That bagel thooooooo. Half Earth Balance and half Tofutti cream cheese. Toasted (out of the freezer) and delicious.
Some more Morningstar nuggets and tots.
I FINALLY finished my Maple Ladders from Trader Joe's. They were good but I am still partial to the Toffee Nut Cluster cereal and will probably pick some of that up this weekend.
So much soup you guys. It's definitely warmer now but still not exactly warm. I've been enjoying this comfort meal pretty much daily. As you can see this made a huge full bowl and I couldn't finish it soooooo….
Leftovers for lunch! I enjoyed it with a delicious pear from H-Mart. It was a great meal.
I made some more last night. This time I used the rice cakes and it was definitely another great meal.
So I kind of wanted to talk about something that has been bothering me this week. As some of you may know, there have been A LOT of "Why I'm No Longer Vegan" videos on YouTube. I'm not here to judge anyone. Everyone can make their own decisions. There are several of these people that I will continue to watch because I like them as people. There is something I want to say though. I think that there are certainly a lot of vegans out there that are angry about the fact that these YouTubers are no longer vegan. I think there are a lot more vegans that are angry about something else. These two women in particular have sold a vegan lifestyle and profited off of it greatly. Not only did they sell veganism, they sold the extremely restrictive version of veganism that made them sick. They didn't get sick because they are vegan. They got sick because they did excessive fasts and restrictive eating. And both of them made a lot of money selling these lifestyles. They have E-Books (which are still up for sale) for $49 each. That's freaking crazy. I 100% believe that she was not planning on saying anything about no longer being fully vegan because that would completely ruin her business and effect her livelihood. I understand wanting to protect the bottom line but when you no longer believe in your own product it creates a huge issue. My biggest issue is that you are basically selling disordered eating, making a ton of money off of it and that you didn't come clean about it when you realized that your eating disorder made you sick.
I think another huge part of the problem comes with the cover up. Both of these women said they were waiting until the right time to come out and talk about it. I could tell that one was struggling with her diet and I don't think it's as much as a surprise coming from her. The thing that bothered me about her video is that she said that her channel was never about a vegan diet which is untrue. I do believe that she started to shift a little more recently, especially since she has gotten sick and her personal life started changing. I do think it is bullshit to claim that her channel was never about veganism though.
So, why the long rant? I'm annoyed. I'm annoyed by militant vegans going crazy and threatening people about decisions that they made (I promise you I don't care either way about what either of these ladies eat). I'm annoyed by ex vegans portraying veganism as a terrible thing. I'm annoyed that veganism is being blamed when the issue is actually disordered eating that will never be addressed (this is my biggest issue). I'm not annoyed by someone making a decision to care for their own health. We can't help others if we don't help ourselves first. What I am annoyed about is the profiting off of a lifestyle that you no longer believe in and only coming clean after you get caught.
I hope that all of this makes sense. I don't normally talk about stuff like this because I really do try not to judge and I believe that everyone has the right to make their own decisions. My goal since day one of this blog has been to show people that they can eat delicious vegan food without crazy ingredients. That continues to be my goal (although we have so much more awesome vegan stuff available in the grocery store now than when I started!). I just think that it is irresponsible to promote disordered eating and I think that they damaged their reputations more by trying to hide the lifestyle change than by coming clean about it.
OK I'm going to step off of the soap box now. I have been sitting here debating whether or not to leave it in but I think I have to leave it. I'm sorry if you disagree but that's just the way I feel. I don't hate either of these ladies. I hope that they both get better. I just wish that they would stop promoting and selling disordered eating to their young, impressionable followers.
Anyway, that's it for today. If you made it through all of that thanks for sticking with me. I am planning on going to Trader Joe's this weekend because it has been a while! I'll post a haul on Tuesday. Have a great weekend!
14 comments:
That bagel!!!! OMG I want it so bad! And the soup with those big juicy udon noodles!! Can you tell I miss gluten??
I'v been pretty shocked by the trend of the "why I'm no longer vegan" videos. I have to admit I never followed any of them, but I knew of them and they all have huge followings so it's pretty sad. I'm pretty disgusted with vegan YouTube to be honest. I only watch a couple, which is sad but I just can't handle it. These videos always bring out the worst in everyone.
