As posted earlier, Natalie Portman just released her new vegan shoe line. Portman has been a vegetarian since the age of 8, but recently made the switch to full-fledged vegan by nixing all animal by-products.

In an interview back in November, Natalie says she could not be completely vegan,

"I don't think I could do it. It's really hard for traveling, especially if you want to maintain your protein levels."

Despite her switch, she is still not sure how long the meat-free, dairy-free diet will last.

Going vegan is a growing trend in Hollywood... other stars that have made the change to soy milk and veggie burgers include Alicia Silverstone, Alyssa Milano, Bryan Adams, Casey Affleck, Common, Pamela Anderson, Demi Moore, Erykah Badu, Fiona Apple, Heather Mills, Jennifer Connelly, Joaquin Phoenix, Woody Harrelson, Vaness Williams, Moby, and Prince. Meanwhile the other half of Hollywood is vegetarian-- not consuming meat but allowing dairy and eggs.

Like Portman, other celebs have launched vegan-free lines. Pamela Anderson has a cruelty-free clothing line and Stella McCartney's popular designs are animal-free.

Vegan food manufacturer rising sales figures show that veganism has increased by about 60% in the last few years, according to Google Trends.

If you're thinking of going vegan, it's best to eat a wide variety of plant foods, including plenty of colorful vegetables and fruits. Also, its smart to make the switch gradually instead of going cold turkey. Vegan or not, we all know its best for our bodies to eat healthy foods, click here to learn more about whats best for your body.

Actress and animal rights activist Alicia Silverstone stripped down to her birthday suit for a recent PETA ad campaign urging readers to go vegetarian.  PETA's long-running "I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur" campaign has seen a long list of beauties disrobe for the cause and Alicia boldly joins the ranks by lounging poolside in the nude. 

While the photos are obviously intended to grab your attention by other means, the real message is Alicia's dedication to animal welfare.  On the organization's website, she says:

Being vegan truly is the secret to my life’s joy and peace. I feel physically and spiritually better than I could have ever imagined knowing that I am doing everything I can to reduce animal suffering with simple lifestyle choices like being vegan, never wearing any products made from animals (like wool and leather), and buying only from companies that NEVER test their products or ingredients on animals.  (source)

Related Cause:     Animal Welfare