Difficulties with Non-Vegan Friends & Family (Is My Family Vegan?)

Advice with dealing with non-vegan friends and family and the problems I've personally faced with mine.
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[@ed.winters]

Hope you guys enjoy this video, let me know if you like this kind of sit down chat format! I also have a full podcast where I discuss my experiences and the emotional impact my non-vegan family have had on me: www.soundcloud.com/earthlinged apple.co/2tPEnHd Enjoy!

[@kerizondler9393]

Earthling Ed Just subscribed for your podcast! You and James Aspey are by far my favorite Vegan Activists. Thank you for your tireless, passionate activism. You're both teaching us so much and how to be the best activists we can be. Thank you for being you ❤️

[@annapomelo3818]

I liked it very much! Today was a hard day. Your words helped me a lot. Hugs! (I will not celebrate x-mas anymore with the meat-eaters.)

[@kameronfrench8981]

Earthling Ed my family continues to ridicule me about being vegan, I live with them but have a job and buying my own groceries so I have the foods I need. One question though, how do you respond to someone who bluntly calls you retarded for being vegan calmly? Thank you

[@PlantbasedRunners]

Ed, should Vegans celebrate Christmas and Poppy Day (Red poppy, White Poppy) due to what they stand for..... I would be interested in your views.

[@PlantbasedRunners]

Anne Dettmer Firstly you should ask them why they are mocking retarded people, by using the term retarded in an insulting manner. Using terms such as retarded, flid, spastic etc as insults shows a lack of social intelligence.

[@ziondrumwright]

I’m excited to see a world in which being vegan isn’t being “vegan”... Its simply being normal.

[@oldboy9267]

give it 100 years

[@zhulimoon46]

same

[@tano1670]

Guess what. We are not erbivors buddy, we are omnivorus. That means that in order for a human to eat only vegetables we would have to wait millions of years of evolution. Thats why vegans need supplements.

[@zhulimoon46]

@@tano1670 vegans do not need supplements if they have a well balanced diet, WHAT ARE YOU ON ABOUT??

[@tano1670]

@@zhulimoon46 yes you do. A good diet for a human should be meat, vegetables and fruits. Balance is the key because for exaple you only eat meat is bad for your body, it is too for vegetables and fruits. We arent lions or cows, we are humans and we NEED to eat a vast variouty of aliments because we are omnivorus. This has being going like this for millions of years. A common disease today if you dont eat meat or you dont take any supplements you can get ostiporosis (a disease of the bone).

[@ChinsonHut]

My 20 yr old son pushed and nudged (and educated) me early this year. I turned vegan in May. It was tough for him because I gave him grief, but eventually I 'woke', and am delighted I now strive for a WFPB diet now. I am in my late 50's. So don't give up on your parents. :-)

[@ricky7396]

Superb Billy. Good man.

[@georgemarx4655]

Awesome!

[@kimhudson7525]

I wish my parents were like you. Good for you and your son!

[@a.w.v.w2553]

congrats ! my dad is nearly there he's just got to give up eggs

[@eduardocrespo476]

this encouraged me to not give up

[@ninash9385]

My 8-year old daughter asked me to allow her going vegetarian. Well...we tried together...since january we are vegans🌱🌍🤩 Thank you my lovely girl. Young people out there....you are not alone and your vegan comunity supports you🌱🌱🌱

[@vii6429]

How's it going? Still vegan? Even if you're not, I still appreciate your open-mindedness, just know that what you're doing with your daughter is great, your reliability and willingness to change show that you truly care, and not many people can say the same of their parents. (Including me, unfortunately. Living with my close minded parents atm)

[@audreym7119]

Thank you for doing that and for listening to her. I wish I had a mum as cool as you are for her, she's very lucky!

[@ninash9385]

@@vii6429 we are vegan for live. We are even vegan activists now....telling the truth, march on demonstration, my girl always has "go vegan" stickers on hand to spread the message.

[@eclypse6132]

nina SH i’m so happy and proud of your girl! She is very mature and smart, smarter and more woke than all those adult meat eaters who refuse to see the truth. 💚💚

[@korviscapetrova5269]

Hello there, lovely to see your comment, I hope you'll find your community too

[@Foopets101]

i went vegetarian at age 8 (when i finally realized where my food was coming from) and i was essentially forbidden from being vegan by my parents. but, im 18 now and i finally went vegan several weeks ago and it feels so amazing to have my actions match my values.

[@bilgeakar2516]

i am 18 too and sadly i just realized where the dairy product’s come from that i consume daily, and it happened just in a day that at a sudden my eyes got opened, seeing the truth, and since i am 18 nobody have the right to not let me to turn vegan including my parents. everyday i don’t eat dairy products everyday when i wake up it’s the first thing comes to mind and knowing the fact that no animal suffered from my actions yesterday makes me feel better person, gives me the energy that no meat had ever gave to me..

[@ejane2112]

Proud of you!

[@religion-free]

it does ! right!?! sO integrated 🥰

[@religion-free]

@@bilgeakar2516 I support you!!! WOW God Bless you! 18 year old!!

[@karenem6321]

I was 53 when I had my eyes opened. My response? I went vegan.

[@SuperBookdragon]

I was 64!

[@marilievanrooyen8323]

I tried to go vegan when I was still living in my parent’s house. It was terrible and I was definitely malnourished due to complete lack of support. I failed and started eating meat again while at a camp where there was nothing else for me to eat. My family was so proud of themselves for stopping that “phase” of my life. At least now I can choose what I want to buy and am blessed to be able to eat delicious vegan food. I am sorry for anyone who is in the situation I was. Just stick to your beliefs

[@carmarniah9360]

Can relate to it. My friends do share with me their food which they claim is vegan and when I have it the proudly present themselves for "curing" me off my vegan "disease." They later bring more evidently non- vegan items saying that I can have them coz I'm not vegan anymore. This hurts me and it also hurts me to not trust them. It's painfull but not impossible to be a vegan with no support.

[@smudge8882]

@@carmarniah9360 *unless you're a dependent who can't pay for your own food

[@sunflower8227]

same situation, sadly i ate chicken yesterday, i just couldnt resist it. almost cried while eating it, instant regret :(

[@Dantheman-nf9xk]

Stick to your beliefs? So you would let us non vegans continue to be nonvegan? If truly, thank you for being a good vegan

[@Chirpieshome]

@@Dantheman-nf9xk the keyword is " context " yo

[@eliseheartless4636]

When I enter the kitchen while family dinner: Me: *goes to fridge, warms up my vegan food I made a day before* My mom: "what are you gonna eat?" Me: "curry..." My dad: "you know, this stuff *points at food with dairy cream and meat* is very delicious, I could never go vegan“ Me: "yeah, it might be delicious, but where these products come from isn’t good at all" *takes out food from the microwave* *starts eating* My dad: *looks at the vegan meat in my curry* "is that meat?..." Me: "it's vegan meat" My dad: *makes disgusted face* Me: "what's wrong?" My dad: *starts talking about how humans are the top of the food chain, claims he is like a wolf and NEEDS meat to survive...and bla bla bla.* Me: (-_-) It's the same thing every time, I like to inform my dad about veganism, but he doesn’t even listen to my arguments and claims that it is just a "trend" anyway. But my mom at least accepts it :)

[@enyabthegreat9993]

I mean, he isn't wrong it is a trend 85% of vegans quit first year because it was a trend but they didnt like it

[@MrRajeshkalia]

Freedom Fighter it is not a trend, it’s awakening

[@enyabthegreat9993]

@@MrRajeshkalia I mean, most people quit a year into it. Some people are doing it for reasons because of what they believe, but a decent amount did if because it was a trend

[@MrRajeshkalia]

Freedom Fighter I get it now, sorry didn’t mean to offend you☮︎︎

[@enyabthegreat9993]

@@MrRajeshkalia I dont get offended. Dont worry, just saying that most people did quit a while ago. Yet yall still going and I respect that

[@samhailess]

I’ve wanted to be vegan since I was 11, but only turned when I was 14 because my parents didn’t think I would grow properly if I did. I explained to them about it but they didn’t listen. Then one day I took a stand and stopped eating what they gave me. It took two meals and then they caved. Now they are vegan, finally, and so am I. Also, I did end up growing in the end as I am now 15 and 6’4”. 😊

[@lollyy9484]

thats such a cool story

[@chickpea734]

samhailes Awesomee

[@franzith2756]

Love your story ❤

[@ciphr8388]

You're 6'4" but what's your weight?

[@ezrakleinbaum1819]

I'm 13 and I want to be a vegan and I tried exactley that and they took me to a doctor to see what was wrong with me, it's been about a year and they won't let me be a vegan or even a vegaternian and they've taken me to see 2 more doctors just because I have compasion for animals and care about my health.

