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
Your recipes, blog and cookbook have had a huge impact on me since a few years ago when my best friend’s mom first got your cookbook and made us a soup, smoothie, and snack bar from it all in one night! Later I ran out and got the book for myself, and I can’t wait for your next one. My boyfriends parents are huge carnivores and I left your chickpea salad in the fridge one day and came home to them begging for the recipe! You inspire people with any type of diet to eat healthier and try new, interesting and flavorful recipes. Keep doing you!
Your post made me so sad! I was again reminded how we could all benefit with more love and less judgment! One of the reasons I’ve always enjoyed your posts is that you have been straight up and genuine and have shared a lot with your readers. You’ve also helped many of us that are wanting to transition to more whole foods/plant based recipes. We all need to live the life that we are meant to live.
Well said! I like saying that I am a “whole food plant based” eater myself because that represents the health that I am interested in putting into my body. :-) There is never an excuse for hurtful comments whether we are using it against vegans or meat-eaters or anybody else. We need to embrace one another whether we think differently about things or not and keep moving in the right direction – like you said. Thank you for your recipes!! If I don’t like it I just don’t make it. No problem. :-)
Angela, although I’ve never commented before, I’ve read your blog for around a year now and have enjoyed the recipes I tried immensely (am vegetarian, not strict vegan). The ability to see all the grey between the black and white extremes is what makes for interesting discussion, and I think you excelled at addressing grey areas in both this post and the previous one.
All the best for you and your family.
Hello Angela,
I am so sorry to hear about the negative criticism and unkindness you have received. Your blog, followed by your cookbook have made an immense impact on my life and the life of my husband. I decided to begin a “vegan” diet in late 2009 – I am a person living with moderate depression and PTSD, and the changes I made were made for compassionate reasons in the beginning. I was shocked by the changes in my mood and health – it was noticed by all who knew me. Several months later, my husband decided to join me with my dietary choices. Within 6 months, he was off both his blood pressure and cholesterol meds, and hasn’t needed those meds since. I thank you in part for that – your recipes are amazing, and my husband hasn’t missed our previous diet.
I am by no means a “perfect” vegan – striving for perfection has been one of my main sources of ill health, stress, and suffering. I applaud your truthfulness, and never thought twice about what you blogged and whether or not you fit into a “vegan” compartment – until I saw this post. Our attitudes towards living, and the lives of others are the same – I made my choice for my reasons, and I don’t expect anyone to “conform” to my choices. Eating vegan is my choice – I don’t condemn other for their choices, nor do I carry arround a sandwich board stating my superiority to others due to my choices. I don’t believe it is the right choice for everyone. My reasons for becoming vegan are my own, and if asked, I explain. No more, no less. I also dislike the idea that I have to fit into some box that one person or another has decided “a real vegan” is. Anger and cruelty created the society we live in, and I have made my choices to lessen those things in my life.
Again, kudos to you for your strength and honesty, and your courage for remaining true to yourself. I thank you for being a part in my healthy lifestyle, and hope that with time, you can shake of the negativity that has been flung your way. Hang in there!!!
Long time reader, first time commenter – I LOVE your blog, we aren’t a vegetarian household, but I’ve made many of your recipes to rave reviews from my husband and kids. As so many have mentioned before me, keep up the amazing work you do!
Angela, you are a wonderful and inspirational human being and mother. Thank you for sharing your life and recipes with us – I hope the negative responses you’ve recieved as of late don’t spol it for the rest of us who still want to be part of your online community.
