Bonny Rebecca & Ex Vegans

Nicole's video:
• Video
Forks over Knives
100 reasons to go vegan
• The Food Matrix - 101 ...
How Not to Die
What we said Podcast:
Follow our Co-Hosts:
NISHA
KZbin:
/ loseyourveganity
Instagram:
/ nishabalsara
NICOLE
KZbin:
/ missvranhalen
Instagram:
/ nikkivvegan
Get Nicole's $10 cookbook: shopnikkivegan...
HANNAH
KZbin: / @hannahweseloh
Instagram:
/ hannahhagler
Have a topic, brand, or guest you want to see in an upcoming episode? Let us know in the comments or email us at [e-mail].

[@AshSmi-pm8rk]

This channel is a breath of fresh air in the vegan youtube community

[@Jen18812]

I wish I could like this comment a thousand times.

[@NikkiVegan]

Thank you so much!

[@veggiesandmore]

As a vegan registered dietitian, I am a bit torn on this issue. I can sympathize with ex-vegans who turn to eating varying amounts of animal products because they feel that it is their last option to conquering their health issues. I can only imagine how painful it must be to feel like you have to go against your ethics for the good of your health. But I also feel that in a lot of cases, this hurt could have been prevented by embracing a more balanced, science-based approach to the vegan diet in the first place. Over the last few years, I've seen so many vegan fads come and go (many of which have sadly been embraced at one point or another by the vegan youtube community). I think that in order to be a successful, vegans need to put their health as their #1 priority, and that, from the very start. And this requires a good dose of science-based knowledge and seeking out true qualified experts if or as soon as any health issues arise. That said, I do realize that it's not always easy to find health professionals that are knowledgeable about a vegan diet. Which is why I love that you girls strive to include interviews with some on your channel. :) Thanks for having such compassionate voices in what often seems like a sea of anger.

[@victoriazwergmaus9813]

Veggies & More I wish you would live in switzerland 😊

[@cat_pb]

Agree so much with this comment~

[@veggiesandmore]

Switzerland ❤︎ I hear it's a beautiful country!

[@crocfixio]

Veggies & More where did you get your degree. all dietitians i have taken advise from have recommended the inclusion of some from of lean meat in my diet. usually in a 2:3 ratio (2 meats per 3 vegetables). And whole plant carbs too. And it has worked perfectly for me.

[@veggiesandmore]

crocfixio -- I completed my undergrad at McGill University in Canada and my masters degree at the University of Stirling in Scotland. It's great that you've found a way of eating that works for you. But just to clarify, most registered dietitians will agree that the way you are eating isn't the only way to meet your nutrient needs.

[@tspicks4360]

Some folks, such as Mic.theVegan and Those Annoying Vegans, have made videos describing how Bonnie Rebecca's new non-vegan regimen COULD be "veganized", at least potentially. There are actually a fair number of low fiber (and/or low FODMAP) vegan foods. I sympathize with her difficulties, still, there are avenues to explore there.

[@NikkiVegan]

True and just to be clear, we're not saying we agree or disagree with her approach. That's not really any of our business and it's certainly not within our control, but we feel for her and we have compassion for her struggle. That's the point we're trying to make here :)

[@tspicks4360]

Yeah, I get that, and I do feel for her too. It's a difficult situation. Still, I have to disagree a bit with her approach, in that a great many people follow her, and there are some options that don't appear to have been tried, which wouldn't involve killing animals. Also, I wish she had OPENED with her comment that veganism did not cause her issues.

[@courtneyjefferson5522]

I’m sorry but “Mic the Vegan” is not a doctor and does not have any type of medical training which qualifies him to make any recommendations about Bonny’s diet.

[@saraaavelazquez]

@@courtneyjefferson5522 to be fair bonny didn't even went to a real doctor sooo

[@tspicks4360]

Sara Velazquez - Yes, exactly. I believe Bonnie said she went to several different doctors during the course of her journey, without finding a resolution, finally seeing a nontraditional practitioner who was helpful. Not surprising, in that traditional western medicine gives doctors very little if ANY training in diet and nutrition. If you break a leg, see a doctor. For problems like those described by Bonnie Rebecca, they're much less likely to be helpful. I've experienced this personally, in a slightly different context, which is one reason I feel empathy for what she's gone through - we expect doctors to know their shit, but in areas like this ... they just don't. Unless they're unusual, and have studied on their own. I actually was driven to study on my own, and also wound up taking a full course in nutrition as it relates to various diseases. So at this point, I literally know more on this particular subject than the great majority of doctors ... which is ridiculous, but it's true. It SHOULDN'T be true, but that's the current state of things. Mic.the Vegan has also studied these things at length, btw, and is in the process of getting a Masters degree in public health. He's actually quite knowledgeable, and is a valuable resource for vegans (as are some other folks of course, including doctors like Esselsyn, Greger, McDougall, Barnard, and others). There's nothing magical about meat, dairy, or eggs, and they rarely, if ever, need to be prescribed.

[@SarahWarman80]

I said this in Nikki's comments, but I've been vegan since before KZbin was ever thought of, so all of this isn't surprising to me. These young people are "fair weather vegans". They were never in it for the animals, and for me it's ALL about the animals. Thanks for discussing this, I love you girls!

[@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094]

@The Truth there there. I know guilty conscience is hard to deal with. Now you are hallucinating talking to animals who gives you personal permission to torture and massacre them.

[@sez_]

@The Truth get in the bin.

[@mercZ-v8c]

When you do it for the animals! You never go back! You find all the possible ways to make it fair for the animas and ur health

[@diandragomez6208]

Yes veganism is when you allow your body to suffer on a nutrient deficient diet for specific animals but not care about other animals (like the ones killed in potato harvesting machine). Vegans worship the golden calf like the heathens did in the old testament when Moses came from the mount with the 10 commandments. Exodus 32:1-9. That's what God thinks of people who worship calfs.

