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 message is spot on:) love it! I was 100% vegan for to years and finally had to add animal foods back into my life due to some health issues that developed. I am 100% back to normal now. My hair is back and my nails are not tearing off. Trust me I took all the right supplements and was very careful about not ratting a tone of fake vegan cheese/meat products and stuck to the veggie/nut/healthy oils/beans route and it was simply not enough. We are by design made to consume plants and animals probably not grains ( but that is another issue). It took me along time to come to grips that what I believed in and basically what was a religion almost was not working and not for me. So I support you and understand. Living in this world is hard enough and having people being ugly about out food choices is just crazy! You can give a educated and respectfully written opinion without going to the dark side.
Thank you so much for this. You don’t owe any of us any explanations. Your life is YOUR life. You don’t owe ANYONE any answers on what you put in your mouth or what you feed your baby. We (people like yourself and I) don’t crucify the moms we see giving their kids cows milk or cereal snack packs, that’s their prerogative (although we could argue it’s abuse, we don’t.). I’m grateful for the amazing, healthy, and yummy recipes you provide. xo
When my husband and I began this plant based journey about 6 years ago I really struggled with good recipes and eating MORE veggies……that is until I found your site! THANK YOU, THANK YOU for sharing your wonderful recipes with us! It is so nice to know that I can choose any one of your recipes and it will be wonderful!!!! Seriously! It is so frustrating trying a new recipe that just isn’t very good. Yours are worthy of serving to our meat eating friends and family!!! I have been leaning towards gluten free lately and think what will I eat?? But then am reassured because most if not all of your recipes are gluten free or have a gluten free alternative! Can’t wait for your new cookbook! Thank you for sharing your passion with us!!!
Never let haters get you down. Haters hate … It’s just what they do. I refer to our lifestyle as “primarily whole foods plant-based.” I didn’t sign a contract or become a card carrying anything when I chose to follow my conscience … All or nothing extremism tends to be symptomatic of immature reasoning. I have no intention of being unkind to myself or others just because the Veganer Than Thou faction thinks I should live up to the the standards that THEY have set for themselves. My lifestyle is based first and foremost on compassion with health considerations coming a close second. I don’t choose to label myself, I eat according to MY values … T’Ain’t Nobody’s Business if I Do!! YOU help so many people with your work … Don’t worry what those people think … Just do you!
I felt compelled to get in touch after reading about how some people have responded to you. A bit of background – One of my adult sons has been a strict vegan for many years and is very happy to explain his position on this but would never be judgmental regarding other people’s choices. In fact his partner sounds like your husband in that she continues to eat meat but much less so than before. His change in diet intrigued me and after learning more I moved from being vegetarian to vegan three years ago and am so glad I did.
Being a parent and working with my husband to raise two thoughtful, informed and compassionate young men has been the joy and focus of my life. I believe there is nothing more important than guiding our children and then giving them the freedom to be themselves. Your decisions regarding your daughter show profound caring and a deep regard for allowing her own choices as she grows. I smile to myself as I think of all the laughter and special moments ahead for your amazing family. Enjoy every minute!
I so appreciate all you do and am looking forward to your new cookbook. Not only are your recipes wonderful but your zest for life is inspiring!
I’m sorry to hear about the hate you’ve been getting. You’re blog has been incredibly helpful on my path to a plant based diet. I’m still not 100% Vegan and probably never will be. I think that animal consumption in all aspects of daily life, not just food, is too ingrained at this time to be a perfect vegan and still live a happy, healthy and productive life. I have no respect for the haters out there that would tear you and anyone else down. They ruin the vegan image and I’ve actually found myself not wanting to label myself as vegan because of the impracticality of “perfection” and the negative connotations it has in the mainstream. I try to make my choices with the health and well being of the earth, animals and myself in mind and hope that enough people doing likewise can help change our infrastructure of animal based product consumption to something more sustainable and respectful towards all life.
Keep up the great posts and making the world a better place for everyone.
My first reaction was to be so surprised at the backlash you’ve received, and then after thinking about it, I only had to think back to what I’ve surmised over a long period of time, and that is that far too many people are reactive and don’t think about the consequences of their words. I’m just sorry. A new label-free perspective of your own creativity and certainly your continued commitment to healthy living and well-being may be liberating. I hope it is. You’ve made a difference in my life, and I appreciate your work. I wish you only the best.
You go girl! Glad you stood back up and posted. And, I’m so glad you have ALL these awesome comments to read!!! XOXO
Hi Angela,
Just wanted to add my voice of encouragement to all of the others…
It is funny, it was just this past weekend where I was making three of your recipes and I thought “I should drop her a note to say THANK YOU for what she does”. You don’t know me personally, but I’ve followed your blog for many years – I bought Glo Bars back in the day, I eagerly awaited your cookbook. We live in the same community and I’m so grateful that I have a “neighbour” that is so inspiring and so open.
I don’t really care what you call “it”, just please don’t stop what you are doing.
