Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's Shared Vegan Journey
In a fascinating real-life parallel to their on-screen roles in the Wicked films, stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande both adhere to a vegan lifestyle. Their shared commitment to excluding animal products from their diets is a point of interest for fans, especially given the animal rights themes woven into the movie's plot. The two performers have independently spoken about their reasons for going plant-based, citing a combination of health-conscious decisions and strong ethical convictions regarding animal welfare.
Ariana Grande's Path to Veganism
Ariana Grande's vegan journey began officially in November 2013, a day she famously called “a joyous day” on Twitter. Her motivations stem from a deep love for animals, stating, “I love animals more than I love most people, not kidding”. She is a firm believer in a whole-food, plant-based diet for its positive effects on health and well-being. Grande's diet is reportedly centered around wholesome ingredients and Japanese cuisine, favoring foods like berries, nuts, adzuki beans, and vegan-friendly Italian dishes.
Cynthia Erivo's Health-Focused Decision
Like her co-star, Cynthia Erivo also adopted a vegan diet in 2013. For Erivo, the decision was primarily driven by health, after she discovered her body processed meat poorly, leaving her feeling "sluggish". Embracing a plant-based diet made her feel significantly healthier and more energetic, a necessity for her demanding career that includes intensive workouts and theatrical performances. Erivo is an outspoken advocate for the modern vegan culinary scene, highlighting the creative and flavorful options now available. Some of her go-to dishes include herb-rubbed tofu, vegan ramen, and tempura mushrooms.
The Wicked Connection: Art Imitating Life
The casting of two dedicated plant-based actors in the lead roles for the Wicked films adds a layer of authenticity to the movie's central themes. The story of Wicked, while a fantastical retelling of the Wizard of Oz, contains powerful subplots about animal rights and oppression. Elphaba, Erivo's character, becomes a fierce advocate for animals who lose their ability to speak, fighting against the government of Oz's injustice. Grande's character, Glinda, is also deeply entwined in this narrative. The alignment of the actresses' personal ethics with the film's message creates a meaningful connection that resonates with animal rights advocates and fans of the musical alike.
Debunking 'Strict Veganism' Criticism
While both stars are firm in their plant-based diets, some public commentary has questioned how strictly vegan their entire lifestyles are. Ariana Grande, for instance, has received criticism for wearing some non-vegan materials, such as leather, or promoting items like the Starbucks Cloud Macchiato, which contained dairy ingredients. This brings up the common discussion of whether 'vegan' is a diet or a comprehensive lifestyle. While their dietary choices are clear, some commentators prefer the more specific term 'plant-based' to acknowledge that their consumption practices may not extend to all areas of their lives, such as fashion. However, their intent and dietary commitment for over a decade are undeniable.
A Comparison of Erivo and Grande's Veganism
| Aspect | Cynthia Erivo | Ariana Grande |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation | Around 2013 | November 2013 |
| Primary Motivation | Health benefits, discovering meat intolerance | Deep love and ethics for animals |
| Preferred Foods | Tofu dishes, vegan ramen, veggies, smoothies | Berries, nuts, Japanese dishes, smoothies |
| Outspokenness | Discusses healthy eating, vegan creativity | Publicly states love for animals, advocates |
| Critiques | Fewer public controversies related to lifestyle products | Faced criticism for non-vegan apparel and drink promotion |
| Career Connection | Plays animal rights advocate Elphaba in Wicked | Plays Glinda in Wicked, aligning with themes |
Conclusion
Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are committed vegans, a lifestyle choice they have maintained for over a decade. While their initial motivations differed—Erivo's focused on health and Grande's on ethical animal treatment—their paths ultimately converged on a shared diet. Their roles in the Wicked films, which champion animal rights, serve as a timely reminder of their personal principles. Despite minor criticisms related to their broader lifestyle choices, their long-term dedication to a plant-based diet is a clear statement of their values. Their influence helps bring mainstream attention to veganism, showcasing that it is not only a healthy dietary option but also a powerful expression of ethical beliefs. For more on the health benefits of a plant-based diet, see the resources provided by the Plant Based News.
