The modern trend of vegetarianism popular in both the East and the West is by no means a practice reserved for devout Buddhists, but rather a new choice that cherishes life, or a lifestyle born from a peaceful disposition. The benefits of a vegetarian diet for health, beauty, and weight loss have caused the number of vegetarians worldwide to grow daily. While people may only see the owners of bustling vegetarian restaurants raking in dollars, euros, marks, and yuan, what vegetarians gain is far more than just money. Their greatest profit is the svelte figure that "meat-eaters" can hardly achieve, even with weight-loss pills, extreme dieting, and relentless fitness.
The Rise of Vegetarians
Browsing the internet, one finds countless pieces of information on vegetarianism, with vegetarian websites from all over the world introducing vegetarian philosophy, lifestyles, and recipes. Scientists have also begun to highlight the health benefits of a vegetarian diet, somewhat embarrassing the "meat-eaters." It turns out that vegetarians are experiencing the fresh, refreshing taste of "lotus pond in the moonlight," a state where their taste buds are intoxicated by a gentle breeze from the lotus leaves.
A closer search online is genuinely startling. In Hong Kong, over 200 vegetarian restaurants are thriving; in Taiwan, there are more than 2 million vegetarians across the island; in the United States, there are over 12 million vegetarians, a growth from 2.1% to 4.3%; in Toronto, Canada, membership in the Vegetarian Association has more than doubled in five years; one in six Britons is already a vegetarian or is considering becoming one; in Germany, vegetarian chain stores are found everywhere; and according to a recent report from the Italian ANSA news agency, a well-known Italian survey company released statistics in Rome showing that Italy currently has 1.5 million vegetarians, over 3% of the total population. This number is expected to double to 3 million within three years and could exceed 10 million by 2015.
Being Vegetarian is Loving Beauty
Among global vegetarians, the most influential are the Hollywood stars who grace the glamorous stage. It is said that for weight loss, "Being Vegetarian is Loving Beauty" has become their mantra and the slogan they use to promote vegetarianism.
Chelsea Clinton, a woman constantly in the public eye, was hailed as a star by the German magazine "Vegetarisch Gesund" (Vegetarian Health) and was given a striking nickname: "The Rich Beggar."
In fact, in the United States, "rich beggars" like Chelsea are not uncommon. These successful and prominent figures, from pop star Madonna to sports hero Lewis, are increasingly advocating for vegetarianism. They hope to extend their inner charm with a new, positive value system, and vegetarianism is precisely the ideal choice for these celebrities. Firstly, vegetarianism can fight aging, nourish the skin, and maintain a good figure. Secondly, it is a lifestyle with ancient aristocratic roots, one for benevolent and wise people.
Thus, the popularity of vegetarianism is self-evident.
Hollywood's Vegetarian List
On the path of vegetarianism, one can easily find the presence of celebrities. From ancient times to the present, great figures like Edison, Einstein, Tolstoy, Tagore, Sun Yat-sen, Diana, and Michael Jackson have all chosen or ultimately adopted a vegetarian diet. Although they are all famous, the vegetarian choices of Hollywood stars seem more provocative to vegetarians.
Recently, an American magazine published a list of the sexiest "vegetarian" stars in Hollywood. These stars, male and female, are undoubtedly the most glamorous among the "rich beggars."
Among the actresses are Pamela Anderson Lee, Ashley Judd, Natalie Portman, Drew Barrymore, Alicia Silverstone, Penélope Cruz, and country singer Shania Twain. Among the actors are Richard Gere, Woody Harrelson, Tobey Maguire, singer Michael Bolton, and Paul McCartney of The Beatles. They have all become vegetarians, seeing it as the ultimate path to a slender figure.
The fiery Spanish actress Penélope Cruz loves salads, so her slim figure is well-founded. Richard Gere, who never kills, achieves a clear mind and pure desires through vegetarianism, maintaining his youth, health, and mature sex appeal. Drew Barrymore transformed from a "chubby girl" into a "babe" by eating vegetarian. And the once-chubby Alicia Silverstone also regained her slender figure through a vegetarian diet.
It seems there is a direct connection between vegetarianism and a well-defined figure and smooth skin.