[@meowsmakemusic718]

I’m 13 and i’m in it for the animals i promise :3

[@kirky9347]

I love Freelee’s passion. She made me go vegan 3 years ago. People tend to reject those who don’t sugarcoat things and just tell the truth. It is easy to try and be the good guy but much harder to say what no one has the guts to say.

[@lillycandyrose]

Exactly!

[@NikkiVegan]

I think she is and can be very effective, but I also think different people respond to different types of messaging. The point we're making is that all of our approaches are important and it's not about being "better" at spreading the message, but that we're all doing our best to effectively spread it using our unique and individual voices

[@livthedream91]

NikkiVegan ❤️

[@yvetteclaire]

except what she said was dangerous... stating periods were unnatural, that people shouldn't be eating fat, etc. No wonder so many people had hormonal and other issues in the wake of her advice, WE, especially WOMEN, NEED fat for healthy functioning. I wish she had that passion AND MADE SENSE, then she would've been unstoppable.

[@caitporter_24]

Yeah too bad she's crazy

[@gracehiles]

this is seriously the best video you guys have done! please more unfiltered casual videos! Feels like just having a conversation with friends. Love it

[@amim5144]

I have to recommend lillykoi Hawaii. She is so knowledgeable and the way she delivers information is just so fun to watch. Definitely a wealth of information for those coming to veganism!

[@brip799]

oh yes I just found her this month too and I love her content! :)

[@livthedream91]

Ami M 👍👍👍

[@leahjenner6765]

She still promotes a hclf diet though and turns up her nose at any processed food.

[@evab.6240]

@truth truth I think you judged her too quickly. It's passion, not anger (I think). She has a rough past tho, she speaks of it in a few of her videos so on the other hand, I've seen her very angry but I can understand where that anger is coming from

[@juliaespindola6504]

@@leahjenner6765 she made a whole video about eating processed food as a way to feel mentally well. She is very focused on health, and therefore does't eat processed food and refined carbs, but other than that all of her ideas are good and supported by research

[@leahdelpezzo1364]

Oh my goodness the pig for pets thing. I had a neighbor who had a pig for a pet. His name was Otis and he was the sweetest gentlest animal. At the time my son was around 1 and Otis would drop by the house to say hi. My son fell in love with this pig. From that point on I decided I would never consume pork. Later I saw my neighbors at the local restaurant I worked in and they were ordering and eating pork galore. It really made me nauseous and disgusted with them. I wanted to save this poor pig. They treated their pet Otis wonderfully, with love and compassion. Yet the disconnect between pork and pet pig was absolutely there. Later, I became vegan and I moved out of this neighborhood. I still get queasy when I remember the day I saw my pig loving neighbors eating pork. There is such a disconnect in our society between the animal life and the meat on the plate. It's sad and it needs to change.

[@leahdelpezzo1364]

@The Truth you are absolutely right animals aren't humans. Humans are animals though. As animals we all have souls, we experience pain and we have the capacity to love. That sentiment is something to consider.

[@neiya8862]

Wow. Thanks for sharing.

[@neiya8862]

@The Truth You may be right To nonvegans vegans sound crazy. Imagine if you went to a country where dogs were eaten regularly. That wouldn't make you uncomfortable? Having compassion for all walks of life doesn't make a person crazy. Your comment really has no place on this platform- a vegan platform. You are entitled to your opinion but stating that "you don't mean to be rude" doesn't magically make your statement less rude. To a vegan you sound disconnected from the reality that all animals have feelings. Just because an animal is not human doesn't make a difference in their ability to feel pain. By the way humans are animals too. As a matter of fact, humans are mammals.

[@michelleisplanning]

I can totally relate cuz my family eats guinea pigs and I saw how cute they were and I told my parents told I don't want to eat them. This was me when I was a child, and now I'm an adult and I know why I didn't stop eating animals because I was disconnected.

[@livthedream91]

IAmAgainst Can you please post a link to some scientific evidence that h.sapiens have souls?🙄

[@rhianhy]

I so appreciate that you ladies can have an open discussion and see everything from both sides and not feel the need to state "the right way" to do something

[@michelepaccione8806]

I feel for her. I also had digestive problems that got much, much better after I went vegetarian and then vegan. But I never did any of the "fringe" vegan diets, like all fruit or all raw, which I believe may trigger some of this digestive stuff. I think part of the difficulty is that our healthcare systems are so screwed up that people don't know where to turn, which doctors to see or who to believe. Doctors, in most cases, eat the same crummy meat-and-dairy-filled diets most people do...even though that diet causes so many health problems. Their solution for many patients is to write a prescription to ease the symptoms, not to cure the underlying disease. That leads to regular people feeling they have to do tons of research themselves and suggest their diagnosis to their doctor, which is ridiculous.

[@DL-bh8bv]

Spot on.

[@RawVeganGinger]

Michele Paccione All fruit diets trigger digestive issues? I’ve been fruit based for 5 years and currently eating nothing but fruit now and my digestion is AMAZING! I had chronic digestive issues in the past too. People expect instant results without putting in any of the work long term. Bonny was never fruit based long term. These people missed the point that Bonny ate nothing but processed vegan foods and breads while improperly combining foods together.

[@smudge8882]

@@RawVeganGinger OP never said that veganism causes digestive issues. They said doctors are biased towards meat-and-dairy diets and its tough getting help as a vegan

[@RawVeganGinger]

@@smudge8882 2 years later? 😂 My comment 2 years ago was a response to the woman above who blames fruit for digestive disorders… Don’t get it twisted.

[@ShayC143]

This is why I don’t idolize vegans. People are people. The best you can do is live with your convictions and truth. Veganism isn’t a diet but a life choice and if you don’t connect to the ethical side then I truly don’t think you were vegan to begin with. Health issues can stem way before going vegan. Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you eat healthy either. A lot of these young kids assume veganism will solve all their problems yet there are underlying factors that has nothing to do with veganism and puts us who are committed to this path a bad name. Take ownership and responsibility. People have cured themselves by going vegan. Bonnie has a platform and flip flopping diets is not sending the right message. Its confusing her followers. It’s only hurting the community. She needs to take care of her health and keep that private because all this exposure is just not helping the animals or the cause. Thanks ladies for your input and stay vegan 🌱 strong !!

