I’m Not Vegan - Let’s Talk About It

[@terryainsworth6614]

My wife and I are into month 14 of going totally plant based. We are seniors living in rural Eastern Ontario and we made the switch to address serious health issues I was having. Animal protein consumption was causing EXTREME gout in my feet. I had also progressed from pre-diabetic to full on type 2. Almost immediately all reoccurances of gout were gone and has not flared up since. We cut out oils, dairy, processed foods, white flour etc and at my 6 month checkup I had no signs of diabetes, not even pre-diabetic. As a side effect I lost 40 lbs, my wife almost 60 lbs and we have keep it off. My doctor has given me the go ahead to no longer use a mask at night for sleep apnia. Thanks so much for you channel and all the great plant based recipes. Even when a recipe doesn't fit our regime we can find encourangement in its message.

[@Robins3dogs_andafoster]

Amazing health story. Congrats!

[@robsengahay5614]

That’s great for you both. I bet you both wish you had discovered this all earlier in life and avoided the suffering you endured.

[@Frances864]

Glad to hear! Well done.

[@bernadetteswanson3304]

Congratulations on your improved health! 👏👏👏

[@lorimiller2010]

That is fantastic news!

[@donnacartier2796]

Love the candidness of this video Jeremy. You're ability to unpack this issue with such clarity and compassion is exactly what the world needs more of. Thanks for everything you do!

[@pbwithjeremy]

My pleasure. Thank you.

[@agirly1503]

This is the best comment! 😊

[@Mialuvsveggies]

Vegetarian 57 years, WFPB the last 20 years. As an infant my Mom would try to feed me baby foods that contained meat products and I would get sick, like projectile vomit sick. The family dr. said meh, just feed her what she can keep down, she'll grow out of it... I never grew out of it. When I was 17, a dr. determined I was missing a particular digestive enzyme that digested certain proteins, so my diet is due to being more like an allergy. I have been bullied by people, including family members, my entire life. I have never suggested to anyone to eat they way I do. I have learned to make amazing, delicious, nutritious, beautiful WFPB foods. I do wear leather (shoes) and wool (mostly secondhand) and I do eat local to me honey, so, I'm not Vegan either. And, at 57, I am still the same weight I was in High School.

[@j.cassavoy4661]

I am a proud vegan since 2010. ❤

[@dolores79]

I have been plant based for almost 10 years and more WFPB centered for the last 5 years. Having said that sometimes when people ask, it's easier to say Vegan. It seems like they don't understand plant based.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Yup - I see this too.

[@1auntievenom]

I have started to explain the difference to people. It is important to me that people understand the ethical component of veganism specifically. it is not always ideal (ie many work situations) for me to go into the ethical arguments for veganism. In that situation, I do often tell people I am plant-based because I am, but plant-based and veganism are NOT interchangeable. I am plant-based for my health and the planet. I am vegan for the animals. I was running from work to grab a coffee the other day and asked a coworker if she wanted anything. She knows I am vegan but asked if I could grab her a ham and cheese sandwich. When I had to tell her no, she said "You mean you can't even hold it¿" I had to tell her that I couldn't even order it. This was difficult too because I was already having difficulty with this person and went out on a limb to be the bigger person in the first place. It does veganism a disservice when plant-based people call themselves vegan because plant-based people can wear leather, eat honey, sometimes have cheat days, take animal-based supplements or medications, pick up a ham sandwich for a friend, etc. When people see people fail a plant-based diet, they think they failed veganism and use that as an argument against veganism. I have a friend who always tells me that she knows I cheat because even vegan doctors cheat. We don't cheat on our ethics!!! Those are plant-based Dr's, not vegan!!! We want more people on board, not more arguments against it! I always say that the animals don't care about our labels, they just care that we're not eating them. Every animal left off the plate is a victory so the plant-based people are also contributing to a better world but without the ethical component that comes with knowledge, they can go back to eating animals. We won't.

[@alisha764]

Thank you @auntievenom for adding this clarification. I agree, I am vegan for my ethics. And I understand there are bad vegans out there but it won’t change my beliefs. And I don’t care what label you use, the more people we have helping and not eating animals the better.

[@samach]

I identified perfectly with just about everything you said in this video. I am an ex-vegan who now currently eats a WFPB diet. I don't force my kids to be vegetarians, but I serve them lots of plant-based food. I care about animals and the environment, but I eat this way mainly for my health.

[@lizpimentel2566]

Thank you for not using the graphic slaughterhouse/factory farming footage. It always makes me so upset. After seeing it once, i just couldn't eat meat or dairy ever again! Plant based food tastes better to me than dead animals anyways.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Yup! I figure people can source that out themselves. I also know that families watch our channels with their kids, so I don't want to horrify any kids without their parents conscent. I'd put a trigger warning up front if I was going to show anything

[@lizpimentel2566]

@pbwithjeremy I appreciate that! I'm sure families with kids also do too. I was 14 when I fish saw a video of cows going to slaughter. It was awful. I'm glad I saw it, but I was definitely a little traumatized 😅

[@scienceislove2014]

Couldn't agree more

[@CharGC123]

I get it for sure but I actually wish more people saw what their "meat" is forced to endure. It's far too easy to overlook the suffering that is caused until that visual reality drives it home.

