The vegan movement has gained significant traction over the years, with high-profile celebrities like Joaquin Phoenix, Woody Harrelson, Pamela Anderson, and Natalie Portman championing the cause. Their vocal support has brought widespread attention to issues of animal rights and the benefits of a plant-based diet.
Alongside these fully committed vegans are a group of celebrities who are “almost-vegan” – those who support and mostly follow a vegan lifestyle but aren’t completely committed. Celebrities like Brad Pitt, Bill Gates, and Beyoncé fall into this category.
But do these almost-vegans help or hinder the movement?
Let’s dive in.
From Meat-Eater to Vegan Advocate: A Personal Journey
For many vegans, the journey to a plant-based lifestyle isn’t instantaneous. It often involves gradual steps, moving from a meat-heavy diet to reducing meat consumption, becoming vegetarian, and finally embracing veganism. Most of us weren’t raised vegan.
This gradual transition is something we should empathize with, remembering that not everyone can or will become vegan overnight. Just because someone isn’t 100% vegan now doesn’t mean they won’t be in the future.
Celebrities who are almost-vegan can inspire millions to take those first steps.
The Perils of Perfectionism in the Vegan Movement
Many vegans think that these almost-vegan celebrities may inadvertently make veganism seem too rigorous and unattainable. If even those with personal chefs and nutritionists can’t manage it, how can regular people?
But this perception contributes to a persistent issue within the vegan community: the expectation of perfection.
While it’s crucial to highlight the cruelty in the meat, dairy, and egg industries, demanding absolute adherence can be counterproductive. Not everyone will give up all animal products at once, and chastising those who don’t can alienate potential allies.
We also need flexitarians, who significantly reduce their meat consumption. Studies have shown that even a modest reduction in meat intake can lead to a substantial decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health.
Flexitarians, by showing that significant change is possible even without perfection, can make the movement more accessible.
The Ex-Vegan Phenomenon: A Cautionary Tale
Another argument for embracing almost-vegans is that they are less likely to become ex-vegans who publicly renounce the lifestyle. Public figures like Miley Cyrus and Mike Tyson have turned away from veganism after years of advocacy, citing health concerns. Such high-profile reversals can be very damaging to the movement.
Miley Cyrus stated in an interview with Joe Rogan, “I was vegan for a very long time and I’ve had to introduce fish and omegas into my life because my brain wasn’t functioning properly.” Tyson, initially lauding veganism for its health benefits, later reverted due to his training needs.
These U-turns can hurt veganism greatly, especially since their reasons are often not well-founded. A well-planned vegan diet provides all essential nutrients, including omega-3s from sources like flaxseeds. And many top athletes thrive on plant-based diets, suggesting their health issues likely result from dietary mismanagement, not a flaw in veganism itself.
7 Celebrity Champions: Voices for the Voiceless
Despite Miley Cyrus rejoining “team meat,” the vegan movement is bolstered by celebrities who, even though they are not completely vegan, persist in advocating for animal rights and plant-based living. Their continued efforts help strengthen the cause and raise awareness.
Let’s celebrate their contributions and the positive impact they have on promoting compassion and ethical eating.
Leonardo DiCaprio: The Environmental Advocate
While it is unclear whether Leonardo DiCaprio himself adheres to a vegan lifestyle, he has been a significant advocate for environmental causes. He has produced documentaries like “Cowspiracy” and “Before the Flood,” which explore the impact of animal agriculture on the environment. An early investor in Beyond Meat, DiCaprio encourages his followers to switch to plant-based alternatives and has invested in cell-cultivated leather.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z: The Challenge Initiators
Beyoncé and Jay-Z took on a 22-day vegan challenge, promoting the idea that even short-term commitments can lead to lasting habits. Jay-Z famously wrote on his website, “Psychologists have said it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. On the 22nd day, you’ve found the way.”
Their participation in and promotion of vegan challenges have encouraged many to take the first step toward a plant-based diet. While the couple is not fully vegan now, they continue to advocate for plant-based eating. A few years back, Beyoncé’s nutritionist Marcos Borges even shared some of her and her family’s preferred vegan meals on the Today show.
Brad Pitt: Subtly Shaping Change
Brad Pitt, often reported to follow a mostly vegan diet, advocates against animal cruelty. He has campaigned against the use of cages for hens and supported initiatives led by Farm Sanctuary. His low-key approach and commitment to animal welfare make a substantial impact without fanfare.
Meghan Markle: The Flexitarian Leader
Meghan Markle’s approach to veganism, being plant-based during the week, shows the value of flexibility. She is also a vegan fashion icon, opposing fur and promoting sustainable brands. Her stance makes the movement more approachable for those not ready to commit fully.
Kamala Harris: A Politician’s Perspective
Kamala Harris, who limits her meat consumption, has championed animal protection legislation and advocated for dietary guidelines that reduce red meat intake. Her evolving dietary choices reflect a growing awareness of food production’s environmental impact.
See also: Kamala Harris’ animal rights record
Snoop Dogg: The Fun Advocate
Snoop Dogg has been a vocal supporter of vegan food options, promoting brands like Beyond Meat. His fun approach, including sneaking plant-based products into his family’s meals, shows that plant-based eating can be enjoyable and approachable.
Bill Gates: Following the Money
Bill Gates, though not vegan, invests heavily in vegan businesses. He believes that plant-based food can combat climate change and has backed startups developing animal-free products, such as dairy-free butter.
Oprah: The Mother of Role Models
Oprah Winfrey has also been a major advocate for plant-based diets. Already in 2008, she shared her 21-day vegan cleanse journey on her show, and later embraced the “One Meal a Day” program, finding it a more manageable approach to vegan eating. Her support for plant-based living also includes investing in Oatly.
Celebrating Progress, Not Perfection
The journey towards veganism is personal and often gradual. Almost-vegan celebrities play a vital role in normalizing plant-based diets and advocating for animal rights. By promoting progress over perfection, they make the movement more accessible and less intimidating.
As actor Paul Rudd, who is striving to eat more plant-based, said while eating cauliflower instead of hot wings on Hot Ones, “I’m actually not a vegetarian but I’m trying to become better.” Aren’t we all?