[@PlantBasedBride]

I agree that making veganism your primary identity can cause issues. It happened to me! When I went vegan 6 years ago I was angry, and I jumped head first into activism. After about 3 years I was running myself into the ground, so burnt out on vegan activism that I was worsening my depression and anxiety and not taking care of myself properly. I can see how someone could get to this point, hit that wall, and just give up and go back to eating animal products. I can’t imagine ever going back, but I can understand the exhaustion. I can understand not wanting to have to think about it and fight for it anymore. I found a way to scale back and continue to live a vegan lifestyle, but not everyone can, for a variety of reasons. I don’t have to like it, but I can understand how it happens. As for Bonny, I’m sad that she is no longer vegan, and I’m sad thinking about the potential impact of her video. But I would never attack her for it. I saw the video in my feed and decided not to watch, and quietly unsubscribed from her channel. If she comes back to veganism I’ll happily follow her again. I hope that the positive impact she has made over the years will continue to outweigh any negative impact that comes from this change. Thank you for the in depth discussion on this!

[@albeni120]

vegans are so quick to be compassionate towards the animals...why can't they learn to be just as compassionate to humans such as Bonny. i don't understand

[@danielanyvltova9749]

Bonny is a narcissistic pretentious, unpleasant and now cruel individual, do you need more reasons?

[@LPurdy]

Because veganism isnt about compassion for humans.

[@danielanyvltova9749]

@truth truth well said however, be careful with Dalai Lama, I do not think he is vegan!

[@isithardtobevegan53]

abbeyyy12 because humans are nothing but disgusting garbage.

[@LPurdy]

@@isithardtobevegan53 like your Mom? She's human.

[@xXihmissusiXx]

The problem with some comments is to know who is behind them. Like many of the negative comments seem to come from anonymous accounts. So is it a vegan? or is it a pure troll? or is it someone pretending being vegan and makes negative comments to make vegans look bad?

[@aclancy1992]

_ihmissusi_ I think this too!

[@RamchandPhagoo]

"Bonny Rebecca & The Ex Vegans" sounds like a good name for a band.

[@kimberlyrinehart5525]

I wish she would have said the words "being vegan wasnt the cause of my health issues" at the very beginning. Also, she changed her diet at some point in the last couple years and I know at that point she made a video about not eating the way she did when her ebook came out and she didnt mention that in the video. Perhaps that old way of eating caused the issue and people should hear that it wasn't being vegan... it may have been how she was eating before that diet change happened.

[@janebovary3560]

How can she be sure if that and how can you??

[@kimberlyrinehart5525]

@@janebovary3560 no one can be sure of anything, that's why I said "perhaps". Its worth mentioning as a possibility instead of ignoring it and making her followers with "digestive issues " think this is the only option.

[@pep-o-butt672]

Jane Bovary Because veganism is never the cause of health issues, uneducated approach to diet planning is.

[@toosh8401]

Kimberly Rinehart the way she ate was 100% the cause of all her and her partners issues!!! You are totally blind and ignorant!!

[@andreahnicole2812]

I am one month and a half into veganism and this is my fave channel of all of youtube. I've seen most of your videos (even the ones with Dani!) and the way you all talk make me feel like I'm talking to friends and it makes everything so much easier to understand and agree with... there is never aggression or pressure. Just peace. I have also checked out all of your individual youtube channels and am learning so much. Thank you for all you fo and teaching me and so many others true compassion and intelligence.

[@donnitatalavera9770]

Welcome to veganism. Wishing you a life of health and love!

[@brittanyrippy563]

Thanks guys I reallllyyyy needed this and need you guys! Thanks for being my vegan family but also just a friend in this universe.

[@NikkiVegan]

Aw thanks Brittany! So glad this was helpful for you. Sending so much love your way today

[@Sasafrass14]

I just want to say thank you. When I was 5 and 1/2 years into being a vegetarian I made the difficult choice of putting fish back into my diet due to having a lot of digestive and joint issues. That was about 4 years ago. fast forward to finding your channel, I had taken out all dairy due to my digestive issues becoming so unbearable and at a loss of what else to do. After watching more of your videos and watching videos on your personal channels, I began eating less eggs and fish. In fact I maybe eat eggs or fish 2-3 times a month and sometimes not at all to be honest. I consider myself mostly plant based. I haven’t really gone through all my products to see if they are vegan, but I am very mindful and know most of them are and look for it in any future purchases I make. So thank you for spreading your message. I’m not vegan, but I do do my best.

[@Shannonsense]

Literally just posted in FB group & shared on my story so you all know, but yes compassionate queens!!! I’m uploading a Why I’m STILL Vegan video tomorrow evening. If you’re feeling angry I suggests trying it! Not reasons you are mad people quit, but spreading love and positivity to why you are. 💕💕💕

[@HurricanexLiberty]

I personnally really don't understand why anyone is attacking her. She is eating animal products again. That's a fact and attacking her won't change ANYTHING. Now : did she say she won't ever be vegan again ? No. Did she say that she lied and doesn't agree with veganism ? No. If she titled her video differently but with the same content, people would have ben shitting on her, telling her she can't use the word vegan anymore/she's a fraud etc. If she hid the fact that she eats animal products again, people would have found out and been mad (x10000). I think that in her shoes, knowing that whatever she will do, she'll be shamed/attacked, I understand that she didn't tried to sugar-coat her story and her decision (i'm saying that in response to the "i wish she would have done her video/title differently"; i don't think she was in the state of mind needed for that...) People attacking her and analysing every little word she said in her video is counter-productive. She isn't a robot, everyone makes mistakes/isn't perfect 100% of the time.... Anyway, I think that she's really brave for putting that video up and be transparent with her audience, knowing what would happen.