[@lizpimentel2566]

@CharGC123 I partially agree because that was the driving factor for me to ditch meat and eventually go vegan. I just don't think it needs to be in every video discussing veganism. It makes me sick to my stomach and upset for hours or days after seeing things like that.

[@Jenn-RH]

I so appreciate your candidates of how your family eats. I admire that you are giving your children the option to do what works best for them. It truly is a personal choice. I would be interested to see how they feel eating dairy-free vs not eating dairy-free. Thank you for all you do.

[@pbwithjeremy]

You are so welcome!

[@cynthiacobb3528]

I enjoyed your video. Thank you for your honesty. I originally went plant based over 3 years ago for my health, I reversed my type 2 diabetes. I have learned so much, some things that were difficult to face (animal welfare). I now consider myself plant based vegan. If people ask me about it, I try to educate them and answer their questions. I do not talk about it non-stop or try to push it on anyone. The only person that can change us is us. I have seen changes in my adult children, from being around me and becoming informed. The best thing we can do is be a good example. Keep up the good work!

[@pbwithjeremy]

Wow - thank you for sharing!!!

[@tanyas.9688]

Greetings from Connecticut! Happy member of the Mighty Network here! 😊 I loved this video, it's the second time I'm watching it. Lol. It's so balanced and reasonable. Compassion for humans is just as important as compassion for animals. I love animals and I love our earth. Both are gifts that I believe we should care for. I identify as Plant based and Vegan DEPSITE the fact that my family at home does not eat this way. I am not an activist and I have no desire to argue with people. I make, what I believe, is the healthiest choice for my mind and body and I don't judge others for their choices. I am definitely all about coexisting with all creatures peacefully. ❤

[@paulschuyler2320]

Wife Robin here Tanyas I am also in Connecticut . It’s frustrating trying to eat out in our state . Usually salad and potato . I am WFPB no oil , no meat no dairy .

[@pbwithjeremy]

Love this :)

[@dianeschuller]

Very well said Jeremy. I'm like you: not vegan but wfpb. At a restaurant we say we're vegan because that's what the restaurants/servers seem to understand. In recent months I've been trying to stay away from using the vegan handle because right away people get the wrong idea or perception. We love animals too but we're not vegans. I'm making an effort to not just say "vegan" but instead to use "whole food plant based" and explain briefly, if necessary. Again, well said.

[@pbwithjeremy]

We're exactly the same when we go out

[@MikeBuechele]

I'm WFPB for the same reasons you are. The health benefits have been fantastic and I can't ignore the changes in my blood work and weight. Plus I learned how to cook great food that made everyone in the family want to try some.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Delicious good is a good way to lead :)

[@jerrilynhenson9024]

34 years vegan. My only regret is I didn’t do it sooner. I am 100% vegan. My body tells me unpleasantly if there is anything in food that shouldn’t be there. When I became vegan I said I wasn’t going to be one of “those”. If you want to know anything, research it. I was the same when I quite smoking. Quit smoking longer ago. I’m old.

[@lorimiller2010]

I am WFPB, and I did it because of health issues. I was raised a vegetarian, so it is not too hard to do so, but I still have areas I need to improve on.

[@pbwithjeremy]

We all do :)

[@kirstencarbone2033]

Jeremy, I loved your video and I’m right there with you. We are a family of four. We have one WFPB (me), a vegetarian, a pescatarian and a SAD eater. You cannot force your kids (or anyone else for that matter) to adopt a lifestyle. They come to it in their own time, in their own way and on their own terms. My kids are a little older than yours, and I experience little joyous wins from time to time. I do see the trend moving in the right direction. All we can do is keep the hope and keep modeling healthy eating practices for those around us. All the best to you and your family.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Same to you and yours! I think we lead by example and that's all we can do, really.

[@BirdieMcLovin]

Been vegetarian for 18 years and striving for total plant-based. I probably eat 95% PB and watching your videos on how you live real life as a WFPB person is inspiring!

[@pbwithjeremy]

Glad we're inspiring!

[@ladyaudrey9976]

Proud vegan activist of 30 years 💚

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thanks for doing all you do!

[@katievdbshsh757]

Jeremy, your info today is greatly needed for so many people. Very helpful too. I want to say CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss. Your journey of how you did this & what you ate could help many if you feel like sharing this. I love your videos & look forward to everyday your on. Looking forward to your cookbook. Thank you for being you!!! God bless you from grandma Katie in Oregon

[@pbwithjeremy]

:)

[@johnmeacham2453]

THANK YOU FOR THIS! I've noticed lately that I don't want to give myself the "vegan" title any longer due to a number of reasons, but it's reassuring to hear that others are feeling the same way(I went through a lot of internal guilt and shame struggling with these thoughts in my self reflection). I noticed Plantiful Kiki posted a similar video last week on the same general subject. While I certainly consider myself WFPB, I'm finding my way into a new realm that allows me to experiment and become less rigid in my day to day life(allowing myself the Impossible breakfast sausage on occasion, eating eggs from my parents' hobby farm, indulging in cheese when we open a special bottle of wine). And learning to let myself be imperfect but still holding myself to living a healthy lifestyle that focuses on as much unprocessed whole plant foods in my daily life is a great foundation. Kudos, Jeremy, on having the courage to say what I think a lot of us are currently feeling. Cheers to you! -Sara M.

