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How NOT to be a twat this Veganuary
Veganuary. Or January as a Vegan, is upon us. And you'll know that because everywhere you turn there is leaf-laden emoji tweets, recipes on Insta-stories, web articles, blog posts, This Morning TV segments and Netflix recommended documentaries - all about encouraging people to convert to this way of living.
It's my first January as a vegan (although it is something I hope continues beyond that) and as I navigate the apparent mine-field that is this lifestyle choice, I've thought of a few helpful ways you can stop yourself from being a bell-end - whether you're taking part or not.
Each To Their Own
Part of being kinder to each other this Veganuary is understanding that not everyone thinks or believes in the same things you do.
Just like you might believe David Beckham is the hottest celebrity, I might plump for Louis Theroux. Choices.
But this goes both ways. Whilst you may be taking part in Veganuary for health, planet or animal reasons, others may not be taking part for their own, equally valid reasons.
And that's perfectly OK.
Understand privilege
There has been a wide debate over whether going vegan is a 'middle class pursuit'. A choice that is afforded to people who have money to buy fresh food and ingredients or the education/knowledge/ability to make food in different ways.
It has also been suggested that if you are already healthy and not suffering with any eating or mental health disorders that you will find it easier to become vegan.
Whether you agree or disagree with the above, there's one thing we should all agree on and that's our privilege.
If we consume ANY food, it's a privilege. If we are fully able to prep healthy and fresh food, it's a privilege. But so is eating takeaway, meat and dairy. Just in different ways.
So which ever side of the fence you fall on this Veganuary, it's always worth looking at your choice from the outside.
There may be people who wish they could be vegan but can't for a whole host of reasons as well as people who can't eat a lot of different types of food for a variety of reasons.
Not being aware of the privilege of being able to make ANY food choice isn't inclusive and could harm others.
Avoid sabotage
You may disagree with people suddenly becoming vegan, for whatever reason, but trying to sabotage their pursuit is not OK.
Displaying foods that they are trying to avoid, spiking meals with ingredients you know are off-limits or any general food douche-baggery needs to not happen.
Changing your diet and adopting a new lifestyle is REALLY HARD for anyone, what people need this month is support, kindness and awareness, not practical jokes and proving a point.
Don't preach
No-one likes a dickhead Vegan. The one that gets up on their 100% organic, natural wood, plastic-free soap-box and spouts thousands of statistics and scary messages to try and convert people to their way of living.
If you're doing Veganuary because you've read or seen things about the animal industry, the damage to the planet or the risks for your own health - that's great that you're trying to make a difference. But there are people that have chosen not to do the same (again for their own personal reasons) and they are just not interested in what you have to say.
Sure, there will be people who are interested. People who just may not understand the lifestyle or the reasons behind making these choices - feel free to share your new found knowledge with them but don't pretend you are suddenly Jesus Vegan who can cure everyone's ailments and enlighten them all. Some people are just Atheist Vegans and that's their choice.
In 2018, it's time we are all kinder to each other so let's agree to disagree on our differences this time round and just not be a twat to each other this Veganuary.
If you ARE taking part in Veganuary, I'm sharing what I eat each day over on my Insta-Stories so make sure you follow me.
I'd also recommend giving my gal Laila a follow and read as she always has banging Vegan content.
If you're not doing it but have questions - feel free to hit me up on Twitter. I am definitely not Jesus Vegan but just like talking to my buds that are going through the same thing!
Vix xxx
January 8th, 2018 at 19:11
Good luck this month lovely! I am sure you will smash it! I’m a firm believer in what you choose to eat is 100% up to you, eat milk, don’t eat milk, eat bacon don’t eat bacon, its your choice, and no one should be saying its wrong/unhealthy any of it. All for not being a dick alround, and being supportive where I can 🙂
Erin || MakeErinOver
January 8th, 2018 at 21:29
Cheers for the shout-out babe xxxxx !
January 9th, 2018 at 09:39
I hope Veganuary goes well for you! I definitely can’t stand people who are constantly trying to shove their views on you and won’t stop regardless of what you say. It’s something I’d love to do, i’m just not 100% ready yet
Abi | abistreetx
January 9th, 2018 at 11:57
I have so much time for this post. I eat a vegan diet but call myself a “plant-based eater” (splitting hairs, I know) But only because it’s such a loaded word and people have a lot of strong opinions that they try to force on me when they hear it! (Both pro and con!) xx
January 9th, 2018 at 12:47
Yesss this is great Vix! Trying out veganuary myself and it is interesting to see the varied reactions from people. There is definitely a privilege to this kinda lifestyle, so its important to maintain that understanding and focus on your own choices and what you can do to make a difference. I may start saying ‘plant-based’ over vegan as there is less of a stigma… very interesting! Immy x
http://www.immymay.com
January 9th, 2018 at 17:09
Bloody loved this Vix! When I did Veganuary last year there were some people who reacted really strangely with a lot of judgement, which is a shame because what they personally choose to eat doesn’t concern me so I’m not sure how what I personally choose to eat concerns them. Unfortunately the word seems to have a lot of negative connotations attached – definitely each to their own, and you’re right, there is privilege involved whether we are consuming animal products or avoiding them and being aware of that is really important xxx
Sophie | Sophar So Good
January 10th, 2018 at 19:51
I wish I could turn vegan but with how limited my diet already is, it is just a change that I couldn’t make at the minute. I am always in awe of people who are vegan, it is such a huge lifestyle change!
Danielle xx
http://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/
January 13th, 2018 at 18:11
This was a really good post as you covered both corners – the vegans and the non-vegans! You’re absolutely right about “don’t preach”. One of the things i decided when i became veggie, was that i would never be an imposition on my family – expect them to ‘conform’. As otherwise how can i expect them to respect MY choice? It’s definitely helped me for the better. I think it’s so important not to be militant either, as you may not know a person’s circumstance. For example, i am around 90% vegan, but i am also recovering from anorexia, so it’s not healthy for me to scrutinise labels. That may mean that i consume small traces of animal products, but i can only do my best and need to save myself too.
Bumble and Be