[@kathquinn3912]

62 yo, vegetarian from age 21, vegan since 2008. You are the future! 💚😍👏Thank you for all you do for the animals! 👊 until all are free 👊👏💪💚😍

[@aimsaoirse]

Kath Quinn Ⓥ I'm 16, was brought up vegetarian and went vegan 4 years ago. You are an inspiration, it's incredible the amount of animal lives you have saved from unimaginable torture over that timespan. Thank you for everything you've done :)

[@kathquinn3912]

Mimi Flaherty major vegan love to you Mimi! Thank you for changing the world 🌱👊💚😍💪🐽🐴🐮🐤🐣🦃🐟🌱

[@aimsaoirse]

Kath Quinn Ⓥ Thank you so much too! The greatest thanks is being able to spare innocent beings from the cruelty they endure at human's every whim and knowing how grateful we'd be if we were in their position. 💚💚💚

[@DairyFarmer-uc8eq]

What do you mean all he does? What about all i do, im a farmer who cares for the cows 12 hours the day every day from 6am to 6pm, what about all the pampering they receive like fresh bedding, fresh food and yet i don't see a singe vegan on a farm actually caring for the cows, and if you mention money or anything i havent been payed at all the year the measly £300 i get a month

[@imduka]

@@DairyFarmer-uc8eq what ur cows are up to?

[@Tim123]

The psychological issue parents have is exactly as you explained it. It tells them that the way that they've raised their children is unhealthy and fundamentally immoral..and that's something most parents are extremely *scared* of.

[@ryangscott]

What's more disheartening is the fact that most people (that I've grown up with) don't even understand the words moral and ethical, never mind trying to understand the value of them in any depth. Most of them go with the flow, with a simplistic understanding of what has been taught to be good or bad. Tradition and authority is the bread and butter of their psychology; "why fix it if it ain't broke" mentality, you know? I'd say it's a cultural/societal/psychological issue steeped in ignorance, both innocently and willfully. I can't say everyone around me has been lied to, or has lied to me. Essentially they are lacking the will and knowledge, to understand the impact that simply existing and consuming has on the world around them. You can't force people to understand things as you see them, you can only help them if they're really willing to listen and take in the enormity of the situation. It can be an overwhelming thing to contemplate, which is probably why there is so much resistance to veganism. Some days are tough enough already. (hope that's coherent... I'm tired)

[@iantoo3503]

BigDiggerNick, it's not such a stretch when you're making a generalisation, because the proposition doesn't have to be true in every case. That's the nature of generalisations, they allow for limited numbers of contradictions. It's quite common for people not to recognise general statements for what they are, then think they can provide a single contrary case and have disproven the idea. It gives me an Ellen Ripley moment: "Have IQs suddenly dropped while I was away?"

[@HannahNaomiC]

Really enjoyed this video Ed, I'm so sorry to hear that you have to deal with behaviour like that from your step dad, especially given everything you do for veganism and the animals 💚Since I went vegan my boyfriend and dad have too, my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer six months ago and has been plant based with a few accidents since then, she's not quite there on the ethics side but we're working on her! I hope to refer to her as a vegan soon. 🌱💚✌🏻️

[@stephaniemyers4516]

It’s funny though because that is part of the reason for me going vegan. I realised what I was feeding my kids and couldn’t do it once I had an awareness. Also environmental aspects as id like them to have a somewhat decent future on this earth. I also realised raising my children with compassion in their hearts could only be a good thing. We’re only vegan three months but my 6 year old daughter yesterday was watching tv and team umizoomi said they had to bring the farm animals to the farm where they belong and she shouted they don’t belong on a farm ❤️ proud mama

[@stephaniemyers4516]

BigDiggerNick what does natural have to do with it? I presume you’re using a phone/computer/tablet to comment here. Is it natural? A Whole Foods vegan diet has been proven time and time again to be the healthiest for you. That’s science not an opinion, we don’t need dietary cholesterol and potatoes even have protein the animals are supplemented with b12 and milk is not good for your bones. Meat causes colon cancer. Dairy is linked to breast and prostate cancer. Veganism benefits is all. Screw what’s natural and let’s do what is right.

[@erinnadia0409]

I asked my family to watch Dominion with me and they said I was a psychopath for even wanting to watch animals suffer with them, it’s hard at times, I feel a little isolated

[@nezzi05]

I really feel this☹

[@michaela5932]

The irony

[@donteatthehomies]

Educating yourself by watching a documentary on animal cruelty = psychopath. Paying to support the industry that makes animals suffer = normal. I hate it here.

[@arrestedshrimp]

Funny how you're the psychopath for watching it but they aren't even though they support that with their money lol.

[@jennfalcon8290]

Isolation is definitely a problem for me too.

[@joannelg06]

Personnaly it is not the feeling of "not being understood or accepted by my family" that's the most painful, but the fact that people I care about keep hurting animals and that I can do nothing about it.

[@annapomelo3818]

My friends and family refuses to watch or hear about! I am sooo sad. I feel more and more disconnected. It´s more than 2 Years now that I have to struggle with the ignorance of my loved ones.

[@Co-km6cl]

Stay strong and be patient. I went vegan 2 years ago and still have not one vegan person in my everyday life.

[@haha5571]

Sell your family on Ebay

[@rosajacoby]

Yeah same. I say "hey there's this new movie on netflix, let's watch it together!" Once they realise it's to do with animals, health or the planet they refuse... My only form of mocking them: When they eat meat I tell them that I won't visit them in hospital when they have heart disease hehe :)

[@chrissiannecarpenter9871]

Say to them this, " I am trying to save the animals from drowning and as I pull one out you are pushing two more in. How do you think that makes me feel?"

[@raulcirasino2058]

WE HAVE THE TRUTH TO OUR SIDE,SO LEARN MORE AND MORE ABOUT VEGANISM SO THAT YOU CAN ANSWER QUESTIONS PATIENTLY, CLEVERLY AND SMARTLY. see some gary yourofsky's videos or james aspey ,adaptt.org , bite size vegan ...

[@InstantCrazy1]

I brought potato salad to a family dinner and people were raving about it. They were all asking my dad what he put in it. When they found out I made it, they literally stopped chewing, and said oh no. I didn't add anything I just left out the eggs! So frustrating!

[@aviqua1]

InstantCrazy1 I am so sorry, that sucks! Happens to me too when I make vegan cakes for family and friends. I just keep making them and changing up the recipes and finally last week when I made brownies and they were so good people just couldn't resist! Don't give up!

[@amysullivan8358]

So frustrating! I’m sorry that happened to you!

[@tashaofsuburbia8405]

InstantCrazy1 If I make anything for people I tell them it's vegan after they tell me that it's great

[@miralubin646]

Go savage, make the most awesome meal ever and say someone else made it, let them tell you how amazing it is and at the end of the meal tell them who actually made it 😏

[@bonnielee7999]

That's so rude I never had a friend family member etc. that rejected the food i made cause it is vegan. I encountered many other stupid reactions, but that is literally so so mean, i would have been so angry!

[@stevenmorrissey3427]

I was 13 when I wrote a note to my parents saying that I didn't want to eat flesh anymore. I hid in the hall as they read it, afraid of their reactions. They called me into the room and said that they hoped I'd get over that phase soon because they couldn't afford to feed me a vegetarian diet. I felt I was just a burden. My mother used to yell at me: "Why do you insist on making our lives more difficult?" So, I told my family that I would start eating meat again and I became a secret vegan- starving myself when my parents cooked and buying my own food when they didn't. After about 6 months of that, they caught on. Three years have passed and I'm still reliant on them. I feel to passive and guilty about my choice and the impact it's had on my family to argue my case. My older sister once said to me: "I think being vegan is ridiculous because if we were in the wild animals would eat us" but, as my mother was there, i only murmured "not really...". Now I regret missing my chance to argue with that. I feel quite insane knelt over a spider trying to get it in my hand to take it outside when my family's rolling their eyes and laughing. I feel quite insane pleading with my father not to kill mice. They make me feel like I'm silly and I'm fighting for something insignificant or unimportant. That's why I'm glad there are people like ed, cosmicskeptic, and Morrissey (to name a few) who let me know that I'm justified in my actions and my fight is worthwhile.

[@madisoncoaching]

I'm so proud of you! I'm old enough to be your mom... Your choices are courageous and noble, and from what I can tell they resonate with who you truly are. Please don't doubt yourself - you ARE doing the right thing. Keep putting the spiders outside (I do too), keep honoring your true beliefs and even if your loved ones don't understand (yet) why you do what you do, remember that I'm tremendously proud of you. Keep educating yourself and remember You've Got This! 🌱💚💪

[@USMCLP]

Morrissey is a huge piece of shit though, for plenty of other various reasons.

[@connora3145]

I admire your persistence to do what you believe in. You’ll do well kid, hang in there

[@name-wj7yz]

sorry to hear about your situation, i hope things have gotten better since your comment. i wish you good luck, keep fighting this important fight.

