Beyonce has 'more energy' now

Singer Beyonce Knowles says she has "more energy" since giving up meat and credits a plant-based diet for her trim figure.

The "Pretty hurts" hitmaker, who first participated in a vegan challenge with rapper and husband Jay Z in December 2013 in a bid to adopt "a healthy lifestyle", says more people should embrace the lifestyle.

"At first it's the little things I noticed: I had more energy. A noticeable glow to my skin without having to deprive myself of carbs. I even slept better. The benefits of a plant-based diet need to be known.

"We should spend more time loving ourselves, which means taking better care of ourselves with good nutrition and making healthier food choices," Beyonce told nytimes.com.

The "Run the world" hitmaker, who doesn't like using the word vegan because she believes it has negative connotations, says her personal chef cooks most of her meals.

"I don't really cook, but I'm a really good taste tester."