[@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094]

But when you title your video "why i am no longer vegan" and only admit that veganism isn't the cause of her problems until the very end of a 48 minute video, you MUST know that you are potentially doing the animals much harm by giving carnists ammunitions and discouraging your followers from going vegan

[@HurricanexLiberty]

@@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094 I really don't see it that way. It must be because I'm deep in medical stuff, but what I see is a girl and her bf explaining they had to eat animal products (therefore not being vegans anymore) at least for the time it takes for them to heal because no other option helped...

[@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094]

@@HurricanexLiberty whether or not you "see" it that way does not change the facts of my comment.

[@lillycandyrose]

Well it is a problem, for people like myself, who are very ethically vegan, as in, for the suffering of animals, it's not okay. It's not fair that now, she has gone back into the market of purchasing the skin, flesh, limbs and secretions of animals....she's demanding violence to continue with her dollar. That's actually not okay. I don't care about the title, I care that she says "I'm ethically okay with purchasing eggs and fish, like I'm fine with that." Well, I'm sorry but, i'm not okay with her speciesism, seeing as apparently she would never eat "meat" meaning, chicken and beef, even though fish is meat. I'm not okay with her disregard for animals. I love the vegan view but, there's a difference between someone being horrible and me, someone who's not sugarcoating like they are and is actually not okay with someone contributing to death.. especially when they claimed they wouldn't. I have IBS but you know, those animal products aren't giving her anything to make her feel better, it's what they lack, that gives her stomach a break, as in animal products do not contain fiber. I hope Bonny sees a vegan nutritionist and one day comes back to us, and makes a better ethical connection in the future :)

[@HurricanexLiberty]

@@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094 that's not a fact, that's an opinion. 🤷‍♀️ And my opinion is that the backlash and public attacks towards her are far more damaging to the vegan movement than her video

[@cadintruesdale9831]

Oh my god THANK YOU! I. FEEL. SO. SEEN!! Bonnie was second only to the Vegan View in KZbin channels that I turned to last May when I was newly vegan. When I saw her video last week, my SO asked me if I was upset or felt betrayed, and even as the video was still playing, I said ‘no’ and that she was on her own journey and had to take care of herself. He asked if she made me question my own veganism and I said ‘no’ and that she was ill and had to look after her health. I then saw her fear at the end of the video and the nastiness of the comments and was shocked at how different they were from my own reaction. I’ve continually been confused and shocked at the anger and cruelty of this community over the past week and even the more measured, but still upset, reactions. I’ve struggled with what Nicole mentioned; am I weak or do I not care because I’m not angry? Thank you so so much for this video. It’s what I needed to hear and has reminded me that I’m not weak or careless and that forgiveness is part of this compassionate system of ethics. You girls are truly a lighthouse. Much love.

[@brookehale7871]

Thank you for making this video. A while ago I had so many gut issues and I had to completely cut out legumes (even soy and peas) and it was the hardest time in my life. Thankfully, I was able to stay vegan and slowly incorporate legumes back. I still can’t eat soy, but I can eat everything else. I know what Bonny is going through. I’m grateful I can be vegan healthily but I can’t imagine the alternative. I love how you guys spread so much love which is what I try to do on my instagram. I love your videos, thank you. ❤️

[@kerivers1s]

I love how eloquently you guys discussed this topic! It's so nice to see people approaching these videos level headed but still very open and honest with their opinions!

[@kellyreadingbooks]

“You gotta take care of you before you can take care of the animals” -Nisha 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@amberlew4295]

i am so happy you guys made this video. This response was so peaceful compared to some other videos i’ve watched. you guys could not have said it better. I joined this community of course for ethical and health reasons, but also because it felt so inviting which honestly was a surprise to me because three years ago before changing my lifestyle, vegans had a very cult like and angry persona. I never really saw that side of the community until this video bonny put out. It is really upsetting because it’s something i really haven’t seen that much of. I am so happy you guys use this platform to show peaceful views that would not scare someone watching who was thinking about going vegan! Thanks for this !

[@amanda3456]

I love you women sooooo much

[@NikkiVegan]

Thank you Amanda! We love you too. Thanks for watching

[@amanda3456]

@@NikkiVegan you are so well spoken and wise ugh i could watch you for hours

[@tayonstage]

I'm so glad I found you guys. You are the best vegan channel out there. Thank you for creating an open space for us to talk about scary things. As a vegan, its hard to find people in our lives to talk about some of the more controversial topics with because non vegans don't get it and you never know how other vegans will react. You're changing what veganism on youtube looks like. You're showing people its not some judgmental, exclusive club with impossibly high standards. I've mentioned this before but I would love to see you guys do an episode on palm oil. Vegans aren't talking about it enough and a lot of people don't know how harmful it is. Keep being inspirational!

[@lisak1185]

I love y’all, but the reason I am personally no longer identifying myself as vegan (since September now) is because the vegan community is so black and white and all or nothing. I’ve gotten bullied on vegan forums and vegans are always attacking each other (hello freelee). The reaction videos to Bonny Rebecca were awful. Being vegan and then going away from veganism doesn’t mean that people turn back to their previous ways of eating. I am forever going to be 90% plant based and that’s better than eating 3 steaks a day. The vegan community doesn’t even acknowledge that. That makes me really really sad. We’re still on the same team! Ex-vegans still support vegans and vegan products. 😘

[@livthedream91]

Lisa Experimentalveggie I’ve noticed that some ex vegans become bitterly anti-vegan, and I find that deplorable. But I agree that the black and white thinking is unproductive. I’ve seen lots of what you’re talking about in the vegan YT community, and think it’s very off putting to non vegans considering making the switch.

[@tspicks4360]

Being vegan actually IS pretty black and white. Longstanding definition from The Vegan Society: "Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose." If you're doing that, you're vegan. Otherwise ... not so much. :)

[@livthedream91]

T's Picks What I love about that definition is the “practicable” part, right? So...I think what I’m talking about is when vegans shit on good vegans for having pet cats they’ve always had, or think we should euthanize all domestic animals, or shame someone for slipping up in their diet in some small way. I told myself when I came toward this path that I wasn’t going to be religious about it because I know if I’m too rigid I’ll end up failing and returning to full omnivore lifestyle with all of its apologia. By doing my BEST to avoid exploitation, even if I’m imperfect, I know it’s reducing harm and footprint to some small measure. If 80% of the developed world became 80% plant based, we’d have fewer animals bred to suffer, a cleaner environment, and probably better health. That’s a win for animals even though we’d all like to see better.