[@80slimshadys]

You can tell your sister that "we aren't in the wild sweety and how do you justify murdering innocent little chickens, cows and pigs that wouldnt kill you in the wild?"

[@cynthiacook583]

I have zero family and friends who are vegan...so this beautiful 'you tube community is 'my family of choice. Thank you, for being here.I admire you very much for what you do for the animals and their plight. Love from Michigan

[@Emma-uj7hj]

my dad mocks me for it but makes a point to tell everyone we meet “oh well, SHES a vegan”, even when it doesn’t come up at all, which annoys me to an extreme. but just recently, we were talking and he said “I know it’s the right thing to do, I just can’t.” and so now whenever I visit, I make amazing food and I really think it’s changing his mind!!! so I think time is key, and making delicious food (because it IS all delicious)! just keep trying and being calm and kind! ❤️❤️

[@90MysteriumFascinans]

Emma This is great, I’m glad you shared. This is the kind of sense I need knocked into me. I’m actually vegetarian and slowly eliminating anything non-vegan (but I’ve been at this point for a lonnng time, and still consume non-vegan breads, occasional cheese, egg-based meals)... I struggle with my boyfriend’s mother and sister thinking “people are meant to eat meat at almost every meal,” and especially because his sister is supposedly passionately devoted to animal welfare (smh). I’ve felt frustrated and have probably come off as harsh or judgmental, and of course that means they haven’t opened to my ideas. But she (his sister) ALSO wants to be a chef, so I could appeal to her food interests and help her to be enthusiastic about vegetarianism/veganism that way. After all, I’m not fully vegan myself, so I should be able to exercise kindness and understanding, and just share things with positivity.

[@Addison737]

My dad teases me the same way and it's very frustrating. I recently purchased one of Joel Fuhrman's books and gave it to my dad to read to gain more knowledge about the health impacts of diet. He's been reading it daily and now he's opening his eyes to the dangers of animal products.

[@ashrodway4503]

Hes testing the waters lol

[@alexanderhamilton8585]

Men think that other men will think they're gay if they show any sensitivity or empathy at all. We live in fear of being mocked...which is cowardly. Therefore, I figured, being vegan in the face of abuse is brave. I like being viewed as being brave. I want to do the heroic thing. So being vegan, for me, is fun because so few people do it, and that dumbfucks like to say stupid shit about it. I actually enjoy the whole thing. I like social conflict, because I know I'm better than they are.

[@innHD]

Just Lead by example. Inspire others

[@Sixtoevano]

I live in a small town in South Dakota. I am literally surrounded by the meat and dairy industry. I've been vegan for 2 years 2months. I used to get so worked up and upset with my friends and family cause I've showed them all the facts and I just couldn't understand how you could know the facts and keep eating these products. I basically feel alone and I kind of am. But I won't stop being vegan and standing up for what I know is right. My whole town basically hates me for protesting the circus last year. It's something that the whole town goes to and I was the only one standing on the street standing up for those animals. And I love it. If a whole town is talking about you your probably doing it right!

[@anupgayen1638]

Va nO you are the hero amidst of fools

[@Bernietheginger]

Thanks for fighting the good fight ! You’re not alone !

[@nicole-qe7br]

Va nO yes! keep fighting! never give up, you are not alone dude

[@somedudeinatunnel3102]

Damn, and you're a guy too?! You really have the odds against you man, keep it up though!! Keep fighting the good fight.

[@HariTuru]

Love coming from a vegan idahoan. Keep it up, veganism is growing!

[@dawnfeatherston1685]

I had my left hip replacement and I got to eat a black bean burger it was so neat that a hospital has changed their way to health habits.

[@niek024]

Some 15 years ago, I was training to be a nurse at the university hospital, and I have had to defent patients that had mentioned they were vegan. So, last year when I needed to have my hip replaced after an accident, I was very worried about how I would get them to respect my vegan diet. But apparently, things had changed and vegan meals were almost completely considered normal, nowadays.

[@aidanhancock2117]

@@niek024 when i was studying, they have a few meat meals but by law are required to have at least A vegan meal, still its cool that thats law now.

[@incanada83]

"Funny" (no, it isn't but..) how is it that tobacco industry was forced to print horrible images of diseases etc, on cigarette packs, but no horrible images on alcoholic beverage bottles/containers, or horrible images on the packaged meat? Imagine that!?

[@jacklevitt2030]

Because alcohol doesn’t cause lung cancer and packaged meat isn’t bad for u

[@jax2728]

Jack Levitt lol. You rekt him

[@youtubelife921]

Jack Levitt alcohol can cause liver cancer though, why not attack images of that. And meat can give you heart problems

[@TheMusterionOfRock]

@Hamz Hammy too much water give you water poisoning. You don't label water bottles with health warnings.

[@mazmaryam1212]

@@jacklevitt2030 meat is a rotting bloody dead carcass bro full of steroids anf chemicals. Red meat especially is carcinogenic meaning it causes cancer. 1/3 of all cancers come from your diet. Also meat can cause coronary heart disease. But if you wanna tell yourself meat is healthy keep it up, none of my business if you want heart disease.

[@kathbates3549]

Thank you so much for this Ed. I became vegan after watching Cowspiracy and then Forks over knives. I am 70 and my children 43 and 41 are not vegan. Trying to convert them but as your parents they won't watch the films or visit the websites that I recommend. My husband died 4 years ago with prostate cancer. If I knew even 5 or 6 years ago what I now know , he would still be here. It's tough but I campaign by doing photocopies of vegan info and distributing it where ever I can. It comforts me when people really welcome being informed about this. Hugs

[@FoxVictorBravo]

@BigDiggerNick, Nutritionfacts.org for more information and the latest numbers and research around plant based nutrition. Thanks.

[@aimsaoirse]

BigDiggerNick the longest living group on the planet are the adventist vegetarians (more specifically the vegans amongst them). They generally all live past a century and are still in impeccably good health. So please, stop spreading pseudoscience. Go and watch some of Vegan Gains and Mic. the Vegan's videos, they tend to gather the most credible studies etc. that you will have no way to refute, because it is absolute fact.

[@alfredogonzalez8735]

So great to hear you are spreading the vegan message!

[@MrDoggie77]

I'm sorry about your husband. As for your family there is hope. I became vegan 4 months ago an I swear my husband is rolling in his grave telling me to eat a hamburger.

[@veganvocalist4782]

hey Kath thats awesome and inspiring to read as I have a friend also in her 70's whom is not interested in the slightest but I know like you there are some of the older generation that are very open to making a positive change . RESPECT !

[@TheIceyeddy]

When someone mocks you or makes fun of you and/or your diet, just remember it's not about you, it's about them. Don't get offended because that's the ego. Be understanding and see it's their ego causing them to mock. When we mock someone it's to try and put them down to make us feel superior. Usually when we look deep inside its because there's some festering anger or frustration or dissatisfaction with our life that we don't address that causes us to want to mock. We need to be compassionate and understanding. Your step father may well feel like you discussed, maybe hurt or frustrated, and his ego is mocking you to try to make you feel hurt and frustrated. The ego is a powerful entity and we are all beholden to it in some way or form. Some more than others. We've got to recognize this and respond with compassion because most people are hurting inside in one way or another, and this manifests in their negative words or actions. So remember, it's not about you. It's about them. We need to lead by example and not let our ego get caught up in their egoic behaviour. Peace.

[@bagiee1]

Well said:)--thats just about it--Thnx:)

[@fabfourfever674]

So true.

[@michaelsimpson3574]

Wonderful accurate and insightful comment. Thanks.

[@16o6oo]

the problem with ignorant people that dont understand why you've decided to go vegan is when you try to explain all these literal facts and they feel threatened and feel as though you're shoving 'opinions' down their throats. it is insanely frustrating.

[@16o6oo]

and at the same time you do want to educate everyone around you to the absolute atrocities that continues to occur, so this then leads to arguments and hate

[@jax2728]

The Wolpertinger you ARE shoving your opinions into peoples throats tho. You’re never going to convert people doing that.

[@laurentfaurite9199]

@@16o6oo They asked you nothing, let them be like they are.

[@afwnafona]

@@jax2728 Facts are not opinions. Vegans have their familys and friends best interests at heart. Veganism is scientifically proven to be the best for your health. Its not "shoving opinions" just because you dont like what your hearing

[@afwnafona]

@@laurentfaurite9199 Yes let people continue to do actions that cause a victim. That makes no sense. Why would vegans allow people around them to do something that we are completely against which is cruelty and exploitation of animals. Now a year ago i wouldve agreed with you and told him to stop "shoving his opinions", but now i see the other side of the coin as i opened my eyes. Vegans constantly give us facts about how animal products are bad for our health, and how we are exploiting and abusing animals, now at first i ignored this too and pretended it was bullshit, but the more research you do the more your eyes are forced open to see the truth of the industry and the affect it has to the environment and innocent creatures. Now why would a vegan not want to open other peopels eyes? Vegans tell us the facts about what is happening yet most of us turn a blind eye to it because we get defensive because we dont want to think we are doing something wrong. How about you listen to those around you with an open mind and listen to the facts, not opinions. Its not an opinon whether or not the animal industry is ruining our planet, IT IS. It is not an opinion whether or not their are millions of victims in the animal industry, human and not human, THERE IS. We dont care whether people ask or not, we want to open peoples eyes to the truth of the industry. Some of you feel uncomfortable hearing the truth because then you realise how it is wrong to support it but you dont want to admit to yourself how wrong it is. I was like this too a few months back, choosing to be ignorant will harm yourself, the planet and all of us around you.

