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
Honestly, I think you invite that kind of criticism when you choose to share a certain amount about your life. This is a food blog, and I’m unsure why such personal choices/personal life details were put on public display. Keep it about the food and about health, and nothing like that should happen again, right? Just my .02.
Why in the world would you say that about someone on their blog. She wouldn’t post something no one would want to read. She obviously had numerous requests to share other aspects of her life, so that’s why they’re there. If you don’t care then don’t read them, that simple!!
I don’t think Oh She Glows has ever been solely a food blog. Angela has always shared certain aspects of her life with her readers, and created a “baby” section to share her journey as a new mother. To me, it seems perfectly in keeping with her approach to be open about her and her husband’s plans for her daughter’s diet — especially since many readers were asking.
Sharing baby updates in a specific baby section does not invite the kind of comments I saw on that thread. And even if it did, that doesn’t mean it’s ok to leave such judgmental, condescending comments. The onus should be on readers to be respectful and not so derisive, or don’t comment/don’t read the blog.
The negativity you received is not your fault, Angela, and I understand if you want to pull back from the personal sharing to get some space. Please know that there are PLENTY of people who respect and support you and trust you to make the right decisions for yourself and your family.
Yes, seriously I find it amusing that you should tell Angela what her blog is about. As anyone who has read her blog for years knows, this has never just been a food blog. She’s always shared details about her personal life: her career change, her struggle with an eating disorder, her passion for photography, her adventures with fitness, and most recently her life as a mother. These personal stories are what have made most of us love her blog. If it was “just” a food blog I probably wouldn’t be half as interested.
There are lots of blogs that I read regularly and I would never dream of telling a blogger how to define their website or what to write. I’m not sure why you or anyone else thinks it’s okay to do that. And I doubt that Angela, by asking for feedback about her baby post, was “inviting” people to threaten her and her family.
Once again cowards hide behind the veil of anonymity so that they can menace and bully. If you don’t like what you read here, DON’T VISIT THIS WEBSITE. There are, oh, about one billion other places on the internet where you can go.
Good lord! I just went and read the post Angela wrote and it shocks me the way people profess to be such compassionate individuals towards animals and yet write such cruel things towards another human being. I had to stop reading because it is such negative energy. I cook from Angela’s blog and cookbook on a regular basis. Her food is healthy and delicious and she has a very kind spirit about her. I am sure these comments do not reflect the thinking of most vegans as my daughter is one and she doesn’t hate her parents or friends who eat meat. I choose to live in a world of tolerance and acceptance of all different belief systems. Although I don’t personally know you Angela I can tell you are an amazing mother. Sorry you had such hateful reactions from some but the majority of your readers admire you. Live your life and be true to you! That’s all that really matters, not what others think because you will never please everyone. I can’t wait for your next cookbook!!
The word “veganism”denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude — as far as is possible and practical — all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.
The reason people are upset is because you have always used the word “vegan.” If you had used the word “plant based” or anything like that, no one would have a problem. Veganism is not and never has been a diet. Veganism is a moral position of rejecting the notion that are animals are simply things.
I’m a huge fan and have bought your cookbooks for many of my friends. But if you label yourself as a vegan and then reject the label and it turns out you’ve never been a vegan but plant based eater, people are going to be upset because they probably feel like you haven’t been honest.
Sophie, your post was not addressed to me but I have a question about your line of reasoning. You state, ” if you label yourself as a vegan and then reject the label and it turns out you’ve never been a vegan but plant based eater, people are going to be upset because they probably feel like you haven’t been honest.” I find this confusing. Why would people who want to help animals be upset by this? Thousands of non-meat based meals are being eaten by people because of Angela, that otherwise might not would have happened. Many people now contribute less to the suffering of animals because of blogs and cookbooks like this one. If people want there to be less animal suffering why would they be upset when someone does something that leads to less animal suffering?
100 people going strict vegan are not going to help as much as tens of thousands of people reducing their meat consumption. I live in a part of the US that every meal seems to revolve around meat. I have 0 chance of getting any of them to eat vegan 100% of the time, but if you serve meals like the ones Angela comes up with, then people start to see other options and slowly change to less meat. I have seen this time and again. I really want to see less animals being hurt so I will do what it takes to make a difference and that means accepting reality – most people are not going 100% vegan. But I can make a difference by showing them more options which does lead to results and less suffering.
