Hollywood celebrities turning to vegetarianism

Many Hollywood and other celebrities are flocking to vegetarianism for health and ethical reasons, besides reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In an interview in the recent issue of Stylist magazine from London, Oscar nominated Natalie Portman (Closer), who has been vegetarian for 20 years, said: “Part of my reason for being vegetarian was because it practices respect and love for life all through the day, so three times a day you make a decision not to eat things that have been killed.”Besides Portman, other celebrity vegetarians include Grammy winner country singer Carrie Underwood, Golden Globe nominated Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man), etc.
American celebrity magazine “People” writes about fitness specialist and television star Bob Harper: “So what does he eat to refuel? Rich, nutritious vegetarian meals – that he prepares himself!” Harper reportedly takes pride in creating vegetarian meals that aren't boring and his favorite veggie recipe for the New Year given in “People” is: Roasted vegetable salad with vinaigrette dressing.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, pointed out that Hinduism promoted strict vegetarianism insisting on ahimsa (not harming living creatures) and non-killing, and renouncing animal slaughter and meat eating. It suggested taking of sattvik (vegetables, fruits, etc.) and avoiding rajasik (eggs, etc.) and tamasik (meat, intoxicants, etc.) foods.
Rajan Zed argued that there was extensive protection of life in Hinduism and ahimsa was a command. All the major religions of the world were opposed to killing, he added. Zed urged more world celebrities to come out in support of vegetarianism, thus contributing to a healthier world and helping the environment.
Beatle Sir Paul McCartney’s recently put his weight behind Meat-Free Monday movement, which aims at persuading public to go vegetarian once a week to slow global warming, whose other celebrity proponents reportedly include actors Kevin Spacey and Woody Harrelson; actresses Joanna Lumley and Laura Bailey; singers Sharleen Spiteri, Chris Martin, and Sheryl Crow; comedians David Walliams, Matt Lucas, and Ricky Gervais; media personality Kelly Osbourne; industrialist Sir Richard Branson; poet Benjamin Zephaniah; scientist Sir David King; Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman; socialite Zac Goldsmith; chefs Giorgio Locatelli, Oliver Peyton, Arthur Potts Dawson, Yotam Ottolenghi and Skye Gyngell; food writers Mark Hix and Nigel Slater; restaurateur Oliver Peyton; etc.