[@lisak1185]

Liv TheDream exactly!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@tspicks4360]

"Do the best you can" is a good approach, imo ... as long as we actually MEAN it. If doing one's best means, "I only kill on Tuesdays ..." :), well, is that really the best one can do? How so? We all get there on our own paths, and few of us start out vegan, so I'm sympathetic to that ... but doing our actual "best" is important.

[@laceyb.6617]

This was such a great response video. I have the attention span of a dog with a squirrel nearby and I watched the whole thing lol. I definitely resonate with Hannah's point that the title of the video could have been less damaging to the vegan movement. Mic the Vegan and Lilykoi Hawaii had amazing responses too that explained the health side of things.

[@videotapeses]

The girl on the right is wearing a t shirt from BEETxBEET and they are seriously the softest organic cotton shirts I've ever owned. I would highly recommend the brand 💜

[@mishasamuel]

The biggest issue I have with these ex-vegans is the fact that their videos are monetized and their titles are clearly designed to get the clicks. They were once vegans yet they’re ok with making money off of a video that promotes carnism. I really don’t get it. Most of these "why I’m no longer vegan" videos are very self-centered and self-serving and inevitably cause a lot of harm. They don’t have to make these type of videos, they do it because it’ll make money. 🤮

[@dieSterbendeGiraffe]

1. I'm really sorry for Bonny and that she can't be vegan anymore. And I'm glad she feels better now. 2. I can still be upset about the way she's sharing this. Of course, the title of the video seems like she's looking for clicks. But what really bothers me is her promoting all this pseudo science and that she could still be vegan if she hadn't thought of a restricted vegan diet as a magical cure to everything and if she went to a real doctor earlier, maybe actually when going vegan as she had this problems before. I'm glad she still tries to live as ethically as possible because in the end, vegans don't do anything else. Veganism is never 100% vegan, it's always "reducing as much animal cruelty as possible". And every step counts!

[@jordanlindsay6218]

Why don't you ladies have more subscribers?! Your approach shows pure compassion. 💜

[@NikkiVegan]

Thank you Jordan! That's so nice of you to say :) You can help us spread this message by sharing our videos with your friends and fam or even on your facebook page. You never know who's watching and who needs to hear this message

[@toosh8401]

Jordan Lindsay 😂😂

[@beanies5102]

Personally, the way Bonny titled her video never made me doubt Veganism. The way the vegan community responded to her... that made me completely question Veganism.

[@taniarachel9785]

I don't understand, how can how other people behave affect your decision whether or not to cause harm to animals?

[@beanies5102]

Tania Rachel Someone else’s personal health issues and the way they combat those issues would never be a factor in my own diet/lifestyle. I can say that the way the vegan community has responded to Bonny has been nothing short of disgusting. How can I believe that this community, a community in which I am a member, is kind and peaceful when this is how they treat other people?

[@daz_gibowski348]

@@beanies5102 I'm confused you are questioning veganism because of how little precious Bonny has been criticized by some of the vegan community..?? Yet every year billion of innocent animals (most of them baby animals) that have commited no crime are sentenced to death to satisfy human tastebuds.. hopefully you will not feel the need to question veganism again..!!!

[@mariemai2902]

There are two options, you can either be vegan for the animals or vegan for the vegans. I always will chose the first.

[@beanies5102]

Gorilla Bizkits I think you need to read both of my comments. I explain how I do not question my personal diet/lifestyle. However, I question labeling myself a “vegan” when this is how the vegan community treats each other. I really don’t know how I can encourage people to journey into Veganism, when this is the criticism they’ll face.

[@lelek991]

I always say to myself I can forgive but I’m not going to forget👌🏼 and that really helps especially within toxic friendships

[@iitzjenna_]

i totally agree with what hannah said about titling it differently. my husband and i are really big into researching before we make a decision, for example if we years ago were looking into veganism together we would look up why vegan and also why people stopped being vegan and all that just to gather information and if someone came across her video and like she said has gut issues (like my husband and i both had) and it basically makes it seem like veganism could possibly make pre existing gut issues worse we would possibly have tried eating just fish and eggs and veg/friut. its so hard to make decisions and think of everything at once especially if youre nervous and all that about posting the video. but maybe now she should think about possibly going in and renaming it just for future people looking into veganism. ive been vegan for almost 3 years now

[@shiloh8610]

i love the way that you addressed this! you guys are like the only people that are actually presenting your point on this issue without completely attacking anyone, unlike some of the other responding videos people have made.

[@AlyssaLeiann]

I love this channel, I would love to see you guys and Bec (rebecca moroney from eamon&bec) have a conversation about compassionate veganism. She is why I'm transitioning and then I found this channel. Thanks for being kind hearted and open minded.

[@aclancy1992]

I’m just wondering if you all feel slightly different now Bonny has put a pretty video up promoting eating eggs. If you were an ethical vegan but stopped for health reasons I don’t really think you would be okay with doing this. She has a massive audience. Or if you feel different after seeing her instagram stories saying she would never come back to veganism. I can see how people are questioning her reasons from these things.

[@RotisserieiJamie]

I don't want to bash her, but she also bought furniture that came from animals. It's one thing doing something for health, but how is buying furniture that came from animals, help with your health?

[@inainoslo]

I had been vegan for 7 years and I had diarrhea every day for 7 years. I tried low fodmap, countless probiotics nothing worked. One day I was crying and I was thinking I need to know if my stomach gets better on animal products. I was then a vegetarian for 3 months. And that didn't help either. So then I was on KZbin one day and heard about the vegan keto diet. Tried it and my problems went away so now I'm a vegan again. Cutting out grains, fruit and soy did the trick :)

[@alexasunshine83]

so happy you girls did this! honestly after watching hate videos all about ex vegans it made me feel very uneasy to say im vegan because I feel like im not good enough, love your thoughts!