[@emmashuttle7180]

Watching this and eating dinner in my room, while my omni family eats downstairs... this is my life now :/

[@davidlovesyeshua]

I hope things have improved in your life since then. :)

[@laurentfaurite9199]

Why don't you eat together?

[@erinobrien6707]

Ed, your family can't be too awful if they raised an awesome person like you (not to detract from your own significant contribution to the end product). I raised my four children, now robustly healthy adults, as vegetarian from birth (and now vegan), at a time when I was accused of limiting their choices and endangering their health. To see the world changing is nothing short of miraculous to me; it is a vindication of my life choices, a lifelong impossible dream coming true. Thank you for doing so much to make that happen. Much love.

[@lucydelcampo_freedom]

Erin O'Brien absolutely beautiful post. Thanks for sharing

[@marishasveganworld2240]

I have never met vegan person in my life. I feel like I am the only vegan in my city or something... 🌱🌱🌱 Great video Ed as always! 💚

[@incanada83]

Marisha's Vegan World, I'm just wondering "HOW VEGAN" do you think you are? I'm not trying to pick a fight with you. Just that few weeks back, someone opened MY EYES on this subject. I didn't know that (probably all, if not most) people who profess to be vegan, aren't. I thought I was one too because I didn't eat meat but... Did you know there are products you, I, and (probably, but perhaps not 100% in every single case) every "vegan" uses animal derived by-products in every day? I was actually shocked by this information!? for example: rendered beef fat in plastic bags, tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, a common ingredient in fabric softeners from cows, sheep and horses, white sugar filtered by cow bone char, beer and wine producers use membrane of the bladder, in certain fish to filter yeast extracts, and the list is VERY LOOONG!. You see? A person cannot say he/she is vegan unless ALL animal "ingredients" are off the list. It's hard. I'm trying to find a way to cut it all out but haven't got there yet:-)

[@marishasveganworld2240]

Dee M Oh. Yes. I constantly find new shocking non-vegan ingredients, which seems to be vegan, but if I make a mistake (like the other day, I realized that my shampoo wasn’t vegan) I just move on and use a different product. We also have to understand that animals won’t be killed for a 0,5g beef fat in plastic. It’s called byproducts. It’s just a waste from a slaughterhouse. But of course we should still avoid them as much as we can. We can NEVER be perfect, but we can do better.

[@incanada83]

@@marishasveganworld2240 Sure, the by products are "just the waste" but having said that, all of us contribute to that "only waste". I agree, most wanna-be vegans try to do their best. I do too but again, why call ourselves vegan, when we're not? Thanks :-)

[@marishasveganworld2240]

Dee M According to the vegan Society, the definition is: 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 we don’t call ourselves vegans and Veganism means elimination in suffering then no one is vegan, I guess 🙃🌱. Plus we can’t forget that some mammals, birds, rodents die during the production of the plants, but we can’t help it. We. Just minimize the suffering as much as we can.

[@incanada83]

@@marishasveganworld2240 I agree. We can do better. However, I'm not saying we have to be perfect. It's impossible. As for animals being killed for 0,5g beef fat in plastic...I wouldn't be so sure. $ clogs the brains. Thanks :-)

[@z1z2z3z]

Some people have a hard time with any information that conflicts with their way of thinking because they are protecting their ego. Sometimes leading by example is the best way to influence.

[@chloejane3387]

Really struggling with this at the moment, my partner has no interest in becoming vegan and whenever I bring it up I'm the bad person for being 'preachy'.

[@jazzypatsan]

Hang in there. My non-vegan brother is dating a vegan and he always says he'll never change, especially in the beginning of the relationship. As of recent though, he's compromised more by eating more vegan food with her and I think he's starting to see the vegan point of view. His girlfriend usually doesn't pressure him too much, but always offers to make him vegan food or get him something if she goes to pick up something at a vegan restaurant. It's a hard balance of not pushing it too much, but also encouraging him to try vegan food if the opportunity comes up, especially since you're eating it anyway. My non-vegan brother is coming along. I can see him vegan in a few years or so.

[@donikaj7805]

If your partner is actively mocking, dismissing or making you feel bad about talking about these topics, tell them how that is wrong. Correct them. State your boundaries and how you would feel comfortable being spoken to. If they continue to do so, leave. They are simply being disrespectful.

[@chloejane3387]

@@donikaj7805 I made this comment 6 months ago and since then my partner has had a complete turn around and I’d say is about 95% plant based. It’s amazing how people can change !

[@donikaj7805]

@@chloejane3387 Wow! I'm so happy for you and your partner and of course all of the animals you're saving by doing this! I hope they weren't toxic at all :)

[@chloejane3387]

@@donikaj7805 thank you! And nah he wasn’t toxic about it, I think people are just resistant to change initially. I know I was too before going vegan!

[@alexandercolon4296]

I am a 17 year old vegan in a house full of carnists who constantly mock me for my life style (a compassionate one) and i have no vegan friends in my town so to hear this really made me feel accounted for. I'm glad to hear you talk about the group of younger vegans and our struggle. Thank you❤️

[@milenaantoska233]

❤❤❤

[@farmerfennell9817]

I just told my parents that I feel tired whenever I eat meat...they never questioned it

[@amyahearne7369]

Being Oneness Your parents are great!

[@HoneyO]

thats a good one! i will use on my friends. no-one like 'tiredness'

[@thecaptain2505]

@@amyahearne7369 I just told my parents that meat makes me horny; they quickly accepted me becoming vegan.

[@summerlauren1051]

Lmao. Very good.

[@jackriver8385]

@@thecaptain2505 lol

[@isabellezablocki7447]

I remember when a friend vegan approached me first at 40 and said "Isabelle, we need you on our side" (defending the animals). I remember the feeling of "I can't do it. I need to eat fish ,cheese and eggs". They were the staple of my diet, could not do without them. It was as if someone was asking me to stop breathing. Amazing to look back at how I felt then and how I feel now perfectly happy and thriving on a vegan diet. People do change. Some take more time than other but with the right arguments presented to them in a calm way, they will reflect on it.

[@jessicarutledge2822]

I get this so much having everyone around you who are meat eaters is hard i dont even know a single vegan

[@almadominic]

Me 22 sis

[@cathyh1680]

Alot of places have a local vegan group who usually connect on Facebook and meet for lunch once a month. If you google the name of your town or city and vegan Facebook group something might come up. Another option is to connect with your nearest vegan animal sanctuary. They usually always need volunteers and some have fund raising get-togethers.

[@amelialouise7549]

I fancy ed so much that I think I need to wean myself off watching his videos . Think I'm falling in love him. his such a beautiful person inside and out

[@piratesmileprod6533]

@The Truth lol "white"

[@innHD]

He is a beautiful rare person

[@claracutts205]

I need him in my life!

[@DeerNeya]

Thank you for the advice, being vegan is quite lonely i found out, i already have a hard time connecting to people but i try to go to vigils and vegan events to make new friends :)

[@amysullivan8358]

I have really struggled with social isolation around this too. Isn’t it interesting that so many people become vegan in isolation instead of clumps/groups? I wonder what it means and if the evolution of our species just needs to unfold this way for some reason. My latest strategy has been becoming a bit more involved in vegan activist groups like DXE and participating in demonstrations and vigils.

[@miralubin646]

Don't worry! A vegan world is just around the corner 😁

[@kauraloft5503]

It is difficult, but though it is not new, it's just something that the media has spun to seem like a myth or conspiracy and ppl are ignorant to the facts. Remember... pregnant woman were once encouraged to smoke cigarettes, and seizures were thought to be demonic entities ... just saying, the time will come, it will be the norm.

[@exohexoh3948]

It really isn't. Vegan for a year and have made many friends in that one year. The trick is to not completely envelope yourself in veganism to the point that it's all you can talk about. I have a vegan friend who is the most amazing person I've ever met. Every now and then we'd discuss her diet and what made her change her ways but she was never a dickhead about it. Eventually, I watched a couple of documentaries she suggested and went vegan myself. She's now in my meat loving circle of friends and has just about converted two of them.... Jist don't be a dickhead. You'll be fine.

[@necrosisofthemind]

i’m the only vegan in my family but luckily my family is supportive (especially my mum and my aunt!!)

