Since I announced my pregnancy last year, I’ve been asked quite often whether we would raise our baby vegan. If I saw the question on my blog or social media, I would respond by saying that we decided not to label her diet or lifestyle and I explained why if I had the time. Since I was asked this question so frequently I recently decided to write a blog post on the topic to be transparent about our decision (see: Will you raise your daughter a vegan?). I’ve always been an open book on the blog and figured I could share our thoughts and also ask you to share your own experiences. I enjoy hearing other perspectives because I’ve never been someone who thinks that there is one correct way to do anything. What works for one family might not work for others.
As I expected, there was a wide range of opinions on the topic. Many of you left thought-provoking and respectful comments (whether you agreed or not), and I greatly enjoyed reading them. They led to some wonderful discussions with friends and family this week. However, there were some hateful and threatening comments attacking me, my family, and our decision. According to some, I’m no longer welcome to call myself vegan. This wasn’t entirely surprising; over the past 6 years I’ve often been accused of not being “vegan enough”, being “too mainstream”, or not “doing enough for the vegan movement”, yet here I was receiving hundreds of comments and emails each month from readers telling me my recipes changed their lives, that they were happy to be helping animals, reducing their carbon footprint, and getting healthy even if they weren’t “perfect”. Apparently, my welcoming and non-judgmental approach was indeed the catalyst for major change.
I realize that the scrutiny I’ve faced over the years is from a small percentage of vegans. Tearing each other down is never conducive to furthering the movement though. The majority of vegans I know are incredibly kind and compassionate both to animals and humans alike. However, the personal attacks have made me reflect greatly about whether this label continues to be right for me. Do I want to live my life striving for an elusive perfection that I know I’m too flawed to ever achieve? Or can I do it my way? While some of you will say “don’t let it bother you” and “don’t let them win” I’ll be honest in telling you that experiencing hate on a public forum from your own community wears you down over time. It’s a distraction from my overall purpose and you know what, it sure as hell takes the fun out of the journey.
In the end, I will keep on doing my thing, but without a personal label on my diet or lifestyle. Going forward you can expect to see the same types of crowd-pleasing plant-based recipes on this blog and in my next cookbook; this is how I love to eat and what makes me happy. My goal has always been to encourage others to reduce their animal consumption and embrace more plants in their diet. This is my passion in life not only because of how it has greatly improved my own and those close to me, but for countless other reasons. I still believe that the greatest change happens when we elevate one another, celebrate progress, and of course, share delicious food that challenges the norms of the standard diet. So that’s exactly what I intend to keep doing. There are many ways in which compassionate individuals can spread their message and this is what speaks to my heart. I have no doubt there is something out there for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, and also, for reminding me why it’s important to remain authentic even in spite of criticism.
Angela
Please note comments are now closed – May 20/15
Just wanting to speak up to say that I appreciate your accepting & supportive point of view, I loved and shared the post you refer to, and though I live in an omnivore household we make many of your recipes. So, thank you!
Angela, I love your blog and your recipes. I identify as a pescetarian (is that a real category?) and my husband is an omnivore. We offered our kids various types of food. My son chose to become a vegetarian when he was 8 years old (he’s now 10) but then transitioned to be a pesecetarian. My 7 year old daughter loves meat, so she and my husband occasionally have meat at home, and often when we go out to a restaurant.
I love your approach to food and life. All of us need to do what works for us and our families. Keep on keeping on Angela! You have a lot of fans out here in the interwebs ;)
My husband and I are decreasing the amount of animal products we consume, but do not intend to label our diet. However, I have been making recipes from your site for the past few months and am so thankful to have it as a resource. I made your Italian bean balls recently and my husband told me that he is really enjoying our meatless meals and doesn’t miss the meat at all. So thank you for your recipes. I’m also a new mom and love reading about what you are doing with your daughter. People are hateful because they are dealing with something inside of themselves. I hope you will continue to write honest and thoughtful posts and recipes.
Putting yourself out in the scrupulous public eye of the Internet takes a lot of courage. I personally enjoy your blog and recipes and as a new mom, I can sympathize with your struggle. It makes me sad that you would question wether or not it’s worth your time! Unless it becomes a joyless, dreadful task, please carry on! Your voice is a voice of reason and centrism and it’s fully appreciated. I support you whole-heartedly.
I’m not vegan but love your blog & recipes! I just wanted to say that reading the way you plan to raise your daughter was so refreshing to hear! So many people are judgmental and have such extreme views. Yours will encourage your child to be able to make the right decision for her and not push one on her.