[@hi-vg5qz]

You guys are so sweet while still telling the truth about the video. Love it! On another note, where is Nisha's shirt from? I love love love it

[@TheVeganView]

Hi!!! Thank you! It’s from Beetxbeet! -Nisha

[@hi-vg5qz]

Omg thank you!😊@@TheVeganView

[@auroracid5417]

I seriously love your videos. I recently made the transition to veganism a few months ago and it's really had an insanely positive impact on my life. I really appreciate that Nisha explicitly acknowledged her privilege. I think it's extremely important to acknowledge that. As a POC who lives in a food dessert, I felt like it was impossible to go vegan. My privilege is that I am college educated and have access to services that help. I also have a chronic physical illnesses, so I had to prepare in advance by meeting with all my doctors, getting blood work, etc. That's also a privilege because I have access to these things, but it also took a huge mental toll on me. It's also hard when you don't have a supportive family or friend group. It also kind of takes a financial investment especially when you aren't able to buy your own food. This comment was rambly and I haven't watched all your videos, but maybe talking about privilege and veganism would be a good idea.

[@nataliepatino19]

I love you guys so much. Literally so glad to have vegans on the internet that are level-headed, compassionate and just really chill. You hit the nail on the head with this video

[@TheCamillenickow]

Thank you so much for this video! I really appreciated hearing all your perspectives and your acknowledgment of the complexity of situations. It’s also great to see areas where the 3 of you have slightly different opinions/perspectives. The one thing that I don’t see talked about much that I found confusing and disappointing about Bonny’s video is that she didn’t truly acknowledge or express regret about the ethical sacrifice she has decided to make. I get that health comes first and I think it would have gone a long way for me (and to help influence her followers) if she could have just acknowledged that she is making an ethical sacrifice. Instead, her only mention of ethics was when she said that she felt ethically ok with where she is sourcing her eggs and fish. Maybe it’s a small thing but for some reason it’s the most difficult part for me! Just thought I’d share :)

[@xtinkerbellax3]

I totally agree, this was the worst part for me as well. I mentioned above but I would have appreciated her response more if she had acknowledged it wasn't ethical but was putting her health first instead of trying to justify it.

[@andyway6147]

I want a podcast.🙏🏻 You guys are such an inspiration.

[@LilNinja787]

Nisha WHERE is your top from?? I’m in love!

[@TheVeganView]

Hiiii! It’s from beetxbeet!! -Nisha

[@nataliepatino19]

When Nicole was talking about forgiving easily and not liking being angry... SAME. I think about that all the time

[@NikkiVegan]

I had to really think about it for a while, because it's almost a default, so it was interesting to ponder why I do that and what my intentions are there....it's not that I let people walk all over me. I'm a lot tougher than I look, but I do not like to carry anger, judgement, and resentment inside of me. It's not effective, it's not healthy...it's not always easy to forgive either, but I strive for it whenever possible

[@fh.nursemom]

I just wanted to say thank you guys so much for having this conversation recorded for us it is invaluable!

[@SarahSpices]

I love how calm and informational this video was, and I really agree with the points that you made. I have a chronic illness called Ehler Danlos Syndrome that affects my gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal system. Because I have dealt with the struggle of having a chronic illness, Bonny's health problems resonate with me and I understand what she is going through. But conversely, it's hard for me to understand how Bonny was so involved in spreading the vegan lifestyle and talked about how much she loved being vegan, then went back to eating animal products. I feel betrayed and lied to. But everyone has the right to make their own decisions and do what they think is right for them. I think the biggest lesson from all of the commotion that Bonny's vide caused is that we can't control what others choose to do. We need to realize that becoming angry and spreading hate will not help the animals. We need to show people how healthy, delicious, and fun it is to be vegan. And redirect our anger into positivity to show how amazing the vegan lifestyle is. I truly love you guys and your channels! Thanks for being great role models

[@suzybrat2945]

It's not any animal's job to cure my health problems.. nor can they. Eggs and fish are not a magical cure to what ails you. Anyone who is passionate about the animals could never turn their backs on them... period. So yea, I'm angry.

[@jocelyncandace9753]

I watched Nicole and Freelees video and liked them both. I agree with what Nisha said about Freelees video.

[@Eitaklane]

I was never a fan a Freelee in the first place, and I only got into 5 minutes of her response video before I had to click away. She came off very hateful and lacked compassion. It was angering to watch her attack Bonny as she did. The vegan community is all about compassion and love for all forms of life, yet her response lacked all of it (for the amount of time I was actual able to endure). I’m glad that you three took on a more compassionate approach. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so level headed in your response.

[@iitzjenna_]

i totally started questioning everything when i saw her video and then i went back and thought about why im vegan and why i dont want to eat eggs and fish. and it brought me right back.

[@annahutson8392]

So when you were talking about going vegan just because you need a purpose that’s literally what I did. My mom was in jail for 6 months and she’s my best friend in the whole world and I felt so lost and alone. I felt so out of control and I couldn’t control ANYTHING in my life except for what I ate. But still, I’m 2 years in, my mom is home and happy and clean and I’m still vegan! I love it so much. This was my destiny. For sure.

[@RidingRoads715]

I think the biggest issue with Bonny Rebecca’s “confession” is that she didn’t mention that being vegan wasn’t the cause of her problems until the very end of the video. She should have stated that a the beginning of the video so people actually heard it. And the title was really off putting as well. It makes it sound straight up that being vegan caused all her problems.

[@hollyspeaks8542]

Where did you get that shirt Nisha?

[@felicianord9124]

I think it's from beetxbeet

[@NishaBalsara]

Felicia Ridde it is!

[@NishaBalsara]

Holly Speaks it’s from beetxbeet!!!

