Women's Health Magazine interviews Carrie Underwood about being a vegetarian and more:
Your parents raise cattle, yet you're a vegetarian. How did that happen?
There was a traumatic incident that made me stop eating beef. My parents were banding cattle [a nasty form of castration]. When I asked why, I was told that it makes them bigger. And it hit me that these cute little animals that were running around playing would become someone's dinner. Eating them made me feel guilty.
Has anyone else in your family decided to follow your example?
No. Just me. It makes for an interesting Thanksgiving. At first it was really difficult. My mom would get so mad at me. But now, she's accepted it. Everything she used to make with cream of chicken soup, she now makes with cream of mushroom soup.
Are you someone who has to watch what you eat in order to stay thin?
Definitely. The older I get, the harder it is to splurge without consequences. I love food. Chocolate and cheese and anything that's bad for me. I'll be really good when I'm at home so I can eat what I want to when I'm out with friends.
And now you have a public image to worry about.
Right. Everyone has all these expectations about what people should look like. Some people think I'm fat, some people don't. Who are they to judge? But it does bother me--if I see a picture, and I look chubby, it affects how I feel about myself. I remember when we were on Idol, and we'd read all the message boards. It was so bizarre. You have to realize that the people who are really mean are probably sitting at home with no job and no friends, and I'm here doing what I love to do and feeling good about it.
Do you still read message boards or pick up the odd gossip magazine?
I read magazines but not the boards. Those comments can be really hurtful. Occasionally I'll be on the Internet and see something about me and give in to the urge to click on it. It's hard not to. Usually I wish I didn't.
What's your solution when it all feels like too much?
Honestly, it's my dog. He's a great stress reliever. He's my kid that I get to take care of and put my energy into. I do exercise. I'll use whatever's in the hotel fitness room: the elliptical machine, maybe lift some weights. Then I'll take Ace for a walk. And it's important for me to know when enough is enough. I do get tired, and that can affect my whole sense of well-being
To read more of the interview, visit the SOURCE