[@vii6429]

You are honestly so lucky. My dad thinks every bit of research I show him (from the actual NHS or legit medical sites) are lies, and he relies on books he read when he was young, which he probs doesn't even remember, plus they're obviously outdated. My mom just follows him blindly and supports his point of view without doing any research. This breaks my heart, because they are amazing parents otherwise, and we all love each other so much. I don't get why they call me brainwashed and close minded (which they do, a lot). I'm not even angry anymore, I'm just disappointed.

[@yaamir7201]

@@vii6429 samee!

[@briannewojtowicz4218]

i’m 15 and i’ve been vegetarian for at least a year now. i’ve just recently made the choice to go vegan. first week of me being vegan & my mother is being all crazy about it. like tonight she wanted to order a pizza, and normally we would get one cheese and one pepperoni pizza. but i told her that i can’t eat cheese, and she FREAKED OUT. and now she’s yelling about “you just can’t compromise” and “you have to have everything your own way” and whatever. i guess what my family is still failing to understand is WHY i’m vegan. and to be so honest, my mother truly doesn’t want to. she gets upset any time she sees an animal getting hurt or killed, yet she still funds it by buying meat. and i try to tell her this, but she’d much rather bury her head in the sand and eat her steak. it’s so frustrating. i can’t tell you how many conversations we’ve had where she’s making fun of me or mocking me & my comeback is always “if you think my diet is funny, you should watch slaughterhouse footage! you’d find it hilarious.” and then she doesn’t want to talk about it anymore. i try to get her to read articles or watch videos, she refuses. she loves The Beatles so i always bring up the fact that paul mccartney is vegetarian, but she won’t hear any of it. it. is. so. difficult!!!

[@aleeymeow]

I totally understand how you feel! I'm 20 and have been vegetarian since my freshman year of college (i'm a junior) but have recently made the switch to be vegan and although I'm lucky enough to go to school far away from my parents, I still have to deal with their perspective/life styles whenever I come home for breaks. I've learned to stop pushing.. and that there is pretty much nothing I can say or do that will make them understand since they have already chose to not hear me. People will only hear you if they are ready to and if they simply want to. I would say to just try to lead by example, and read this book by Ed that makes it really easy to reply to snarky comments your friends/family members might say to you about being vegan. Keep standing up for what you believe in, you got this

[@briannewojtowicz4218]

Alida Marie thank you for that! and yeah, it’s very frustrating. on thanksgiving, my dad actually agreed to watch “cowspiracy” with me, and i was super happy for that alone. but after we finished the documentary, my dad and i were discussing it and he’s actually considering a plant based diet!! he’s 56 and he’s been eating meat and dairy all his life, and now he’s considering a vegan diet. so crazy. but i’m so grateful for his open mindedness. my mother on the other hand absolutely refuses to listen to me at all. she wouldn’t even watch a ten minute ted talk about veganism. it’s soo frustrating and ngl it’s kind of hurtful. she actually thinks there’s something wrong with me mentally because i’m so passionate about animal rights. so that’s sad, but at least my dad cares. best of luck with your family! 💚💚

[@blubaylon]

​@@briannewojtowicz4218 Three years later, update?

[@briannewojtowicz4218]

@@blubaylon going strong as a vegan!! my parents have accepted it and they don’t try to fight me about it anymore & i don’t try to fight them or convert them either. & it’s great because now that i’m 18 with a job and a car, i can do my own vegan grocery shopping and make my own food. so yeah, 3 years later, all is well! thanks for asking :)

[@abcdefghijk306]

I totally understand your issue: Sinne I‘ve been vegetarian and also trying to avoid milk products my mom acts as if I‘m malnourished which isn‘t the case at all… Still she repeats 3- 4 times the month how bad my diet was for my health, it’s pretty annoying

[@davidkim2005]

Dealing with non-vegan friends and family is the only thing hard about being vegan. But never give up, always keep in mind that you are making an influence on them by being a strong example!

[@annapomelo3818]

Totally agree! That´s why I try to eat more healthy. When words doesn´t work the appearance maybe works better.

[@fabfourfever674]

True. Just do you. I honestly don't worry about what other people in my family eat. It's not my job to change them any more than it's their job to change me. So the best thing to do, imo, is not to worry or stress about other people's choices and quietly lead by example. When people see you healthy and vibrant, they will see the benefit of being WFPB vegan, and may then follow suit. But if you try to coerce them or get all preachy, you're liable to turn them away.

[@jax2728]

FabFour Fever you dealing with cultists mate. No use trying to explain them that preachiness is bad.

[@gohanna1930]

Hi, I'd like to thank you on this video, it made me cry from beginning to the end. I've a distant Uncle who is vegan, but he is constantly mocked by the rest of the family behind his back. Nobody likes going to his house (cos will be served vegan food). It's been extreme loneliness to change my diet when nobody understands. Your video gave me a lot of emotional support. Thank you very much ❤️

[@kylebible]

It's just a diet, genuinely calm yir heed.

[@smudge8882]

I hope you can get in touch with that uncle! I'm sure he feels the same way you do. Good luck!

[@jodistephens5917]

You are saying so many things that I’ve lived with almost all of my life. I was always the butt of my dad’s jokes at all meals, especially out at a restaurant. I embarrassed him. Eventually my stepmother and younger half siblings joined in on the “fun”. My mother and stepfather weren’t any better. I haven’t eaten actual animal meat since I was 10 in 1985. That was because my mother finally stopped forcing me to finish my plate. Or it would have been longer. I am proud to be a voice for those unable to speak for themselves. I no longer eat animal products of any kind. I read up on what I am most passionate about. NOT ingesting anything that came from any animal or created any discomfort of any kind for any animal in the process. My childhood was not great and it sucked being made fun of by my own blood relatives repeatedly. I was really shy and tried to hide my tears and since then I’ve found my voice! I no longer just take it. I speak for those who can’t. I’ve realized that if I don’t, then who? So, I’ve researched the hell out of factory farming (not an easy thing) and I am always watching so many highly informative videos (your’s specifically, Ed) so that I continue to learn and gain confidence to answer the questions with facts I almost daily receive from non vegan family and friends. I now know there is not a single moral reason why humans should continue exploiting innocent beings for their own pleasure. I sometimes feel such hatred towards “meat eaters” that I break down bad. I too avoid going to family’s homes for meals because I just cannot do it. I resent many members of my family for their sheer greed I witness them committing on a daily. It’s disgusting and my respect for them drops greatly 😠 Sorry for the novel but I can’t thank you enough for teaching me daily sooooo much! I appreciate you more than you know 💙

[@incanada83]

Jodi Stephens, well... we're such hypocrites. We may not eat animals, "wear" animals but we sure use animal derived by-products we didn't knew about . Don't mean to "rain on your parade" :-) I'm in the same boat so to speak :-)

[@thomasgenay8437]

I tried going vegan while I was living with my mom and step dad in Oklahoma years ago. My step dad is very meat and potatoes kind of guy. He constantly threw out passive aggressive remarks and mocked me. I eventually gave in and started eating meat again. However now that I moved to Colorado I have been vegan for about 4 months. My girlfriend is even vegan (mostly). I am surrounded by supportive friends and a caring girlfriend. I think I have learned the key is to surround yourself with people who share the same morals and values as you. It makes me sad that my family can't share those feelings with me though 😢. I relate with this video so much.

[@Harriemes]

Veganism isn't Not Eating Meat. Veganism starts in the head and it changes you from there. So nobody can be a part time vegan. They either have the morals or they don't. There's no such thing as 'mostly vegan'; that would be like white on weekdays and african in the weekend.

[@elohiymkingdom9453]

@@Harriemes there can be if you eat raw vegetables, fruits and nuts

[@gennver3027]

I'm 26 and my family makes fun of me but I just laugh but it does get annoying. Why pick on someone that doesn't believe in killing and eating animals? It's so ridiculous!!

[@georgemarx4655]

gennve r what!?!? You wear a seatbelt to not die? Haha haha that is unbelievable. Who would do that? Why would you not want to die early? Seatbelts just make you look funny. They are a cause that noone will believe in. They don't really help anyone right? Yep...kind of like being vegan ;)

[@corsicanlulu]

people in general are just xenophobic. anything that anyone else does thats different is threatening to them and their egos. people are insecure and thats why they need to surround themselves w/ others who are exactly like them or else they are afraid and feel judged

[@DieWolke100]

I need vegan friends who I can hangout with, smoke some nature together and just have fun This is what I aim for 🙂

[@malouvibes]

lol me too, i forreal dont know ANY vegan personally.

[@paulaslife3781]

B a Me to I'm surrounded by meat eaters... I've only got you tube to feel at home 😟😞

[@paulaslife3781]

B a be great if their was a dial a vegan help line that puts you in touch with others...

[@DieWolke100]

Paula's Life seriously... its sad to feel that alone although doing the right thing...

