meat

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Veganism: Common myths and misconceptions about the lifestyle - Republic World - Republic World

As a teenager, back in the 90s, I watched a harrowing documentary on battery farmed poultry. In that moment, a decision was cemented which would accompany me into adulthood and remains with me to this day.

Eating meat was not a dietary requirement for me and I did not want to contribute in any way to this industry: I was becoming a vegetarian.

Being vegetarian in the meat-loving Ireland of that era was challenging. As very much part of a minority, I did not feel catered to by supermarkets or restaurants. In fact, the choice to abstain from meat made me feel somewhat of an inconvenience. Eating out at a large gathering, such as a wedding or corporate event, was uncomfortable. The meat-free option, more often than not a vegetable lasagne, trailed behind its meaty counterparts on arriving at the dinner table. Awkward conversations about what I did or did not eat and why would inevitably ensue, as fellow diners would wait with curiosity to see what I would be served.

Aside from some stand-out exceptions, eating out as a non meat-eater was generally quite banal. Menus would be scanned for what could be eaten rather than perused for what would be chosen.

In time though, vegetarianism became a more popular lifestyle choice, menus improved, awkward dinner conversations about whether or not I eat chicken became unnecessary and life was good.

Now, however, I find myself with a new beef.

In recent years, a new contender has entered the arena of stretching the imagination of the menu planner: The Vegan.

Veganism is admirable, stoic and increasingly widespread. Aside from the health benefits a vegan diet can offer, the benefits to the environment and the reduction of ones carbon foot-print are undeniable. My problem with this new generation of non-meat-eaters is nothing personal and I respect the discipline those who adhere to it require.

Veganism is a strong and constantly growing industry and it is being treated with gravitas. Supermarkets and restaurants alike go to great lengths to cater for those who will only consume foods which are meat, fish, poultry and dairy free. They have identified a growing market and are supplying suitable produce. These businesses make money, vegans eat well, everyone is happy.

Well, almost everyone.

There was a time when I could recommend to anyone, be they vegetarian or otherwise, the most delicious vegetarian options in town. I had favourite restaurants which I would frequent when the hankering for a scrumptious halloumi burger, a delicious aubergine and feta bake or a mouth watering goats cheese tart would strike. I, like the meat-eating diners, would enjoy browsing the menu and choosing courses that I knew I would enjoy eating dining out was a pleasurable experience.

Lately though, I am noticing quite a radical shift in the menus of many restaurants. While a patron is still perfectly welcome to eat a chicken, the consumption of an egg has become questionable. You can feast on the flesh of a cow with the greatest of gusto without turning a head, but the desire for milk, cream or cheese seems to be rather taboo.

In the quest to satisfy the growing vegan market, many restaurateurs are making their vegetarian options not just meat free but also vegan.

Yes, there are plenty of meat free options and yes, I enjoy an avocado toast as much as the next person but I cant help feeling that the vegetarian has enjoyed their moment in the sun and is now once again being resigned to the bottom of the culinary list of priorities. Offering a vegetarian vegan food ticks a box for the restaurateur in the same way that keeping the emergency vegetarian lasagne in the freezer did back in the 90s. Meat eaters are being well catered for, vegans are being well catered for and the vegetarian can, once again, just make do.

I am well aware, of course, that this gripe of mine is a first world problem. There are leagues of people the world over for whom dining out is something they will never have to get worked up about. But from my position of privilege I just want to raise a voice for the long suffering vegetarian.

We are still in circulation.

Admittedly we are not as fashionable as we once were but we are still worthy of some attention. It is disheartening to see menu listings and supermarket space increasingly be given over to vegan choices while my options grow narrower and my favourites disappear. Being vegetarian is turning full circle as we once again become an afterthought.

And for the record, I dont even like vegetarian lasagne. I dont like it with dairy cheese, I dont like it with vegan cheese, I dont even like it with a side of avocado.

Original post:

With veganism on the rise, vegetarians are becoming an afterthought - The Irish Times

Erin Ersoy first caught our attention after pledging to spend 12 hours in a bathtub to protest SeaWorlds confinement of sealife. However, this 14-year-old cancer survivor has lent her time and efforts to a number of causesfrom establishing herself as a leader for youth activists to utilizing her compelling Instagram page to create awareness around animal cruelty. Her fresh, Gen Z perspective opened our minds to the possibilities of activism at home.

How Im Changing the World During QuarantineAnd How You Can, TooBy: Erin Ersoy

When your ability to keep calm and carry on is stifled by the Stay-at-Home mandate, some may be at a loss for what to do. For those of us who find purpose and fulfillment in activism, were experiencing major withdrawal. It may make seem difficult or even impossible to take action while practicing self-isolation, but speaking up for the voiceless is still entirely possible; we just need to take a creative pivot. Here are seven ways you can take action today.

1. Hold an online documentary screeningPeople are holding online movie screenings using the Google Chrome extension Netflix Party, which allows friends to gather virtually, watch the same movie on Netflix, and chat at the same time in a text box. People have also started screen-sharing movies on Zoom. You can hold a screening of conversation-sparking documentaries such as The Game Changers on Netflix and Dominion on YouTube, amongst others. Its an awesome way to educate your friends and family members on the benefits of a vegan lifestyle.

2. Sign online petitionsMany organizations already offer online petitions, but now that people are home and looking for online action options, even more organizations are bringing their causes online. Taking action and making an impact is as simple as filling in your contact information and clicking submit. To start, consider asking the US Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee to remove dairy as a food group from the upcoming 2020-2025 recommendations. This form included a pre-filled comment, just add your name and contact information.

3. Give your friends and family a callA lot of us now rely on making phone or video calls to connect with our family and friends. During your next check-in, spark a casual conversation about veganism. Ask what theyve been cooking at home, and if they complain of meat or egg shortages at the store, gracefully land a comment about the abundance of produce or frozen vegan meat options. Having a nice, calm, and polite discussion about the benefits of a plant-based diet is a great way to get people to consider going vegan. Its not like they have social obligations or any of the other typical excusesnow is the time to give vegan a try!

4. DonateRight now, many vegan organizations and animal sanctuaries are having difficulty generating the funds they need to continue operations. Its certainly tough when competing with the charitable efforts related to the current pandemic (which are also worthy causes). If you have the means, a simple donation can help necessary nonprofits continue their work to promote the vegan message. Similarly, many vegan restaurants are offering donation options for their pickup and delivery customers. These extra dollars are put toward providing free meals for first responders or the hungry, or ensuring that staff can continue to receive a living wage.

5. Get socialStuck at home, bored, and perhaps alone, social media might be the only thing keeping you connected to the outside world (thats okay; were all going through it). However, social media can be used for so much more than drooling over vegan food photos and watching animal videos; its also a terrific tool for activism. Instagram has been a hot spot for new virtual activism challenges such as Greta Thunbergs #ClimateStrikeOnline, the Save Movements #CoronavirusConfinementChallenge, and PETAs #SeaWorldBathtubChallenge. Let the tagging and hashtagging begin!

6. Make a piece of artHave you ever heard of artivism? Its a trending form of activism that involves using a creative approach to serious issues. Make a poster with a fact about veganism and tape it to the window for people outside to see, create a symbolic painting and post it on social media, or embrace your inner six-year-old and make meaningful chalk drawings. Let your creativity feed your activism.

