Alicia Silverstone: On Vegan Misconceptions and Where Cher Would Eat

This particularly dreary Tuesday definitely needs an energy boost, and in this case it’s in the form of Alicia Silverstone. The actress – known for her iconic role as Cher Horowitz in Clueless - is the definition of a multi-tasking Mom, constantly updating her website, The Kind Life (which celebrates all things vegan), as well as writing books on the subject, all while maintaining her acting career.

Her newest book The Kind Mama (released today, on the heels of her first vegan cookbook The Kind Diet) is a guide book for new Moms, taking them through her own personal experiences with pregnancy and fertility as well as tips and advice (all along the lines of ‘The Kind Life’). The actress and author seems to be doing it all, but would it really be like Silverstone not to? As if.

From start to finish, what would be your ideal food day?

This is tough! I love going to the Farmer’s Market and letting myself be inspired by what’s fresh and in season. Spending time with friends over a delicious lunch or dinner, ideally at home, is also a treat – nothing I hate more than overdoing it at a restaurant and waking up puffy and parched the next day!

Words to the mirror upon waking up in the morning…

I jump right into getting the day started with my son. It’s full on kiddo-time from the moment we get up. I try to get in some yoga after he and his dad have left the building.

In terms of diet, how do you practice beauty from the inside out?

It all starts with a kind diet. By eating a varied, plant-based diet, you will strengthen your immune system, beautify your skin, increase energy, and reduce your risk (significantly!) for developing so many diseases.

What are your nightly and morning beauty regimes?

I try to incorporate yoga and walking into my daily life. I aim to eat mindfully by breathing, relaxing, and setting an intention before my meals – and actually chewing my food! Seriously, how many of us chew?! And, as most moms will attest, sometimes the basics can feel like a luxury – so during a crazy day when I can brush my teeth and wash my face, that feels like a victory. No matter what, I try to have fun and my foundation, rooted in the clean and life-giving food I eat, is what keeps me spunky and balanced.

A beauty mainstay you haven’t changed since your Cher days…

My long hair.

How do you balance a healthy lifestyle and a love for all things food?

I happen to love foods that are actually good for me and make me feel my best. Does that mean that I don’t sometimes indulge? Of course not! Some days that might be something gooey and chocolatey or other times, a too-salty restaurant meal. But I make sure to balance those days with healthy days and always stay true to my kind diet.

Why is it so important to live ‘the kind life,’ and what does that entail?

Eating “kind” is about being really, really good to yourself via the foods you put into your body. A plant-based diet filled with delicious whole foods (mother nature’s little miracles) will give you tons of energy, mental clarity, gorgeous skin and a zest for life. The bonus? This kindness also extends to the earth itself; a plant-based diet is much lighter on the planet.

Advice for new Moms cooking for their kids…

Above all, keep it simple. Take the time to make them clean, healing foods and avoid salt when cooking for kids under seven years old. And try not to introduce sugar – let fruit be the candy.

What’s always in your fridge?

Umeboshi plum vinegar, Shoyu, Scallions, Sunflower seeds, Earth Balance butter and Veganiase for when needed.

What’s your idea of the perfect smoothie?

Strawberries, cinnamon, and almonds. Planet Raw makes the craziest smoothies ever.

Foods that make you glow…

Brown rice, greens, beans, and seaweed.

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