More people than ever are deciding to follow a vegan diet as there is currently a veganism trend. What are the reasons and influences that are leading so many people to decide to eat a plant-based diet?
The Main Reasons People Are Following Plant-Based Diets
While for some, this is for ethical reasons, others are choosing to follow a plant-based diet as they believe it is beneficial to their health. There are also others who follow a temporary vegan diet as a way of cleansing their systems and those who continue to eat meat but are including more vegan dishes in their diet. The food industry is also following this veganism trend, with vegan eating establishments popping up all over the world.
How the Food Industry is Responding to the Veganism Trend
One such example of this is vegan chef Matthew Kenney. He opened a vegan restaurant called ‘Alibi’ in the Ovolo Hotel in Sydney. Another chef who has promoted using vegetables as the main ingredient is Yotam Ottolenghi.
Although many traditional Australian dishes are based on steak or seafood, Matthew Kenny believes that his food can compete with these dishes. He even describes his vegan food as sexier. In fact, the famous chef believes that vegan lifestyles will become even more the norm in the future.
‘Alibi’ has a diverse menu that serves dishes including tacos, burgers, pizza, and lasagne. These dishes would usually contain meat and cheese, but Matthew Kenney has redesigned these meals so they are completely plant-based. He has even found a way to recreate cheese using ingredients including cashew nuts and sunflower seeds.
The Celebrity Influence on the Veganism Trend
The trend towards plant-based diets is also obvious in the number of celebrities who have now become vegan. Will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas announced in January 2018 that he had made the transition to veganism. He has credited following a vegan diet with his dramatic weight loss and improved health. Similarly, actress Tabitha Brown has made waves with her vegan-focused social media posts on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook Live.
Celebrities can influence their followers with their lifestyle decisions. When the public sees celebrities following a plant-based diet and talking about the benefits of this, it makes them want to do the same. Therefore, celebrities are contributing to the veganism trend.
Sources:
https://www.plantbasednews.org/post/future-of-food-is-vegan-says-leading-chef
https://www.livekindly.co/will-i-am-credits-vegan-diet-improved-health-weight-loss/