This is a fantastic post Angela. Even when my diet was mostly vegan I’ve always avoided labeling myself because of some of the backlash I’ve seen from actual passionate vegan or vegetarian friends. To your own self be true. Keep up the great work with whipping up great plant based, whole food dishes that I can serve to anyone and know they will love it.
this sounds very much like Lindsay from Happy Herbivore. Apparently if you don’t use tofu in every recipe and picket with PETA, you are not a real vegan (to those fringe people, anyway). I call myself vegan and I totally eat non vegan things all. The. Time. I want to do better and every day I try. Every day. Some days are great and dime days are a struggle and I don’t think that makes me not a vegan. But I love using other labels like plant-based die and herbivore just to get away from these rabid, hostile, angry people who surely don’t even measure up to their own standards.
Okay, but… if you call yourself a vegan and eat non-vegan things “all. the. time” then you are NOT a vegan. You can say you’re transitioning, working toward it, etc., but you’re not a vegan. And just because I actually make a commitment to not eating animal products ever doesn’t make me “fringe” or some sort of angry activist (as a matter of fact, I find PETA reprehensible). But be a mature adult and know that things aren’t so dichotomous — it’s not like you’re either a flimsy so-so vegetarian who occasionally eats an egg and goes to a zoo or an angry extremist who throws paint on someone wearing a wool cardigan.
While I didn’t really have a problem with Angela’s initial post, I DO have a problem with the fact that she’s suddenly decided to no longer call herself a vegan because… I can’t quite figure it out. Some “angry vegans” were mean to her?
While I ADORE Angela, her recipes and her brave decision to share her personal journey, I’m not interested in supporting fare weather vegans. A lot of the criticisms identified by people in the comments were very valid concerns, and they represent a lot of frustrations of ethical vegans.
She’s no longer identifying herself as vegan because people like you won’t allow her to use that label. She listened and it’s still not good enough. Really sounds like you adore her.
I chose to quit calling myself a vegan several years ago. I now call myself plant-based because of people telling me what I could or could not eat or call myself. Also, I openly disassociate myself from vegans because of the many food elitists that I find in that realm.
There is power in saying, “I Am _______” and it can strengthen us in our goals. It can convince, perfect and motivate. Bree, I don’t understand or agree with you as you tell Kirsten what she can or can’t call herself. I would not claim so much authority to tell people what they can call themselves under a label that has a highly debated diet in the first place.
Well said Kirsten, Carolyn and Katie. I too quit calling myself a vegan because of the radicals that give veganism such a harsh and shameful face. We need cooperation and these brutish few cause more harm than good. I saw people cringe when I said the word “vegan.” Open folks, animal loving folks. Now that I follow a “plant-based” diet and share with other there is greater receptivity. Bree is the perfect example of who I don’t want to be; or wish to be identified with because of her inflexible attitudes. I know others who work tirelessly for animals yet eat them. Yes, this is hypocritical but I don’t care. Any step towards greater safety and treatment of animals is a step forward. What irks me the most is those who box others in by their narrow-minded perspective. They claim to be compassionate people but are not. They claim to be helpful but are not. There is enough hostility in the world. If you can’t be kind and accepting of others, than you need to look inside and see the problems lie with you, not with others who do their best daily.
Angela, you ROCK! Keep of rocking. Don’t let the negativity of the small-minded people interfere with your goodness and great efforts.
Bree , seems like you need a bone to chew on !!
What rage, jealousy is an ugly thing and it looks bad on you !
♡♥♡ ANGELA , TU ES MAGNIFIQUE !!!
With love from Québec, Montréal Canada
BRIGITTE ESTELLE
I read Bree’s comment and thought it was very well put. I’m not vegan. I rarely eat meat, but I don’t label myself, don’t think I have to and frankly don’t want to. I think your comments to those whose views differ from yours are quite rude and unnecessary. In your desire to defend Angela, you are attacking others, this is in direct opposition of what Angela’s desires are. Try to be mindful of others. Common courtesy and respect go a long way. Peace.
Bree, thank you for posting! I do think it’s more than the anger vegans have replied with, it’s the fact that Angela was posting about animal suffering and how could she participate in such a cruel industry – and then she says it’s okay for her child to eat animals. Where is the integrity? I’m happy she’s chosen to drop the vegan label, as it didn’t truly reflect her values.