*spoil
Angela! Your blog is wonderful, your words inspiring, and your food, ohmygoodness, I cannot describe, but amazing and delicious! I appreciate your openness, and apologize about the fact that you have been made to feel anything less but wonderful. I am not one to post online, normally a quiet observer, but I was compelled to send you some kind words given the ridiculousness of others. Your recipes have helped me to live a healthy lifestyle and maintain a nutritious, (dare I say!!) ‘mostly vegan diet’. Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t change a THING! People are bold and fearless when it comes to putting others down when they can hide behind anonymity and a screen. You have plenty of supportive, faithful followers who appreciate all that you do, and have enjoyed your journey. :)
I am a regular reader of your blog but never comment. I missed the post “Will you raise your daughter a vegan?” I went back and read it just now. I am not vegan but enjoy your recipes and adding more veggies to my meals. I would fall in the category of your husband. You have exactly the right attitude. Your daughter should have the right to choose the foods she likes and be able to eat meals that her friends and relatives prepare if that is her choice. Just because you blog doesn’t mean you should be subjected to rude people criticizing your personal decisions or lifestyle. Ignore them and keep doing the wonderful work you are doing for those of us who appreciate it so much.
I think it’s so sad that there are so many vegans out there that feel the need to shame other people- that shouldn’t be what the plant- based movement is about. You dealt with the criticism in such a classy and well- spoken way (I would have used some choice words, lol). Thank you for all you do and for being an inspiration to so many! (hugs)
I just wanted to add my voice of support, Angela. I always enjoy your posts and recipes, and reading about the criticism you’ve received made me feel really sad. People can be so cruel when they have a computer screen to hide behind. Keep doing what you are doing and stand tall. Best wishes from Plymouth, UK xx
I absolutely LOVE your recipes and you are the number one website I pass onto others! Call yourself whatever you want! Haters gonna hate!
Hi Angela,
I came across your blog at a time when I was seeking change in what I was eating and the way I was eating. I instantly fell-in love with your blog and simple yet delicious recipes!! Although I’ve always considered myself “healthy” you’ve been a great inspiration to start being “mindful” of what I eat and showed me that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring!!! I’m so sad to hear that you’ve gotten criticism for sharing something you love. Don’t let that stop you from continuing to inspire so many others!!!! I just wanted to let you know that you are awesome and have changed my life by sharing your wonderful recipes. None of us are born to please others..we are all here to live our authentic self and it’s a shame that others are too busy imitating instead of being the perfect imperfection of themselves.
I am sorry that people are so mean. You have changed my perspective on food and probably saved my life. Thank you.
Well said Angela! I was sad to see a similar post by Peas and Thank You some years ago. What a shame that people can use a label to create conflict and negativity. The last thing we need! Especially when you work so hard to beautifully and honestly share your delicious recipes. Feed your beautiful daughter whatever you feel is best and continue to take the high road where other people’s comments are concerned. Thanks again for your fabulous recipes!
I applaud you for writing a beautiful article on your beliefs and feelings on being Vegan. Isn’t that what life is about? Believing in how you make decisions for yourself, without people wanting you to change to their belief only. Perhaps those out there who need to send hateful comments to someone who works very hard to live a life that works for her and her family should perhaps look in the mirror and wonder where things went wrong in their life. What happened to you that you make the ultimate decision that someone isn’t living Vegan the way you do? Why do you have the desire to hurt people who make good judgement and decisions that work for them? I admire you so much for your devotion to give us a wide variety of food to choose from and to help some of us ease into a lifestyle that works for them concerning food and health. Giving critique is good, but being down right nasty requires that time in the mirror questioning yourself as to why you are spending all that energy being hateful. I would doubt you live a true Vegan lifestyle yourself if you have that much anger.
Just adding a comment to tell you “you rock!”! You’re an inspiration and your recipes are delish. Thank you for adding so much food joy to my life! Love your cookbook so much I just bought a second copy! (I left copy #1 across the country with my Mom.) Thank you!!!
PS I’m making both your chickpea salad and vegetable soup with cashew cream *again* today! :-D
Why anyone would really care about what you feed yourself or your family is beyond me. I eat meat. Whatever. But what I have learned from buying your cookbook is the value of eating more from a plant-based/natural diet. Your advice and your blog are helping me make better food decisions. I would even go so far as to say you are helping many,many people make healthier food decisions. When you are feeling attacked or critized – lean into that.
Ooops, I spelled criticized incorrectly!
There will always be haters out there. I can’t believe someone who accuse you of not being “vegan enough” that is insane. You have done more to support and spread veganism than anyone I can think of. Love your blog and recipes Angela!