Jay Z and Beyonce are going vegan, at least for the next 22 days

Jay Z has declared that he is going vegan for the next 22 days, or as he likes to put it, eating only a "plant-based" diet. Today is his 44^th birthday, and yesterday the challenge began. He is one of many different celebs who are standing up for the health benefits that come with getting rid of meat and other animal products in their diet.

Along with Bill Clinton, Natalie Portman, Carrie Underwood and hip hop mogul Russell Simmons, Jay Z is embracing the lifestyle of  being a vegan and ultimately taking better care of his body. As Dr. Barnard said on his blog for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, "The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics finds people who follow vegetarian diets have a lower body mass index, lower risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and lower rates of overall cancer."

Jay Z went to his Life and Times blog to share the news and his thoughts on the new dietary plan:

"Psychologists have said it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. On the 22nd day, you've found the way.

On December 3rd, one day before my 44th birthday I will embark on a 22 Days challenge to go completely vegan, or as I prefer to call it, plant-based!! This all began a few months back when a good friend and vegan challenged me to embrace a "plant-based breakfast" everyday. It was surprisingly easier on me than I thought...

Why now? There's something spiritual to me about it being my 44th birthday and the serendipity behind the number of days in this challenge; 22 (2+2=4) coupled with the fact that the challenge ends on Christmas day...It just feels right!

So you can call it a spiritual and physical cleanse. I will post my progress... Any professional vegans out there that have any great food spots please help out! Please ha. I don't know what happens after Christmas. A semi-vegan, a full plant-based diet? Or just a spiritual and physical challenge? We'll see...

Best of luck and health!

P.S. B is also joining me."