7. Educate yourselfDo you know how much water it takes to produce a gallon of cows milk? What about the meaning of CAFO and how these operations are creating a hazardous living environment for low-income communities in North Carolina? Now is the time to equip yourself with this information in order to be a more effective vegan advocate. Listen to an audiobook of The China Study while enjoying your ritual afternoon walk, watch vegan-themed TedTalks (try Pat Brown and Melanie Joy), or read up on vegan nutrition (Brendan Braziers Thrive offers a solid foundation). The more you know, the better you can represent the vegan movement.

Erin Ersoy is a 14-year-old vegan activist from New York who leads the Raven Corps Long Island and the Youth Climate Save New York.

Please support independent vegan media and get the very best in news, recipes, travel, beauty, products, and more.Subscribe now to the worlds #1 plant-based magazine!

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7 Ways This Vegan Teenager Wants You to Use Self-Quarantine to Change the World - VegNews

Now, the high priests and priestesses of veganism have decreed that the whole month will be World Vegan Month.

Theres real wind in the dried pineapple-leaf sails of the not-actually-radical idea of not eating or using animals, and I suppose Im a case in point, having joined the meatless party last August after reading a Guardian article (how very millennial of me).

The only thing possibly holding veganism back now is the name. Because when even Linda McCartney buries the word vegan on its vegan supermarket bonanza, emblazoning them all with vegetarian instead, you know the term is seen as dead weight.

Maybe they should go with plant-based. To vegans, it's clear code for the green light to put the sausages straight in the basket without having to scour the ingredients list. For everyone else the cerebral warning sirens induced by the fear of the dryness that beset vegan products of old (so, around 10 years ago) seem to stay silent. Everybody wins.

Of course, the vegan police will remind me that is all well and good for food, but what about leather, Saharan camel rides, fur coats? And theyll have to haul me to the cells because I dont have much of an answer for them. Other than that, vegan leather can be made from things like apple peels. Aka plants.

But I know not all of veganism is about plants, and the word wont always suit. So, what else?

The best potential answer I can come up with is that the vegan movement should remember the elephant in the room. That just like our tried-and-tested approach towards elephants, we dont think its very nice to eat cows, pigs or chickens either.

Maybe if we labelled food animal free, more people would reach their own conclusion that they arent entirely at ease with eating animals either.

It would paint a dichotomy that reinforces the simple truth that pork is a word for pig that distances itself from the idea of it being one, and beef is an actual dead cow. Quite where those euphemisms came from, frankly I have no idea. Presumably "cow" sounded too unedifying in peoples minds.

But if the animal eaters can craft words that gloss over what it actually is theyre eating, Im sure vegans can find some new term that sounds less hideously vacuous.

The word vegan needs changing not least because no-one seems to know what it means. I

t contains veg but then so does vegetarian, and thats the full sum of the information that can be gleaned. Research for cake brand Bells & Whistles found that the second-most common Google search for When can vegans is eat eggs?. A popular finisher when researching Is veganism is a religion?. For the removal of doubt, the answer is err, never? for the former and no for the latter.

But for the dairy-free icing on the eggless cake of how meaningless the term is, some people even search Do vegans eat meat?, to which the obvious answer is, of course, only very rarely when we really, really want to and when precisely no-one is watching. Im glad we cleared that up.

The word will naturally have come about in order to have a pithy term for a concept with clear parameters. Unfortunately, the succinctness it offers also forms a stick with which to beat veganisms adherents. My family and I stumbled upon a restaurant calling itself a Vegan hebab center in South Carolina this summer, and much of social media relishes a bit of vegan-bashing too.

It may just be that an animal product-free hebab center would start to show how silly the hostility is.

If veganism is to continue to take off, we have to ditch the dirty label its come to be, even among the foremost vegan businesses. Vegans should remember it must be the concept behind it that were loyal to, not the V-word itself.

Theres something Ill call the Schrodingers cat of veganism. Its that non-vegans simultaneously hold vegans to be super healthy to such levels that what they eat could only possibly be void of any of the joy and comfort of eating and worryingly unhealthy.

I get my protein from plants, in case you are wondering its really that simple. Did you know two slices of bread have eight grams of it? Now you do. The word simply puts people off, that much even the most hardcore vegan can surely admit.

Far better we focus on winning people over through blended cashew-nut-and-almond-milk cheesy pasta sauce and juicy vegan steaks than cling to a tainted word.

There are healthy vegans and there are unhealthy vegans, just like in the rest of the population. How liberating. You can have a diet consisting purely of Oreo cookies and still be vegan, but I wouldnt recommend it.

The key to a persons heart is through their stomach. If vegans are going to get a groundswell of regular meat-eaters to view the idea with fresh eyes neither as inherently unhealthy nor healthy to the point of joylessness they need only focus on the love affair with food that many experience when first overhauling their diet to focus on the versatility of plants.

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Just dont eat one.

Five fantastic animal-free treats ... just don't mention the V-word

1. Oreo: Lick it, twist it, dunk it in milk ... almond, of course.

2. Most spirits: While wine and beer can be a label-free non-vegan minefield to navigate, the hard stuff has you covered. Cheers!

3. Betty Crocker Devil Cake Mix: Just mix with a can of coke and a dash of baking powder. It sounds outlandish but it works.

4. Salt & Vinegar crisps: You may have to fall out of love with the cheesy crisp flavours, but at least this national favourite has your back.

5. Penne arrabbiata: If you steer clear of some of the more costly pastas, which sometimes include egg, this simple dish with its tomato and chilli sauce will fill you up.

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Why 'vegan' is a dirty word: is it time to come up with a better term for the animal-free life? - HeraldScotland

If the surplus ofvegan-friendly restaurants, dishes, and meal kits are any indication,veganism has gone mainstream. But dietary changes largeand small should never be taken lightly. Your body, brain, and lifestyle will undergo seismic shifts as you add and remove foods from your diet. It's always best to conduct your own research and consult a doctor or nutritionist before taking the leap.

We tappedTracy Lockwood Beckerman, a registered dietitian and the author ofThe Better Period Food Solution, about the pros and cons of veganism. Before we dive in, keep in mind that a vegan dietisn't for everyone. "People who have a history of disordered eating or a disordered relationship with food are not good candidates for a vegan diet," Beckerman said. "Also, those with food allergies or intolerances, or thosewho are low in nutrients like iron, B12, and zinc, should talk to their doctor before going vegan."

Below, start your research phase by reading up on the pros and cons of veganism, according to Beckerman.

1. Community. Roughly1.6 million adultsin the U.S. follow a vegan diet. "The social aspecteither online or in-personallows people to connectwith one another and share tips, meal ideas, and advice throughout their vegan journey," notes Beckerman.

2. Environment. Many people choose to adopt a vegan dietfor environmental reasons. "Because animal products generate more greenhouse gas emissions than plants, going vegan helps decrease the amount of these harmful substances in the atmosphere," she explains.

3. Water conservation."It takes a substantial amount of water to produce beef, as compared to grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables," explains Beckerman. "Animal agriculture is a more water-intensive process, so going vegantremendously reduces the amount of water used."

4. Health. Generally speaking, it can't hurt to increase your intake of plant-based proteins like beans, legumes, and tofu while reducing meat consumption. "Cutting back on red meat, in general, has been linked to a bevy of health benefits, like reduced risk of chronic disease, cancer, and cardiovascular illness," she notes.

