Venus Williams a vegan: Tennis star calls herself a 'cheagan'

One of tennis' hottest stars has admitted that she has given up meat. Yes, Venus Williams is a vegan, but not for the reasons you might think.

In 2011, Williams decided to adopt a vegan lifestyle after she was diagnosed with an immune system illness. According to her website, "sugar is strictly" forbidden from Williams' diet and is not supposed to overload her body with "excess calories, pesticides or sugars." That's not to say she doesn't ignore doctor's orders every once in a while, though.

"If it's on your plate, I might get to cheat. If you're sitting next to me, good luck. You turn your head once and your food might be gone," Williams tells The New York Times. "I think it's pretty well known I'm a cheagan. I'm not perfect, but I try."