[@socialnetwork7166]

We should have a vegan tinder, to make friends and relationships 😊 smoking the greenery is good but never abuse it. One love ❤🌱

[@winniemaldonado304]

I'm just now watching this older video and you are two years older than my own son. Hes also vegan as am I. As a mother I would think your parents would be so proud of you for having your own autonomy and choosing your own way and going about it so respectfully the way that you have and being such a great example to so many. I'm 52 and you have shown me so much and helped me tamp down my own negative frustrations surrounding non vegans. Your a gentleman and a wise advocate for such a young man. Thank you for all you've done and continue to do. Blessings to you Ed.

[@om-ni]

you've been through some heavy hell my friend. For holding high regards, reverence and solidarity.

[@angelahill7040]

ya,that would be great to hear what others have experienced in their group of people. I had nothing but argument after argument. no support at all. I'm 61 years old this week, I've been vegan going on 3yrs now. I wanted my daughter to take this journey with me,but she wasn't ready until this last month, she called me and asked me to teach her the process of becoming a vegan. thank you sweet Jesus, my prayers have been answered. as far as the rest of my family, they love and adore the food I prepare, but they absolutely will commit to these changes no matter how easy I show them the process is. baby steps is difficult for me.

[@angelahill7040]

taylor .....ok!🙂😄😉

[@paulaslife3781]

Angela Hill we all wish we had a mum like you.. It's never to late to do the right thing for our health sake also. I want to live longer for my children And not be old and sick.. Your daughters a lucky girl.

[@longstrandna1]

Beautiful

[@Ls-wr1cg]

it breaks my heart to hear about kids and teens going vegan and their family not accepting it. i love you all!

[@paulaslife3781]

Is very hard on kids and teenagers. No support or correct food bought starvation or eat meat dishes....... These types of parents wouldn't go Out of their way to buy lentils etc and cook up some other types of protein dishes. Kids and teens end up malnourished flicking a few peas Around their plate with bit of potato for next few years. Very sad when your truly ignored 😤😤😤 I wish I could take them all in and feed them Be great to have a huge PLACE where parents of vegan teenagers etc can drop in and learn dishes etc etc etc I wonder if it's possible ??????? I think this is the future and I want it now............... I'm in London

[@davidh5247]

Heartbreaking 😂

[@a.w.v.w2553]

if you hunt you're a ... lol

[@davidh5247]

I dont... too busy milking cows 😌

[@libraa6655]

Is thankyou!!❤️

[@bblancacg8616]

My mom won’t let me go vegan I try to tell her my point of view she won’t listen and she’ll tell me that I’m naive for letting people get those ideas in my head but when I go out I only eat vegan options in the menu and she mocks me and tells me that That food is unhealthy im 15 years old and I feel like I can make my own decisions

[@AylaWolfClan]

My 22 year old daughter went vegan and I unfortunately didn't understand and did pick on her about it. However because of her I have been educated on it and have started transitioning to veganism! I'm super excited and thankful that she has helped me to understand. My husband is also willing to make this lifestyle change. Unfortunately her real father and that side of the family make it really hard for her. They even trick her to eat things with meat products in it or don't provide her with any vegan options when they invite her over for dinner. It makes her feel terrible. Now I'm worried about how MY family will react. It's such a strange feeling to be self conscious about my food choice! I get more and more confident as I watch Ed's videos! Thank you Ed!😊

[@ccnxncc7855]

just get more jacked than them, that way they can't say that vegans have nutritional deficits

[@CoconutFalafel]

Ardent lol

[@Fuzed97Gaming]

Bro I was decently jacked before I went vegan and now i'm only getting bigger and stronger, its such an advantage with no one bringing up that dumb vegans get no protein argument

[@ConscientiousOmnivore]

Haha, this is awesome! I can vouch for better performance too after changing to a healthy vegan diet based on whole food plants. My running has improved, my strength has maintained, and my recovery time has significantly been reduced.

[@zendvl6316]

Hell yeah!

[@jennyhorsburgh8283]

it's hard when your 15 lol

[@lovecolourfullife]

I used to be the only vegan in my family, but a year and a half later my sister went vegan, and this past summer both my mom and my 82-year-old grandmother also gave up eating animals and their secretions. It's very true that over time, the more you educate yourself and can therefore educate others, the more they are inclined to change their own habits. By living life to the fullest, we can show others that the vegan lifestyle is the best (and the only!!) way to live :)

[@sarahdeshay1394]

I never liked the idea of eating an animal as a child, at the age of 16 (in 1976) I couldn’t do it one particular night. I pushed the plate back and felt so relieved that I wasn’t going to fight it tonight at that moment as if a heavy weight was lifted from my chest, I decided to never eat meat again. It’s been almost 45 years. Went vegan almost three years ago and realize that as a child I never liked milk either, seems to me I was never supposed to eat any animal products and was being told by my body not to do so.

[@corinnelloyd8543]

I have this issue quite a bit. Just last night got into a fight with my friends husband. I think what bothers me the most is that I have an emotional attachment to these animals, therefore it feels like attacking when people say ignorant responses and joke about bacon and mooing burgers. I find it harder and harder to associate with non vegans. I have been vegan for about 6 months but vegetarian for over half my life. I appreciate your videos because I need to find a better way to respond without being so agressive.

[@joku3438]

When i first tried it, I didn't mention the word 'vegan' to my family but since my parents are interested in being healthy, I bought them books to read by dr McDoughall and dr Greger. My mum is apparently obsessed (as my sister puts it) with all the new info. They made a lot of changes to their diet because of the books and I'm hoping I can inspire them more when I go home for xmas. At work I couldnt help but talk about veganism which inspired 2 of my colleages to try it! it makes me so happy because i never expected it to have an effect. It just shows that people are listening to us and our example. This week yet another collegue told me she is trying to be healthy and greatly reducing her meat and dairy intake.. Also, my ex boyfriend who was a massive meat eater, chooses vegan options much more often. And I've only been vegan for 3 months :)

[@Silzaress]

Sounds to good to be true! :) I'm glad it's working for you. Somehow the word "vegan" seems to trigger people. It amazes me that one word (which stands for something good) gets people so angry. Been vegan for 3 months myself and loving it!

[@joku3438]

You're right there's a strong resistance when people hear the word "vegan". I used to say plant-based in the beginning and people would be much more open to the message. And once they're drawn in, bring in the documentaries ;P

[@loulypop92]

Joanna Kuprel Same, for everything you said (but I'm a college student, so they are classmates), only 3 months in and sooooo many seeds have been planted

[@christinecorpse]

A similar tactic worked for my dad. I asked him to read Eat to Live by Dr Joel Fuhrman and he was hooked. He has been eating that way for a few months now and he's calling up the entire family asking them to give this a try because he feels so great. It's amazing!

[@veganvocalist4782]

Wow what a great reaction : )

[@alwaysglamorous8941]

I get so much shit for being vegan but I don't give a fuck. I remember it's nothing compared to the torture every second of every day the animals endure. we must be warriors for them their suffering is so unrelenting and so intense. I force myself to watch the videos to stengthen my convictions. stay strong for the animals vegan brothers and sisters.

[@afangats]

My oldest kiddo came to me several years ago to ask about eating less meat because a group at a music festival gave her some pamphlets. Inside the pamphlets was a story about a chicken named Henry. It touched and inspired me to no longer be a part of the system of cruelty against non human individuals. I won't ever go back, but I wouldn't have known if my child didn't feel comfortable in speaking to me and if the people at the music festival hadn't come to her

[@benp.5698]

I live in a house with 4 other meat eaters and whenever they eat it, every single time I feel like crying for that poor animal that died and I just don't like being around death when I am eating. I also feel guilty that I could have done something to prevent my family from eating meat. Has anyone else experienced this or is it just me?

[@rachelAO]

I told my parents that they brought me up to have an open mind and because of this I was open to learning about new things that I felt improved me as a person. That complimented them and took their guard down. Are they vegan? They're plant based at 70 and 75. But they are now learning new things on their own and moving closer each day, and spreading the message to their own friends. I'm proud of the changes they've made. That said some families have a dynamic where they get a kick out of winding each other up which you just have to walk away from when you can.

[@RachelDunlay1997]

My mum was so open to me wanting to become vegetarian two years ago, showed her cowspiracy and Earthlings and she's never looked back, she done her own research too, converted my step Dad and my boyfriend and now we're all ready to take the next step to veganism!

[@lllClaralll]

Exactly, my family understands why I'm vegan, the reason they don't watch documentaries and don't want to hear about veganism is because they know what they do is immoral, but they do their best to tune that out. As if closing their eyes means it's not happening. But 3 of my friends have turned vegan since I've turned vegan 5 years ago :)

[@2309raj]

I went vegetarian in my early 20s.. when it wasn't popular. Everyone was laughing at me friends and family. That was 25yrs ago. The only person in my family, looking back.. this is the best decision I made.. Once you see 25yrs ahead of you, you will be amazed at yourself.. Now I'm a happy vegan.