1. Nutrient restriction. Like any diet, veganism restricts your intake of certain foods. This isn't ideal for someone with a food intolerance, as your nutritional profile may already be limited. Furthermore, someone with aniron or calcium deficiency may struggle to meet their nutritional needs without animal products. "Because veganism requires an all-or-nothing approach, I have hesitations about recommending it to clients," adds Beckerman.

2. Physical health. We currently lack convincing, long-term researchabout the health benefits of veganism. "Of course, it's better for the environment short- and long-term, but the short-term health benefits uncovered in recent research do not speak tothe diet's long-term effects," she explains. "For that reason,I wouldnt recommend following a vegan diet indefinitely."

3. Psychological health.As with any diet, you risk placing too much emphasis on appearance and not enough on health. "The healing benefits of a vegan lifestyle may not be applicable to all," says Beckerman. "Veganism or dieting, in general, can disconnect someone from the health benefits of eating and redirect their attention to body image."

4. Lack of education. "Without proper education and guidance, it may be difficult to get all of the wholesome nutrients found in a non-restrictive diet," she explains. "Because you're excluding the vitamins and minerals found in animal products, like zinc, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D, its important to find equivalent plant-based sources elsewhere."

If you're still on the fence about adopting a vegan diet, you can always test the waters with a few substitutions. "Even if you dont want to follow a 100% vegan lifestyle, you can try more plant-based options and vow to go animal-free on certain days of the week," she suggests. "For example, you can eliminate red meat and supplementthat protein, zinc, and iron with plant-based products, like chickpea pasta or lentils.

Palouse Brand Pardina Lentils ($14)

Banza Chickpea Pasta ($22)

Nut Harvest Lightly Roasted Almonds ($20)

Healthworks White Quinoa ($20)

The Good Bean Organic Chickpeas With Sea Salt ($12)

Explore Cuisine Edamame Spaghetti ($25)

Viva Naturals Organic Chia Seeds ($11)

Next up: The Biggest Food Myths Nutritionists Want You to Forget

This article originally appeared on The Thirty

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The Pros and Cons of Veganism, According to a Dietitian - Yahoo Lifestyle

There has been an extraordinary upsurge in the number of people deciding to go vegan over the past 10 years. What with concerns about the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, combined with claims that the diet can be beneficial to our health, the number of vegans has doubled across Europe and the US.

One factor, however, seems to significantly increase our chances of abandoning animal products altogether. That factor is being a woman.

In the UK in 2016, the Vegan Society found that twice as many women as men were vegan. Its not just the UK though, with statistics showing an incredible 79 per cent of vegans in the US identify as female. Perhaps this isnt a surprise as animal rights and feminism have long gone hand in hand, with activists seeing the refusal to eat meat as a form of rebellion against the patriarchal status quo.

Whether or not you subscribe to this way of thinking, the figures certainly seem to suggest something must be going on. So why do fewer men adopt a plant-based diet?

There are a couple of possible reasons. Meat and gender have likely been linked since the beginning of our time on this planet. Hunting was important to early humans with food gathering tasks split into gendered roles. Men went out to kill large game animals while women typically ate smaller portions of meat and collected plant foods. For chimpanzees, the more successful a male is at hunting, the better his social status. This was probably also true for our hunter-gather ancestors where studies have controversially suggested meat may have meant a bigger brain.

Men in most western societies today arent likely to be out tackling game to feed their families, but are still more likely to associate meat with ideas of health and strength. A 2018 study found that concepts like virility and power were a part of the relationship we as a species have with eating meat and conventional ideas of what it means to be a man.

If millennia of social conditioning causes us to associate meat and masculinity, its inevitable, perhaps, that men who go vegan dont always get a positive reaction from those around them.

Lecturer in Human Geography at Newcastle University, Dr Michael J Richardson, is currently researching the link between meat and masculinities and says that the way people react to this apparent challenge to masculinity can vary. It really depends on who you speak with regarding which defence mechanism they'll draw upon - as in young men who already consider themselves as fit, gym goers and into health and fitness tend to defend their meat heavy diets more adamantly.

He is publishing a book on the topic later this year entitled Redefining Masculinity: feminism, family and food but reactions from people he knew brought the topic closer to home. As a vegan for almost three years, when he first made changes to his diet, he saw some of these defensive responses from his friends.

My experience, as a sport-loving, football playing, fit, young, heterosexual white man was entirely expected within the friendship group, Richardson explains. Like any other challenge to the structures of hegemonic masculinities, once 'outed' as vegan, the immediate accusations of weakness and homosexuality come to the fore.

Insults like soy boy, defined by urban dictionary as a phrase to describe males who completely and utterly lack all necessary masculine qualities, are clear indications of this attitude in popular culture. Widespread a few years ago on sites like Twitter and Reddit, the term gained traction with far-right commenters seeking to distance themselves from anything deemed feminine or weak.

These negative responses could be a part of why more women identify as vegan in surveys on the subject. Even if men are interested in eating less meat, without acceptance it can still be a difficult choice, explains a study from the University of Southampton. The more men that take the leap, the easier it gets, researcher Dr Emma Roe told a conference when the paper was presented. Eating meatless meals in a group removed pressured and normalised plant-based choices for the men who took part in the study.

What we have discovered is that many men are interested in eating less meat, they just need social permission to do so and as more men make vegetarian and vegan choices, that permission is becoming more readily available.

Documentaries like Game Changers are beginning to change the tune as well. I do think that the different routes into veganism matter however and can provoke very different responses, adds Richardson. Gym-goers and health enthusiasts are particularly receptive to these newer vegan insights, he says.

What's important to note about veganism is that the health and fitness angle is only one prong of a trident approach. The other two, of environmentalism and animal rights, carry different weight within these discussions.

Mark Hibbitts, an ex-commercial fisherman and copywriter, was one of those men who changed their mind. About 7 years ago my long-term veggie wife decided to go vegan, and I wasnt happy about it, says Mark Hibbitts. After a while, I decided to do my own research so I could find a way to talk her out of this silly phase.

But, in doing his own research, Hibbitts managed to do the opposite and eventually ended up convincing himself to join his wife in her newfound veganism. Instead I discovered animal agriculture an industry so cruel and environmentally damaging that even I couldnt support it any more.

At first, he found that friends resorted to the usual bacon jokes but Hibbitts has used his own experience to help change a few minds. All in all people understand why Im doing this and ask for advice on cutting meat and dairy from their diet, he explains, So many people have chosen to either reduce their intake of animal products or go completely vegan since speaking with me.

As Dr Roes paper states, unravelling this mystery is an important task if we are to meet environmental targets for a reduction in meat-eating set by organisations like the IPCC. Those like Mark Hibbitts who choose to take the leap could, if the research is correct, help to encourage a sense of social approval that starts to balance out the vegan population.

See the rest here:
Why are women more likely to go vegan than men? - Euronews

"When you come down to it, it just depends on what your diet is made up of," Jen Bruning, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Chicago and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, previously told Refinery29. The idea that [veganism] an automatic improvement in health or nutrition is probably one of the biggest myths.There's also evidence that meat such as fish and chicken are good for you. And a recent recommendation in The Annals of Internal Medicinenoted that red and processed meat isn't as bad for us as previously believed. With that said, plenty of people have tried going vegan or are vegan including some of your favorite celebrities. November is World Vegan Month, according to The Vegan Society, and many may take this as an opportunity to reaffirm their allegiance to the vegan community or try it out for the first time. So if you need some inspiration to give up your favorite burger spot, here are a few stars who've tried it for reasons ranging from the environment to their health.

