In Washington, DC – the strange and somewhat unhip city I’ve called home for almost six years – I’m lucky to have a few good friends who have embraced a love of food and an interest in veganism. We often have potluck-style dinners – a great way to socialize and make new recipes. In potlucks’ early days, we’d have a theme, sometimes as simple as “salads,” sometimes as simple as “Mexican.” We’re a super original bunch.
But there was almost always a heavy animal protein component. Back then, many of us were “healthy eaters” by normal definitions: low fat, high protein, minimal to no dairy, lots of oats, beans, and lean turkey breast, sometimes the occasional fish dish. We were the product of a Clean Eating, Women’s Health, Fitness magazine generation, raised on Halle Berry promises and 5-meals-a-day mantras.
And that was all fine and lovely except for a few things.
I know, I know.
I’m always going around ruining things.
Seriously, though. Maybe that kind of eating works for some. And yes, there’s merit to the claim that a “clean eats” diet is healthier than say, a vegan diet full of processed fake meats and dairy substitutes (ahem, Oprah). But for me, it wasn’t a “healthy” life.
And that’s because I’d never truly realized that what we eat does matter for our physical and our mental health. I choose to eat vegan not just in terms of health and nutrition, but also in terms of living a compassionate life, one that doesn’t falter at the post-baby Gisele photos, one that doesn’t get swayed by diets or what everyone else is doing.
On that note, it’s time to come clean again:
Hi, I’m Katie, and I’m a vegan.
Hi, Katie.
See I don’t believe vegan is a dirty word. Sure I’m not super fond of “labels,” but I also know that I’m not going to let my fear of judgement hold me back from saying that I don’t believe we should eat animals.
I don’t believe we should eat animals.
I don’t believe in the inhumane slaughter of animals, whether they were “raised with care” or not. Personally, I don’t believe free range, cage free, grass-fed, or locally raised necessarily means you’re absolved of all eater’s guilt. I don’t believe farm-to-table should equal a menu full of animal dishes prepared with animals from the local farm.
I don’t eat animals. Period.
Has this belief cured me?
No.
Has this belief created miracles?
No.
Has this belief made me a more compassionate human?
I like to think so.
Will this post get me a few less readers?
Probably.
This topic has been on my mind for a while now, spurred by the recent debate about veganism and dating over at Choosing Raw. But it wasn’t until this past weekend, when my friends and I threw a party in celebration of “real food,” that I understood how veganism can get lost in a sea of not wanting to offend or upset.
We prepared a massive feast of bite-sized treats, from Gena’s Cashew Cheese with Meyer Lemons and Dried Cherries to Averie’s Raw Vegan Peanut Butter Cups to VegNews‘ to-die-for donuts to our own favorite recipes. All of the food was vegan, of course, but most of the guests were not. In fact, I may have been one of the only guests, if not the only, to call myself 100% vegan.
Don’t misunderstand. My fellow hostesses with the mostess are incredibly supportive and invested in a vegan lifestyle, but I think it’s safe for me to say that they stop short at labeling themselves vegan, if solely because they don’t like the term or because they may eat a non-vegan item once in a while. I suppose they’re Oprah’s definition of “vegan-ish.” And I think it’s great. I’m so happy to be able to share food and friendship with them.
Our party was meant to expose skeptical non-vegans to the deliciousness of veganism without offense. I think we probably succeeded. The donuts were a huge hit. I’m guessing that many of our guests left with a further inkling that veganism doesn’t have to equal hippy-dippy tofu and beans. I’m hoping they saw that veganism can indeed mean Spinach, Grapefruit, and Fennel salad in martini glasses or my L.A. Story Hummus (recipe to come!) in endive leaves.
But I fear failure in one area. We never talked about animals. I understand the tactic of being low-key, celebrating “real food” instead of vegan food, trying not to offend while still showing the vegan love. Yet I can’t help but feel like I chickened out (pun intended).
Yes, veganism has made me feel better.
Yes, I’m healthier and happier.
Yes, I’ve lost weight with minimal effort at home and at the gym (no gym membership for this gal).
No, I don’t miss meat.
And you want to know the reason?
It’s not because I’ve just gotten used to it. But rather because I don’t believe in eating animals.
Period.
I don’t want to start up a chain of hate mail. Obviously we all make our own choices about what we eat and why. And everyone should have that right. I’m glad to spread my love of veganism around, but I know it’s not for everyone. At the same time, I’m not going to let myself shy away from coming out as a vegan out of fear that someone might immediately label me a militant hippie.
Maybe they should get to know me first.
I might even share some of my chocolate mousse (another recipe to come! such a tease, am I!).
I think that’s a win for all us, whether human, plant, or animal. Vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore.
Curious to know what you all think. C’mon out of hiding readers! Please! Don’t make me beg.*
*Though I could be persuaded to pull a “bake and bribe” with mini-donuts.
Effing love it. Will retweet tomorrow.
Gena, you must come to our next vegan food fest!
Are you kidding? It would be my honor.
You’re never afraid to stand up for what you believe in Ms. Quickcookrice, and for that (among many many other things), I am so proud to be your bestie. Thanks for opening my eyes to a whole new way of eating. Can’t wait for our next party!
