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
I have to agree. I find it sad that some vegans are anti-vegans. People go to extreme and I don’t think that’s the way to go. I’ve changed people’s mind around me by educating them, not freaking them out about mistreated animal pictures full of blood and all but by letting them know it’s out there. In addition, having “AMAAAAZING” food like yours make people realize that “if vegan food taste like this; count me in!”.
I say thank you.
I am not vegan, but your blog is my favorite for recipes! You create such beautiful, yummy yet simple things. We eat meat in our home but enjoy a lot of your stuff. I.e. I made that avocado pasta dish you posted for valentines day with shrimp. I don’t think a label one way or the other will change the fact that you’re a rockstar chef/creator. Thanks for being who you are and encouraging healthy and amazing meals in homes around the world.
Hi Angela, I am so sorry you have experienced such negativity. You have had such a positive impact on my family and friends since I found your blog almost 4 years ago. Because of you, our diet has changed completely for the better. Not a day goes by that we don’t make at least two (sometimes more!) of your recipes…breakfasts, smoothies, snacks, dinners, and then left-overs for lunch the next day! Your recipes are truly amazing. I bought four copies of your first cookbook, gave them away to friends, bought more, gave those away, and am now looking forward to your next project. Thank you so much, keep up the good work xx
I commend you for what you do, it takes a lot of courage to deal with people who read what you put a lot of time and energy into and then have someone say rude/nasty comments. Your blog and cookbook is what ultimately lead me to be able to lead a dairy/meat free life. Over a year I started incoorporating more and more recipes specifically from your blog, and now as of 3 months I am completely meat and dairy free. I have a hard time telling people I am vegan, because I don’t like the judgement from people that comes along with it. Also, vegan doesn’t mean healthy! There is a variety of processed junk food that is vegan- oreos, bocca burgers, candy, sugary cereal, etc. that you can eat and call yourself a vegan. I just say I follow a plant based diet mostly fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, and beans! They get the point and it takes their focus off of what I don’t eat- onto all the things I prefer to eat. I also try not to say “I can’t eat that” because I really can— I won’t die! I just prefer not to!
Thank you so much for your blog. You are wonderful!
This conversation reminds me of Taylor Swift’s song: “the haters gonna hate hate hate hate….” It seems to be a small minority, but I am still frustrated that people can be so judgmental. It also reminds me of the phrase “don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good.” Unfortunately I can see with many comments on here that lots of people, including me, are fearful to claim our identities because of a small judgmental minority that insists on extremes. It’s too bad that we can’t all band together to best advance the welfare of animals in each of our own individualized ways, knowing each of us is doing the best we can. Instead people are hesitant to join the movement for fear of “failing.”
Angela, I’ve been reading your blog since I became vegan 5 years ago and have absolutely loved it. I recommend your recipes to everyone. You’ve been so inspirational to thousands of people and I hope you take that knowledge with you every day. Being one of your recipe testers for your first book was such a fun and memorable experience! As someone who is expecting my first baby this year I very much appreciated your post about raising children and I found it refreshing. I identified with many things you said because I believe in people making their own choices and I don’t want to foster disordered eating in my child as a result of stigmatizing certain foods.
You’re brave to share your honest opinions in a public forum and I wish we didn’t live in a society that encourages only extreme or polarizing opinions as those that matter. I’d rather live in a world where people consider a variety of positions, work through the gray areas, and respect each other’s opinions. Please keep your head high and know that so many people are rooting for you! I hope you continue all the wonderful work you’ve done for us over the years. I’m grateful to “know” you through this community.
I have been reading this blog for a few years. I love it. I read lots of other blogs too, and I’ve seen plenty of other examples of hateful people with their little agendas comment and criticize ad nauseam. It’s one thing to respectfully disagree, but quite another to write hateful comments. And making statements that threaten a woman and her family could raise those comments to the level of illegal and criminal.
This is Angela’s blog and she can write about anything she wants, including about her baby and husband and what they eat. Or don’t eat. And her cat and what he eats. Or doesn’t eat.