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6 Celebrities Whove Gone Vegan, From Miley Cyrus to Ariana Grande - Refinery29

You can find some pretty great stuff in Japanese convenience stores.Piping hot pizza buns?Delicious fried chicken in a variety of flavors?Meat sauce and seafood pasta forless than a buck? Yes, yes, and YES!

But whats hard to find at Japanese convenience stores arevegan options.Granted, they have salads, but even a lot of those contain egg and tuna, and if youre looking for an entire vegan meal, youre usually entirely out of luck at the convenience store.

Thats changing in a big way this week, though, thanks to theFamilyMartchain. On March 17, FamilyMart rolled out its newest premade donburi (rice bowl) offering:the 100-percent vegan Veggie Burg-don.

Alternatively called theSoy-Patty Burger Bowl, its a new take on Japans beloved hamburger steak, essentially a hamburger patty with extra onions and served without a bun. However, while most hamburger steaks in Japan are made of either beef or a beef/pork mixture, the Veggie Burg-donuses no meat, egg, honey, dairy, or any other animal products. Instead, the patty is made ofsoybeans and roast onion,prepared in a way that FamilyMart promisesrecreates not only the flavor, but the aroma, texture, and juiciness of a traditional hamburger steak.

But its not just hamburger steaks that are ordinarily meaty, but theirsauceas well. The most common accompaniment to a Japanese hamburger steak isdemi-glace, a rich meat-based brown sauce. Obviously that wont do for the Veggie Burg-don, though, so FamilyMarts facsimile is made fromflour roasted in vegetable oil, tomato, mushrooms, carrots, and other vegetables. If even all that isnt enough vegetables for you, the rice bowl also comes with sides of stewed carrots and roasted kabocha (Japanese pumpkin) and bell pepper.

The Veggie Burg-don is the first FamilyMart item to be awarded aseal of recommendation from the Japan Vegetarian Society.

With veganism having made its deepest inroads into the Japanese culinary scene in large, cosmopolitan cities, the 498-yen Veggie Burg-don will initially only be offered in Tokyo. However, with FamilyMart having roughly 2,000 branches in the city, thats a lot of new places to get a vegan meal, and if the product proves popular, well probably see it expand to the rest of the chains stores across Japan.

Source:FamilyMartviaIT Media

Read more stories from SoraNews24.

-- Vegan Sakura Burger from Tokyo vegetarian cafe gives everyone a taste of cherry blossomseason

--Japanese office snack service begins offering vegan and gluten-freeoptions

-- We taste makunouchi bento at four Japanese convenience store chainsTastecomparison

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Vegan hamburger steak rice bowls added to over 1900 convenience stores in Tokyo - Japan Today

In just four years, the New Jersey Vegan Food Festival has evolved into a cultural force across the Garden State, advocating for a plant-based lifestyle.

It's launched events in cities from Secaucus to Atlantic City, drawing thousands of attendees and featuring appearances by vegan luminaries such as Democratic New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, Wu-Tang Clan mastermind RZA and record-breaking ultramarathon runner Scott Jurek.

Watch a video of Cory Booker's appearance at an Asbury Park vegan pop-up in the player at the top of this story.

But it all started with a simple goal: "I really just wanted something to eat," said co-founder Kendra Arnold.

[ Want more vegan news? Download our mobile app today. ]

New Jersey VegFest, seen in these shots from 2017, returns to the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus on Nov. 16 and 17.(Photo: Courtesy of Janet Zappasodi)

On the scene: Must-try vegan restaurants in NJ, NYC and Philadelphia

Based in Morristown, Arnold and her co-founder, Marisa Sweeney, launched their endeavoras a one-day, 30-vendor gathering at a Morristown hotel in 2016. When the event returns to the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus on Saturday, Nov. 16, and Sunday, Nov. 17, there will be approximately 170 vendors and thousands of attendees.

The big weekend, the largest event in the organization's history, is set to include food and drink vendors from across the region as well as live music from Buntopia and the Ocean Avenue Stompers, tunes from DJs Candace V and Chef Rootsie, andscreenings of Simon Amstell's mockumentary "Carnage." There will be trail hikes, a women's networking event, a kids area and more.

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"As veganism has grown and that curiosity and that awareness has grown, it's allowed our event to grow," said Sweeney, noting that planing for the Meadowlands gathering is a year-round process.

'Game changing':Jon Stewart talks benefits of plant-based diet at Monmouth U

Sweeney said she and Arnold work towardbeing "accommodating to what people are really looking for. People are looking for more local vendors and they're looking for health food and comfort food and they're looking for drinks and they're looking for lifestyle products."

The booming popularity of Arnold and Sweeney's operation, which included an epic July festival in Atlantic City, is part of a movement towardgreater accessibility and interest in vegan products.

NJ restaurants: 12 new restaurants at the Jersey Shore

These days, it's easy to find the meatless Impossible Burger at Burger King or a Beyond Sausage Sandwich at Dunkin', and there are hundreds of plant-based options coming to Disney's theme parks.

New Jersey VegFest, seen in these shots from 2017, returns to the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus on Nov. 16 and 17.(Photo: Courtesy of Janet Zappasodi)

"Once a choice is put infront of (people), like at Burger King, if they can have a vegan burger or a regular burger, it sounds like a lot of people are going for the vegan burgers just because it's an option," said Arnold."Before you didn't have that choice, and now you doso people are opting to make that choice and seeing more and more places have it, it's pretty exciting."

We tried the new plant-based Impossible burger and compared it to Beyond Meat. Grateful

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, and Sunday, Nov. 17

Where: Meadowlands Exposition Center, 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus

Tickets: $15 per day, $20 for a weekend pass if purchased by Friday, Nov. 15, $20 per day and $30 for the weekend at the door, kids 13 and under free.

Info:sprouteverywhereevents.com/events-new-jersey-vegfest

Become an Asbury Park Press subscriber today and get unlimited digital access and support stories like this one.

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Vegan in NJ: VegFest returns to feed thousands at the Meadowlands Expo Center - Asbury Park Press

Justin Bieber believes vegans should be given $100,000 a year.

American rapper Riff Raff shared a post on Twitter which said, I just remembered I can run for president. He listed the changes he would make if he was elected, which include free health care, free college, and no taxes. If you are vegan you get $100k a year, the rapper added.

Bieber shared the post on his Instagram Story to his 121 million followers. The 25-year-old celebrity added vote stickers to the post.

In 2017, Bieber was spotted enjoying a vegan breakfast with his former flame, Selena Gomez. The pair dined at JOi Caf, an organic, plant-based cafe in California.

Biebers interest in cruelty-free living spans further than diet. In May 2019, the artist teamed up with Schmidts Naturals to launch a cruelty-free, vegan deodorant.

The deodorant is called Here + Now. Its made with natural ingredients like coconut oil and arrowroot powder.

The time was right to make something happen and bring to life an exclusive product collaboration that will bring new fans into thenaturalscategory,Schmidts CEO and co-founder Michael CammaratatoldPEOPLE.If Justin can make the switch from conventional tonatural, its a choice thats open to everyone.

Here + Now is more than just a deodorant, Cammarata said. Its a lifestyle and a connection to those around you. Its about the small, but intentional choices we make every day that help us to lead happier and healthier lives, mentally and physically.

