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
Let those who judge and attack fall away. They will be left behind in the movement which is now thanks to people like you becoming much more about education and positive change, which in my opinion is the best way to get more people to turn to the cause.
I’ve been following you for a lonnnng time, and though I don’t comment much, this is one of my most beloved blogs =)
It makes me a little sad that you had to write this post, that there are people at all that would be mean to you. But you are a strong person and a wonderful mother and do what is best for you and your family.
<3
ps. your blog did change my life =)
I’m so sorry to hear that people have been nasty to you. I like to think they are just mean trolls that don’t even know you or follow your blog, because if if they did I don’t think they would have anything negative to say about you. You were the catalyst to my plant based lifestyle switch and I love your genuineness and your blog. I will keep supporting you 100%! We love you Angela :)
Some might declare that your approach to veganism has been too mainstream, but I believe it’s paved the path to a lifestyle that’s within reach for many people rather than a select few. Your welcoming attitude has positively influenced the masses to make healthier, more empathic meal choices (myself included), and your open, nonjudgmental stance is the type that fosters movement and positive change. Thank you for consistently leading with kindness and keeping it real, Angela!
I found your blog after I was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. I’m not a vegan, but I often eat vegan meals. When I do eat meat or animal products, I try to buy sustainable-y from animals who were treated humanely. Personally, I feel like every little bit counts, and even one additional vegan meal is a step in the right direction, you know? So I’m appalled that people felt the need to attack your vegan-ness, or lack thereof. I’m sorry. And I want you to know how much I truly appreciate your blog and your recipes. You introduced me to COCONUT WHIPPED CREAM. Enough said. :) You’re the reason that coconut oil and nutritional yeast are currently in my pantry. And your 7-veggie & ‘cheese’ soup is a staple in my diet (had it for lunch today, as a matter of fact). I just want to make sure you know how much your readers value your easy, accessible approach to vegan (or label-less) cooking. Thank you for continuing to post despite the (ridiculous & unwarranted) negativity that you’ve faced!
Angela,
Not only do your recipes help me and my family thrive, but all of my friends as well. 90% of the time, when I cook something to bring to a non-plant based home, it is from your blog or cookbook. I know that without fail, everyone will enjoy what they cook. Thank you for being the authentic person that you are. Can any of us really be 100% plant based? Probably not – marshmallows find there way into things all too often.
Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration in both my life and diet.
Rachel
Love this Angela Liddon, and I love you! Your approach to food is so refreshing. Labels are so boring and rigid. Thank you for all that you do to make us all healthier and happier.
Oh Angela, we all love you. You have inspired and led a huge community of women (and probably men!) who needs the courage to begins journey of self love. Reading your blog has changed my life and relationship with food. So sorry to hear about the trolls. Keep being your authentic beautiful self. You don’t need anyone else’s labels and we don’t either. Love your recipes and your compassion for animals and the earth. (Y)
Angela, continue to shine your light. May it reflect back on you a thousand-fold as you help us all glow brighter. So many of us have gained so much from you and hope to continue with you on your journey. Shanti.
Please don’t take any notice of the haters and the labellers. You are an amazing woman with an incredible gift who has shared it with so so many people through this blog. You are and always will be the very first persons blog I recommend to anyone seeking vegan recipes and inspiration. You are in many ways a dear friend because it was your blog that led me slowly be gently by the hand into my very first days of veganism almost 2 years ago now, back when I had never heard of agave or Himalayan salt and such, and you showed me the way! You have touched thousands more lives than mine. The trouble with modern day life is the compulsion to live by labels. I commend you for blogging about your openness with what you will do with your daughter. You are simply highlighting that life cannot be labelled, never more so than when we become parents.
Angela: I just wanted you to know that yours was the first cookbook that I purchased when I decided to change my diet to ‘plant based’. I use your book every week and just love your recipes! My husband and daughter enjoy them as well. You are one of the people who helped transform me to eating this way. I ended up losing 27 lbs and feel so much better. You do what you feel is right in your heart for your family and don’t be intimidated by others! Keep up the great work and I look forward to your next cookbook coming out. You are an inspiration to many more people out there then you can imagine as apposed to the few critics…..
