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 love your blog because of how accessible it is! I am not vegetarian or vegan, but I am trying to reduce my animal consumption and cook more whole food/vegetable based meals and your recipes have definitely helped. I ordered your book because you aren’t elitist or pretentious like some other vegan sites/books I’ve read, your attitude towards food and healthy eating is inspiring!
The vegans who threatened you and attacked you give all vegans a bad name. In my opinion, vegans are supposed to live a cruelty free live, and that includes being kind to human beings. The save an animal but feel free to threaten and attack people who don’t live up to your expectations mentality is so hypocritical.
I respect you for your honesty and for not pushing your choices on your daughter. As a mother I don’t believe that we own our children, and shouldn’t force them to live the way we want them to live. We give them guidance, plant seeds, and let them fly. Chances are, she will also be a vegan.
And I totally agree with you about labels. I for one am sick of them.
I come from a large Middle Eastern family. Will they all go vegan? Not in a million years. But because of of my veganism they have cut out animal products 50%, donated to Farm Sanctuary and Mercy for Animals, signed endless petitions to end factory farming and sourced their animal products from farmers markets that employ a more humane approach to slaughtering. Would they have done that if I had insisted on 100% vegan? I don’t think the entire world will become vegan. But I do think the entire world can and would demand humane treatment of animals. Nathan Runkle of MFA says for every person who goes vegan, 50 animals a year are saved. One family member cutting out 50% of their meat intake is 25 animals saved. Nathan also says be patient with yourself. If I didn’t have that kindness I never could have stuck with veganism the first 2 years. If Angela’s blog is helping people reduce their animal intake, then she’s saving animal lives. I understand the panic people feel. Right now animals are being tortured. We get breaks in our life, they experience it 24/7. Buddha said, “May all beings be happy.” It’s about compassion. Attacking people is cruelty. Veganism is cruelty-free. No one wants animals to suffer, yet life has different demands for each us. Keep spreading the word, Angela.
But I must be missing something: How does your parenting choice change the fact that you eat a vegan diet? I mean, raising a child with the knowledge they’ll choose their own path is kind of the way life works. You yourself eat a vegan diet – allowing your child and spouse some flexibility doesn’t change your own personal choice.
I’ll still look to you for easy and friendly plant-based recipes.
Yes!
Hi Angela,
What you are doing is good enough…..great even! As a Christian, my perspective is that we are all flawed, but it is our striving to do better that speaks volumes about our character. Those screaming for vegan perfection, and being hateful in addition, are trying to press something that is impossible for everyone. Even they are not perfect no matter how much they may profess to be. What matters most is the impact you are making to help foster others achieving more kindness to the environment, humans and animals alike. And, that impact creates better health for all of us to boot! I can relate a bit to what you have been going through. As a Christian, I have encountered many other Christians who hold the false belief that God has mandated us to eat animals and that me and my family are the ones who are wrong for not doing so. However, in Gods perfect world, which was written about in the book of Genesis, God speaks of giving us all the plants on earth as food. Not one mention of flesh/meat…only plants! God only allowed, not mandated, meat eating after the flood, but he never said that’s what is best for us. Lastly, as the bible states, when Christ returns the “lion will lay with the lamb”. This means there will be no murder. Animals will not eat animals and humans will not eat animals. All humans and creatures will be plant based once again. My husband, I and some of our kids have decided to get a head start and eat the way it was and will be in God’s perfect world. I applaud you for your wonderful efforts!
I think you are so inspiring. I have learned so much from your site, my family has made a positive change towards healthier eating and with two teenage boys change doesn’t come easy, they love your recipe’s and spread the word to their friends. :)
Isn’t it sad, if people spent more time inspiring others like you do and not focussing on negativity what a change we all could make in our wonderful world.
I’m not sure of this “perfect Vegan” standard you are to live up to, but as far as spreading inspiration and health you are on top of the game. Thanks for your blog, please don’t change a thing.