It’s a lot like in dog training society, there’s the two camps of positive, and balanced, and a war…and even being on the positive side, you aren’t “positive enough” for some. It’s silly. I became vegan this year on January 1st, and your blog has kept me going. I never thought I could do it, thought it was too complicated to make things, I ate out a lot, blah blah. But I love it, and love making your recipes! I actually kicked the cheese habit! But I don’t want to be part of an agenda. I care that it reduces my carbon footprint, and that it’s healthy, and doesn’t contribute to any suffering. I feed my pets organic raw meat. I don’t want to be an extremist. I think for some it’s more a religion perhaps…
I applaud your decision to stand up for what is right. Forcing your belief systems onto a child is indoctrination. By not doing so, you are encouraging your child to learn how to think for herself and that is, in my humble opinion, the most valuable and precious tool in life. She will be empowered and all areas of her life will benefit from this.
I am not a vegan, I don’t have a restrictive diet, but I do love your blog and have followed many of your recipes because I love vegies and like to get creative with them. I could not care less if you label yourself a vegan or not, I will continue to follow your blog because you make me happy by encouraging me to eat foods that are healthy and taste amazing (jackpot!).
i am long time reader, I love your book and tea! I have never commented but felt the need to. I am not vegan, I eat meat occasionally but I try to eat healthy and I come to your site bc you make healthy things that actually taste good. We all have guilty pleasures and if I can reward in healthy way then that’s awesome and a step in the right direction. We can’t be as strict and disciplined as some of those types of people but I think they are unhappy and unbalanced because it takes so much energy to be that mean and hateful… It is so much easier to smile! These people are not your audience, your audience loves you for you! Keep up the amazing contribution you are making to thousands of people lives.
I have largely been a silent on your site, but very much a fan. I’ve been making 1-2 recipes of yours every week since I found your site last year! I would really be lost without it. Don’t listen to the naysayers – listen to yourself. All you need to do is be happy with the success you’ve had and the distance you’ve come since you started, and then be excited for what you will do in the future. You’re making a baby!
Thank you for all you do!
Hey love,
Just wanted to respond to your post….how sad that people feel ok being unkind in their criticism of you. The sad thing is that the Internet is a forum for the unkind mean and just plain nasty. Call it what you will meanness is just envy and cowardice with a different coat on!
I want to say I love your blog and you have helped me, a middle aged woman with diabetes, find hope in a vegan lifestyle……I’m not perfect. No one is. But if you are having a go at life and are supporting positivity in the world, then you are an angel and a hero…….
I pray for blessings for you and your baby and say parenting is a roller coaster ride that lasts twenty years!!!!! Hold on to your panties love!..God bless. Mandi from Australia
You’re beautiful, Angela! Unfortunately, we do have people in this world that are full of hate, it’s so sad! Keep doing what you’re doing – your work is amazing! Thanks for being such an inspiration!
I’ve never thought to comment on a blog before, but for what it is worth you are my favorite blogger! As a vegan I could not ask for a better example and a better cookbook! Thanks for taking the time to create all of these recipes for us to enjoy and for not giving up. Please know that you are supported, even though you have some haters. Again, thank you. Your work is important and you are very appreciated.
OMG. I read your post about what food you’d feed your baby and was interested in your thoughts on the subject, but that was it…. Didn’t realize what a political issue it was. I just went back and read some of the comments, and honestly I could only get about 10 down before I quit because I was annoyed. Saw someone bashing someone else because they labelled their diet as “mostly vegan”…. sigh, I couldn’t even make it to the rest. I didn’t know that this issue would bring about such a militant attitude because what you described sounded so balanced and healthy to me. Anyway, I’m not a vegan, actually I am quite a big meat eater, but use your recipes ALL THE TIME because I love veggies and incorporating lots of healthy food. I’ve been reading your blog literally for years and will continue to, regardless of how you label your recipes.
