Much of the world has acquired a taste for no meat, no dairy, and as many Vegans say, “Nothing that had a parent.” Yet as many Southern California residents have discovered in the United States, living the Vegan life can be not only fulfilling, but also fun!

The rich, the famous, and the Vegan

Truthfully, many parts of California and the rest of the United States consider being Vegan to be something that only rich celebrities do, but that could not be farther from the truth. Some actors, singers, and political figures that have committed to being vegan include:

• Woody Harrelson
• Emily Deschanel
• Robin Gibb
• Prince
• Shania Twain
• Coretta Scott King
• Bill Clinton
• Pamela Andersen
• Ted Danson
• Daryl Hannah
• Andrew G
• Daryl Johns (Silverchair)
• Missy Higgins

Although today’s celebrities have brought attention and popularity to the Vegan lifestyle, it is mostly non-famous people that are keeping Vegan cuisine alive—and for all the right reasons. After all, a Vegan diet is actually very healthy for you!

The pros and cons of becoming Vegan

If you have never tried kale chips, veggie burgers, or raw pea-and-coconut soup, then it is easy to understand your apprehension in embracing a no animal-product diet. At first glance, you may just see a lot of cons to becoming a vegan. However, the pros of Veganism definitely outweigh the cons. Yes, avoiding meat and dairy products as ingredients in every single meal of the day poses a challenge at first.  Vegan chefs have become extraordinarily creative and innovative with the result that Vegan food is exciting and delicious. As a matter of fact, Vegan cooking has practically presented a new frontier for food-lovers across the world to experience and indulge in!

Undeniable health benefits—one more pro for Vegans

Once you convert to a Vegan diet, you will automatically begin to consume more fruits and vegetables many of which are superfoods. Among those are berries and dark green leafy vegetables, which reduce inflammation throughout your body. Likewise, giving up meat will considerably lower your risk of developing heart disease. Vegans consistently have low levels of bad cholesterol and total cholesterol, and therefore, clearer arteries.

Becoming Vegan: how to get started

  Like any other diet, you have to put in some work to turn a diet into a lifestyle.And that is what every Vegan has to do. A good first step is to list out all the foods you CAN eat as opposed to focusing on what you cannot eat (do not forget to ‘Ask a Naturopath’ for suggestions). Once that list is complete, you will be able to structure tasty and healthy meals that will make you wonder why you did not “Go Vegan” sooner!  See our recipe section too for tasty recipes – many of which are not only Vegan but gluten free too.

Mr Vitamins research and further references:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/26/dining/vegan-food-is-in-mainstream-in-southern-california.html http://vegan.wikia.com/wiki/Famous_Vegans_and_Vegetarians