Hey Sarah, I could really use some honest advice. I tried asking a popular vegan channel about some health problems I’m having. She told me that my body is detoxing. I just need to eat mostly fruits and not to worry because my body will adjust naturally. Well I tried that for 2 weeks and my health got more messed up (bloated and tired). I fainted in school and was sent home. I gave her an update and she said to “stop complaining” and “that the animals are scared of much worse than the small inconvenience of your suffering.” That “the animals are depending on me and I need to do the right thing for their sake.” I don’t understand why she said this because I’m vegan. I’ve been vegan for about 3 months now and I’m 15 years old. Veganism is my life. But Im scared to continue with this fruit detoxing diet because it’s making things worse. Im nervous now asking anything related to vegan and health because of shaming and judgement. It’s very scary. I don’t like being hated for the health problems Im having. I’m still recovering from an eating disorder and I am still somewhat underweight. I had an appointment yesterday with the doctor who treated me for my eating disorder and who also examined me after I fainted in school. She said that I needed to eat some animal products (yuck!) and take supplements to get my levels back up. I am so torn and confused because I have been consumed by the vegan world and I love the food I eat, however Im worried for my health. I went plant based for health reasons but became vegan for the environment and the animals. After everything I’ve learned, I don’t think I could ever not be vegan. But I’ve become skeptical, and Im trying to listen to my body. If I'm being completely honest, I never felt the happiness that vegans say comes from being vegan. I honestly feel the same. Since becoming vegan, I’ve noticed that my eyes look sunken and my skin is pale. I used to be so vibrant and now I look in the mirror with tears in my eyes. I also have brittle nails and my hair is coming out way more than it used to. Im trying to eat more plant fats and gain weight, and I’ve been taking vegansafe b-12. But Im really worried Im still doing a lot of damage. I'll be getting more blood tests soon, and Im really scared because veganism has become my identity, I dont know who I am without it. Since going vegan, I’ve been promoting it on my social media. I never bring up any of my problems there because I’m too afraid of being criticized from other vegans. I also don’t want people to get the idea that being vegan could be bad for health. I convinced myself that I am not a hypocrite because I don’t know if being vegan is really causing my health problems. But I don’t know if Im just using this excuse to trick myself either. I get stressed thinking about this. My worst symptoms have to be my awful anxiety and depression. I’m constantly having panic attacks and I find myself being sad all the time. I don't know what to do, a part of me thinks a vegan diet isn’t giving me proper nutrition. But deep down Im beginning to have doubts if a vegan diet can give me the right nutrition. I know I've only been vegan for a couple months, and it could be because I lost 20 pounds before I even became vegan and i'm seeing the effects of that, but I'm starting to question everything. I could really use some advice from someone who knows what it’s like to be in my shoes. I hope you can help me figure out what’s going on because Im so tired of being sick and sad all the time.
i don't actually watch either of those you tubers, but your comments seem fair. I agree with everything you've said!
I sooo want to help the person who commented above. But I hesitate because I'm not a regestered dietician and don't want to be resposible for someone's health. But I can say that anyone who tells her that she feels sick because her body is "detoxing" is giving her bad information. First off a fifteen year old doesn't need to 'detox" and second of all, she shouldn't be feeling so sick. There seems to be a lot going on (she mentions that she's recovering from an eating disorder and is underweight- my guess would be that her digestive system is weak and can't digest too many raw fruits and vegetables, which is leading to malnutrition.) So I would say to her: try to find a doctor who understands veganism and try to get well by following a sensible diet that includes all sorts of vegan foods. BUt the most important thing is to regain your health quickly. If you end up eating some animal products no one will judge you- at least not the kind, compassionate vegans who's opinions actually matter. If anyone tries to make you feel guilty, cease all contact with them (if possible.) You have the rest of your life to live as a vegan and animal rights activist if you choose. What you do in this short period of time doesn't define you. Find some adult support, make your health your first priority and know that we are all rooting for you! You're obviously a good person who loves animals and is trying to do the right thing, and we can all appreciate that.
First Anonymous: First, I'm so sorry that you are struggling. I think that Second Anonymous gave you some amazing advice. I have to agree that I hesitate to offer any specific nutritional or medical advice because I am not a professional. However, I do agree that you are way too young to need to detox and right now your health is your number 1 priority. The YouTuber that you consulted was not only rude but incredibly irresponsible.
As far as your health, I think that getting treatment for your eating disorder is a really great first step. To be honest, I don't know if your health issues are coming from being vegan, your eating disorder or both. Are you seeing a dietitian by any chance? Perhaps seeking out a dietitian who is knowledgeable about a healthy vegan diet may be a good place to go. If you decide that you want to try to stay vegan they will be able to help you figure out what you need to eat and how much in order for you to get back to better health. You can definitely find vegan supplements and that may help you feel better as well. I use supplements daily and I notice a huge difference when I take them consistently. However, just like the second anonymous comment said and as I said in my post above, the most important thing is that we need to take care of ourselves first. You are a very sweet and kind person. Please don't worry about social media or what people will think. That's not important. What is important is that you get your health back. People that truly love you and care about you will be there for you no matter what you eat. If people have a problem with it then you definitely don't need them in your life. You are not a hypocrite. You can still care about animals and the earth while taking care of yourself.
