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The Wild Things vocalist/guitarist and star of the hit Netflix/BBC show Uncle, blockbuster movie American Assassin, and cult favourite Young Dracula, Sydney Rae White turned to a vegan lifestyle last year in an effort to get healthier and because of her huge love for animals.
She made the transition from carnist to vegan over about two weeks, influenced by her best friend who was diagnosed with cancer in her very early 20s and began eating a plant-based diet to help her immune system recover from the damage caused by chemotherapy.
Vegan energy
White attributes her year of veganism to giving her more energy, a stronger voice, and the strength to hold up her guitar, ‘which weighs like double what I do’, when performing with the band on stage.
She also finds it easier to sleep and wake-up energized for early set times, is more confident in her appearance having lost a bit of weight that she couldn’t shift with a personal trainer, and doesn’t feel the need to wear much make-up now that her skin is glowing.
Vegan food
However, White reveals that she is a terrible cook: “I can burn water,” she told Plant Based News, adding that her husband and The Wild Things guitarist, Rob Kendrick ‘is an amazing chef who loves experimenting and coming up with things for me, which he then eats too’.
When playing shows, Kendrick also usually makes picnics for the band which include vegan options, ‘but with so many places now having vegan options or menus, I don’t find it hard or worry at all when on tour!’ says White.
Vegan London
The band, who release their debut album You’re Really Something this month, are based in London where White makes the most of the capital’s growing vegan dining options.
“For the last four days in a row I’ve eaten at By Chloe. in Covent Garden,” she says.
“I also adore Temple of Seitan, and I’m absolutely desperate to try Good Belly Pizza – the Instagram photos of its Truffle Mac n Cheese Pizza are out of this world!”
Just try vegan
When it comes to sharing a message with those who are undecided about going vegan, White says it’s worth just giving it a go.
“It’s NOT difficult, it’s NOT expensive, and it’s NOT just lettuce and tofu,” she says.
“That was my impression of veganism until one of my best friends basically gave me a much-needed slap in the face. Go ahead and name a food you love – there’s a delicious vegan alternative for that.”