Thank you! And I’m glad you’re around to eat all the food. Otherwise, I’d have issues. Plus you’re an amazing friend and an incredible person. LOVEFEST!
I definitely chicken out with the whole “talking about animals.” It’s because it enlives so many people to argue! Who can blame you for wanting to keep the vibe mellow and fun? Once you bring up the well being of animals, people who eat animals get offended, assuming that you are implying that they are horrible people. I think you definitely succeeded in getting across a very important message – that we eat animals for pleasure, when we don’t have to. And you did it in a very kind way.
It’s so hard isn’t it? I never want to be the one to ruin the mood. But it’s true that people assume you’re implying they’re horrible even when I don’t think that at all.
Thanks for commenting. Can’t wait to read your blog. Love the name!
-K
HERE HERE! This post just confirms alot of how ive felt….now even tho i have become vegan for medical reasons….the fact that animals are inhumanely killed for OUR benefit is atrocious! For years I was a chicken and fish eater and lover of all things dairy…and I admit it has been hard to break my casein addiction. However, thru many vegan articles and reading many vegan blogs…plus the faboo PETA, I see how terrible animals are treated…broken down battered and beaten FOR WHAT! its BS! I love my veggies in all kinds of wayss..and plus the fact that I just straight “feel” better makes this lifestyle soo much more appeasing …Thanks for telling the truth…and Iam sure non-vegans will understand this post just as much
Thanks, Joanna! Yep, veganism is good for us and for animals. Kind of amazing.
Women’s Health held me hostage for so many years! So glad veganism saved me from the lady-mag’s death grip. Brilliant post, my friend! Treading the thin line between spreading the love and being overbearing is always a challenge. But, with a lot of self assurance and a healthy dose of respect for our fellow humans (and animals!) we’ll make tiny changes to the earth and hopefully spark a conversation about how we eat what we believe in. Oh, yea…that food looks RIDICULOUS! I want some donuts asap!
Tommybean – I know for a fact you used to have Men’s Health Abs in your Palatine bathroom. Don’t even try to deny it.
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll get vegan donuts if you come visit.
MWAH.
As a definite non-vegan (please don’t hate/judge, but I am a big foodie, and was raised on the classic Meditteranean diet – I cannot pretend even for a second that I don’t love meat, cheese, fish etc…in moderation of course!), I have to give you tremendous props for this post K.Rice. I definitely appreciate your views and I like that you’re not afraid to share them with the rest of us. I also have loved following your blog because of the many awesome recipes you have provided us with. So I say, keep the posts coming! It would be a shame if you did lose readers over something that you believe strongly in. It’s so important for people to understand an argument or position from all different sides….openmindedness is what makes our world go round!
Steffo!
I so do not judge or hate! I’m so glad you’re loving reading. And you’re right, an open mind is the key to all good things. Hell, that’s how I became vegan in the first place. If I hadn’t had a willingness to try something that might be hard and often ostracizing, I would never be writing this.
xo.
Come visit so we can make a tasty feast for you girlie! Bring the sweens too!
So nice to meet you. I discovered your blog this week thanks to the wonderful Gena. As someone who leans towards eating vegan most of the time but is not 100% vegan, I so appreciate posts like yours – they are a good reminder that while I am ok with just leaning towards vegan 95% of the time for now I can always do more. One thing I am adamant about at this point is that if I eat at a restaurant, I will only eat a vegan meal. But, there’s always room for improvement.
And yes, 95 tupperwares – I know the feeling!!
Nice to virtually meet you too! Hope we get to meet in person at the ever wonderful Gena’s meetup.
And you’re right, we can always do more, but it sounds like you already do a lot. Everyone has to make the right choice for them. I’m just trying to be more OK with being a loud and proud vegan. I hate the stigma – something I find especially prevalent in D.C. So I hope to break that stigma one post at a time!
The picture of the dessert table is making my mouth water!
I can attest to the fact that the dinner party was amazing. Delicious isn’t a powerful enough adjective. Did it change my life? No…not yet at least. I’m lucky enough that I actually just don’t really enjoy the taste of meat, save for the turkey at thanksgiving, and have to go about getting my protein elsewhere. But I currently can’t imagine my life without cheese, sad as that may be.
My ever so smart sister (see Sheeds above!) has proposed that I do a 30-day vegan challenge and in the spirit of competition and with the help of your blog (and others!) and amazing recipe cards, I think I’ll accept. I’ll need to do some definite meal planning and will 100% need to recruit a food shopping buddy (and by recruit, i mean demand the assistance of that boyfriend of mine) and probably even a cooking buddy as these are two major pain points in my life.
Bring it on!
Go sistah! You can do it! We’re scheming about what treats to send you to get you started
Can’t wait to stalk your progress. xoxo
I am so psyched about your challenge. You can DEFINITELY do it. We’ll help with meal plans and recipes and cheering squads. Maybe even a care package or two. And definitely make the BF do it with you.
I hear food shopping is painful for you, but no to worry. I promise to make it fun! I used to hate it too. Now it’s my favorite part of the day. And yes, I go that frequently.
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