Thanks so much,
erin
I just wanted to say that your post made me really sad. I transitioned to veganism a few years ago and your recipes (especially those cookies!) made it so much easier and fun. I love your attitude and you’re incredibly inspirational. I hope you don’t take the jihadists to heart- every little bit, be it plant-strong or vegan, makes a difference. You do you! <3
Bravo and eloquent. It’s a choice I made to avoid the V label and instead say ” plant-based”. Sad but true commentary of the overthinkers. You remain my fave and inspire so many of us. We all choose our reason for eating more plants and don’t have to be cookie cutter.
Hi Angela. I see you already have the support of so many members of your wonderful community but I would still like to comment and add to the numbers.
Angela, you do what you wanna.
(((hugs)))
So sorry to hear about the negativity & criticism.. It’s hard to understand how anyone could justify criticizing you after your years of wonderfully positive contributions to so many lives (both human & animal). Just want to say thanks for the great recipes, blog & attitude! I always look forward to reading each & every one of your posts, and how you choose to raise your child does nothing to change that! Please keep up the great work!
Kelli
I can’t add anything new to the commenters here — just wanted to raise my hand and say “I’m with you, too.” It’s one thing to take criticism yourself (hard enough, btw), but when people make accusations about parenting, ack! I rarely read comments anywhere on the internet anymore.
Thanks for raising awareness and openness to healthy foods, and for remaining positive in the unfortunately polarized world that food has become.
First, thank you for your delicious recipes. Your cookbook is my “go to” cookbook and has made a huge difference in my family’s life in the last few years as we have changed our way of eating.
I am uncomfortable with the labels that have been attached to different ways of eating because the label is usually followed with a judgement. People take eating and food very personally. So, I now avoid saying I am ‘vegan’ but say instead that I eat mostly plants.
You are handling a difficult situation with grace. It is very admirable and your efforts are making it easier for others to make positive, lasting changes in their lives. Thank you for being you.
Nicely said! I am not vegetarian or vegan, but eat both and I enjoy your recipes and blog. No need for labels that but you in a position to be criticized.
Thank you for such a beautiful post, I am always inspired by you and I admire the way you gracefully handle negative people. I too am shocked anyone could find ANYTHING negative to say about you! I have a similar stance when it comes to labels… although I’m mostly plant-based, I don’t like to label myself, because that always seems to draw criticism – even from those with similar habits. In fact, I’ve never really fit under any label, and usually don’t follow the “conventional” ways of doing anything…whether it’s diet, spirituality, career, or parenting. Hate the labels! Life shouldn’t be so rigid. Labels are fine for recipes, but not for people! Keep doing what you do so well, you’re an inspiration to so many people.
Hi Angela!
I hope you get to read this personally.
Like for so many others, your site is my go-to place to find delicious recipes and I regularly cook from your book.
I follow a plant-based diet and I am also a long time reader and had never commented on your blog before. Well that was until last week when I started reading the disheartening comments some people had on here and Facebook and I just had to say something. Some of those comments were right down preposterous and I had to laugh at loud at some of them.
As others have said, I too was worried about you since you have been quiet for the last week and I know how sensitive you are. But I’m sure you needed some space to take a step back and address the issue, which you did beautifully and tactfully. Like so many others, I consider you as friend – even though we have never met – and I was furious and outraged by the way some of them discredited you in the public eye. Who does that anyways?!?
I hope that this incredible outpour of support will make you forget those ugly comments that you have received lately. People all over the planet and from all walks of life have your back Angela! Already eleven pages (and still going) of supportive comments in just over 24 hours!!!
Every day, your recipes have a tremendous effect and translate into positive changes in terms of people’s health, animal welfare, and our planet. And that is no small feat!!!
“Sincères amitiés” from Eastern Ontario
Yes, this! Your blog and your cookbook have made a huge difference in my diet and my life, and your approach to food, among other things, has made me reconsider my dietary habits precisely because you are not preachy or judgmental. I was a vegetarian years ago, and after years of eating meat again, am working my way toward a plant-based diet, and I can say it is really because of you.
If you are a light for people, you will attract them. If you shine a spotlight in their eyes, they’ll run away. Thanks for being a light for me.
I forgot to mention in my previous comment that one good thing about your post from last week and people stating that they will stop following you as a result is that it will have allowed to weed out the bad seeds from your fan base. Call it if you will “Spring Cleaning”! :D
I am completely blown away by the hateful comments. Although I don’t read your blog regularly (and I’ve never commented) I always recommend it to friends looking for plant based recipes.
I just want to share my support for you and the decision you’ve made for your family. You’re a good person and a good mom. I wish you all the best.
Militant-anything is not good. I applaud your efforts to remain true to yourself. Relatedly, I was just reading at WestonPrice last night and saw the correlation of gall bladder disuse-leading to-disease in vegetarians. I had never truly understood the purpose of the gall bladder and am reading so much now on the necessary proteins and vitamins only found in grass-fed meats, eggs and dairy. As the good book says, Moderation in Everything. May you enjoy a great adventure in motherhood. Your child will be your most important fan ever.