Sincerly for Judith and Bree ,
who has no knowledge of life and no respect for people’s opinion but their own , I have this to share with ya’ll ; If the ignorants were blessed you both would be Saints !!
Angela you are GREAT !! ♡♥♡♥
BRIGITTE ESTELLE GAUDREAULT
QUÉBEC, MONTRÉAL CANADA
I have a lot of life knowledge and great respect for people’s opinions. It’s why I applaud Angela for acknowledging that the vegan label does not work for her on this public blog.
Do you respect my opinion, or are you just going to accuse me of being jealous and having to chew on a bone?
My my touchy aren’t we ?
What’s the matter , can’t take the heat ? Don’t like a good negative comment ? I mean you’re shelling it out left and right !
First of all this is Angela’s blog and we all hope that she continues to encourage us to “not label ” anyone, to enjoy life and to continue to experience new challenges, new recipes ! She , besides her beauty “THAT ” for sure must make you arrrgh inside , she believes in live and let live, so much grace , so much class
everything your opinion shows us all what you seem to lack !
Mmmmm and I THOUGHT THAT YOU WERE VEGAN ? BULLY IS WHAT YOU PROJET, and your oplnionated evil disruptive mind is full of it !
Wow there is a beautiful sunset infront of me , gonna concentrate on the beauty of it and pray for your ignorance !
… JUDITH GO FETCH !!
Angela you are a great person , mom, blogger !!
♡♥♡♥♡♥♡♥
With love from Québec, Montréal Canada
BRIGITTE ESTELLE GAUDREAULT
Ah, yes, another new age troll. Your trash talking is so full of inaccuracies and downright nastiness. Have you looked at what the definition of bully is? Because that fits you to a tee.
I’ve gone through the comments and anyone who is vegan and expresses their concern is attacked by you.
Enjoy your sunset. And please, reply, it will only reveal more of your bullying and inflammatory language to the readers of this site.
The only thing I will agree with from your comment is that Angela is a great mom and blogger. I bought her cookbook, I love her recipes. For me, that will never change.
Rude.
I agree to an extent. Mostly just with the last paragraph. I’ve found the whole thing to actually be very dramatic and has rather put me off of the blog. Not that there has been much posting lately, anyway.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and of course each of us must do what we feel is right in our hearts. For me, I come here for the food and have found the labels to be very helpful, since we have so many food allergies.
I cannot put my finger on what exactly it is about this whole thing that has left such a bad taste in my mouth, but the the truth is, it bothers me enough that I know I will not be buying the next cookbook.
Bree…. Thank you! I’m vegan and have worked really hard at researching, implementing, and supporting this ethical lifestyle. When people label themselves as “90% vegan” or “sometimes vegan” it means that they are 100% not vegan. Being vegan is a lifestyle of completely abstaining from ALL animal products. Period. I think it’s great that people are eating less and less animal products, but it does not earn you the right to call yourself vegan. I’m not attacking anyone, but it does seem unfair that people are eating meat and cheese and eggs and still calling themselves vegan. Just say that your diet is 90% plant based and we’ll call it a day.
You were one of the first blogs I read, Angela, and even though I have no label on my diet, reading your blog (among others) has continued to make my diet a more green, nutritious, and healthful variety! Thank you for inspiring me and countless others.
I adore your recipes and I think that you should just do what you like to and what you feel like you want to…there’s aways going to be someone who doesn’t agree!!!! keep being true to yourself :)
https://aspoonfulofnature.wordpress.com/
Hi Angela, I didn’t read the other piece yet (I’ll be looking at it now). I’m sad you will no longer be able to feel comfortable using the term “vegan” :-( but I am mostly sorry that you received criticism. I support you completely, and I ADORE your blog. Yours is the one I give out most often when people ask for vegan recipes. I appreciate how thoroughly tested the recipes are, everything is always top notch quality. Wishing you the best and you have my full support however you choose to label or not label yourself. I actually enjoy these conversations as long as they are respectful, and I realize I do not have all the answers, so I love to hear all points of view. Keep on being who you are, and thanks so much for all you provide, including all the fabulous recipes and content.
