Alicia Silverstone

Rachael Ray: Thanks for showing us your fridge. This is our second vegan fridge—we looked inside Moby's, too. He said he hasn't cheated in 18 years! Is there anything you still crave—do you ever sneak a pint of Ben & Jerry's?

Alicia Silverstone: If somebody had cheese and I was feeling weak, I might say, "OK, give me some!" Then, about five seconds later, I'd start to feel sick and think, Was that worth it? It's not better than anything I'm eating now, anyway.

RR: I don't like regular mayonnaise, but I see you have Vegenaise—does that taste anything like mayo?

AS: I have friends who eat meat who started eating Vegenaise and love it—I don't see any difference at all. If anything, it's richer and creamier. You should try it!

RR: We'll see—it's a texture issue for me. You have almond butter in there—do you like it better than peanut butter?

AS: I know almond butter is better for me, but I do sometimes eat peanut butter. I use it mostly to make my version of Rice Krispies Treats, which I'm very proud of. I'll give you the recipe!

RR: What kinds of things did you eat as a meat eater?

AS: Until nine years ago, my refrigerator had steaks in it. I pretty much ate steaks, doughnuts and maybe mushrooms! I became more interested in health accidentally; I became vegan because I didn't want animals to suffer. But my skin and hair changed and I lost weight. Plus, I hardly ever get sick now.

RR: I know you're very involved with kids' health issues and legislation to help fight the obesity epidemic.

AS: Yes, well, I think the government could be doing a lot more—in terms of promoting the production of fresh fruitsnand vegetables—but it's also a personal issue. Ultimately, everyone has to take their health into their own hands.

RR: Right. That's why we started the Yum-o! organization—so families are empowered to cook healthier meals.

AS: And it's fun—going to the farmers' market and getting all that fresh stuff. I thought I was giving up these "good" foods, but I feel younger now than I did at 19.

RR: Well, you look fantastic! OK, finally, if you could have anybody over for supper, who would you invite?

AS: Oprah—she's so inspiring. To me, she's, like, the president of the United States. Well, she's my president.

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