Steve Harvey's Vegan Diet: His Why And How

Steve Harvey, the television host, comedian, and radio personality, has adopted a vegan diet. Harvey, once a critic of meatless diets, now advocates for the health benefits of veganism, including lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight. He was inspired by Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who follow a similar diet, and credits his improved health to their influence.

Steve Harvey's improved health

Harvey has experienced multiple health improvements since embracing veganism in January. He reports feeling "a lot better" and boasts cholesterol levels comparable to those of an infant, even lower than his cardiologist's! He attributes this improvement to the abundance of fiber in a plant-based diet, which helps lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, a leading cause of death in the United States.

Harvey's improved health also aligns with the growing body of medical studies that highlight the benefits of a plant-based diet. These studies show that a vegan diet can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature death. Additionally, it can lead to a lower BMI and aid in healthy weight loss.

Steve Harvey's experience serves as a testament to the positive impact of a plant-based diet on overall health and well-being.

Beyoncé's influence

Steve Harvey's switch to veganism was influenced by Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z's 22-Day Nutrition program, which they co-created with Marco Borges, Beyoncé's personal trainer. Harvey discussed the health benefits of a plant-based diet on his NBC talk show "Steve," highlighting how it can reduce the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death for men and women in the US.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's promotion of veganism and plant-based diets has been well-documented. They have encouraged their fans to adopt veganism, even offering free concert tickets for life as a challenge incentive. Beyoncé's own vegan journey began as she prepared for her 2018 Coachella performance, where she and her dancers followed a rigorous 11-hour rehearsal schedule fuelled by plant-based meals.

The couple's enthusiasm for veganism is based on personal experience. In an introduction they co-wrote for Borges' book, they credited veganism for changing their lives and expressed a desire to share that truth with others. Beyoncé told the New York Times in 2015:

> The benefits of a plant-based diet need to be known. We should spend more time loving ourselves, which means taking better care of ourselves with good nutrition and making healthier food choices.

The influence of Beyoncé and Jay-Z extends beyond their fans, as they have also inspired other celebrities to adopt plant-based diets.

Lowering cholesterol

Steve Harvey, a former critic of meatless diets, has adopted a plant-based diet, thanks in part to Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Harvey has experienced multiple health improvements since making the switch, including lower cholesterol levels.

On his self-titled television show, Harvey welcomed nutritionist Marco Borges, who co-founded the vegan meal service and book, "The Greenprint: Plant-Based Diet, Best Body, Better World," with Beyoncé. Borges is also the author of the New York Times bestseller, "22 Days Nutrition," which details the benefits of a plant-based diet.

On the show, Borges explained the advantages of a plant-based diet, stating:

> First and foremost, a plant-based diet is full of fiber, which helps to lower bad cholesterol, helps lower blood pressure, helps to lower your risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, dementia, cancer...It’s the only diet in the world that has been clinically proven to not just prevent, but also arrest and reverse heart disease. No other diet in the world can say that.

Harvey's cholesterol levels have improved significantly since adopting a plant-based diet. He boasted, "I have the cholesterol levels of an infant. My cholesterol numbers are lower than my cardiologist’s cholesterol numbers."

• Increase your intake of plant-based foods: Focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts, which are naturally rich in fiber and other essential nutrients.
• Reduce your consumption of animal products: Limit your intake of meat, dairy, eggs, and other processed or refined foods, as these can be high in cholesterol and saturated fat.
• Gradually transition to a plant-based diet: Start by swapping out one daily protein source for a plant-based option, like your daily breakfast. Then, gradually reduce animal products to a single meal each day or week. This will give your palate time to adjust to the new flavors and textures of plant-based foods.
• Focus on quality: Choose whole, plant-based sources of complex carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, instead of refined grains or fats. Eating a variety of plant-based foods ensures you get a range of nutrients and improves your overall health.
• Connect with local farmers: Buying locally grown produce can help you foster a sense of community and deepen your connection to your food sources. It also reduces the environmental impact of your food choices by lowering gas consumption and other resources needed for transportation.
• Try vegan alternatives: Experiment with vegan versions of your favorite dishes, such as cauliflower wings or plant-based burgers. There are many online resources and recipe books available to help you discover delicious plant-based options.

By adopting a plant-based diet and incorporating these tips, you can effectively lower your cholesterol levels and improve your overall health, just like Steve Harvey.

Reducing risk of heart disease

Steve Harvey, a television host, has adopted a vegan diet, thanks in part to Beyoncé and Jay-Z. On his self-titled television show, Harvey discussed how heart disease is a leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. He then welcomed nutritionist Marco Borges, who promoted the benefits of a plant-based diet.

A growing body of medical studies shows that a plant-based diet is highly effective in reducing the risk of heart disease. According to research, a high-quality, plant-based diet can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially when it includes a variety of nutritionally rich plant foods and limited unhealthy animal products, such as high-fat meats.

One study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association followed 4,946 young adults over 30 years and found that those who consumed a plant-centered diet had a 52% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Additionally, those whose diets improved over time had a 61% reduced risk compared to those whose diets worsened.

Another study involving 123,330 postmenopausal women found that adhering to a plant-based diet known as the Portfolio Diet, which includes nuts, plant proteins, viscous soluble fiber, and plant sterols, reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease by 11%. This diet was also associated with a 14% lower risk of coronary heart disease and a 17% lower risk of heart failure.

The benefits of a plant-based diet extend beyond heart health. Studies have shown that it can also lead to a lower BMI, weight loss, improved energy levels, and reduced risk of other chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

Adopting a plant-based diet can be a powerful tool in reducing the risk of heart disease and improving overall health and well-being. As Harvey's guest, Marco Borges, stated, "You can eat your way healthy. You are what you eat."

Benefits of plant-based diets

Steve Harvey, a former critic of meatless diets, has adopted a plant-based diet, citing improved health and lowered cholesterol levels as the main reasons for the switch.

Lower Risk of Diseases:

Plant-based diets have been linked to a reduced risk of several diseases. Research shows that these diets can lower body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. They may also reduce the number of medications needed to manage chronic conditions. Specifically, a plant-based diet can help prevent and manage diabetes, lower the risk of certain cancers, and improve cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering blood pressure.

Weight Management:

Vegetarian and vegan diets have been associated with lower body weights and body mass indexes (BMIs). Studies have shown that a plant-based diet can effectively support weight loss, even without increasing physical activity.

Nutritional Benefits:

Plant-based diets are typically rich in fiber and phytonutrients. They can provide all the necessary protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health. However, some vegans may need to supplement their diet with vitamin B12, as this nutrient is primarily found in animal products.

Improved Energy:

Many celebrities who have adopted plant-based diets, including Steve Harvey, have reported increased energy levels. This improved energy can be attributed to the nutritional benefits of plant-based diets, particularly the high intake of complex carbohydrates and the reduced consumption of processed and refined foods.

Environmental and Ethical Benefits:

In addition to the health benefits, plant-based diets are also associated with reduced contributions to animal cruelty and climate change.

It is important to note that not all plant-based diets are healthy. It is crucial to replace meats with high-quality, nutrient-dense plant-based foods and to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids.

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