Celebrity Trainer Bob Harper Cheats on Vegan Diet With Pizza
By: Marissa Brassfield
Published: May 23, 2011

Bob Harper, a trainer on The Biggest Loser and a fitness guru in his own right, recently revealed in an interview with Star that he cheats on his vegan diet with forbidden foods such as cheese pizza.
Harper, who has been a vegan for four years and is very outspoken regarding veganism and animal rights, said that he allows himself to "indulge" guilt-free on occasion: "My diet is so clean, eating only organic foods that are primarily plant based, if I want to have a treat, I let myself have it." He also admits that dark chocolate and peanut butter are his biggest weaknesses.
While Bob Harper's healthy attitude toward occasional dietary splurges reflects an emphasis on moderation and balance that vegans and non-vegans alike can appreciate, his decision to abandon veganism during these "cheats" has angered some voices within the vegan community. In her coverage of the story, Daelyn Fortney of This Dish is Veg wrote, "It is imperative that, as vegans, we show the world that the lifestyle is not only healthy and compassionate, but also easy. If vegans themselves say it's not, how do we ever expect mainstream society to take the leap and give veganism a chance?"
Do you think Bob Harper's occasional dietary dalliances are okay, or should he be more mindful of his influence on others as a high-profile vegan?