I also think it is important to remember that you don't have to do this on your own. Please seek out support from the adults in your life who I'm sure want you to be happy and healthy. I think it may also be beneficial for you to consider some mental health support as well. Panic attacks, anxiety, an eating disorder and depression are heavy burdens to bear and you shouldn't have to deal with it alone. Please don't worry about feeling like you haven't found yourself yet. Heck, I'm 35 and I still haven't found myself yet. Sometimes it's the journey that is the most fun part so just try to enjoy trying new things out and seeing what you love. You'll find yourself, but for now, please focus on your health. I hope that you'll keep me updated on your progress and I hope that you'll start to feel better soon <3 Stay strong, you've got this!!
First Anonymous (Part 2): Also, please don't feel obligated to share everything that you do on social media. You don't owe anyone any explanations and no one is entitled to know every detail about your life. You are allowed to have some privacy to deal with you health. My criticism in my post was toward people that have used social media to build a platform and profit off of their followers. It is their business and there is some responsibility involved in that. You don't have that same responsibility. I'm sorry if that wasn't clear but please don't worry about having to share everything. This is your life and you do what feels right.
Vegan Peace: OMG that bagel was AMAZING!!! I love the udon noodles too, I wish there was a gluten free version you could have! The rice cakes were really great in the soup too. I don't know what the deal is with vegan youtube. It's been really weird lately and I think that these influencers have been more detrimental to the movement than anything.
Second Anonymous: Thank you so much for your comment in response to the other Anonymous comment <3 Your advice was amazing and I agree with you 100%
Wow, what a discussion! I don't know about those specific YouTubers, but over time I've learned to limit myself to watching channels that are more about recipes and cooking than about the extreme side of things, and I pointedly avoid anyone who tries to make veganism super restrictive. I can't deal with a lot of needless food rules. I've seen a lot of "why I'm not vegan" videos and I agree with you--most of the ones I've seen were following problematic versions of a vegan diet, not a balanced one.
First Anonymous: I can't give you any medical advice--I am NOT that kind of doctor; I'm a historian who works in a special collections library--and I think the general advice you've gotten is good. There are doctors who will help and support you, even in being vegan, and it is super important to take care of yourself. And that may mean slowing down the elimination of animal products from your diet. Most radical changes of diet stick better if they're slow, from what I've read. My own transition took a lot longer than three months! My mind and my body both had to get used to it. And I didn't even tell anyone I was going to be vegan for months. I just did it secretly, until I was more secure in myself.
I am not qualified to give you advice on your diet. But as for me personally, I would feel very sick if I just ate fruit. I do much better when I make sure to get complete proteins in. Generally this is easy--I just make sure I get some legumes or nuts or seeds every day, or I eat mock meats that have complete proteins--and I try to eat a good mix of grains, fruits, and veggies, too. On my "bad" days, this means I might make a point of drinking a glass of soy milk, because that's all I can deal with. I take a multivitamin and an algae based DHA supplement every day, as well.
Life is really hard sometimes. We don't always fully live up to our ideals. I know I don't live up to mine--my apartment is usually pretty darn messy now that I've got so many things to deal with! Being young is hard, and being an adult is hard, too, so it's important to learn how to take care of yourself so you can manage it well as you get older. So I hope you can be gentle with yourself. Being a new vegan is VERY hard, even if you are committed. It can get easier, I think, but only if you're kind and forgiving of yourself and prioritize your health. Sarah has a good suggestion to consult with a dietitian. They can help you figure out what combination of foods is best for you, and most nutritionists will help you with a vegan diet (at least in my area), so long as it is a balanced diet that doesn't encourage disordered eating.
Finally, I will acknowledge that some vegans can be cruel, especially to other vegans. I do not know why this is. I personally left an online vegan support group because of the harsh comments people were making and the way they ganged up on each other. This is really just the way a lot of things are, though--other people feel that way about politics, or video games, or celebrities. Something about the anonymity of online interactions encourages many people to be vicious. You don't have to talk to those people. It's okay to block people who are causing you emotional distress. It's okay to make choices about what you share and what you don't. It's okay to say you're still learning and that you make mistakes sometimes. We all do. I hope all good things for you as you sort this out with adults in your life who care about you.
And to clarify on the soy milk: I mean that as the protein source; I do not have soy milk only days. It might be soy milk and cereal or soy milk with a pasta meal or something.
