From Wannabe to 100% Vegan: Why Every Step Counts
Nutrition | Animal Rights | Environment
Carrie Underwood’s dietary evolution is a testament to the power of personal experience. Raised on a cattle farm, she witnessed firsthand the realities of animal agriculture, leading her to eliminate beef from her diet at the age of 13. Over time, this shift expanded to include all meat products. However, Underwood stops short of fully embracing veganism, opting instead for what she calls a “wannabe vegan” lifestyle. While primarily plant-based, she still incorporates animal products such as eggs and cheese.
‘‘A "part-time vegan" diet reduces harm but still supports animal exploitation. If you care enough to cut back, why not go all the way? Ethical consistency, health, and sustainability all point toward full veganism. Every step counts, but the final step matters most. Go vegan.’’
Her diet aligns with the 45-30-25 approach: 45% carbohydrates, 30% fats, and 25% proteins, with an emphasis on whole, natural foods while avoiding ultra-processed options. She believes in maintaining balance, allowing for occasional indulgences like dark chocolate and red wine. While her approach significantly reduces animal consumption, it ultimately falls short of the ethical and environmental commitments of full veganism. However, this flexible approach can serve as a stepping stone for individuals who are on the path toward eliminating all animal products.
The Problems with the “Wannabe Vegan” Approach
Incomplete Ethical Commitment
Underwood’s move away from meat is commendable, but continuing to consume eggs and dairy perpetuates the very industries she sought to distance herself from. While meat is often the primary target for those transitioning to plant-based eating, dairy and egg production involve their own forms of systemic cruelty. Dairy cows endure constant cycles of impregnation and separation from their calves, while male chicks in the egg industry are typically killed shortly after hatching. By consuming these products, even occasionally, one remains complicit in industries that exploit and kill animals.
For many, the “wannabe vegan” approach reflects cognitive dissonance. It acknowledges the suffering of some animals while continuing to support the exploitation of others. While reducing consumption is a step in the right direction, ethical consistency requires the recognition that all animal exploitation is unnecessary and unjust.
Health Implications of Continued Animal Consumption
Underwood’s emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods is a key strength of her dietary philosophy. However, retaining animal products in her diet introduces avoidable health risks. Dairy consumption has been linked to increased inflammation, cholesterol buildup, and a higher risk of certain cancers. Eggs, despite their reputation as a health food, are high in cholesterol and have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.
By contrast, fully plant-based alternatives provide ample protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients without the drawbacks of animal products. Fortified plant milks offer calcium and vitamin D without the saturated fat and hormones found in dairy, while tofu, lentils, nuts, and seeds provide complete protein sources that align with the 45-30-25 macronutrient breakdown.
Environmental Concerns
Reducing meat consumption is a positive step, but dairy and egg production remain major contributors to environmental degradation. Dairy farming, for example, requires vast amounts of land and water while producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Egg production, particularly in industrial settings, leads to deforestation, water pollution, and significant waste.
True sustainability necessitates the elimination of all forms of animal agriculture. While a reductionist approach can mitigate some harm, it does not go far enough to address the ecological crisis we face. A fully vegan diet offers the most effective way to reduce one’s carbon footprint, conserve resources, and decrease global emissions.
Why “Wannabe Vegan” Could Lead to Full Veganism
A Gateway to Ethical Awareness
Despite its shortcomings, the “wannabe vegan” philosophy can serve as an introduction to the realities of animal agriculture and plant-based eating. Many individuals who eventually adopt full veganism begin by reducing their consumption of animal products. As people explore plant-based options, they often become more aware of the ethical and environmental implications of their choices, making it easier to take the next step.
For someone like Underwood, who already acknowledges the moral complexities of meat consumption, it is only a matter of time before she extends that awareness to all forms of animal exploitation. The more she—and her audience—learn about the suffering inherent in dairy and egg production, the more likely they are to recognize the need for complete dietary change.
Practical Steps for Transitioning Further
Underwood’s dietary habits already emphasize simplicity and whole foods, making the transition to full veganism seamless. Replacing eggs with plant-based alternatives like tofu scrambles or chickpea flour omelets allows for the same nutritional balance without ethical concerns. Dairy-free cheese, now widely available in high-quality, cashew-based varieties, provides the same creamy texture and flavor without the cruelty or environmental impact.
For protein, she already consumes plant-based sources like legumes and nuts, which align with her 45-30-25 approach. Shifting to exclusively plant-based sources would not disrupt her diet but rather enhance it by eliminating inflammatory animal products.
Inspiration for Fans and Followers
Celebrity influence plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, and Underwood’s dietary choices reach millions. If she fully embraced veganism, she could shift the conversation from mere reduction to total elimination of animal products. Her platform would amplify the message that being “mostly vegan” is not enough—true compassion requires consistency.
Additionally, her influence could inspire the food industry to produce more vegan-friendly products, making it easier for her fans to follow suit. As more people transition, demand for ethical and sustainable alternatives grows, further accelerating the shift toward a vegan world.
Conclusion: A Hopeful Path Forward
Carrie Underwood’s dietary journey represents significant progress compared to the standard American diet. Her emphasis on whole, natural foods and reduced animal consumption is a commendable step toward a more ethical and sustainable way of living. However, as outlined, the continued consumption of dairy and eggs contradicts the very values that likely inspired her initial transition.
The good news is that her “wannabe vegan” approach can easily evolve into full veganism. With so many plant-based alternatives available, eliminating the last remnants of animal products from her diet would not only align with her ethical and environmental concerns but also inspire her vast audience to reconsider their own choices.
For those who admire Underwood’s approach, the question is simple: If you’re already reducing animal consumption, why not go all the way? The benefits—ethical, environmental, and health-related—are undeniable. The path to full veganism is clear, and with every step closer, we move toward a world where compassion is not just an aspiration, but a reality.
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The information on this vegan/plant-based blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, medical, or professional advice. Readers should consult with appropriate professionals for specific advice tailored to their situation. The blog owner is not responsible for any reliance on the information herein.