[@asdfghjkl-uz1tt]

Lilykoi is my favorite vegan youtuber.

[@cierrahp9702]

I've been on a plant based diet for a year and have been following a lot of vegan and plant based youtubers. They have helped me find new recipes so that I can eat healthier. But at the end of the day i research for myself and will never look to any youtuber as an idol or put them on a pedestal because no one is perfect. Most people have not been vegan all of their lives. So i dont think people have a right to judge. I look for inspiration but believe people should do what's best for them.

[@jholmie6016]

you ladies are the best, always love hearing your perspective

[@lindseyblocker9216]

Awww I feel like I'm having a conversation with my best friends! Thank you so much for making this video ! When Bonny put out that video, I was just very confused. I was angry, but I also really like Bonny and I know she is doing the best she can. Thank you for having a very mature, open-minded conversation!

[@nataliecampbell8213]

I am not vegan and this is very inspiring. I have found it hard to cut out all meat and to force others around me to stop. However, I try my best to have as many meatless days as I can. Starting slow but I have a goal to become meatless. No one should be expected to be perfect. Thank you for sharing your open-mindedness with us all!

[@MylesSpearsASMR]

11:00 I can tell she was about to say something different 😭🙌🏾 yeah girl haha

[@oa4772]

Love that Nisha brought up that NO ONE knows what Bonny was going through. She has one life, one body, and the ability to make a decision to improve her situation. Still, if you were put in her shoes, it is impossible to even know what you would have done because you haven’t been in that situation before. Tomorrow you could be judged by people for decisions you’ve made. Break the cycle and practice compassion. Love you girls!! Xoxo

[@anagabrielacarrizoa]

Love this video!! Thank you for posting it ❤️ The only thing that truly upset me about Bonny’s instagram stories was when she said she was never going to go back to veganism or be associated with vegans because of “the vegan community“ and how toxic it is

[@jilliancawley498]

I really wish you guys would record this in a podcast format too! It would make it so much easier for me to listen at work :)

[@MarieJohnson]

"We're on the same team...fighting for the same thing..." YES! I talked about this recently in "Ways to be a Vegan." We're all vegan and we all have the same goal, LESS animal suffering and sacrifice for food.

[@sheib7741]

Dominion was SO eye opening to me, especially because it's mostly Australian footage and I live in Australia, even though I had been vegan for like two years already when I watched it. It reignited my passion for animal rights and just reinforced the reason I am vegan. I could never imagine going back to a lifestyle which harms animals because the images of the footage showing what animals go through breaks my heart

[@silviaj4965]

This one Instagram vegan influencer said she will be re introducing salmon and egg whites to her diet once in awhile. Her being completely plant based and only once a month or even two months having something like egg whites or salmon is honestly completely balanced. I love her plant based recipes and she really Embodies an healthy, efficiency, and ethical diet. I myself still consume shrimp, egg whites and sometimes salmon. I’m also plant based I’ve honestly never felt this good in my life, I don’t diet I just simple cook healthy and nutritious meals.

[@katherinecoll8534]

Amazing! I enjoy listening to your chat so much... reminds me of the type of conversations me and my sister have in our kitchen

[@nina8230]

Also okay, I am SO ABOUT what you're saying about going into the world and just exposing people to veganism. I'm a comic and a grad student, and I think I make a way bigger impact by just being normal and mentioning my veganism on stage and poking fun at myself and by bringing food into work or nicely encouraging my staff to go to places with vegan options.

[@tofuandtravel601]

Loved this casual setting! I could tell what you were saaying was from the heart (i know it always is but I mean it felt off the cuff from the heart)

[@thebookhuntr8521]

I really appreciate this in depth discussion you three were able to have and share ❤

[@CF.]

I love how the one girl said, go and get better and come back. The yoga gurus say the same thing. Do what you have to do to be well and then come back to an optimal diet.

[@jorjam6690]

What a beautifully articulated video Nisha, Nicole, and Hannah. Honestly, I think that you each touched on the most important points about Bonny's situation and ex-vegans in general which I cannot agree with more. I truly think that we should all spread compassion, love, and light in this world, and be accepting of all, which is how we are going to make real change in this world. Love you guys all so much and I love your passion. xx

[@Ninitschga]

I went vegan because of Freelee’s Videos about 5 years ago and honestly: I probably never nearly gave it as much thought as other people did. I basically just ate what felt good - never followed any dietary trends within the vegan community and supplemented with B12, Vitamin K and D3 every other day in addition to getting my bloodwork checked on a regular basis. But that being said I never had any digestive issues before I went vegan. I wanted to eat more salad and safe animals. That was basically it.

[@deysireynoso4323]

I watched Nicole’s video before watching Bonnie’s. Which was the only reason I thought the same as Nicole. I actually felt bad for Bonnie and thought how awful that must be. You all are amazing women. It was awesome to see the different opinions but still always being compassionate. You ladies are such a great examples of real, living vegans. 🙏🏽

[@adesn4711]

I’m just over here nodding along the whole video! Thank you guys so much!! ❤️❤️ “Slay in your lane!” I love that!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@Itstiffanyevans]

This was such a good way to start my day! Thank you for sharing! You ladies are awesome😘

[@purplelayne6069]

Sorry, forgot to ask. Do you consider veganism a social justice movement? If so, do you think that it is the only social justice movement that people will easily forgive others for not finding important to begin with OR turning away from it OR blatantly rejecting it? Also, I would love to see a video on "why I am still vegan". Thanks for sharing!

[@arlene1212]

Great Video Girls! The thing that bothered me is she truly thinks Fish & Eggs is the solution? Also, I think she's just going along with Tim's Diet now & its easier for her to eat like him even her friend Zali Gee (who living with them right now) did a Video about adding fish & eggs to her Vegan Diet and she has no gut problems! Interesting........

[@safiawilliams6808]

I am so glad you made that point about being vegan when you have an eating disorder. I think the message that you have to love yourself before you love animals should be more widely promoted, especially because veganism is sometimes a means for people with eating disorders to further restrict their diet.

