Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo recently made the switch to veganism–and brought her entire family along for the plant-based ride. The decision was inspired by a real-life doctor–go figure!
“I just went for my yearly appointment a couple of weeks ago and [Dr. Kristi Funk] told me about her book,” Pompeo told People Magazine at the launch party for Dr. Funk’s book Breasts: The Owner’s Manual in Hollywood.
Dr. Funk is in good company as research has determined that people on plant-based diets experience reduced odds of getting cancer. Moreover, women on a vegan diet “were found to suppress the growth of three different types of breast cancer” in mere weeks. While diet alone is only part of overall wellness (i.e., don’t skip your doctor’s visits!), it’s certainly becoming clearer and clearer that a high-fiber, low-saturated fat diet is an important component of longevity–and feeling your best!
For Pompeo, it didn’t take long to make the decision. “Since then my whole family has gone completely vegan. [Dr. Funk] told me she turned her three kids completely vegan and I came home from my appointment with her where she basically gave me [the information] … and I said, ‘That’s it, we’re all vegan.'”
“My brilliant friend @drkristifunk wrote a book and for me and my family ….it was a game changer… every woman should read this book and if there’s a woman in your life you love and want to live a long heathy life get them a copy,” Pompeo captioned her Instagram post featuring a copy of the book.
“It’s super fun,” she said. Pompeo’s husband, Chris Ivery, and children Stella Luna (8), Sienna May (3), and Eli Christopher (1), have made a smooth transition to the diet. “I don’t think it’s tricky at all — it’s actually easier because meat you have to cook it before it goes bad. Grains and lentils and rice and beans, everything’s in the pantry already. You just have to get vegetables, but vegetables stay good for a week — and I think we all feel better.” Pompeo shared that Stella did miss bacon but was open to a plant-based version.
Perhaps Stella would enjoy a little coconut bacon?
We totally agree with Pompeo–veganism can be a lot of fun, and cooking healthy, tasty foods doesn’t have to be an intimidating battle. Here are a few resources to get you started:
Delicious Plant-Based Breakfast By Top Vegan Chefs
Best Vegan Cooking Tips From Pro Chefs
Vegan Cooking Tips for the Reluctant Vegan Chef
Creating Easy Vegan Side Dishes
Master The Art Of The 5-Minute Healthy Lunch (No Batch Cooking Required!)
For Pompeo veganism is largely about health, but it’s also about the environment: “I think we’re at a critical point for our planet and in the United States this health issue is out of control, the obesity, the diabetes everything … Sickness is a huge business, I know that really, really well. The message of veganism is not one that they want to get out but not only will it help us, it helps the planet.”
What are your favorite plant-based foods to share with your family?
Related: ‘Sexiest Vegan’ Maggie Q’s Genius Advice For Thriving On A Vegan Diet
See How VS Model Bridget Malcolm Stays Svelte & Gets Enough Protein On A Vegan Diet
Breaking: Ariana Grande’s Macrobiotic Vegan Diet. Let’s Take a Look, Shall We?
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Photos: Ellen Pompeo via Instagram, Olivia Parr