Keep doing what you are doing. I am not a vegan but your recipes are regulars in my house. You have helped me and my kids eat healthier. Thank you.
I think you have made a wise and thoughtful decision, Angela. In my opinion, the label “plant-based” is far more inclusive and positive description to your approach to food and cooking.
The strident and harsh comments to your last blog post are exactly why many people I know dismiss a “vegetarian” or “vegan” lifestyle without really taking the time to discover all the delicious and healthy dietary options they’ve been missing.
In the end, somebody like you does the cause a whole lot more good than those who judge others so harshly.
Dear Angela,
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had to struggle with this. Not that it comes as a surprise,given the extremist tendency of fringes (I know! A very small part, indeed!) of the vegan movement.
More than that, I’m amazed by your honesty, courage and determination.
You and people like you lend me hope that, someday, the world can really become a better place.
Thank you for that.
Ulla
Making parenting decisions is very personal. You and your Husband know what’s best for your baby. Thank you for being committed to positivity and for healthy, plant-based eating. You are an inspiration to me, label or not and I encourage you to keep going as far as your recipes will take you! I have your first cookbook and I will be getting the new one too. Love it!
You make a positive difference in the world at large. I believe you are showing a remarkable wisdom in your approach to parenting and marriage (as a mother of 20 and 13 year old boys, I know we were not as grounded and thoughtful when our first was a babe). You are teaching your daughter by example what it means to be loved unconditionally and modelling for her a balanced approach to food. Food made by family is an expression of love and we should all be able to accept the gift of Gramma’s cookies whether made with butter or not without feeling conflicted or judged. I think some of the haters would really benefit from your wisdom and compassion and it is a shame that they likely won’t all listen. If I needed to place a label on you it would not be “vegan” it would be “inspiration”. Thank you for what you do and I hope you continue to share your gift with us with your head high and your heart full.
It would be hard to find the right words to express yourself in this situation but you did it beautifully. I have to say thank you for your chocolate chip cookie recipe. I often get the comment “wow healthy veggie food tastes like food”. You inspire others and that’s amazing.
You are inspirational and amazing! I gathered this from my first time reading your blog (just now.) It’s a shame that some negative people have left their mark but thank you for this beautiful post with SO many great points. Keep on being your authentic self, you shine brightly!
First of all I will start by saying that I am a big fan! I am so glad to have found your blog a few years ago. I have your cookbook and will be purchasing the next one when it comes out. I am not vegan and I probably never will be however I follow a plant based, whole-foods diet most of the time and you have made it much easier and so much tastier! I definitely eat less meat and animal products since following you because I have so many delicious and nutritious alternatives.
The internet is a wonderful and terrible thing at the same time. I find the hang up on “labels” and “movements” to be pretty silly. People can feel so self righteous and brave hiding behind their keyboards. Its easy to cut down a complete stranger online. I say to hell with these people. You have a huge fan base because you are awesome!
If you chose to raise your daughter eating the same way you do she will surely be healthier that most North American children and she will know what real food and PLANTS taste like!
Keep doing what you’re doing Angela!!
Hi Angela –
First, let me say that I adore your cookbook and your blog. Thank you for sharing both!
Second, after reading this and your previous post I do think it is best to remove the “v” word from your blog. For many, the term “vegan” equates to a strong moral decision to not kill or harm animals for our own pleasure. Thus, I hope you can understand why this line from your previous post could be hurtful to many:
“But would we stop her from enjoying some of her dad’s chicken or a birthday cake at a friend’s party or a home-cooked meal at Mimi’s or Babcia’s house? No we won’t (assuming she doesn’t have an allergy down the road, of course).”
Perhaps it is a little too cavalier for those folks who have strong moral objections to eating a chicken or home-cooked meal (not sure what that would entail) at a relatives house. For me, it was definitely a gut-punch that made me sad.
You are absolutely correct in that these are very personal decisions. And, based on your decisions, it is respectful of you not to use the word “vegan” on your blog.
Thank you again for sharing your wonderful recipes!