[@loureddish5783]

Self love should always be first!

[@22lolo]

She made a video w happy music cooking eggs. Her new rug is wool.

[@scmerlino]

omg this video was literally compiled of the best thoughts, convos, and more and I’m so grateful I sat down to watch this!! Every point in this is valid and helped me so much just to open my eyes more about various things! Thank you guys so much

[@kimberlyrivera3317]

love you guys so much, thanks for an honest, open, real conversation about this c:

[@nina8230]

This is why I think that a reducetarian message can go so much further than a strictly vegan message. Sometimes I tell people that I'm "mostly vegan" because if I'm in a situation where I can't control what I am eating at all, I will have a bit of egg or not worry too much about the ingredients in my bread. Occasionally, like Bonny Rebecca, I'll eat local certified humane eggs because for me, that does not conflict with my ethics. Then people will start offering me meat and say "you said you were only mostly vegan" and it drives me up the wall.

[@chrisxopher4442]

I’ve been vegan for over a year and I’ve just discovered your videos. You girls are so refreshing and I wish I had a group of friends that band together like y’all do and share tips, experience and fun times over their vegan journeys. My friends support me, but say they could never not eat meat. I don’t hate on them because it’s their body, their choice, but this works for me and I can’t see me not being so. So in conclusion thank you all for having this very interesting, supportive and real platform for such an amazing, sometimes uncomfortable conversation. Now I have a lot of videos to binge lol. ❤️

[@MightyHungry]

I spent about 10 minutes looking at comments on Bonny's video and tallying it up, and it was about 10:1 toxic comments by anti-vegans as opposed to vegans. Spending 90% of the time discussing the 10% is worrisome. This was also an issue during the civil rights movement, where statists would attempt to cultivate infighting amongst activists. As vegans on KZbin make videos like these, the folks who wish to see harm come to the vegan movement are emboldened.

[@thebuffveganblondie862]

I love this channel!! You girls are so inspiring! We need more Vegan talk shows/ newslike channels! It’s so fun! These videos make me feel like I’m watching something on tv with vegan celebrities love the atmosphere & the mugs! Thank you keep it up!

[@mariemai2902]

I am so disappointed how she has titled her video. She has been on KZbin long enough to know vidoes like this go viral and damage the vegan movement and ultimately harm animals, but on the other side also bring in a lot of $$$. I can't see how an ethical vegan, even if they think they have to eat animal products for their health for some time, can do something like this. Also how she in her video talks mostly about her boyfriends journey, like she is hiding behind him. I can understand that eating some animal products was in his mind unavoidable at least until he has figured out what is wrong with him and how to heal it on a vegan diet. But Bonny....Nope. I just can't see it. She has not even tried a low food map diet. And why would she say that the "eggs and fish is ethically sourced?". As a long term vegan you know ethically sourced animal products are a myth. For five years she was telling the world, why it is wrong to consume animal products and then when she experiences some minor challenges and she throws the movement under the bus. I am not sure if this is true, but I read somewhere that she also wants to make videos about what she is eating now in a day. If this is true I will lose the last bit of respect for her. I don't think vegans always have to agree with the actions of everyone. Bonny was defended by all kind of people, and it was just fair that ethical vegans also spoke up for the animals. Criticizing someones actions is not the same as bullying..

[@sohamyogaindia6275]

Same things that pissed me off about her

[@jennahurley3469]

I love this! You ladies are amazing ❤️ this mirrors the WHO guidelines about reducing animal products and consumption. While it’s not the “ideal” it is still encouraging people to reduce their consumption and that still makes an impact! I have seen so many surprising sources talking about plant-based options that probably wouldn’t otherwise. Black and white won’t help us make progress

[@jessicastull6013]

I just don't understand how someone, who claims to be vegan and supposedly has compassion for animals, can be so mean and judgemental of People. If you have compassion for animals you should also have compassion for people. I do believe though that veganism has been kind of a fad that some people get involved in. And when they get tired of it, they go back to eating animal products. They just didn't go vegan for the right reasons in the first place. A lot of people just go from diet to diet and for them veganism is a diet rather than a life style. I really enjoyed this video and Nikki your video was great too. I appreciate that you girls, even thought you don't agree with her choice, you have compassion for Bonnie and others. We all need to be more compassionate toward each other.

[@rachelledickerson9413]

Great video ladies! Having had similar issues as Bonny and her bf after going vegan I found my answer with Anthony William- the Medical Medium. The cause of these symptoms is the strep bacteria, heavy metals and/or EBV. I was fortunate to find Anthony before going back to eating animals products but honestly I probably would of because I was just so disillusioned as to why my GI symptoms didn’t get better after going vegan. He explains why eating animal products can be easier when your gut is inflamed and what to do to remediate it- using plants. I just wonder if Bonny has this crucial information... Love you girls and your message so much! ♥️

[@elsaananas7321]

You guys are amazing! 💚 I love how you talk about how complex some issues especially concerning health and illness are. There are so many vegan people who are consumed by their theories and rather believe some unqualified KZbinr than actual doctors and scientists and that's worrying me.

[@scaldwell7784]

I'm so glad I found this channel, you guys are seriously so smart and empathetic and relatable and I think this down to earth but determined attitude is what the online vegan community needs! Love all your videos, from deep talks like this to yogurt taste tests lol keep doing your thing!

[@harrymyhero]

Yes Nikki, celebrate the baby steps! If you do that for yourself, that is self love.

[@ShaeIllustrates]

you guys are so compassionate and inspirational 💖

[@beccamanning2531]

Another important thing to maybe be angry about is not her for eating animal products to help herself but the fact that there isnt enough research into ways to treat yourself while being vegan... She went to so many doctors and I wonder how many of them truly understand nutrition let alone vegan nutrition.. so she has to do what she has to do to feel better and she is doing the absolute best she can given the circumstances... that is why she went through so much hell to get here

[@bettycarmella1127]

Awesome ladies! Thanks for your truly compassionate open minded perspectives💓