Nominated for an Oscar for his starring role in The Green Mile, FOX’s The Finder‘s, Michael Clarke Duncan’s healthful vegetarian diet keeps him in the best shape of his life. Once plagued by illnesses and spending thousands of dollars on meat, Michael has turned his health around by going vegetarian. He joins Russell Simmons, Bill Clinton, Woody Harrelson, Forest Whitaker, and a long list of other healthy, compassionate men whose meat-free lifestyles help save animals’ lives and their own.

Watch Michael’s exclusive behind-the-scenes interview to hear his story:

Since going vegetarian, “Big Mike” has shed 35 pounds from his 6-foot-5 frame—and is a lot healthier. Michael keeps his trimmer, fitter body strong by getting much of his vitamins and nutrients from plants. Instead of packing on protein from an artery-clogging steak, he eats fruits, vegetables, and legumes such as beans, peanuts, and tofu, just like vegetarian athletes Ricky Williams, Mac Danzig, and Daniel Bryan, just to name a few. Going vegetarian keeps Michael at a lesser risk of our nation’s biggest killers, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and strokes.

Follow Michael’s Step-by-Step Plan for Going Vegetarian

Michael took the following steps to go vegetarian—follow his lead today: