Bryan Adams, the Canadian rock icon known for hits like "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" and "Summer of '69," is also a dedicated vegan. For over 30 years, Adams has championed a plant-based lifestyle, driven by his concern for animals, the environment, and his own well-being. This article explores Adams' vegan journey, his motivations, the changes he's witnessed in the vegan movement, and his advice for those considering a similar path.
From Rock Star to Vegan Advocate
Adams' transition to veganism began around the age of 28. He has been vegetarian for about 17-18 years now, since he was about 28. He decided at the age of 28 to stop eating animal products, it just seemed logical to me. What made you sympathetic to animal rights? Being sympathetic to animal rights is just something that came very naturally to me. Perhaps because I used to have dogs growing up, and you know they became part of the family. And it never occurred to me growing up … I never put the whole thing of animal cruelty and that together as a youngster. He credits a vegetarian producer named Mutt Lange and the book "Fit for Life" with influencing his decision. I was ready for a change and worked with a vegetarian producer named Mutt Lange, with whom I made the most incredible fruit salads. He drew my attention to a book that I can only recommend: “Fit for Life,” which is based on the Hay diet with its food combinations.
The Reasons Behind the Choice
Adams' commitment to veganism stems from multiple factors:
Animal Rights: Adams is a vocal advocate for animal rights and opposes any use of animal products. I’m opposed to fur and any kind of use of animal products. I don’t eat them, and I don’t wear them. I’m not for the killing of any creature-whether it be seals, cows, dogs, anything. His compassion for animals, nurtured by his childhood experiences with dogs, led him to question the ethics of eating them. Before the start of his European tour, international rock star Bryan Adams sat down with PETA to talk about animal rights and why loving his dogs as children led him to swear off meat for good.
Environmental Concerns: Adams recognizes the environmental impact of animal agriculture and seeks to reduce his footprint. I was supporting organizations that were supposedly protecting animals, but I figure you can’t support environmental organizations and carry on eating animals and fish - it doesn’t make sense. I realized that everything I was brought up eating was not only hurting me but also the planet. I didn’t want to be a part of that cycle. Not at all.
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Health Benefits: Adams has experienced significant health improvements since adopting a vegan diet. I managed to change things (for the better) for myself within months by simply changing my diet. I saw what were chronic health problems disappear by eliminating animal products from what I was eating. He notes reduced inflammation and a stronger immune system. I have less inflammation since I’ve been vegan. Last November, Adams credited his plant-based diet for helping him to build a stronger immune system, stating that he rarely ever gets sick. He also believes that diet plays a crucial role in long-term health. Everything that I have done in the past 30 years has lead me to the health I have today.
The Evolution of Veganism
Adams has witnessed a significant shift in the vegan movement over the past three decades. As someone who’s been vegan for so long, what kind of change have you seen in the movement? Do you feel youngsters and consumers today are more conscious of their eating habits and how it affects the planet? He notes the increased awareness and availability of vegan options. There are now vegan options almost everywhere you go. It’s easier now than in years gone by. He credits social media for raising awareness and promoting alternatives to animal products. Yes there certainly are, I feel that social media is mostly responsible for the new massive movement worldwide. The internet and social media do a good job of raising people’s awareness of the alternatives, but you will never stop people from killing and eating animals or fish. This will not stop.
Challenges and Triumphs
While veganism has become more mainstream, Adams acknowledges that challenges remain. In the school my children go to, for example, my children are the only ones of 500 students who eat strictly vegetarian. So in this age group of adults, mostly 30 to 40 year olds, there is a certain way of thinking that still thinks eating animals is smart and a balanced lifestyle for children. He also mentions occasional difficulties finding suitable food while traveling. Occasionally you get somewhere and the food is simply average or bland, but that’s the only complaint. Despite these challenges, Adams maintains a positive outlook and focuses on educating future generations. One can only hope that one educates one’s children to respect the living beings on the planet who have as much a right to be here and to live in safety as we do.
Adams' Vegan Lifestyle: Food and Flavors
Adams' diet revolves around fresh, whole foods. I start my day with fruit juice and a mixed fruit salad. Dinner is salads or, if I'm not on a raw-food diet, then pasta or something veggie that's cooked. He emphasizes the importance of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. He has been known to bring avocados to the set with lemons. We bring a juicer, so my rider is just fruit and veggies and some nuts and dried fruits. He also avoids alcohol, preferring green or herbal tea. I don't really drink alcohol unless it's my birthday, when I've resorted to having a tequlia shot or someone has opened a great bottle of wine. I really like virgin mojitos. When I come offstage, I'll drink green or herbal tea.
A key element of Adams' culinary philosophy is the use of lemon and lime. I believe lemon and lime is the secret ingredient to great veggie food. For example, you’ve made a soup and it’s missing something, add lemon and it’s instantly better. Lemons, limes and sea salt. This will revolutionize your meals and salads. I do practically everything with fresh lime. He incorporates these citrus fruits into everything from salads to soups. His favorite salads include raw artichoke hearts with chives, lemon, and olive oil; rocket salads with cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced fennel; and grated raw broccoli with a light dressing of soy sauce, lemon, and olive oil. My favourite salads are raw artichoke hearts with chives, lemon and olive oil; rocket salads with cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced fennel; and grated raw broccoli with a light dressing of soy sauce, lemon and olive oil.
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Adams also enjoys cooking and entertaining. I love to cook and entertain friends and family. He draws inspiration from restaurants around the world, particularly those offering Lebanese or raw vegan cuisine. My signature dishes are definitely salads but I do tend to get good ideas from restaurants - the Lebanese Maroush in London or Quintessence in New York where they serve raw, organic vegan food.
Bryan Adams' Black Bean Chilli Recipe
As part of his advocacy for veganism, Adams has shared his recipe for Black Bean Chilli with Veganuary. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- Chopped red onion
- Red bell pepper
- Minced garlic
- Diced carrot
- Celery
- Black beans
- Kidney beans
- Corn
- Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- Nutritional yeast
- Chilli powder
- Paprika
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté the chopped red onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic until the onion turns translucent.
- Add the diced carrot and celery to the pot, stirring occasionally, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the nutritional yeast, chilli powder, paprika, and bay leaves. Stir thoroughly and season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chilli simmer gently for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve hot.
Advice for Aspiring Vegans
Adams encourages those interested in veganism to embrace the change. Want to lose weight? Go raw. Go Vegan, you will never regret it. He emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and seeking knowledge about detoxing. Listen to your body and your skin, it’s telling you something is wrong if you’re seeing changes you don’t like. You have the power to turn it around, it’s totally within your grasp. Read about detoxing, and start today:
He also stresses the long-term benefits of a healthy diet. Everything that I have done in the past 30 years has lead me to the health I have today.”
Supporting Vegan Initiatives
Adams actively supports vegan businesses and initiatives. You support the start-up bettermoo(d), which produces vegan milk alternatives. He partnered with bettermoo(d), a vegan milk alternative company, because he believed in its mission and its products. I was asked if I wanted to join because they liked my stance on veganism and were looking for someone to represent their milk alternative in public. He recognizes the importance of providing cruelty-free and environmentally friendly alternatives to dairy. Its impact on the environment in terms of emissions, land, and water use are way lower than cow’s milk.
Read also: The Bryan Johnson Story
Adams' Enduring Impact
Bryan Adams' commitment to veganism extends beyond his personal choices. He uses his platform to raise awareness, inspire others, and support organizations that promote animal rights and environmental sustainability. His journey demonstrates that a plant-based lifestyle can be both compassionate and beneficial for one's health.