Oh Angela, I just read the post and the comments and my heart hurts….. (still feeling the same way as my comment above….. it’s just that conflict always makes me sad)
I am sorry you had to deal with those horrible comments, you are a wonderful person and how you choose to raise your daughter is your choice. Love from another non-violent vegan <3
Angela, I love this post so much. I think its great that you are able to rise above your critics and not put a label on your life. As a dedicated reader of your blog and non-vegan, I can say that I appreciate your open minded spirit and the fact that you are able to encourage everyone to eat a more plant based diet. Your recipes make eating a plant based diet enjoyable for everyone, not just vegans. I can also say that since I have started reading your blog a few years ago, I have significantly decreased my intake of animal products, and I feel so great! Thank you so much for your recipes and please know that you have all of my support!
Well said, Allison! I feel very much the same, and support you and your family, Angela.
I am so sorry to hear about all of the negativity you receive from some people. I adore your recipes and always look forward to seeing what you have created! Though I am not vegan, I make many vegan meals and most of them come out of your glorious cookbook :)
Kudos to you for handling everything so gracefully! Hopefully people can find somewhere else to discuss their negativity…
I really don’t understand how some people can be so nasty about it! Vegans should be kind (not only to animals, but to their fellow humans too!) No worries though, as you are a big inspiration for me and many others! You’re one of the few people that inspired me to eat more plant-based foods (I’m 14 btw) and even make my own recipes! So yes, indeed, you have changed a lot of people’s lives and you should be proud of that! Lots of love and light always! <3
You’ve done a fantastic job providing plant based recipes and awareness, Angela. I think people are too stuck on the ideal of labelling their lifestyle and it’s absolutely absurd. You’re providing some great healthy recipes, ones I never would have thought of trying before and now Ithey’ve become staples in my weekly diet thanks to you! I still eat meat, but just MUCH less of it. I understand people’s opinions and passions about the vegan lifestyle, but it doesn’t give them any right to hateful towards another human being or tell you how to run your life. The hatred is disgusting really. There is far too much of it in this world already.
I think you absolutely inspiring! I also eat vegan and create vegan food but in my day to day life do not consider myself vegan. I am just me. I eat what I like and I am happy and healthy. Nutrition is so incredibly personal and I have always found reading this blog was not about veganism, but rather, fun alternatives to meals. I have read your cookbook cover to cover at least 25 times. I have almost memorized/made every recipe. Thank you for being part of my dinners and keep doing what makes you happy!
Unfortunately you are not the first vegan food blogger to have this happen and it’s terribly sad. Extreme advocacy for vegan living has done more to damage the movement than anything. Instead of meeting people where they are they insist on perfection from an imperfect world. I’m a “vegan” who has seen this sort of attack way too much and my boyfriend stopped calling himself vegan years ago for this very same reason. But I want you to know that I love your recipes and I love your style. Your recipes helped me a great deal when I was diagnosed with SIBO last year. I felt like I was left with nothing to eat because of strict dietary restrictions, but many of your yummy recipes where allowed and I fell in love with them. I encouraged my mother, who is moving toward a plant-based diet, to get your book and we’ve had a lot of fun sharing your recipes. Keep up the good work. Call yourself whatever you want. Perhaps the Queen of Plant-Based Goodness! Just keep doing what you’re doing! We love it!
I have been following you since the beginning but haven’t commented before. After reading your post today, I felt a strong need to let you know what a positive impact you have had on my family and friends over the last 6 years. Because of you, our diet has changed completely and we have become more educated and insightful about our food choices and have reduced our animal consumption greatly. My kitchen has been transformed in to an oasis of healthy whole foods, and I take more time to consider the options that not only benefit my family but our environment as a whole. Your recipes are healthy, delicious and easy to follow(and I share them with everyone I can) your balanced approach to food and life in general is what makes you so appealing to the masses. Know that you have done more in the past 6 years in bringing change to the way we eat then any nay sayer will ever do in their lifetime! Keep creating those delicious and healthy recipes knowing that you have our full support and I look forward to your next cookbook.
This is so well spoken, I have just recently come across your cookbook and could not be more excited to try so many new recipes!! You have put an incredible about out time, thought and love into this passion and lifestyle that is helping more people than you will ever ever know! Unfortunately, it is often the people who hate who take the time to voice their opinion. Thank you for all of the energy you have put into this work and never underestimate the impact you have had and continue to have!
It is always sad to hear when people in the public eye have to endure hateful words from strangers for no reason. It seems it can be easier to sit behind the screen of a computer and share negative perspectives. I don’t think any label can dictate the level of perfection we “should” exhibit in our day. Your journey has been yours and yours alone! You have been kind enough to share it with others and (thank goodness ;) ) it’s produced some amazingly delicious recipes!!! Thank you :)