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
The OSG blog helps positive change grow and Angela is such a compassionate person. You don’t need to be a militant to love animals; you can care about them and still be approachable. Many plant-based people used to eat meat at some time.
People consider going vegan when they have good energy, not nasty rants. The militant vegans reminded me of other extremists who can’t be reasoned with. They may be vegan for good reasons, but miss how being negative to the veggie-friendly hurts the cause by turning everyone off.
In 2015, more than 30% of Americans are overweight or obese. I think it is great that you are making the world a healthier place with ranch recipe you post. Making a transformation to a vegan diet can be hard for some, but the fact that they are trying to make a change is what counts. Angela, you have given MILLIONS of people the ability to improve their lifestyles, including my own. Your plant-based recipes have brought more vegetables and whole grains to my family’s meals, since they are not into the whole vegan/vegetarian concept. I’ve been a vegetarian for a long while now, but I mainly lean towards the vegan side as I use your recipes to make a my day. Your recipes have made our holidays and our special occasions the greatest, so I thank you for being so amazing! Although all of them are not vegans, I’ve noticed that my family has started to make healthier choices. I mean no disrespect to those who are dedicated to this lifestyle; not being a full vegan or a vegetarian is not a bad thing! The effort of incorporating real, whole foods into our lives is what makes websites like Angela’s so great.
-Thank you Angela for being thoughtful and creative!
So beautifully said, Angela. It’s distressing to think any such harsh words would be directed towards you or your posts. Your blog and book has always given so much more than incredible plant based recipes but for me has inspired the most incredible and positive relationship I’ve even had not only with food but also with myself. After discovering your blog in 2011, I was so inspired and encouraged by not only your amazing recipes but your energy that i transitioned from a vegetarian to a vegan but honestly I don’t need a “label” for that. I feel the best I’ve ever felt and am happy about my lifestyle and that’s what is important to me. Similarly, my partner isn’t vegan and we’ve discussed that when we decide to start a family we don’t want to put any labels on our kids – it will be their decision though of course I know they will be exposed to mostly yummy plant based foods. I just felt compelled to reach out – I’m so grateful for your words with every post and your book never goes far from my sight (can’t wait for #2!) Keep doing what you’re doing, girl!
So eloquently put–I completely understand the need to post this and continue to admire and enjoy your blog on the regular =) Thanks for sticking to what you love despite encountering challenges along the way!
Angela,
I saw those rude comments and I am so sorry you had to endure the negativity. I discovered your blog after becoming vegetarian, but before becoming vegan, and your honesty (especially about your evolving relationship with food) taught me that it is possible to eat a variety and abundance of food with joy. I love your recipes, love learning about your growing family, and my copy of your cookbook is covered in cooking stains. Your recipes have even helped ease my omnivore boyfriend away from meat at every meal (he is especially fond of the lentil meat tacos and almond butter cups). Thank you so much for your work and your writing. I will continue to support you, no matter your label (or lack thereof). -Anya
I am teary-eyed reading how people can be so cruel towards each other. You are a truly inspiring, kind, authentic individual!
Thank you for being on this planet! Much love and support!
To those who say anyone is not “anything” enough, I will quote the wise Stephen Hawking : “The universe doesn’t allow perfection”.
Consider me just “plant-based” from now on! Given the comments you received (and I follow the same approach with my daughters, by the way), I don’t want to use the label “vegan” for myself anymore either! You’re the best – please keep doing what you do!!
Thanks for the wonderful posts. From this day forward I will not refer to myself a vegan, despite my plant-based, no-animal diet. (Of which you have been a great source of support) Keep up the good work. You know what Taylor Swift says- “Shake it off!”
I have so much respect for you for writing this post! I think it’s absolutely ridiculous how people who adapt different eating styles can become so judgmental and hateful at what others choose to put into their bodies. After dealing with an eating disorder as well, I am totally of like mind, that every body is different and may need different things than others. I know people who have been vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten-free and feel amazing and I know some people who ended up becoming sick because that wasn’t the right eating style for their body. It’s unfortunate that people choose to behave this way, but I hope you remember that you’ve helped so many people on their journey to health and I know speaking personally that you’ve definitely been an inspiration for me and I’m sure many others! Thank you for all that you do!
It is too bad that people can be so unkind. I joined your blog many years ago. I am always anxious to hear about your success and failures. I am not a vegan, or vegetarian, just a person who likes to try healthy recipes. Whatever you decide to categorize yourself with, I will have a smile on my face whenever I receive your blog email. Take care.
I know I’m just going to be one comment out of 600 but I couldn’t let that stop me from speaking my mind. While I strive as hard as I can to be a “good vegan” I make mistakes. I have days where the struggle is too much and I cave in and binge on non-vegan pizza. Do you know what happens? I feel terrible and then the next day I’m a “good little vegan” again. If I was public about my diet people would tear me apart. There are some mean, nasty, vegans out there. I’ve seen their blogs, their mean comments, and their hatred. The only thing that makes me feel ok with a label describing me that describes them is the fact that I know I’m happy. I know I’m happy and that they must have something in their lives that are causing them to act out and to be nasty. I will never be a “good little vegan”. I will make mistakes, give up, cave in, and fall down. But that is my journey, not theirs, and I know I am doing what is best for me. Your blog has done a lot for me. Know that. Know you have helped many. Charge on for you are a warrior. When you feel their comments getting to you put on a red dress, slap on some red lipstick (warrior colors) and walk tall. We will not let them tear you down. Blessed Be.
I don’t have anything original to add to the supportive comments here. Just know you’ve got a fan in Austin, Texas, and I appreciate all that you do!
Angela,
I am so outraged and saddened for you to be victim to such disgusting and hateful behaviour. I have so enjoyed following your blogging journey – whether it be your delicious recipes or your venture into motherhood, your honest transparency and open-mindedness is wonderfully refreshing. How anyone could criticize your decision to give your daughter freedom and choice instead of imposing values upon her is beyond me, this should be respected and commended, not attacked. As always it is the few who spoil it for the many, though tragically those few have can have the loudest voices. I only hope you are fortified by the solidarity of your fans, who are evidently plentiful(!), and find strength in the choices you make because you seem damn near perfect to us!
It’s a shame that some humans have to be so extreme and hateful about their beliefs and convictions. Anything we do to better the lives of animals and humans alike is a good thing and a step in the right direction. I will continue to enjoy your food and your blog and your cookbook! Thanks for the delicious recipes :)
Nicely said. It really does upset me how rude we have gotten on the internet. Things people would never say to your face. It can be like a virtual stoning or spitting in your face. I am sorry you have had to endure nasty comments. I wish you joy and happiness and many blessings.
I am so sorry that there are internet trolls in the world!
You are a wonderful person, and you know what is best for you and your family.
Although I follow a plant-based diet and so does my husbnad, we have also decided that our future children will eat a diet of a variety of real foods!
Sometimes, I also don’t like being labeled vegan because of the people who give vegans a bad name (such as the radicals).
I am sorry that you faced such criticism. Keep on doing what you are doing.
We will continue to read and support you!
Congratulations Angela. I understand the whole process of excruciating soul searching and trying to “fit in” to a label. For us it has been mainly with the ‘label’ of organic and certification. In the end, after years of trying to keep up with legislation, differing opinions and increasing bureaucratic nonsense we chose to step right back, do our thing, cut out all the middle mania of marketing and offer our produce as it is:- with love, respect and genuine well wishes to anyone who approaches us. I remain amused at how the very processes and ways of living that are simple and in complete harmony with our earth are the one’s which receive the highest amount of public and political scrutiny, but comfortable knowing what I am doing is right for me. Best wishes, I remain an ardent fan and advocateof your journey
I am also a long time follower of your blog. I think this is just the evolution most vegan and vegetarians take – and there’s nothing wrong with it. I don’t understand why we even have to label ourselves! I think it’s the mainstream that inflicts the impossible to live up to labels upon us. I was raised vegetarian, was a very strict vegan for 10 years, and then one day decided that I wanted to eat meat. And cheese. So I did for 2 years. Now I’m what I guess people would call a “flexetarian” (which is such a stupid word, I mean aren’t we all felxetarians really?). I eat mostly vegan, but if there is some local caught, fresh seafood on the menu, I’ll eat it (I live in Seattle). If I’m in Paris, I will eat that steak-frites and brie! We only have one life and our principles do not need to define us, we can define them. There is a way to live a good, clean, kind life without being the preacher on the soapbox condemning all who don’t live up to your self-inflicted standards. You have done good and touched many, who cares what the haters think?
I was debating between adding another comment or being attacked by what I’m about to say…So obviously, I decided to write! First off, let me say that it’s your decision to raise your daughter in whatever way you want..so with that out of the way, let me express my opinion. I decided to go vegan about two and half years ago. I haven’t looked back and I’m proud of my decision..but, I can only say that if I had grown in a vegan family, it would have saved me years of illness, I would have contributed to the environment early on and probably saved some animals lives. You have a lot of information today that would spare your child to have to understand and decide later in life. Do you think she will miss much if she doesn’t eat meat, eggs, dairy? Is that something that she needs to try to fully make a decision? Not questioning, just asking.. The vegan police (at least that I know of) is not out there supervising our daily decisions, but it’s on us to make the right choices and help others understand the impact of their decisions… Just as a reference, my husband (true Southerner guy) contested my decision of going vegan until he watched “Cowspiracy” last year. Once he understood the impact of animal farming on the environment, he switched immediately.. Today, he’s probably 95% vegan and eats fish once a month. I’m a true fan of yours, following your blog and cooking your recipes and I will never change that.. Thanks for sharing!
Being vegan is about doing our part to reduce suffering as best we can- not being perfect. Colleen Patrick Goudreau has some wonderful, inspiring words on this. You need to do what is right for you.