Excited about being vegan and nobody wants to hear about it. :(

Nature-Lover · Sep 10, 2006

HI everyone. 
I am just feeling a bit discouraged right now and need to vent. I have been transitioning to veganism for about a year and have been completely vegan for a couple of weeks now. I am absolutely loving it and don't feel deprived at all. I have no idea why it took me so long to transition in the first place now. 
But unfortunately, I don't know any other vegetarians in my day-to-day life (other than hubby who is more of a flexi-tarian, but willing to eat whatever I buy). 
I feel so much healthier now and so excited about it that I have tried to talk about my new diet choices with several of my friends/aquaintenances over the last couple of weeks. And I am getting a very bad response. I can tell they think I am crazy. And when I mention things I read in "The China Study" I can tell they think I am really, really crazy. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> I don't care what they think about me, but I just wanted to vent to some people who know I am not crazy. 
Also, some of them have some serious health issues that I think could be greatly reduced if they would be more open minded. It seriously seems like some people would rather feel crappy than give up their yucky food. Sigh.

Guacivore · Sep 10, 2006

I know the feeling... went through a similar situation when I went veg. Are there any groups or resources (meetup or such) where you live? If not, online support is a great thing too! 
Congrats on your transition and your improved health!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

Ravenfire · Sep 10, 2006

I know how you feel, especially about the friends & family with health issues. Going vegan allowed me to stop taking my thyroid meds, I haven't felt this good in years. However, when I tell them how much it's helped me and how I think it could help them as well I just get the standard response. "It's great that it worked for you and you can do it but I could never stick with it." It's frustrating because I know that if they would just try it for a few weeks they would feel so good that they woudn't want to go back but people are just resistant to change, especially when it comes to food for some reason.

Nature-Lover · Sep 10, 2006

Thanks for the support guys. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> 
I agree, some people have an insane attachment to their eating habbits regardless of the consequences. I don't get it. But part of it has got to be that they just have no idea how much better they could feel. 
One example, my father-in-law has been in the hospital for the last 2 months with uncontrolled diabetes (among other issues) and we have been trying to encourage him to try a vegan diet for a month and see what results he might get. Not only is he not convinced it will help him and not willing to try, last time I visited him he ate a chocolate chip cookie right in front of me. Keep in mind his sugar has been hovering right around 300 even though he gets insulin shots 3 times a day! How can you be that sick and still that attached to the crappy food that got you there in the first place! 
I guess, I will have to learn to just accept that others are not going to just jump on the vegan train with me b/c I say they should. It really is their loss.

raw jess · Sep 10, 2006

I don't know. I've never felt that way. My eating habits are my eating habits. I actually don't like discussing them because I don't care to debate them. When someone finds out or asks, I keep it very simple. 
Anyway, if you're looking to discuss it, this is the prime place to do it. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

Trueveggie14 · Sep 10, 2006

This is the kind of thing that has alienated some of my friendships. I seriously question the validity and benefit of a friendship with someone that mocks my beliefs, looks down on them or refuses to budge even an inch when we get together (i.e. .. she says we MUST eat at the steakhouse, vice Uno's). 
Thankfully we do have VB.

Tofu-N-Sprouts · Sep 10, 2006

I understand how you're feeling - hey I was RAISED vegetarian and my parents are still quite health-oriented (their health, not the animals) vegetarians - and even THEY were less than impressed when I announced I was going vegan. 
On the other hand, I tend to talk about what I'm eating VERY little, I doubt many people around me know I'm vegan. 
Yeah, it's nice to spread the word but most people aren't interested, aren't knowledgeable it and don't want to sound stupid, or simply do NOT care. 
A good example will always be your best way to spread the news. 
Welcome to the boards - we're ALWAYS up for a good discussion here!!

raw jess · Sep 10, 2006

The way I look at it, I don't want someone gushing about what they eat, I hate when people discuss what they ate last night, whether it was steak or spaghetti, whatever. Especially when it was steak. I don't want to hear how god put animals on this earth for us to eat just as much as they don't want to hear that we aren't meant to eat animals. I think it goes both ways. They dont' want to hear how "wrong" their ways are, just like I don't want to hear how "wrong" mine are.

auggie · Sep 10, 2006

I think the best thing you can do is lead by example and hopefully they take a hint.People think I'm stark raving mad because I eat 'weird' food like couscous,hummus and almond butter.I think it's ridiculous and unhealthy to be that stubborn about food but oh well,it's their choice.