A claim to veganism (the lifestyle based on helping animals, ourselves, and the world) shouldn’t be shot down as a claim to a trend or diet. Even if the only way a person helps animals is through their diet, and even if it’s not the motivation they had behind their diet choice, shouldn’t they feel welcome in a community they helped through their choices? They are after all furthering the cause, and making the world a better place and 99% that live this way understand and would explain if asked that veganism means not supporting animal cruelty of any kind.
Sometimes I wonder what a person’s intentions are on commenting negatively on a successful individual. You strike me as the type of person who is possibly “competition” in the blog world and perhaps you think negative attention will hurt Angela. Titles are simply just that – a title. By no means would I ever want to live under the prison of a title nor would I ever want to be associated with the vegan label. A lot of you haters claim to be such kind and compassionate individuals. Perhaps this is true when it comes to animals however you have missed the boat on how to treat mankind.
Sophie, your argument is faulty.
Angela has never hidden the fact that her husband Eric is not plant-based or vegan. She has been HONEST about this since day one. And last time I checked, there were two people raising Adriana! ;-) If Angela and Eric were both plant-based/vegan, I could see your point of view. But then again, who are we to think to judge and dictate how another person should raise their child. Live and let live!!
Nowhere in this definition do we say a person’s household has to be exclusively vegan to be considering as such. What is one supposed to do if they are married to a non-vegan?! Some people have even gone as far as to suggest that Angela should divorce Eric since a vegan could never be in love with a non-vegan. How preposterous!!!
I believe the “as far as is possible and practicable” leaves some leeway, and this is where being married to a non-vegan and respecting his beliefs would fall into.
Now for the semantics of the word “vegan.” For some of us, it is an easy way to summarize what we eat. It is especially helpful when ordering at a restaurant instead of listing everything we eat or do not eat.
Language is a living thing, it evolves. More and more, the word “vegan” is being used to describe what people eat, hence a diet. And I don’t see any harm in doing so. Is it seriously harming or taking away anything from the vegan cause?
I know that the definition you cited is from the Vegan Society. But if you open most dictionaries and look up the word “vegan”, you will find a more mainstream definition.
“: a person who does not eat any food that comes from animals and who often also does not use animal products (such as leather)” – Merriam-Webster
“A person who does not eat or use animal products:” – Oxford Dictionary
And as a matter of fact, the Vegan Society uses “vegan diet” at least three times on the very same page where you found your definition.
That being said, it is a somewhat hypocritical to suddenly “decide” that Angela might not be vegan in your eyes when all along she has always been very honest about Eric’s diet.
The bottom line is her recipes still remain delicious, accessible and VEGAN!
Sophie-by that definition, Angela is a vegan. She has stated that her motivation for her diet was to protect animals from cruelty. I don’t think her decision to not have a freak-out if her baby eats a piece of birthday cake changes that. But, this debate over semantics is no longer necessary (if it ever was), since she has very wisely taken the power to define her diet out of your hands…and anyone else’s. Rock on, Angela!
Thank you Sophie for posting this! I also believe that if you claim to be upset by the suffering of animals and so you eat a vegan diet but then turn around and say it’s okay for your child to eat animals…. well, there is a question of integrity and honesty. Angela now says she is plant based and that is fine by me. What is great about this blog is the opportunity for people to understand there is an ethical difference between eating a plant based diet and being vegan.
I also think that the more passionate responses from vegans were a surprise to her, although I didn’t see people directly threatening her family and herself – please correct me if I’m wrong – and it must have been really hard for her to realize that she had upset a whole group of people over this issue. Normally her blogs have people passionate about how great her recipes are, or her wonderful example of having a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby all while being 100% plant based. (I work in the fertility industry, so it’s fantastic to direct patients to her site as a shining example of plant based eating and healthy pregnancy.)
I’m glad she has followed through, and I applaud her for taking this step. It shows she is an honest person and really means well.
I’m not a vegan but I love your site and your cookbook is one of my most-used; everything we’ve tried, we’ve loved. So thanks for doing what you do, no matter what you call it! Your work has been a gift to me and my family!
i try to eat clean. I’m not vegan or even close. But your website often appears on my searches and I’ve made several of your recipes. I don’t understand people can write what why do. My guess is jealousy. Your doing awesome and thank you for all the great ideas and honesty !!! I point anyone who asks to your site for clean eating recipes.
