Beyonce and Jay Z's vegan challenge

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Beyonce and Jay Z's vegan challenge

Jay Z and Beyonce are going vegan until Christmas Day (12.25.13).

The rapper, who turns 44 today, and his pop star wife have set themselves a 22-day challenge after being inspired by a close friend to give up meat and dairy products.

Jay Z wrote on his Life and Times blog: "Psychologists have said it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. On the 22nd day, you've found the way.

"On December 3, one day before my 44th birthday I will embark on a 22 Days challenge to go completely vegan, or as I prefer to call it, plant-based!

"This all began a few months back when a good friend and vegan challenged me to embrace a 'plant-based breakfast' everyday. It was surprisingly easier on me than I thought."

The 'Holy Grail' hitmaker said there was something "spiritual" about his 44th birthday coupled with the fact that the challenge ends on Christmas Day.

Jay Z added: "It just feels right! So you can call it a spiritual and physical cleanse. I will post my progress. Any professional vegans out there that have any great food spots please help out! Please! I don't know what happens after Christmas. A semi-vegan, a full plant-based diet? Or just a spiritual and physical challenge? We'll see."

As vegans the couple should also avoid animal-derived garments, including fur, wool and leather, although Beyonce, 32, was spotted wearing wool and leather while visiting a vegan eatery Real Food Daily in West Hollywood this week.