Trueveggie14 · Sep 10, 2006

Yes, I agree that we can't force them to change. I just feel that we have lost any type of connection or commonality that we may have had in the past. Being vegan, I'm more empassioned and feel it is part of my "spiritual" beliefs. I won't be supporting circuses, zoos, horse racing, etc... Crazy as it sounds, the omnis think this is where I'd want to go since there are animals there. They just don't get it. I don't expect them to change, I just want them to respect me. 
like in my example in the other post, I'm not asking them to go to some "weird" vegan only restaurant. Still there is complaining, stamping of feet and an air of trauma over not being able to eat at the steakhouse for one night.

Nature-Lover · Sep 10, 2006

HI everyone. 
First, I want to correct something I said before, its not just their loss, its also the loss of all of the animals that will be unlucky enough to become their dinner. 
I also agree, as some of you have mentioned, that getting too preachy will never accomplish anything. I was just overflowing with excitement because this is something fairly new in my life (veganism, not vegetarianism that is) , and I honestly believe it would make their lives better too. 
I am really happy I found these boards though. Now, I feel like I know a lot of veggies. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/broccoli.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":bobo:"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/dancingbanana.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":nana:"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/carrot.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":vebo:"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/pibo.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

ibo:">

Quincy · Sep 11, 2006

I had/am having the same problem. 
I've been vegan for just about six months now and am greatly discouraged by how many people react. 
sure, some are like, "wow, that's great for you" or "congrats, I could never do that", but many people just think it's weird or that I'm crazy. 
the most common response I get is, "what CAN you eat???" in a very snappy and skeptical mannar. 
I should respond with, "it's not about what I can eat, but what I do not eat." There are a few people just simply don't even know what vegan is, even though I've told them several times. they either just think it's too crazy to ponder or they stop using their heads. 
"CAN YOU DRINK JUICE?" I've gotten asked that before, in addition to other silly things that I have forgotten. 
I want to share it with the world though...I have not been sick once since going vegetarian a year ago this month and that includes going vegan. (when I was vegetarian, I was going much lighter on dairy anyway) 
I want people to know how energetic I've been and how many delicious vegan options there are out there. 
everytime someone tells me they couldn't live without meat, ice cream or something like that, I want to come back and be like, "try x, y and z and then get back to me" 
I've shared things like Tofutti "Ice Cream" and so far, not ONE person didn't like them. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

Nature-Lover · Sep 11, 2006

Quincy said:
I had/am having the same problem. 
I've been vegan for just about six months now and am greatly discouraged by how many people react. 
sure, some are like, "wow, that's great for you" or "congrats, I could never do that", but many people just think it's weird or that I'm crazy. 
Yeah, when I told my office mate during lunch last week about all the horrible things dairy does to your body and about how much better I feel now 
(and I sincerely believe I said all this in a friendly way), she just replied with "..........mmm-hmmm....anyway, I think I am going to get another piece of pizza". I would have been happy if she had at least acknowledged what I had just said. Instead she treated me like I was some crazy person that it was better not to encourage. 
Then today, when I cited some of the studies in "The China Study" to someone who mentioned she had a family member struggling with diabetes, she just replied with something to the effect of "you can find a book to support just about anything now days".

Nature-Lover · Sep 11, 2006

I've shared things like Tofutti "Ice Cream" and so far, not ONE person didn't like them. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">[/QUOTE] 
Tofutti is the best! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

tiggybrown · Sep 11, 2006

I can totally relate, it sucks when people don't understand. I used to be one of them though, which says a lot, people can change. I used to mock vegan's, but now I see how wrong I was. I haev ton a lot of reading and I love sharing what I have learned with others but nobody seems to care the way I care. Even my boyfriend says "I see what you are trying to do but I asure you it is just a phase." I was so mad that he would say that to me "just a phase." When he met me I was a big meat and potaotes girl, my fave thing to order and cook was filet mignon with butter sauce!!! Now I am the girl who will not touch the stuff and I think it takes some getting used to on his end also. I really hope I can influence a change in everyone but I will not get preachy on people, that is when they dont listen. ALso since I became Vegan I havenot told anybody, I will keep it to myself for the time being if any asks I will tell them but I do not go around spouting it. People just think I am a nut. I hate that!!! ALso I don't know one single vegetarian in my life, not one!! It makes it hard.

