If you're vegan or plantbased, you will surely have dealt with stupid comments and ignorance towards your lifestyle. Funnily enough, people get very interested about what's on everyone's plates. And that is important. If it wasn't, we wouldn't be vegan in the first place. Still, once you go vegan or even vegetarian, everyone around you instantly becomes obsessed with your food choices and they've apparently all studied nutrition. From protein to lacking in nutrients, I've heard it all before and I'm by far the fittest, healthiest person in my family and circle of friends.
Then comes the time when someone you know complains about health issues. Raised blood pressure, weight issues, feeling tired after eating, bad digestion, lack of energy......and all I really want to say is: I've got the answer. But I hold back because every time I do say something, they completely block the idea that veganism is a possible solution. But I'm the living, breathing example of a healthy, happy vegan and I just don't understand how they can still believe that a plantbased diet is unhealthy. How is that possible?
I'm not saying veganism is the answer to every health issue on the planet. But, I do believe it is the ethically best way to live and can prevent a lot of everyday health problems. You're not curing cancer with veganism, but you might reduce inflammation, have a stronger immune system, a healthy heart, regular blood pressure and so on. Not every vegan is healthy. Vegan junk food is just as bad as any other kind (but at least no one's dying for it).
At the same time, it frustrates me when my dad hires a personal trainer who tells him to eat a diet rich in lean meats and protein with little fruit (because sugar!) and very little carbohydrates. Basically all he's eating is salad with toppings. High in fat, high in animal products. Yes, he's loosing weight, because he dropped his calories so significantly,,. but what are the consequences of eating like that? To me, it seems obvious.
Then there are my sister and brother-in-law, who both work in animal agriculture. Obviously, they don't agree with my lifestyle and after being vegan for quite a while now, it's still a topic at every family event. Because I don't want to eat dead flesh. They start talking about humane killing, high quality meat, organic, blah blah blah. Why do they not make the connection? Why do they not see the dead animal on their plates but a yummy, juicy steak? How can personal pleasure win over ethics and morals when the problem is right in front you.
Sometimes I'm just frustrated.