[@strolchffm]

Congratulation

[@ChimpBoi493]

Dang. I heavily apologize if I sound presumptuous, but just going off your name, it seems like you grew up in India. Yet people laughed at you for becoming vegetarian?

[@confuciusgreens]

I've had my father wear an anti vegan t-shirt to get under my skin, and sent me a bunch of bloody text pics slaughtering a deer and making jerky. It can be hard not to snap. When it comes to family, I try not to make them feel bad about eating animals, and I keep my mouth shut. If only they could not mock me. I've pretty much disowned my father since then.

[@zen3506]

confucius greens i think the best approach to your dad is to just ignore it cause he is wanting a reaction. chat to other vegans and share cause that can help too.

[@Satsusss]

confucius greens sounds like there's something wrong with his head

[@piratesmileprod6533]

Your father is showing you the cold hard reality of life, albeit not in the most productive way. Heed his advise, nature is cruel and so are it's inhabitants.

[@jax2728]

PirateSmileProd no use debating with cultists.

[@thegreatest1176]

a father knows the realities of life so

[@katieonly_love196]

Thanks for everything you're doing Ed. We always say you've got more chance of turning 100 strangers vegan than 1 family member. Sending you and Luna much much love from me Bob and JoJo xXx

[@leohaugenwyller4468]

I'm 15 yrs old and my parents have allowed me to go vegetarian, but I am not allowed to stop eating fish. What can I do to change their minds?

[@strolchffm]

When I was a child and my mother forced me into eating something that I did not want to... I start vomiting Just dont do it. Simply dont do it. Keep your mouth closed. Dont eat it.

[@leohaugenwyller4468]

@strolchffm and @Beech Thank you for your support 🙌 They allowed me to go vegan before you commented, but thanks anyway.

[@leohaugenwyller4468]

@Beech thanks 😁

[@MrsRubinaX]

I think this video got so emotional for Ed, you can literally see in his expression and hear in his voice that this topic is touching him so hard and that he also struggles a lot in his activism. I think he sometimes just wants to yell how unfair this whole game is into the face of those vegan haters, but he pushes himself to be the clever one and stay calm. I hope his parents opinion changed over this 2 years, because he really is a gem for our community and his parents really needs to see that. How proud they should be for having such a strong and clever son.

[@angelinaahai7179]

I really love these kind of support videos. Taking the Vegan plunge was really quite lonely for me at the start 18 months ago. I found KZbin to be so helpful In The transition and going forward in educating myself. Thanks Ed

[@Bernietheginger]

Angelina Ahai I agree , these KZbin videos & Ed have reinforced my passion and purpose of why I am vegan !

[@rhianmiller8581]

My Dad has cancer and still won't listen. Breaks my heart.

[@carmarniah9360]

I'm so sorry. Hope you are holding up. Loves. =)

[@goratanemaorani5290]

My grandmother has diabetes and she won’t listen but it is what it is

[@Assassin99584]

Vegans still get cancer and diabetes as well as other diseases

[@KatieJCruz]

I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve encountered two women online that told me they’re battling cancer. The first one I talked to said she already eats mostly a plant-based diet. (Since she was diagnosed) and the second one is pregnant, and has 5 other kids. I talked to her about it, and she was really receptive of the info, and hopefully she understands the benefits and saves her own life as well as her baby’s life as a result.

[@farestheveganactivist4668]

@@Assassin99584 LIAR 🤥

[@SmileInEnglish]

Thank you so much for your help and support!!! I'm a new vegan and already had to face some people (especially close friends) saying to me things like "you're crazy" and "you're extreme" and one close friend immediately started attacking me about how I need to rethink my decision and how he's 100% sure that I absolutely need to eat at least twice a week. Somehow suddenly everyone around me is a health expert. I don't understand! I'm not bothering anyone. It's just my personal choice and if it makes me happy and healthy, what's their problem?

[@caramelunicorn8023]

I am fortunate because I'm living on my own, when I lived with my family they always told me its a phase and I would get over it.

[@tammiegforanimalrights9166]

As a parent of 3 grown children, all of them continue to eat meat and they feed their children meat. I wish that I had the insight to know better when my children were young, unfortunately that is not the case. I followed along with what my parents and society as a whole taught me regarding eating animals and I never gave it a second thought. Age has nothing to do with being able to change, one only has to be ready to hear the message and have it resonate deep inside their soul. Until then, we must set an example and keep moving forward in this evolution of humanity. For me, I had an awakening of sorts that led me to become vegan and it wasn't until a year or so later that I watched Forks Over Knives, The China Study and If Slaughterhouses Had Glass Walls by meat.org Of course since then I've watched so many other videos and I'm continually signing petitions for liberation of the animals. I've shared my thoughts, feelings and many videos with my children and I still am unable to change their minds. I've been vegan for almost 9 years now and I continue to cook vegan meals for family and friends, I will continue to speak to the plight of the animals in hopes that one day very soon they too will open their eyes and their hearts to have compassion for all life. I've seen a huge change since I've been vegan, this movement is growing leaps and bounds and soon the rest will follow. Until then....be patient and forgive them for what they do. ❤️

[@jamessteal121]

Well said tammie g.

[@a.w.v.w2553]

Tammie G for Animal Rights hi my daughter is vegetarian since 5 but I do regret not knowing how cruel and unhealthy dairy is when she was growing up she’s 13 now but doesn’t like plant mills :(

[@davidh5247]

Or go to an actual farm and realise that the majority of animals are well cared for and happy and you have been brainwashed by well edited youtube videos? 🤔

[@a.w.v.w2553]

ok can you explain how they got the footage to edit in the first place ?

[@davidh5247]

Its ok, you just dont understand. I milk cows and they have a better lifestyle than i do, i envy them sometimes. A happy cow is a profitable cow.

[@HectorMoreno]

Some of my friends roll their eyes and it gets annoying.

[@cerenademe9433]

Find new friends. :)

[@ConnorWalkerTV]

I went vegan in January and after a couple of months I managed to help my parents to see the truth. Now we're all on plant based diets; and we all feel great.

[@bext2048]

I've been a vegetarian all my life and recently turned vegan. I live with my dad who eats meat, I showed him your speech and tried discussing it with him, I have even shown him slaughter footage and what he thinks is "high welfare" and "humane" and if I'm honest I am disgusted that my father, an intelligent caring person, can be aware of all this uneccessary cruelty and still eat meat and dairy because he "likes his food" he won't even consider lab grown meat.

[@crashbox1011]

Here in hawaii spam and meat are popular. I'm 20 and I've been a vegan for about 4 months now and I only became one because I have gout. Once I stopped eating animals (not going to call it "meat") my gout issue went completely away. But then I found out about infinite waters' channel and I started to make the connection of how awful and selfish it is to kill other living beings who are equally capable of displaying love and affection. I work in a grocery store now and I absolutely feel horrible every single time I ring up packaged "meat". Also during the period I had extreme pain from my gout I remember the time I would go home and lie down and my cat would comfort me. She would just let never leave my side and I just started to make the connection. I'm not superior to her. I'm healthy now and I own it to the animals to love them not eat them. I want other people who I see eat meat to stop eating meat because I feel like they deserve to feel how healthy I feel. I want them to be healthy and happy like I am. Everytime I go to work and see packaged meat I'm not mad at the consumers who buy them, I'm just mad at the corporations who continue to murder thousands of living beings. It's a daily nightmare now. I can play piano, I am fortunate to use my two own fucking hands but some pig who I consider equal to me is having it's poor stubs chopped off. How selfish and fucked up humans are sometimes.

[@amysullivan8358]

Sometimes I tell people “If you don’t mess with the animals, they won’t mess with you.”

[@ashleysuhre5170]

I can relate being born and raised in Hawaii. Spam is everywhere. But no one makes the connection of this canned flesh having once had breath, the will to live, to love. It’s truly disgusting. The unfortunate thing is as long as the demand is there, corporations will continue to rape, torture and murder, and smile as they take the money to the bank. I share in your frustration and pain. I pray that you find peace. I pray the world finds peace.

[@alwaysglamorous8941]

on a separate note, gucci has gone fur free. you're London Fashion week anti fur protest was epic. to the freedom of ALL animals love you ed

[@idontknowthiscommentoww4303]

always glamorous bs

[@miralubin646]

Aw thanks! I was part of it 😁

[@nubesvaporosas7191]

My family wouldn't let me be vegan and would punish me, but I still turned vegetarian even when I was made fun of for all of my ideologies so at the age of 17 I was severly depressed and I decided to escape my parents house and I had to live on the streets for a while, no money no conection. Luckly everything went better and better since then and I could now live on my own. I had a baby girl and now she's 1. We're finally living healthy and happy with her father. For the record I am now 19 and on better terms with my family. *IT GETS BETTER*

[@Aethelhadas]

Im really happy things are better now for you. :))

[@alianareads134]

It's especially difficult when you have a family member with a mental illness that doesn't allow them to see things from another perspective. I can't even convince my dad that chickens were bred to lay about 300 eggs a year according the the egg industry themselves and that in the wild they naturally only lay 10-15. Apparently he believes chickens can't be wild or in their natural habitat because "they've always been domesticated in written history." I can't work with him and it absolutely sucks so I'm just going to lead by example. Sometimes the best you can do is be an example.