More high profile names are speaking out about veganism. Seventeen-year-old singer-songwriter Billie Eilish went vegan in 2014. On the 10th anniversary of the Meat Free Monday initiative, Eilish encouraged her millions of Instagram followers: Help the world. I try.

Jermaine Dupri, will.i.am, Ariana Grande, and Jason Mraz are all vegan. Miley Cyrus went vegan five years ago and by 2018, she had 16 rescue animals living with her. A$AP Rocky says his plant-based diet helps him to clean my mind, body, and soul.

I started doing research and found out how they treat those animals before they, you know, service them. They inject them with steroids and drugs that enhance their growth. None of that sh*t is healthy, and on top of that those [expletive] animals were stressed and compressed the whole time, he said to Complex. That kind of food going into your body is unhealthy. I dont mean to sound like some weirdo, but it is what it is.

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Justin Bieber Thinks Vegans Should Get Paid $100K a Year

Description

Singer-songwriter Justin Bieber and rapper Riff Raff think vegans should receive $100,000 a year. Bieber also just designed a cruelty-free, vegan deodorant.

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Jemima Webber

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Justin Bieber Thinks Vegans Should Get Paid $100K a Year - LIVEKINDLY

Dacia Thorson recently obtained a registered trademark for legal rights to the word Beaf.

Thats not beef, but rather Beaf, a plant-based meat alternative.

Thorson and her husband Curtis are vegan and own Honest Pastures in Virginia Beach, Va., where the products they manufacture and ship throughout the U.S. include Grillable Beaf Steaks, Corned Beaf, Gyro Beaf, Jackfruit Beaf Ribz, Montreal Chickun, Veggeroni, Teriyaki Beaf, Beaf Broth and Smoked Beaf.

Their Beaf products are made from natural ingredients such as vital wheat gluten, vegetable broth, organic brown sugar, chickpea flour, herbs and seasonings and are adaptable to many recipes.

Each meat involves one or two cooking processes, sometimes three, to get different textures and flavors, Dacia Thorson says.

Moving to Monroeville

They will be offering consumers samples and sales of their products at the Pittsburgh Vegan Expo and Convention Nov. 9 at the Monroeville Convention Center.

The expo is being presented by Amy Cottrill of Pittsburgh, who is bringing the food show to Monroeville for the first time after offering similar vegan food events in Mount Oliver, the North Side and North Hills.

I have watched veganism slowly grow in our city very slowly at first, says Cottrill, who has been a vegetarian, then vegan, since she was a child.

In the past 10 years, she says, the pace of the growth of the vegan lifestyle in Pittsburgh has increased dramatically.

It used to be very hard to find good vegan options in most mainstream restaurants and grocery stores around here. Now, it is rarer to find a restaurant without vegan options, she says.

Making the transition

Among the speakers at the expo will be Dean Caliguire, who played football for the University of Pittsburgh before being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. He also played for a year and a half with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Caliguire will talk about his transition to a plant-based diet and how he feels it played a major role in him overcoming several health problems and illnesses. After battling obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, chronic inflammation and sleep apnea, he took steps to improve his condition and was able to lose 80 pounds and reverse or improve his medical issues.

He spent time at a health center in Santa Rosa, Calif., where he participated in an eight-day water fast and learned how to make diet and lifestyle changes.

Caliguire also credits his family, including his wife; his brother Joe, owner and chef of Sarafinos Restaurant in Crafton; and his godfather, Dr. Dominic Brandy, also a speaker at the expo, for helping him on his journey back to good health.

I still have a ways to go, but I have kept off the weight for a year and I feel like a new person, he says.

Speakers and exhibitors

Other speakers will include Sally Lipsky, talking about her book Beyond Cancer: The Powerful Effect of Plant-Based Eating, and Joel Holc, an energy awareness coach and author of The Eggshell Effect. Professional fighter Khama Worthy will discuss his studio, The Academy: Pittsburgh MMA and Fitness, and his training and career in mixed martial arts.

Local exhibitors will include Taylor Kalasky, owner of Yumzio Bistro in Greensburg, who says she recently expanded her vegan- friendly menu to include items such as vegan omelets and breakfast sandwiches.

One of our most popular vegan dishes is our Vegan French Toast, made with Cellones thick sliced Italian bread which is then dipped in homemade vegan tofu custard, she says.

Yumzio Bistro will feature vegan- friendly mini-doughnuts, fudge, brownies and cupcakes in its booth at the expo.

Josies Sweets and Treats in Dormont recently expanded its menu to include vegan smores cupcakes, cookies and brownies, and savory vegan cornbread muffins with bell peppers and mushrooms.

Owner Christine Krutules vegan options at the expo will include vegan and gluten-free apple crisp, smores cookie bars, pumpkin coffee cake, cinnamon rolls and brownies.

Cottrill says Pittsburgh Vegan Expo is open to and designed for everyone, not only vegans.

All are welcome to try new foods and gourmet desserts, watch cultural dance performances and an eco-friendly fashion gala and do holiday shopping to support local businesses, including artists, jewelers, body care product makers, makeup reps, clothiers, book authors and more, she says.

There will be a performance by four-time North American Beatbox Champion, Villain, accompanied by child break-dancers from The Get Down Kids, under the instruction of Kid Cuba of The Get Down Gang.

Candy Williams is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.

Pittsburgh Vegan Expo and ConventionWhen: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 9Admission: $5, free for ages 16 and younger Where: Monroeville Convention Center, MonroevilleDetails: 412-225-3302 or pittsburghvegan.com

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Eddie Huang, the author of the Fresh Off The Boat memoir that inspired the hit ABC comedy, announced this summer that hes now a vegan. Huang is also a renowned chef and owner of Taiwanese-Chinese restaurant Baohaus, located in New York City and Los Angeles.

It remains to be seen if Huang will stick with his vow to no longer eat meats, and how it will affect his restaurants menu.

Heres what we know about the reasoning behind his decision, plus a few other celebrities who went in the same direction as Huang and broke up with meat.

Huang co-owns Baohaus with his brother, Evan Huang, where they serve Taiwanese/Chinese cuisine consisting of very delicious-sounding, but un-planty items. For example, one item called the Chairman Bao is braised all-natural Berkshire pork belly served with Haus Relish, crushed peanuts, Taiwanese red sugar, and cilantro. In addition to pork belly, Baohaus also serves fried chicken and pork stew, all made with all-natural, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats.

Huang spells out the restaurants heart and philosophy on its website.

With [the restaurants] minimal menu, the brothers tore down everything people knew about Taiwanese-Chinese food and rebuilt it from the ground up.Baohaus isnt just a restaurant, itsthe place the brothers wish existed in their neighborhood when they were coming up. Our families came on boats, but now we on a spaceship, f*** with us.

Countless celebrities and public figures have also gone vegan for various reasons. Among them, former president Bill Clinton, mostly for health reasons. I like the vegetables, the fruits, the beans, the stuff I eat now, Clinton shared with aCNN reporter. All my blood tests are good, and my vital signs are good, and I feel good, and I also have, believe it or not, more energy.

Singer Carrie Underwood is a vegan but not a strict one. I am a vegan but I consider myself to be a practical vegan, shetold Entertainment Wise. If I order something on a menu and it has a sprinkling of cheese on top Im not going to send it back.