I have enjoyed reading your blog for years and appreciate that not only are you living your own authentic vegan life, but you are supporting others in doing so in an important way. When someone I know, tells me that they are interested in becoming a vegetarian or vegan, your website is one of the first resources that I share with them. I am a vegan, myself, with a certificate in plant-based nutrition, who also has a husband and grown children who have made other dietary choices. My daughter, at a young age, living with a vegetarian (before I was vegan), was often asked if she was a vegetarian, too. And her response from the age of about 8, without any prompting from us, was that she refused to label herself. Smart child. That said, I think it is sad that you should feel the need to “de-label” yourself as a vegan if that is what you see yourself to be. As a vegan, I view you and your choices as vegan, and I will continue to fully support you (whether you are vegan or not), by reading your blog, owning your cookbook, and speaking up for others who are similarly disenfranchised by narrow-minded people who consider themselves purists. Personally, I see this as simple intolerance and as unnecessarily creating marginalism in an already small community. Thank you, Angela, for continuing to put yourself out there!! It is greatly appreciated.
I’m so sorry that you have to deal with hate from vegans. Unfortunately this happens with other communities as well not just vegans. Ignore them and continue to live your life your way :) continue making delicious recipes xoxo
Unfortunately, this seems to be the way of the world now. Because of the ease and anonymity of posto g comments online, some folks will write awful, cruel things. Things they probably wouldn’t say out loud.
I won’t tell you to ignore them, or to not be bothered by them. That is nearly impossible. I WILL say that for every hateful, negative coomenter, there are at least a hundred others who admire and respect you.
If you need support, we are here for you.
Take care!
If anyone is harassing you on whether you meet some strict definition of “vegan” then they are missing the point of your blog. Your recipes are incredible accessible and translatable on top of their healthy content and deliciousness :) I’m sure you have helped countless readers improve their health and diet along with reducing animal consumption. Should you be worrying if one “vegan” is breaking some precious rule, or look at how motivating they are to others and the reduction in overall animal abuse, poor health, and poor self esteem that they are inspiring? Vegetarian and vegan website can be daunting. Many use ingredients that are not readily on hand or even easily found in a basic supermarket. Many people need baby steps to make improvements in their life so that they do not get overwhelmed and give up. You provide that for them and it is amazing.
Hi Angela,
You’re an awesome, inspiring blogger that every health-conscious woman I know follows (vegan or not). It was so cool that you were completely honest about your family’s decision in your last post, as it sounded like a tough situation. I’m not a mother, but I do wonder how difficult it would be to become a mother and maintain my vegan diet throughout pregnancy etc. Your posts have always been really interesting and valuable to me and I really appreciate you continuing to publish your story. It doesn’t matter what label you put on yourself, I just wanted to thank you for continuing to be an inspiring person and post delicious recipes.
Thanks Angela!!
All the best,
Carly
Angela, thanks for all the recipes on the blog and in your cookbook, and the cookbook(s) to come. Don’t let those who have left hurtful comments stop you from sharing what you love. You have been a great example to me: how you respond to others, the joy you find in your life and how you live it. Thank you.
Oh Angela, it makes me so sad to hear that people tear you down and try to discourage you. I love your persevering heart and attitude. I will always remember how kind you were to respond to one of my questions when I first started my blog. You seem like such a sweet, thoughtful, and genuine person. I love how you share in this space and I think your decision to raise your daughter without a diet label makes complete sense. I will keep coming back here for your wonderful ideas and inspiration.
I think this is a really smart way to do it. I was raised vegetarian and tried a lot of other foods later in life. Some I decided to continue eating and some I won’t. I mostly cook vegetarian and have been trying to introduce more vegan dishes. But I couldn’t bring myself to restrict my daughter’s diet the way mine was restricted. We will talk about where food comes from when she understands but I want her to make her own choices.
Wow, this has definitely given me food for thought!
I just read a bunch of the “haters” comments on Facebook… vegan families who are disappointed or wanting a better explanation about your choices for your child. I have also read the more positive/encouraging ones, and it has all got my wheels turning!