Thank you everyone for the advice. I followed everyone’s advice and asked a dietitian if she could help me with my health problems. I sent her a history of my symptoms and how I want to try to stay vegan. She wrote back and said she didn’t want to see a young person still developing ruin their body because of poor nutrition advice. She said she would be happy to help me at no charge. My eyes teared up. A professional who didn’t even know me was willing to help me for free. She sent me some forms and releases to have filled out. She said she could work with my current doctor to find the right nutrition solution for me. She is certified and plant based but not vegan herself. We’re going to talk next week and start the healing process. I’m scared, but I’m going to focus on my health first, like everyone advised and go from there. Thank you everyone for caring. <3!
Student Turned Doctor: It's definitely a good idea to stick to the cooking videos. The drama has been ridiculous lately. I just couldn't bite my tongue anymore! Thanks for sharing some awesome advice too! <3
First Anonymous: Thank you so much for the update and I'm so so happy for you that you found someone that is going to help you! I know that change can be scary but I think you are on a great track working with a certified professional trained to help! That is so amazing and kind that she is helping you for free. It makes my heart so full to know that there are wonderful people out there willing to help. Just know that we are all rooting for you and I hope you'll continue to keep us updated on your progress. I hope that you'll start to feel better soon! <3
I agree with everything you said. Promoting disordered eating as veganism is harmful. I heard something about another ex-vegan who was doing 30 day water fasts. That has nothing to do with veganism, and is not good for anyone. I was not aware of any of these people before they became ex-vegans (I more caught the backlash, and heard some great discussion on The Bearded Vegan podcast). I think it is important to make it known that these people are not representing veganism, but that can be done kindly and without abuse.
Susan: I personally believe it comes from a place of wanting to be a famous vegan and they know that weight loss is the angle that will get them there. They are also very pretty, thin people and they use extreme methods to get there. Water fasts are ridiculous and unnecessary. If you eat grains or garlic you won't die. It just feels so irresponsible and I completely empathize with the fact that they are indeed struggling themselves because they have an image to maintain, I absolutely can not condone profiting off of vulnerable people (their audiences are young) and putting them in danger because you've read a bunch of pseudoscience. Not using antibiotics because it isn't natural is ridiculous to me. I stopped a course of antibiotics a few days short when I was young and dumb (I didn't know this was a dumb thing to do) and my sinus infection turned into pneumonia. Sometimes you need antibiotics. I can't, lol.
I have so many conflicted feelings. IGNORING disordered eating issues, I always have a bad taste in my mouth when high profile vegans eat non-vegan foods. I remember before YouTube was super big for the Raw Food movement, I was getting raw cookbooks from my library oogling the photos from Sarma Melngailis and Matthew Kenney. They had the story about how they fell in love, their restaurants fell apart, and then they learned about the health benefits of raw veganism so they opened up a high end restaurant with raw vegan food. I remember reading an interview and was shocked to read that Sarma Melngilis ate a meatball during the interview. I seem fell into a rabbit hole or hate blogs about how she wasn't a REAL vegan since she smoked and had a tattoo and yadda yadda. It was pretty clear veganism was a money maker for her. Then there was the headlines that she was caught while on the run from the law by ordering a Dominos pizza. Ugh. Why eat there?! Anyways, I guess it is very similar to the other youtubers where Veganism is totally a selling point, and I try not to be too judgy about people not being a strict vegan because 1) I mess up ALL the time and 2) Better make veganism approachable, or even part time than no veganism at all... if that makes sense.
That being said, eating disorders are totally on the plate with this current debate, and it is driving me nuts that it is easier to blame veganism than deeper mental issues. Eating disorders are more than JUST someone's struggle, it is also a problem with society. We push being thin. We also push so much junk food. We then push the most extreme healthy eating. There are so many conflicting narratives in Western society, particularly American food culture. There are also so much pseudo-science stuff out there. I have become increasingly more interested in skepticism, particularly the show Oh No! Ross and Carrie (it is a funny podcast) because of all these health nuts that skew bettering ones health to something that could be dangerous. It is on par with conspiracy theories. People need vaccines, no you won't die from eating meat, no you won't die because you are a vegan, and if it is brand spanking new idea, then it probably doesn't need to be done to extend your life or improve your health (ie sweat lodges, enemas, etc).
This makes me so happy to read! Somehow my initial comment to you did not show up (dumb phone is acting up lately)
Please just delete all vegan youtube channels for now, there are too many poor examples and unqualified dimwits with cameras.
Social media is often not your friend- you should not be posting excessive personal information, no one needs to know what you are or are not eating and i feel it could be triggering for you if juts one a$$hole posted a snarky comment. You don’t need that.
All the best, I’m so glad you can recognize that your health is the first foremost and only priority- it sounds like you found a really wonderful dietician!
Big Squishy Hugs
Ttrockwood
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