Former boxer Mike Tyson tried the vegan diet in 2010, and has since lost 100 pounds. Becoming a vegan gave me another opportunity to live a healthy life, he said on Oprah: Where Are They Now in 2013. I was so congested from all the drugs and bad cocaine, I could hardly breathe, [I had] high blood pressure, [was] almost dying [and had] arthritis. And once I became a vegan all that stuff diminished.

In August, Huang posted on Instagram that he could no longer eat meat, when he saw videos of the burning of the Amazon forest.

After watching videos of the Amazon on fire this week, Ive decided that this corned beef I ate at Juniors last week will be the last piece of beef I ever eat. I love beef, I love oxtails, I love Peter Lugers, I loved growing up in a steak house cutting NY Strip on Xanax. It was soothing but beef is f***ing us.

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After watching videos of the Amazon on fire this week, Ive decided that this corned beef I ate at Juniors last week will be the last piece of beef I ever eat. I love beef, I love ox tails, I love Peter Lugers, I loved growing up in a steak house cutting NY Strip on xanax. It was soothing but beef is fucking us. Actually, we are fucking ourselves on multiple levels and we need to make changes. Im going to go vegan because it takes 20 times less land to feed a vegan than a meat eater and over 90% of the land cleared in the amazon rainforest since 1970 is used for grazing livestock, but if all of us just stopped eating BEEF it would solve huge problems. Eat fish, eat chicken, eat pork until the next crisis but if all u can do now is quit beef, please do it. I know a lot of ass backwards people think vegetarianism or veganism is some uppity white girl thing to do but its not. There have been Asian Buddhist Vegetarians for thousands of years, Ital Rasta, Hindu as well, this is not some new age thing to laugh at. We are getting back to roots, healing the Earth, and ourselves. Ive eaten my last bite of meat. I wish I had planned this better and ate my moms ox tail soup but fuck it. There really isnt time to waste. Some things have to start today. I started to get these feelings shooting the last season of Huangs World and fasted for 5 days because my producer Davids mom said I looked sick. She was right. The 5 days not eating fundamentally changed me and I shot the second half of the season while intermittent fasting. Ive made a lot of food videos because I love food but more than anything because food was fertile ground for exploring difference, but I dont love what food tv and more importantly what food has become in our culture: a drug. I had a really rough 2018- early 2019, got high and just ate myself to sleep watching Harry Potter a lot lol but Im getting back on my shit. Take a moment, think about it, and reexamine your relationship with food because itll make the Earth and ourselves very very sick if we keep abusing it.

A post shared by Eddie Huang (@mreddiehuang) on Aug 23, 2019 at 5:44am PDT

Actually, we are f***ing ourselves on multiple levels and we need to make changes. Im going to go vegan because it takes 20 times less land to feed a vegan than a meat eater and over 90% of the land cleared in the Amazon rainforest since 1970 is used for grazing livestockIve eaten my last bite of meat.

I wish I had planned this better and ate my moms oxtail soup but f*** it. There really isnt time to wasteTake a moment reexamine your relationship with food because itll make the Earth and ourselves very very sick if we keep abusing it.

Read more: Zendaya and 16 Other Celebrities Who Dont Eat Meat

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The Real Reason Chef and Author Eddie Huang Went Vegan, Plus Other Plant-Based Celebrities - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

If youve ever clicked onto YouTube, its likely youve come across the name Hot Ones. The web series is a favorite for many, with millions of viewers flocking to watch the latest video of the show with hot questions, and even hotter wings. Created in 2015, the interview-style series now boasts more than 160 episodes.

Hot Ones was created by Christopher Schonberger. Its produced by Complex Media and First We Feast, the latter of which shares the videos on its YouTube channel. First We Feast has 7.45 million subscribers and its channel has amassed more than 1.1 billion views.

Hot Ones is hosted by Sean Evans, an American YouTuber and producer. The web series concept sees Evans interviewing a celebrity guest whilst the pair chow down on wings. The wings are dipped in hot sauce and the sauce gets spicier every round. There are 10 rounds and 10 wings. The first sauce is typically something mild, like Sriracha, which has a Scoville rating of 2,200. The final round can include sauces with a Scoville rating of 2,000,000+.

As the show progresses, the guests struggle more and more to get through both the wings and the questions. Theyre offered ice and glasses of water and milk to cool the burn. Guests who cant eat all 10 wings are added to the shows Hall of Shame.

Most Hot Ones guests eat chicken wings on the show, however, Evans offers a vegan option, too. Many guests also choose plant-based milk like soy or oat rather than cows milk to counter the effects of the hot sauce. Whatever the guests eat and drink, Evans does the same.

During one segment, Evans told celebrity guest Kristen Bell that he backs the idea of eating vegan a couple of days a week. He explained that animal products harm the planet and public health. You eat so much terrible stuff, he said. So I think that you know, its good not to have the wing thing all the time.

And according to a Tweet from 2017, he may even prefer the vegan version. Writing about the vegan wings, Evans said on Twitter, Far and away the best-tasting wings weve ever had on Hot Ones.'

Billie Eilish appeared on Hot Ones earlier this year. The 17-year-old vegan musician conquered all 10 meat-free wings and came back for more, taking extra bites of the hottest plant-based wing. Eilish drank water and soy milk and crunched on ice to cool the burn.

The songwriter has been vegan since around 2014. She frequently uses her platform to raise awareness about animal cruelty. On the 10th anniversary of the Meat-Free Monday campaign, she encouraged 41.4 million Instagram followers to get involved, writing, Help the world. I try.

Natalie Portman hasnt eaten meat since she was nine-years-old, so naturally, the actor and filmmaker went for plant-based wings for her episode of Hot Ones.

Portman has now been vegan for around eight years. In 2017, Portman produced and narrated a documentary called Eating Animals which looks at the environmental, economic, and health risks linked to factory farming. Evans said to Portman that watching the documentary made me really consider the future of this show.

Portman commented: If everyone cut out meat, dairy, and eggs from one of their meals a day or from one day a week that would make such a huge impact environmentally and with how many animals are put into difficult conditions.

English actor, comedian, and director Ricky Gervais tackled the Hot Ones challenge in 2017 with spicy vegan wings. Gervais is a longtime vegetarian, but its been rumored that the entertainer has now gone vegan. During his Hot Ones segment, Evans highlighted Gervais longtime obsession with cheese but spoke about it in the past tense. He showed the actor images of cheese to get his opinion of them from your cheese days.

When I used to have cheese and beans on toast it was always a mature cheddar, Gervais said.

Gervais is an animal rights activist. He speaks out against trophy hunting, animal testing, horse racing, and the fur trade.

British television presenter, fashion designer, and longtime vegetarian Alex Chung snacked on vegan chicken for her 2017 episode of Hot Ones. Her preference for animal-free food goes further than diet; when Chung launched her eponymous fashion label, she promised to never use fur, angora, or exotic skins in any of her designs.

Sixty-seven-year-old Jeff Goldblum graced the season six finale of Hot Ones in August 2018. The actor answered Evans questions whilst feasting on tofu and tempeh wings.

A month later, Goldblum bumped into vegan filmmaker Kevin Smith at the vegan fast-casual chain, Veggie Grill. Smith wrote about the encounter online, saying, Makes sense that hes plant-based, considering he was almost eaten that one time,alongside a gif of Goldblum running from a tyrannosaurus rex in the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park.