jeezycreezy · Sep 11, 2006

If it's any consolation, I'm excited for you. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/broccoli.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":bobo:"> <-- see? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> 
What won't be a consolation is that it's not likely to get better. 
Most people don't want their "way of life" challenged. 
And when they see someone doing something different that they know they should do themselves, they'll make excuses for their own weaknesses rather than applaud you. 
It's not just veganism either. It's any time they see people who are stronger than them. 
It's like the time I was trying to quit drinking coffee. Because I know I am an interesting person and others have a deep concern for the strange and daily goings on of my life, I shared this fact with a few people. 
It's amazing how much you learn about other people when you tell them about yourself, and how little they care about you. 
Nobody offered encouragement except my wife. 
Instead most everyone chose to tell me how much coffee they drank which, since the topic was my declining coffee consumption, only served to cloud the issue. 
Or else they told me how they could never give it up. 
It's also like the time that you mentioned being discouraged about people's reactions to your veganism and I made it about my coffee drinking habits. You see? It's human nature, omni or veg*n. 
So you have to find ways to roll your eyes, laugh it off, or just accept that being a vegan is your gift to yourself and stuff anyone who's too weak or stupid to see it the way you do. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> 
Cheers! 
TJ

compassionate1 · Sep 11, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by jeezycreezy <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
If it's any consolation, I'm excited for you. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/broccoli.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":bobo:"> <-- see? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> 
What won't be a consolation is that it's not likely to get better. 
Most people don't want their "way of life" challenged. 
And when they see someone doing something different that they know they should do themselves, they'll make excuses for their own weaknesses rather than applaud you. 
It's not just veganism either. It's any time they see people who are stronger than them. 
It's like the time I was trying to quit drinking coffee. Because I know I am an interesting person and others have a deep concern for the strange and daily goings on of my life, I shared this fact with a few people. 
It's amazing how much you learn about other people when you tell them about yourself, and how little they care about you. 
Nobody offered encouragement except my wife. 
Instead most everyone chose to tell me how much coffee they drank which, since the topic was my declining coffee consumption, only served to cloud the issue. 
Or else they told me how they could never give it up. 
It's also like the time that you mentioned being discouraged about people's reactions to your veganism and I made it about my coffee drinking habits. You see? It's human nature, omni or veg*n. 
So you have to find ways to roll your eyes, laugh it off, or just accept that being a vegan is your gift to yourself and stuff anyone who's too weak or stupid to see it the way you do. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> 
Cheers! 
TJ</div>
</div>
 
Coffee, Coffee, Coffee! Starbucks yay! Coffee rules! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/hamster.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":hamster:"> 
I drink 64 ounces of coffee a morning. I actually get like a big gulp size of coffee and chug it. 
Sometimes I bring an old oaken bucket to Starbucks and have them fill it up for me. 
No I don't (I actually avoid the stuff as much as possible), I'm just being a PIA. Cuz' that's how I roll. Yo. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

compassionate1 · Sep 11, 2006

Seriously though, TJ, as usual, is right. 
You're not likely to get omni's coming up to you and saying, "wow, that's great, I've always wanted to learn more about that." It will usually be the standard, "Really? I LOVE meat" or "Where do you get your protein?" 
We know and you know you're doing the right thing. You just have to be firm in that and know that there will be people who piss you off from time to time. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/notworthy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":wayne:"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":up:"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smitten.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":smitten:"> <---For you for being vegan!

soilman · Sep 11, 2006

They thought Galileo was crazy too, but he was right. Too bad they killed him first, then everyone found out he was right. 
This seems to happen over and over. 
err.. it could be that i'm getting my historical figures mixed up.

debatechick · Sep 11, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Trueveggie14 <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
This is the kind of thing that has alienated some of my friendships.</div>
</div>
 
Too true. For some unknown reason, constant criticism about my veganism is always accepted by the majority of people at a given place or event, while-- rightfully so--nobody would think to make any jokes about my religion. Everybody likes to laugh at it, or declare vehemently their adoration for some odd meat or dairy product; but hearing your passion about this issue sort of falls at the bottom of the pile of things they want to discuss. 
As Trueveggie stated--good thing there's VB<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

Excited about being vegan and nobody wants to hear about it. :(

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