It never ceases to blow me away that people can leave nasty, mean comments to someone who they’ve never met and who has never done anything to harm them. You are incredibly talented at creating plant-based recipes that even meat-eaters love and no labeling can change that. You are who you are and you are amazing!!!!
I didn’t see the post about how you are raising your child, but I’m assuming you are raising him (her? I’m sorry!) vegetarian rather than vegan. I am doing the same. For all the self-righteous people out there, it is not as easy for everyone as it is for you. Pizza day at school, birthday parties, etc.–those things are hard to say no to. I cook only vegan food at home for my daughter, but she occasionally eats cheese at school as well as at her grandparents’ houses. It’s easier for them and I don’t want her to be singled out. In the meantime, I educate her on where that cheese comes from and tell her that one day I hope she, too, becomes vegan. It took me thirty years to go vegan. Your and my kids are already ahead of the game. I’m sorry you’ve gotten negativity. Your blog has always been and will always be my go-to.
She basically said that she will continue to make plant based meals, except she’s ok with her daughter eating some of what her dad or other family members eat sometimes, even meat. Which vegans did not appreciate because Angela has previously referred to herself as vegan, which is an ethical stand point, and hence she should have not been ok with her daughter eating meat or animal products.
I’m so sorry about the haters, I’m sure it’s difficult to ignore them. Keep doing what you’re doing, you ROCK!
Angela, I admire your awesome recipes and amazing energy your have in sharing your content and your point of view. I don’t think anyone need to question someone’s lifestyle! I’m huge supporter of vegan lifestyle myself, but at the same time I can’t stop sharing or cooking non-vegan goods.
I just want to express my support and thanks for all your love and effort in creating this beautiful site. The essence of being vegan should be love and compassion, not hate and small-mindedness, so don’t mind the negative comments.
My family is half-vegan (me and my 2 daughters) and half-omnivore (my husband and my two sons). If I could choose, I’d love for them to become vegan, too, but I still try to respect their choice and invent ways of cooking, which keep us all satisfied and healthy (and minimize the negative impact of meat and dairy eating for animals and environment as much as possible). It was not always easy, but it’s worth the struggle! Good luck to you and your family and thank you so much for carrying on! Your personal presence adds a special sparkle to this blog!
Love this and love you! Keep doin’ what you do. Your site is one of my favorites for plant-based recipes. =)
Angela,
Why not just call yourself a strict vegetarian? We decided that was the most accurate “label” for us. We don’t eat animal products, but don’t eschew (used) leather, down, wool etc. because we feel they’re kinder on the environment. We also have carnivores as companion animals. And when people say “oh, you’re vegan,” we politely correct them and explain that “vegan” is much more than just a diet. We do this because just as it’s incredibly annoying to us when someone informs us vegetarians can eat fish and chicken because a customer, or a friend, is vegetarian and eats them, we feel it’s unfair to be thought of as vegan when we’re simply strict vegetarians.
Vegan is a way of life, not a diet & we respect that. I do think it’s unfortunate that you’re feeding your child flesh, eggs & dairy, though. I wish my parents had raised me as a strict vegetarian so that I never ate the products of suffering. Your little girl can always decide to eat differently when she’s old enough to understand. Right now, why not allow her the honor of not participating in suffering?
Angela,
I am proud that you had the courage to post what you posted about being judged by others, both vegans and non-vegans and the choices you have made about food. Judgement is a very close topic to my heart and while I don’t profess to be perfect at non-judgement, I do believe that NO ONE has a right to be mean and hurtful and JUSTIFY their words for ANYTHING. As human beings, we judge what is different from ourselves. The hard we try to accept that difference is okay and actually desirable, the better we’ll be.
I do not claim to be a vegan, or vegetarian for that matter, because I do pick and choose at times. What I know is that I feel better when I choose to put whole, plant based foods in my diet. No one can argue that!
I am sad that people act the way they do. Call your “lifestyle” whatever you like and try not to let others effect you, though I know this is extremely difficult.
Thank you for all of your research and time that you put into EVERY recipe. I have enjoyed all of the recipes I have tried thus far!
