Many people, especially fans of America’s Got Talent, have noticed that Simon Cowell is looking thinner these days. He estimates that he has lost approximately 60 pounds in the past year, with healthy eating. Is Simon Cowell Vegan?
While many people believe that Simon Cowell had switched over to a vegan diet, he’s actually a pescatarian. He has stopped eating meat and dairy, and the majority of his diet consists of plant-based foods, but he has recently admitted to eating fish.
It is not clear if he was vegan and only recently added fish into his diet or he’s been eating fish the entire time he’s been losing weight. He credits his son, Eric, for making him want to change his health habits. Well, Eric and his doctor anyhow.
Veganism vs. Vegetarianism vs. Pescatarianism
Veganism, vegetarianism, and pescetarianism are all very similar diets, in that none of them allow the consumption of red meat. From there they differ slightly.
- Vegan – Someone who abstains from consuming meat, fish, dairy, and any animal protein whatsoever, while also abstaining from the use of products that use animal byproducts in them at all, such as leather.
- Vegetarian – Someone who abstains from eating the flesh of an animal, though some vegetarians will continue to eat fish at times, but will allow dairy in their diets. Their main issue is consuming or utilizing byproducts, from animals that have gone to the slaughterhouse.
- Pescatarian – Someone who abstains from meat and dairy, such as a vegan, but will eat fish.
Veganism
So, what is veganism? According to the Vegan Society, which dates back to 1944, veganism is a way of living that excludes the exploitation and cruelty of animals for food and other products.
In lamens terms, they do not eat animals or animal products, or use products that come from any part of an animal. Vegans will also not use products that have been tested on animals, even if there are no animal parts in the product.
Pros and Cons of Veganism
As with just about everything, there are pros and cons to going vegan. It’s a topic that people are very passionate about and generally take one side or another; either they are pro veganism or anti-veganism, there’s not a lot of middle ground.
Some of the pros for veganism include a positive impact on the environment, being more aware of what you eat, can help with weight loss (which is usually because they are more aware of what they are eating), increased health benefits, and more.
Some of the cons on the list are that it’s very restrictive and many people are unable to sustain it, some gaining weight back weight that was lost. While there are many health benefits, including lower risk of cancer, heart issues, etc., the downside is that many vegans are missing vital nutrients. There have been individuals who have had to give up veganism, after being on it for so long, due to health issues.
Reasons for Such Diets
There are many reasons why someone may choose to eliminate meat and/or fish, and/or dairy from their diet. Some of the most common reasons are:
- Culture
- Upbringing
- Environmental
- Health Benefits
- Ethical or Moral Reasons
All three versions of abstaining from meat do have their health benefits, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s also not to say that eating meat doesn’t also have health benefits.
Simon Cowell in Isolation
While Simon Cowell had started his health journey last year, prior to the global pandemic, and resulting lockdown, he has stated that he’s done even better since his self-isolation began.
He’s been able to be more focused on his eating and exercising, which he feels is one of the positives, as he’s been able to stick to a regular routine.
He has also noticed that since switching to a healthier lifestyle, he not only can keep up with his son more, but that his brain function and memory have increased as well. I think his doctor would be happy.