Weird Al Yankovic has been eating meat-free food since 1992. And that didnt change for his 2018 Hot Ones episode when the singer-songwriter chowed down on vegan wings. Hes not usually a fan of plant-based meat, though. Yankovic told PETA in 2016 that he prefers to fuel his body with vegetables, fruit, juices, rice, and pasta.

When it comes to food, actor Vanessa Hudgens doesnt stick to the status quo (if you know, you know). The 30-year-old High School Musical star ate vegan wings with Evans on her Hot Ones segment. Hudgens is a pescatarian, but said the vegan wings were really delicious.

Im actually not a vegetarian but Im trying to become better, Paul Rudd told Evans during his Hot Ones segment as the pair ate vegan cauliflower wings. The 50-year-old actor conquered all 10 wings on the segment and finished up the segment with a historic dab, whereby he mixed all 10 hot sauces together and dipped a vegan wing in it.

Rudd recently said he avoids killing insects, including stepping on ants, because he doesnt believe he is better than them. Am I really so much better than a spider?he asked.

English comedian and actor Russell Brand stopped eating meat at age 14 because its mean to animals. The entertainer has dipped in and out of veganism since then. He recently returned to his vegan lifestyle, saying on a podcast, When people are awakened, they dont want to have the blood of people or animals on their hands.

For his Hot Ones segment, Brand ate vegan wings from the Temple of Seitan, a London-based vegan takeout shop offering meat-free fried chicken and burgers. Brand said the vegan wings were glorious.

Maisie Williams is the latest vegan celebrity to appear on Hot Ones. The 22-year-old Game of Thrones star ate cauliflower wings and drank oat milk with Evans. During the interview, Williams revealed she almost missed her Game of Thrones audition because she wanted to visit a pig farm. She also spoke about her work on the dramatic thriller Heatstroke, in which she acted alongside hyenas. She explained that you have to respect the incredible animals.

Williams has spoken out against animal testing, the pet trade, and keeping animals confined for human entertainment.

Kristen Bells good place is eating vegan wings with Evans. The 39-year-old actor told the host she was impressed that he offered a meat-free option. Its nice. Youre nice,she added.

Bell has been living meat-free since she was 11-years-old. She hasnt missed eating meat, either. She told Today in 2017, I have no craving for it. Though she isnt vegan anymore (Bell went plant-based in 2012 but transitioned back to vegetarianism shortly after), she commented: I think being vegan is a wonderful way to live and it has great effects on the body. I also think it has really good effects on the environment.

Earlier this year, American comedian Abbi Jacobson appeared on Hot Ones with fellow co-star and co-writer of Comedy Central series Broad City, Ilana Glazer. The pair chowed down on vegan cauliflower wings whilst discussing their careers, weed, and Instagram. Jacobson joked on Twitter afterward: We were sick for two days not because of the hot sauce, but from the huge amount of cauliflower.

During the episode, 32-year-old writer and actor Glazer shared a recipe for Firecracker edibles, which is drunk as a smoothie on Broad City.

You mash up weed into something really fat-based like almond butter Im like a health nut so, I do my Firecrackers with almond butter, she said to Evans.You can put it on a rice cracker, graham cracker, whatever, or you can just put it on a baking sheet and put it in something after.

She added that the Firecracker is to be taken seriously. We would lose our minds,she said.We would go into fetal position in our respective rooms.

RZA was the first vegan to ever appear on Hot Ones. He made his appearance in August 2016, eating plant-based nuggets and drinking almond milk. Evans swapped between animal meat and vegan meat throughout the episode.

RZA told PETA in 2014: Im quite sure [animals] do not wanna be on my plate When you eat [animal products] youre eating that stress, eating that sickness, eating that fear,he said. He added, I dont need a dead animal or dead piece of flesh to go into my live body.

He also said he believes veganism could lead to a better tomorrow.

Canadian actor Thomas Middleditch took to the Hot Ones table in 2017. Middleditch went for meat-free wings, which he said were super tasting.

Two months prior, Middleditch told Food GPS that he was an aspiring vegetarian who loves the fast-casual vegan restaurant, Veggie Grill.

Stunt performer and actor Steve-O best known for his work on Jackass chatted about activism during his Hot Ones episode. Steve-O climbed 150 feet in the air on a construction site with a blow-up toy whale that read SeaWorld sucks. Steve-O has also protested against fur and circuses. The entertainer was once vegan but now eats fish.

American musician Anderson Paak met with Evans in October 2018. Theyre all vegan, are you sure? Paak asked about the nuggets before biting into one (he also made sure the milk was dairy-free). Its all vegan today, Evans assured, and commented that the Almond Breeze milk is so good.

Paak also shouted out the fast-food chain Fatburger, arguing that its better than In-N-Out because, at the time, it was one of the only fast-food spots where you could get the Impossible Burger.

Canadian YouTube star and talk show host Lilly Singh braved spicy meat-free wings on Hot Ones last year. Singh recently opened up about being vegetarian on her new late-night talk show, A Little Late With Lilly Singh. She called herself a proud vegetarian and encouraged her viewers to give the lifestyle a go. She said: I originally decided to become a vegetarian because I figured if I can live without killing an animal, why shouldnt I?

She added, If youre on the fence about becoming a vegetarian, I highly recommend it. Youre saving animals. Youre saving the planet. Youre saving a lot of time at Thanksgiving.

Hot Ones welcomed American comedian Pete Holmes in December 2018. Holmes ate spicy plant-based wings with Evans and chatted about the beliefs surrounding veganism.

We also have to fess up the idea that most of us even though Im a vegan werent vegan for decades and decades and decades so we have to have compassion for people that eat meat or whatever, Holmes said.

He added, Try to eat plants as much as you can. Its good for you and its good for the planet and its good for animals but if you [expletive] up, dont be embarrassed. Thats what were all doing.

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These 19 Celebrities Ate Vegan Wings on Hot Ones

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These 19 celebrities all decided to eschew meat and chow down on spicy vegan wings during their appearance on the popular YouTube series "Hot Ones."

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These 13 vegan celebrities all went vegan and have since promoted the positive effects of a plant-based diet.

Several of the celebrities included below found that cutting out animal products is an easy way to minimize contribution to both animal cruelty and climate change. Eating vegan can also have a positive effect on a persons health, and many of the people listed here noticed an immediate change after adopting a plant-based diet.

A growing body of medical studies shows that the health benefits of a plant-based diet far outweigh those of more traditional diets. Eating plant-based foods regularly can be particularly good for your cardiovascular health, and several celebrities have used a vegan diet to combat health issues and aid recovery time.

Findings presented to the American Society for Nutrition last June indicated that a plant-based diet can normalize high blood pressure in less than two weeks. In 2017 Imperial College London conducted a review of several studies on fruit and vegetable consumption.

Originally published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, the report states that the risk of cardiovascular disease drops by around 13 percent when eating 200g of fruit and veg per day. Cancer drops by 4 percent, and the risk of premature death by 15 percent. When consuming 800g of fruit and veg this drops by 28, 13, and 31 percent respectively.

Adopting a plant-based diet has also been linked to a lower BMI (body mass index) which is a commonly cited reason for trying to eat more vegan food. However, many experts have pointed out that BMI is not an accurate measurement of health.

Some flexitarians and vegans have also found that a plant-based diet can help with healthy weight loss. While healthy looks different for different people and preoccupation with BMI is not necessarily synonymous with good health studies have shown that those trying to lose weight could be able to achieve their goals through a high-carb vegan diet. Several celebrities have used this kind of diet to help shed weight and to build up muscle, stamina, and fitness.

