Prominent Female Singers Embracing a Vegan Lifestyle
Several renowned female vocalists have publicly adopted veganism, each for their own distinct reasons. From ethical convictions to health optimization, their stories offer valuable insight into a plant-based lifestyle.
- Billie Eilish: The pop superstar is one of the most vocal celebrity vegans, having transitioned fully to a vegan diet at the age of 12. Influenced by her love for animals and knowledge of factory farming practices, Eilish has consistently used her platform to advocate for animal rights and environmental causes. Her commitment extends beyond her diet to her fashion collaborations, including a partnership with Nike for a line of vegan shoes.
- Ariana Grande: As a vegan since 2013, Ariana Grande cites a love for animals and belief in the longevity benefits of a plant-based diet as her primary motivations. Her approach is described as being influenced by a macrobiotic diet, focusing on whole foods like berries, nuts, beans, and vegetables.
- Leona Lewis: This British singer has been a long-time vegetarian and became fully vegan in 2012, driven by ethical concerns for animals. Her dedication is well-known, with a history of supporting animal charities and even running a vegan cafe in California.
- Sia: The Australian singer and songwriter announced she was "fully vegan now" via Twitter in 2014, having previously been a vegetarian. She has also participated in animal rights advocacy by narrating the documentary Dominion.
Notable Singers Who Have Re-Evaluated Their Diets
Not every journey to veganism is permanent. The experiences of some singers highlight the need for careful dietary management.
- Lizzo: In 2024, Lizzo revealed she had reintroduced animal protein into her diet after feeling mental fog and a lack of energy. After a trip to Japan, she experimented with animal proteins and credited the change for boosting her energy and clarity. This highlights the importance of nutritional completeness, especially for high-energy performers.
- Miley Cyrus: After years as a strict vegan, Miley Cyrus introduced fish into her diet in 2019, also citing nutritional issues and "brain function" concerns. Her decision was met with criticism from some vegan advocates, who noted that omega-3s can be obtained from plant-based sources like algae.
The Role of a Plant-Based Diet in Vocal Health and Performance
For singers, diet is a critical component of vocal health. Many find that eliminating dairy, a common source of phlegm, can be beneficial for their singing. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also reduce inflammation, supporting overall vocal well-being.
However, a poorly planned vegan diet can lead to deficiencies. For instance, without proper supplementation or fortified foods, a vegan diet can lack crucial nutrients like vitamin B12, which is important for neurological function, and omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to brain and heart health. Singers, like any other athlete, must focus on a well-balanced diet to maintain their energy and health.
Comparison of Celebrity Vegan Diet Approaches
| Singer | Vegan Status | Key Nutritional Focus | Motivations | Notes on Implementation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billie Eilish | Vegan since age 12 | Whole foods, accessible vegan options | Animal welfare, environment, activism | Opened vegan restaurant, collaborated on vegan sneakers |
| Ariana Grande | Vegan since 2013 | Whole foods, macrobiotic influence | Animal rights, health, longevity | Enjoys Japanese-inspired meals, uses plant-based substitutions |
| Leona Lewis | Vegan since 2012 | Ethical, supports animal sanctuary | Animal welfare, ethics | Actively involved in animal protection campaigns and businesses |
| Sia | Vegan since 2014 | Advocate for cultivated meat | Animal welfare, environment | Uses platform for animal rights advocacy, narrated documentary |
| Lizzo | Ex-vegan (added animal protein in 2024) | High protein, alkaline diet | Health, energy, mental clarity | Found benefits from adding animal protein after initial vegan phase |
| Miley Cyrus | Ex-vegan (now pescatarian) | Introduced fish for omegas | Health, particularly brain function | Initial veganism was driven by animal love but switched due to health concerns |
What a Vegan Singer's Diet Looks Like
For a demanding touring schedule, fueling the body efficiently is key. Vegan singers often rely on nutrient-dense meals to sustain their energy. A typical day for someone like Ariana Grande might include:
- Breakfast: A green smoothie packed with avocado and leafy greens, or perhaps oats with berries.
- Snacks: Nutrient-rich almonds or cashews for sustained energy, or a plant-based protein bar.
- Lunch: A large, wholesome salad with beans and a variety of vegetables.
- Dinner: A tofu stir-fry with plenty of roasted vegetables or a vegan Italian dish, like the vegan chicken scarpariello once prepared for Grande.
Many also focus on staying hydrated with plenty of water and coconut water, which is rich in electrolytes.
Conclusion: A Diverse and Personal Journey
For female singers like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Leona Lewis, veganism is more than a dietary choice; it’s an integral part of their public identity, shaped by deeply held ethical and health convictions. Their journeys showcase the potential for a fulfilling and high-performance vegan lifestyle. However, the experiences of singers like Lizzo and Miley Cyrus also underscore the importance of listening to one's body and ensuring complete nutritional coverage, especially under the pressures of a demanding career. Whether for animal rights, health, or the environment, these artists prove that a plant-based approach to nutrition can successfully fuel a powerful voice, though it requires attention and dedication to stay well-nourished.
For more information on adopting a plant-based lifestyle, resources such as Vegan Food & Living: Vegan Celebrities can offer further inspiration.
