Early Observations on the Vegan Community

I've only been vegan for a few months, but I've already noticed some dynamics that seem to be at work in the vegan community.  


The most wonderful, overarching observation about the community is that vegans care.  They care deeply about the environment and about their health and that of others.  But the issue that creates the most passion in the vegans that I've met and those that I've observed is the welfare of animals.  Most vegans are driven by their desire to end the needless suffering of agriculture animals and, as a result, so many conversations surround the desire to bring about this change.  


Unfortunately, this passion can lead to division within the community itself.  Some vegans don't believe someone can truly be considered "vegan" unless they share a passion for helping end suffering of exploited factory farmed animals.  Avoiding animal products doesn't make someone "vegan", per this line of reasoning.  Others don't like to be called "vegan" because they feel the word has a negative connotation.  Then there's the degree of "veganism" that those who eat a plant-based diet display.  Do you still wear leather?  Buy personal care products made with animal ingredients?  When one becomes vegan, should they get rid of all animal products-based items such as belts, shoes and purses?  The answers to these questions are as diverse as the vegans themselves, and they lead to interesting and often passionate conversations.


So while the word "vegan" may refer to someone who eats a plant-based diet and avoids meat and dairy, the categories of vegans (or those who don't like that word) are as diverse as the many wonderful foods vegans eat.   


So when you learn that someone eats a plant-based diet, finding out why they are vegan and how they have chosen to live could be a great way to help you get to know that person better.

Being vegan is hard, right?

Being vegan is really not that difficult!  


Contrary to popular belief, there are so many foods out there that are vegan.  Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are vegan.  Pasta with tomato and basil sauce is vegan.  Twizzlers are vegan.  Are there really any more important foods out there?!


And you can easily make your favorite foods with a little variation.  For example, you can buy vegan chocolate chips at Whole Foods, get an egg replacer, and make any of your favorite baked goods.  


One of my favorite, very easy dinners is stir fry.  On nights where I don't want to cook anything, I just throw some frozen stir fry veggies into a pan with some canola oil, cut up some extra firm tofu and throw that in too.  Then add soy sauce and cook for about 5 minutes.  Dish it up with rice or soba noodles and put some peanut sauce on top for some spice, and you've got an extremely easy and healthy dinner that the whole family will love.  Even my 7 year-old loves tofu when it tastes like soy sauce.


So if you're afraid to go vegan because you'll be cooking your fingers to the bone every day, take heart!  While you'll want to develop a repertoire of favorite recipes for balanced nutrition, many of them can be quick and easy.


Try some stir fry tonight!

Getting Started as a Vegan

Sometimes jumping in with both feet isn't the best way to start something.


Fortunately or unfortunately, that's usually how I approach things, and becoming vegan was no exception.  There are downsides to going full force, and if I could do it again, I would have done some research first and started slowly.


Living Vegan for Dummies by Alexandra Jamieson lays out the pros and cons to quitting animal products cold Tofurkey, and also explains everything someone considering going vegan needs to know.  Jamieson, a vegan chef and holistic nutrition expert who was also seen in the film Super Size Me, presents the case for veganism and offers practical tips on shopping, cooking, managing restaurants, talking to friends about veganism, and so much more.  As a new vegan who hadn't done much research, I appreciated her explanations and tips, and I even made her recipe for chocolate chip banana bread (delish!).


Anyone who wants to learn more about a vegan lifestyle would do well to read this book.  Follow this link for more information.


Happy reading!