According to a study published in the journal Nutrients last year, a 16-week clinical trial revealed that a high-carb vegan diet resulted in lower BMI, weight, fat, and insulin resistance. The vegan diet emphasized whole, plant-based sources of complex carbs like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Increasing the intake of complex carbs instead of animal protein had a pronounced and positive effect.

While many people often first go vegan for health reasons, in learning more about animal agricultures effect on the environment and animals themselves many also begin to advocate for other aspects of the diet along with other social justice issues. These vegan celebrities are no exception. In fact, theyre leading the trend.

Filmmaker Kevin Smith went vegan after experiencing a major heart attack in 2018. Smith addressed this on Facebook, where he thanked his family and said, maybe its time to go vegan.Since then Smith has been very vocal about the health benefits of a vegan diet, which first prompted his transition. Smith has also commented on other positive aspects of going meat-free and has spoken about animal rights and welfare.

He appeared with his vegan daughter Harley-Quinn Smith in a promotional video for Farm Sanctuary last November. Earlier this year they also presented animal rights activist Lindsay Oliver with the Hidden Heroes Award at the Mercy for Animals 20th Anniversary Gala.

Actor and animal advocate Evanna Lynch is a Veganuary Ambassador and even has her own vegan podcast called The Chickpeeps. Lynch has been vegetarian since the age of 11, and gradually went vegan by adding more plant-based ingredients to her food.

The Harry Potter star first went vegan in 2015. According to Veganuary, her decision was based on compassion. She said in a statement, It was just the right path for me. I felt like as soon as I went vegan, I was more myself, like I was just living according to what I believed, which is such a freeing thing when you finally commit to it.

I strongly believe in non-violence, that we shouldnt be hurting other people or creatures, said Lynch.

The Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.i.am has also enjoyed multiple health improvements after moving to a vegan diet. He spoke to Arianna Huffington about it in an episode of The Thrive Global Podcast.

I switched my regimen, went plant-based and it changed my life. I lost 20 lbs. My cholesterol came down, my high blood pressure came down. My stress levels came down naturally. I have more energy, said Will.i.am.

It changed my life, and I would encourage everybody to have a plant-based regimen, Will.i.am added. You dont need the meat, you dont need to have decaying flesh in your body. The more I think about it I was like, Ew. I was just, I had death in me.

Ariana Grande adopted a plant-based diet in 2014 and has been a vocal animal rights advocate since.

Grande was named Billboards 2018 Woman of the Year in part due to her dedication to social justice. The musician has ten rescue dogs and a pet pig named Piggy Smallz, who sometimes features on Grandes social media.

Grande told The Mirror: I love animals more than I love most people, not kidding. But I am a firm believer in eating a full plant-based, whole food diet that can expand your life length and make you an all-round happier person.

The former American Idol host and music mogul Simon Cowell is now plant-based. Cowell switched to a vegan diet in April, ahead of his 60th birthday.

It has helped me sleep and I wake up feeling less tired. I noticed a massive difference in how I felt in about a week, he told the Sun. I have more energy and focus and it wasnt difficult.

Within 24 hours I changed my diet and Ive not looked back since, Cowell said in a recent interview with the Sun. You feel better, you look better.

Five-time World Champion Formula-1 racer Lewis Hamilton adopted a plant-based diet for his health but is now increasingly concerned with animal rights issues and the ethics of meat. Hamilton first announced his veganism on Snapchat, saying:

Going to watch What the Health Tonight. Im on a mission to go vegan, people. Animal cruelty, global warming, and our personal health is at stake.

I have plenty of protein in my diet and Ive gained muscle, and Im healthier and happier than Ive ever been. Wish I did it sooner, he said.

Animal advocate and musician Miley Cyrus has been vegan since 2014. The celebrity frequently discusses her diet and received the Best Voice 4 Animals award from PETA in 2017.

On Instagram, Cyrus thanked PETA for the award and said: I am very certain that veganism is taking over and stoked to see so many brands jumpin on this revolution!

Cyrus has collaborated with fashion designers to create her own vegan-friendly clothing, including Converse. Since going vegan, Cyrus often Tweets her support for the vegan movement and is particularly vocal about speciesism and animal rights.

The Office and Brooklyn Nine Nine star Craig Robinson gave up meat in January 2016 and said that animal-based foods had started to make him feel unhealthy. After moving to a plant-based diet and ditching alcohol Robinson lost 50 pounds.

[Im] working out and Ive been trying this vegan lifestyle too. Its amazing, Robinson told talk show host Harry Connick Jr. Its much easier than I thought it would be.

I just wanted to push away from meat and stuff for a little while, said Robinson. He added that he had heard you can regenerate your liver in six months. I was like let me see if I can go six months and I just havent gone back.

Actor Mena Suvari adopted a plant-based diet in early 2018 after watching the 2017 documentary What the Health.

I believe it was not only seeing footage of what happens within our world towards animals, but also the way that the documentary clearly explained the health aspect of veganism, Suvari told LIVEKINDLY. It all just instantly clicked for me and I went plant-based overnight.

Suvari has worked on an anti-vivisection PSA with Last Chance for Animals and since going vegan overhauled her entire wardrobe. She donated all her animal-based clothes and started over.

Musician and entrepreneur Beyonc has credited a vegan diet for her now-legendary Coachella performance in 2018.

In preparation for the performance Beyonc and her performers adhered to grueling 11-hour rehearsals, which were powered by nutritious and plant-based foods.

Beyoncs personal chef prepared six daily meals to fuel the intense training regime, and Queen B shared three consecutive posts to her 112 million followers encouraging them to explore plant-based meals: Vegan Time!! Click the link in my bio to join me!

Actor Zac Efron has experimented with a vegan diet and has even credited his toned physique to plant-based food. Efron announced his veganism in an interview with Teen Vogue last year.

Ive been experimenting with eating purely vegan, Efron explained. Thats completely changed the way that my body works, and the way that I metabolize food, the way it turns into energy, the way that I sleep. Its been brilliant. Its been great for my exercise, and great for my routine.

In February Efron ate dairy-free ice cream while recovering from knee surgery, and kept up with his vegan diet while on an off-grid camping trip with his friends.

TV host Steve Harvey enjoyed multiple health improvements after adopting a vegan diet. On an episode of his NBC talk show Steve, Harvey discussed the high rate of heart disease in the United States and how a plant-based diet can help.

Let me tell you something. Ive been doing this since January 4, I got to tell you, I do feel a lot better, said Harvey in March.

I have the cholesterol levels of an infant, he added. My cholesterol numbers are lower than my cardiologists cholesterol numbers You can eat your way healthy. You are what you eat.

Kim Kardashian has recently said she is following a plant-based diet.

In an Instagram video, Kardashian told Anastasia Soare founder of the cosmetics company Anastasia Beverly Hills that veganism was responsible for her slim waist. Honestly, being vegan now helps, says Kardashian.

The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star regularly shares pictures of vegan food on her Instagram, recently including plant-based sausages and mung bean-based JUST egg. Kardashian has also revealed that her wardrobe is now 100 percent fur-free, perhaps inspired by friend and fellow vegan celebrity Pamela Anderson.

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13 Celebrities Before and After Going Vegan

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13 celebrities before and after going vegan. Celebrities go vegan and discuss the health benefits of plant-based, including weight loss and improved energy.

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