Hi Angela,
I am a huge fan of your blog and cookbook as well as the baby blog (my wife and I are expecting a daughter in August) and we have enjoyed and leaned so much from your posts. I have been reading your blog for a few years now. I can actually remember the day… my wife went to a baby shower and though I was invited I decided I would rather wonder around Queen St then go to another shower where we can’t eat anything but hummus and veggies as we are both vegan and gluten sensitive. When I went back to meet my wife she came running toward me going “open your mouth! Hurry it’s melting” I was a little scared but as I trust her I did as she instructed and was rewarded with the most amazing treat!!! It was one of your rolo knockoffs!!! Apparently this baby shower would be one I would regret missing as many of the recipes came from your website. Needless to say, we went home, visited your site and have had many amazing meals since.
I have never commented on a post but over the last week I wasn’t able to stop reading what was happening on your blog. I was extremely angry and frustrated with the barrage of completely ludicrous posts about your choice not to label Adriana’s diet right from the get go. I don’t know what planet some of these people came from but my response to it all was extremely similar to yours. Last Wednesday I actually told my wife and best friend “I am no longer identifying as vegan”. Though I do not plan on changing my diet in any way I no longer want to be confined to a label and I don’t want my daughter labeled before she can choose for herself. Your approach to your daughter’s diet is quite similar to what we had decided we will do. Though we will continue to cook vegan at home, we are not planning on making anything taboo for her. We just want to help guide her to make healthy choices that make her happy. You are such an inspiration to me! You are reasonable, smart and articulate I can’t begin to express how much I enjoy reading your blog and making your food.
Oh, I also wanted to tell you I was attacked by ‘vegan police’ one time as well. My wife and I went to the Toronto Veg parade maybe 5 years ago, just to check it out and we were basically attacked for not feeding my dog a vegan diet! I was so shocked people could be so mean to other people (especially members of their vegan community) for something so stupid. Trust me if Charlie could talk he would choose meat every time! Ha! Sorry for going on so long but as I haven’t posted before I had to make up for it. ;) Anyway, please keep doing what you do so well and I will keep enjoying your blog and cookbooks!
Much love,
Tiff
Wow, how do you feed dogs a vegan diet? They’re carnivores! That’s awful you got attacked over that
It’s super easy. As long as they get all their nutrients, dogs (and even cats) can be 100% plant based (and happy and even *healthier* while on it). No need to kill animals to keep another one alive! Same premise as humans have for being vegan. Of course you don’t have to believe that just from this comment, but do some research if you’re so inclined :)
Hi Angela,
I’m Tiff’s wife! I just wanted to chime in and say that you also helped me have a healthy plant-based pregnancy and reading about all the ups and downs in your posts helped me feel a lot more normal! Like Tiff said above, we’re right on the same page with you about raising our daughter with the ability to choose. For us, its really about developing critical thinking skills right from a young age rather than training her to blindly following someone else. Of course she will end up eating a lot of veg food since that is what we make at home, but as she grows and develops her own worldview we want her to have the ability to question things, have a voice and make choices of her own. I have one parent who is omni and one who is veg, and I’ve always appreciated that they let me find my own way.
Much love from Toronto,
Steph
I am sorry to hear about this unfortunate hate, it is so unnecessary. I was quite impressed with your decision and applaud you and Eric. I am going to be 37 in a few short days and have just started receiving help for my ED. Your approach in raising that sweet baby is a healthy one.
You are an amazing and talented woman! I am not vegan but I am always looking for healthy recipes and ways to sneak in more veggies. Your website and cookbook have both been great resources. Even my meat loving boyfriend approves :) Keep doing what you’re doing and I can’t wait for the next cookbook!!
Angela
This is a beautiful post and it is inspiring to see you staying true, authentic and honest about your choices and lifestyle. There is no right or wrong and anyone who judges, is doing so out of their own fear. I applaud your ability to make a decision that is best for you and your family. Your creations are amazing and we are blessed that you are willing to share your gift with us.
Keep being YOU….
Discovering your blog almost two years ago changed the way I eat, which reduced the amount of animal products my husband and I consume by 80-90%. You make a difference.