I am also a vegan mother of one 2-year old son and a 6 week old daughter. My son has never had any animal products, and I have been very strict on it (including at family gatherings, daycare snacks, etc, etc.) It has been a huge challenge and a big commitment for us. I plan on raising my daughter the same. That being said, I am very interested in your philosophy, and it really got me thinking about some of the future hurdles I will be facing as a mother of “vegan” (or as I prefer, plant-based) children. Birthday parties, Halloween, weekends away where they stay with non-vegan family: I wonder how things will go! I will obviously need to let go of the reigns at a certain point and allow my children to be the decision makers. I suppose all I can do is educate them (as you plan on doing) and hope they make the most healthful decisions! Thanks for sharing! Obviously, you are doing what works for your family and I think you’re doing a great thing by raising your child in such a loving, healthy home.
My first comment, though I’ve been following and loving your blog for years now!
Yesterday I celebrated my birthday, completely vegan, because your recipes gave me the confidence that not just I, but my whole extended family (all meat-eating tofu-haters) would too! Your blog has inspired me to embrace vegetables, try out new things and share this fantastic way of eating with others. Although I’m not completely plant-based, I haven’t spent a single euro on anything animal-based for 3 years now, and I feel fantastic, even though it’s not perfect (yet).
The reason I’m writing this now is that I want to let you know that you, through your blog, have made such a difference in my life. Your inspiration will save many, many more animals than the hate that some of the purists spread, just because they will never inspire people to change in the way you do.
Keep up the good work! Greetings from the Netherlands, Anne
Angela, thanks for your post! We have a 3 month old daughter and have made the same decision as you, to let her try a variety of foods and see what works. You are giving her freedom of choice and that is such a blessing to her. It is so frustrating that people who preach compassion for animals are so judgmental toward other humans. As if the label you give to. Your diet is even important! Eating healthy, balanced meals is the most important way we can take care of our bodies, and you have been demonstrating that from the beginning. Keep it up! You have a lifelong fan in me, and my daughter will enjoy plenty of your recipes no matter what type of diet she ultimately chooses.
While I certainly understand the frustration of vegans who feel the term has been misused lately, I don’t see any need for people to be quite so angry about it. Any move towards lowered animal consumption is a win, for the animals, environment and overall health of the population. The vast majority of vegans I have spoken to, while not agreeing with all my choices, have supported them as a move in the right direction. I make a point of explaining to people that I am not a vegan, as I put cream in my coffee, carry a leather handbag, eat some seafood, etc. I usually say I’m a flexitarian who tries to stay 80-90% plant based, but that’s a bit of a mouthful, no pun intended!
Angela,
I want to know that my lifestyle has completely changed because of your food. I’ve never written a comment on here before, but after reading your post I’m compelled to do so. I stumbled upon your cookbook last year on Amazon, and because of the rave reviews I decided to buy it. At the time I didn’t know that your blog even existed. I soon ventured to your site, and check it daily now. I actually look forward to it, and have cooked many many many recipes from the cookbook as well as the blog. I even got my husband, a natural born steak and potato eater, to request your recipes at home. I’m not “vegan”, I just LOVE your recipes, and I find the stories to go along with them entertaining. I have cooked from other famous blogs, and yours continues to be my favorite. You have a real gift in the kitchen, so please don’t ever stop cooking! Your blog has become part of my life.
It saddens me that you receive the comments and emails that you describe, but heartens me that you respond the way you do. I have no doubt it is horrible and hard to be on the receiving end, but in this as well as so many other things you set an example as to how to respond. I applaud your courage in being honest about this, and share your thoughts on labels not always being helpful. To me, you are absolutely a vegan role model, but I don’t think veganism can ever be ‘perfect’ and most things in life benefit from a dose of flexibility. Plant-based is a term I have come to prefer over ‘vegan’ for that reason and some others (although I still use vegan for ease).
I hope the majority of your readers who love what you do, and love you for you, can offset the minority who are less supportive. I’m in the majority!
Just adding to the love here! I’m so sorry you went through that, and frankly I am frustrated that people bragging about how compassionate they are can be so harsh as to tear down you and your family. You and Eric are doing an amazing job with your sweet daughter, and you just radiate love for her. Know that you two are the perfect parents for her. There will always be people finding something wrong with what you’re doing. Look up the “it is not the critic who counts…” quote by Teddy Roosevelt if you have time. :) Keep being amazing, Angela! there is a huge worldwide community that loves and respects your work!