[@fabfourfever674]

Love the intimacy of this, Ed. I think you should do more of these chats. Anyway...I can relate to much of what you've said. I've been vegan for only about five months, but it's been a *very, very* lonely affair. 😞 I have not one person in my life who's vegan, and trying to encourage family to watch documentaries is a *complete* waste of time. I even got playfully mocked at my first family occasion as a vegan a couple of months ago. I took it in stride, but at the same time, it was a little hurtful. The other thing is that I'm 52 and have long suffered from depression and social anxiety, making me the outlier in the family to begin with.. and so being vegan now makes me feel even *more* isolated and alone. 😞 Tbh, sometimes I think about going back to meat and dairy because I wonder if it's worth the added emotional pain of feeling even more like an outsider. Then I think of the animals and I realize that my pain is no where near as traumatic as *theirs* ...so I keep going. It's just so hard when you feel like you're the only one doing your thing and you have absolutely no support in your journey... no one to lean on...no one who "gets" it. 😖😢

[@allisonfrances7130]

Don't give up, there are lots of other vegans & its growing all the time, be patient, you may be surprised that you can have a bit of sway with some people, I'm glad you found you couldn't go back to how you were, you're stronger than you think.

[@GaryOldmanFan]

Join Anonymous for the Voiceless. There will undoubtedly be one near you. I have social anxiety, too so it was a little awkward the first few times, but to be honest most of the people there are introverts, outcasts and suffer from crippling social anxiety, but I can guarantee once you get to know the people who are volunteering you will feel like you've just found a whole new world where everyone just understands and supports you completely. Everyone's on the same page and it very quickly starts to feel like an extended family. It's incredible. The support will really help you, I think.

[@leena2408]

In my house, nobody's vegan but me, and my family always try to make vegan food that we all can eat, however they often twist it in their plates with some animal product. I think I am very used to that, and to see the same products on the fridge. It makes me uncomfortable and I'm always checking everything that could've been in touch with these products. Can't wait to have my own place and my own kitchen!

[@CodieCodez123]

This is exactly what happens to me too, my family members will say to me “in the past week I’ve had like 100 nuggets” or they’ll go and pour a glass of milk and drink it in front of me laughing. It really is so upsetting.

[@sabantha1313]

hurts me every time my mom says she's going to go vegan again then I see her come home with a meat burger

[@haha5571]

Kick her out of the house...

[@annapomelo3818]

the same with my family. they don´t have the connection that their food has been a living individual.

[@TheWorldTeacher]

I'm sure it hurt the cow more. :(

[@talisman7170]

sabantha Just show some really fkin graphic video's than they Will learn. My mom did atleast

[@sabantha1313]

Party over Work she's seen the videos. she was vegan for almost a year and she started to eat animal products again. I'm taking her to a sanctuary soon and maybe it'll change her mind

[@Caarve]

When I was in HighSchool, I took "Applied Health" my Sophomore year. During the end of the course we got to watch Forks Over Knives. I was not vegan at the time, but I am now (about 4.5 years later). Looking back, I am super happy that we were able to watch that movie in a classroom setting.

[@miralubin646]

Lucky, it's my DREAM to have James aspey talk to my class exept my head teacher would never let and idk what to do 😔

[@mckenzieboyd]

You have no idea how much you’ve inspired me to be adamantly devoted to saving the animals, the planet and ourselves. Your calm demeanor is so inspiring and effective and the way you STAY calm in all your debates is admirable

[@sithewiseguy]

Dude I seriously love you. In a non-joking, non-wierd way, lol. Lifelong supporter here. Thank you for what you do Ed.

[@komorimusic.modelling8435]

You were actually one of the reasons I am going vegan. I have officially been vego for a year now (also thanks to your videos) and I'm making the changes to be a vegan now.

[@TheIceyeddy]

Be loving, be kind, be understanding and just lead by example. Alot of people just aren't ready and we were those people at one stage. Be tolerant and look for other positives in people. Peace.

[@emacwakeup]

I’m always educating my family. I do feel once you start eating lots of plant based foods, you vibrate at a higher energy so then when you get information about veganism then we r more likely to accept it. That’s basically what’s happened with me. 🌱

[@jax2728]

emacwakeup MUH PLANT ENERGY

[@faithvangreunen1742]

The worst comment I always receive from all my family members is “I’m eating the animals that are stealing your food” this just really makes me so sad

[@Harriemes]

Or "my food shits on your food". Their fantasy is very limited.

[@tomvform7278]

Hey Ed! Bullies are everywhere. Even grownups can be like school kids. Your stepfather seems to be a bully. The one thing that bullies have in common is that they are just trying to cover their own weaknesses by being mean to others. But they always get to pay a price for that. The school bullies end up having shitty jobs and the vegan bullies end up having a shitty health like your stepfather. So I guess that's fair. Keep it up. You are a great inspiration. 😉👍🏼🌱🙏🏼

[@mabr82]

Great advice. Not had much questioning from friends yet. But feel like I've got enough basic info available to fend off the standard questions.

[@dawnfeatherston1685]

I like it cause I've got no interest for meat when I was young and my body's happier the way I've listened to what works with me.

[@fenn1729]

It can honestly be the most bizarre and heartbreaking thing to realize that most of your acquaintances can brush away your decisions as a "trend" that will pass and even go that extra length to group together just to mock your ethical beliefs. I never had regrets going vegan but it put in me some serious doubts regarding the amount of compassion people can offer if it conflicts with their social norms. It's just sad.

[@daultonyatesmusic6840]

I have been vegan for about a year. I got my grandma to watch What the Health and explain and give different ideas than what she knew to try to help her to understand and, she did. She has watched all the documentaries on Netflix and sees the truth. She is 75 and pretty much does not eat any animal products. It was a little challenging at first but she says she is happy that she did it and it isn't hard now. She used to get powerful cravings but now her hunger is better controlled, we are trying to eat to live an not live to eat. She is losing weight and walking better. My whole family is over weight and I wish it could be the same story for all of them but, it's not. They just do not understand or at least don't want to. I gave my mom a hard copy of What the Health before it was released on Netflix and she never watched it and I sent her a 15min video and she also never watched that either. I've tried to explain that I just want my family to hear the information but when people aren't ready to hear it. It is definitely going to be hard for everybody and we just need to be proud of our victories or when we can get people to just think about it and question what they are doing. Simply wearing a shirt that says vegan on it will turn heads and though a lot of people might be judging you, you may get some to think about it and we should all be grateful that we were able to come about this information and possibly help other find it too so that we can all grow and feel and spread more love. Thanks for the videos man, they are always great. Peace and love to you all🕉🌱

[@AnnaKayJulie]

I am either super lucky, super successful or just have a very smart family .. It took me less than a year to change my best friends, parents, my sisters, her and myhusband... Never give up!!!!!

[@Taraatjee]

No wonder everyone calls you GOAT. You really are the greatest of all time. I cannot thank you enough for your courage and compassion for all the voiceless. I wish you all the best, you're an inspiration to me.

[@mountain_toast]

When I visit one of my oldest friends, I often sit SILENTLY while he talks about how much I talk about veganism.

[@yosid1702]

that made me giggle

[@tarax8073]

I am lucky because I was raised vegetarian (I did used to eat fish till I was like 6 and stopped) Anyway I've been vegan for a year now and my family were reluctant to listen to my reasons but they were fine with my decision (I'm 15 and live at home). My family would just argue that 'they just love cheese too much!' until I brought my mum to the vegan festival in nottingham and we listened to the talks together, including Ed's! She's been vegan ever since then :-) I'm hoping my brother might go vegan because he's at uni and shares a flat with vegans ;)

[@simonebattaglini8385]

Tara how come you were raised vegetarian?

[@FruityLiana]

Love you ❤️❤️❤️ Just started watching and I know this is going to be so helpful for me, will share xxx

[@ronahrollan8343]

one thing i really love about my friends is that when they invite me to a party, they'd really say there's vegan food for me hahah so that i'd show up

[@vii6429]

Aw, ur friends sound cool :3

[@darkknight3251]

Your friends are awesome. It would mean so much to me if my friends were to ever do that for me

[@ronahrollan8343]

Yes they are! And i miss them so much already.

[@dor1994]

I recently watched a video with a little girl convincing her dad to try the new plantiful burger at wendy's...he tried it and loved it. Never know who will be inspired!

[@carnivore2938]

probably trying to kill him off for her inheritance