Sincerely,
Ashley of Omaha, NE
It is so sad to me to see people be so hateful and cruel in comments. I’m sorry you’ve experienced that. I for one am so grateful for your blog, your thoughts about health and eating disorder topics, and of course all of your recipes. I don’t think “vegan” is a one-size fits all label, and as long as the individual is happy and healthy that’s all that matters. I’m so excited for your next cookbook and I’ll continue to be an avid reader whether you identify as a vegan or not!
I have also experienced backlash from nasty vegans. I went to a vegan cooking class and was treated rudely by the fellow attendees for being vegetarian and for being a conservative Christian. The instructor attacked me for wearing a cross of all things, saying that my values don’t mesh with being a real vegan. I have found that a lot of vegans tend to be very aware of any animal cruelty but don’t extend the same compassion to their fellow humans. I love your website because it is positive, inclusive and caring. Please don’t change due to some mean girls! We can only be ourselves!
Angela, for all of the things you have accomplished – this incredible, world-renowned blog, your best selling cookbook (and another soon-to-be-bestseller on the way!), your tea shoppe, your beautiful family – it pains me to hear that a few negative, loudmouth, condescending people have taken even an ounce of happiness away from you. You are an insanely talented woman who, by staying true to herself, has moved mountains for so many of us looking for a healthier, veggie-filled lifestyle. You have certainly changed my life, and in doing so, have changed the lives of my family, friends and every other person that I send your blog to (and believe me, I tell anyone who will listen about Oh She Glows!). So no matter what you label yourself or your diet, please know that our world – and our fridges! – will forever be better because of you. You glow, girl! :)
I hate labels when it comes to food. Why not, “I just eat healthy, plant-based food”? Why does there have to be a club?
I gave your cookbook to my very non-vegan mother in law after she spent a week at my house eating cookie dough balls and veggie burgers and African peanut stew (AMAZING stuff). I brought the chick pea salad to a pot luck and everyone asked for the recipe. I have everyone I work with hooked on the green monster. So, every time this happens (and it happens a lot – I’ve purchased at least 10 OSG cookbooks as gifts and have had many more friends buy it after having a recipe at my house, people are eating animal free meals. They are recognizing that they don’t have to eat animal products with every meal and snack to feel full and satisfied. They are learning that plant based recipes are easy to make and crowd-pleasing. They see my kids gobbling up vegan enchiladas and learn that chicken fingers aren’t the only kid food out there. These things perpetuate, and they have, without a doubt, resulted in FAR more animal free meals than any preachy, judgemental, unapproachable, angry vegan ever has.
It saddens me to hear that people were unkind to you when you’ve done such good for other people. Those who choose attacking and passing judgement over open-mindedness and compassion have their own wounds that have not yet healed or been addressed. Though their comments were directed at you, their underlying issues are not about you. In return, we can only hope these people find peace and understanding in their lives so we can all show kindness and respect towards one another.
I’ve only been plant-based for about a year and a half, but it was your stories and recipes that inspired me to continue through the transition. That lead to me influencing my parents to eat more plant-based which has greatly improved their health (they’re in their 60’s). Labels come from a need to define things and put them in a box so we understand them. They’re invented – not real – so by all means let them all go. We define ourselves – other people’s labels don’t. Blessings to you and your family. Keep moving on!
Angela I am so sorry you’ve been receiving such hate!
I read your previous post on how you’re not labeling Adriana’s diet and I thought it was 100% sensible. It was so clear that you intended to raise her a compassionate human, with an understanding and appreciation for where her food came from, be it vegetables or animal protein.
All the negative comments you seem to be receiving don’t seem to grasp that! It’s not like you’ll be feeding your daughter caged eggs and factory farmed beef. Eating the occasional animal protein from pasture raised, organic, hormone free, and humanely raised source is not the same as the shit quality stuff that can be bought at any grocers!
Keep being the amazing person you are, and know that some of us support you fully!
X
Except it’s still exploited and dead animals. Doesn’t matter where they come from…