Before Vegan Week was a reality, I became a little obsessed with learning all about Natalie Portman.

via thecinemasource.com

It started when she appeared on Top Chef, and blew the chefs’ minds by telling them they needed to create a delicious meal — that was vegetarian. Of course, this was the moment that made everyone fall over with laughter:

But it got me thinking — why IS it so difficult for people to create dishes that are flavorful, healthy and meat-free? I’m an omnivore, but more often than not, I create meals that just happen to be vegetarian.

Earlier this year, I had a similar reaction when the Top Chef Masters…some of the most accomplished and creative chefs in the world…were thrown for a loop by Zooey Deschanel, who announced that she’s not only vegan, but soy- and gluten-intolerant (sound familiar, Michelle?)

Et tu, love of my life Rick Bayless? (Believe me, the true love of my life understands.)

Listen, whether you’re a vegan or not, it’s time to give veggies a chance! Let’s make them the focus of our foods and let the proteins be on the side.

I know a few celebrities who would agree. Any surprises on the vegan list?

• Alicia Silverstone
• Andre 3000 (Outkast)
• Brandy
• Casey Affleck
• John Salley (former NBA player)
• Emily Deschanel
• Ellen Degeneres
• Joan Jett
• Kevin Nealon
• Alyssa Milano
• Demi Moore
• Portia de Rossi
• Prince
• Woody Harrelson
• Dennis Kucinich
• Alanis Morissette
• Anthony Kiedes
• Casey Kasem
• Elijah Wood
• Fiona Apple
• Erykah Badu
• Jason Mraz
• Jenny McCarthy
• Joaquin Phoenix
• Liv Tyler
• Linda Blair
• Moby
• Steve-O
• Tobey Maguire
• Weird Al

And did you know that Leonardo da Vinci was a vegan?

Obviously, I don’t think anyone should consider a vegan (or vegetarian, or dairy-free, or all-dairy, or chocolate or ANYTHING ELSE!) diet because a celebrity follows it, or that it should even be a concern. But if we cheer for sports teams based on the athletes, and read books because we like the authors, why not at least look at the people who are associated with a given lifestyle?

This Vegan Week adventure has made me even more committed to learning all I can about food, farming, factories and the whole “how’d that get on my plate?” phenomenon.

Has it changed your outlook at all?

I should note, I just finished a tremendous book that I started months ago…yeah, I’m busy. I picked it up on a whim after seeing the movie Food Fight (even better than Food Inc) and can highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in the history of the organic and Slow Food movements.

I heart Alice Waters.

via thomasmcnamee.com

          

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1. #VeganWeek Getting Fit; Having Fun
2. #VeganWeek Kicks Off!
3. #VeganWeek Day 2: BEST.MEALS.EVER.
4. #VeganWeek The Husband’s Perspective
5. #VeganWeek Guest Post: Dietitian Janel from Dine Dish Delish