[@jenbidding4544]

Agree with everything you wrote! 💯

[@CharGC123]

I don't consider myself "vegan" either, but have never enjoyed meat, dairy, or eggs, which even as a little kid made me feel ill. Learning where it came from later really made me sick! But growing up in in New England on the coast, seafood was another story. Our family was kind of poor so we would go to the shore and gather mussels, clams, snails, crabs, fish, etc. to supplement our diet. These family trips were charged with warm and wonderful memories that at 71 are still vivid. When I decided to go WFPB 15 years ago, seafood was the only thing I missed and I struggled with avoiding it. I made a rule I would not purchase or bring anything into my home that I didn't want to eat, but these past few years I kind of caved. I still won't bring it into the house, but on the very rare occasions I go out to eat (2-4 times a year if I'm lucky) I allow myself the very special indulgence of seafood. I still struggle with the guilt vs. reward, but try to give myself grace for not being perfect.

[@trina7274]

Same here @johnmeacham2453…. I am wfpb for health reasons (I’ve an autoimmune disease) … my husband eats Keto (also for his health, it works for him) and I’m on a totally opposite diet as I’m wfpb!!…….BUT…. I have a little hoby farm myself and I raise very happy, very loved chickens!! In fact, My crabby little roo named Craig is my profile picture!! He actually looks crabbier than he actually is, he’s actually a very good boy ❤️💕 I occasionally will eat our organic eggs and my husband does so daily!! I also make our own yogurt, which I also eat…. My Auntie has pasture raised, very happy Swiss dairy milk cows, so we get the milk there…. I’ve no problem eating organic eggs from my own little “farm” and organic milk from My Aunties farm!! So we aren’t “vegan” here either! With that said tho…..90% of the time, I am wfpb…. Oh…. I do also eat raw organic honey, also from my Aunties farm…. As it helps tremendously with my allergies!! I’ve had a 90% improvement with a daily dose of raw organic honey, harvested from My Aunties place, which is near where we live. I would also like to say…. As a proud granddaughter of hard working ethical farmers, that loved animals through and through! I am proud to advocate for the ethical treatment of Animals!! No animal should ever be abused for food consumption. Period!! There are wonderful farmers out there doing it right!! I know, because my grandparents and now my Aunts and Uncles are one of them!! ❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕🙏🏼

[@bernadetteswanson3304]

​@@CharGC123I grew up in New England and will be visiting in August. My husband and I have a tradition of getting lobster at a favorite restaurant on the coast. Will I do that this year? Maybe. If that's the only animal product I eat all year, I may be okay with that (minus the butter). I went WFPB for my health, and the environmental and animal benefits are close behind. That being said, I still have leather shoes that I intend to wear out. I don't use the term vegan because I'm not 100% animal-free. I'm doing the best I can for now.

[@CharGC123]

@@bernadetteswanson3304 It's all about perspective. I wish it were different but I know the world won't stop eating animal products, but consuming far less is a good start, though I'm sure "religious" vegans would disagree. I think if someone wouldn't or couldn't kill and butcher a living being themselves, they certainly have no business eating it. Because of the animal industry we can walk into any fast food joint or grocery store and buy euphemisms like "beef", "hamburger" or "pork", "hot dog" "ham", "bacon", etc., totally divorced from the sentient, individual cow or pig that was conveniently killed by proxy, butchered, and packaged. People don't want to see what goes on behind the scenes, but once they do, they can never unsee it. Even if we aren't perfect, doing the best we can is far better than doing nothing to improve the health of the planet, ourselves, and of course the poor animals. “My body will not be a tomb for other creatures.” - Leonardo Da Vinci

[@Ksandie]

Hi J! I've totally been considering making a video just for my friends about this topic. We agree on so much and I enjoy your content a lot. (Just a fact check - our digestive system is not a mile long, it's more like 18' and a live person's digestive tract is shorter than an expired one. I learned that from The Institute of Human Anatomy KZbin channel.) 🙂 I recently did a deep dive on the dairy system just by researching the American Veterinarian Association's guidelines on humane slaughter, along with reports from the USDA and Government Oversight division. I read Ed Winter's book "Vegan Propaganda" and wanted to fact check for myself. I thought I knew all the horrors, but I did not. Your kids should make their own choices for sure, but I think it's fair to say that I would never have consumed milk as a kid if I had known the reality of it. All your points are great. I think one important missing piece is the power of the livestock industry. They have a long track record of funding studies that create doubt in the mind of consumers. They have huge governement influence in Canada, the US, and the EU and spend millions on PR. They are currently flooding the market with vegan hate with shell non-profits and influencers. Companies pay money to movies and TV shows to have their products look good, and the livestock industry does the same. So on top of all the the points you mentioned there is that. The first book I read that got me to do a deep dive on our food systems was Eric Schlosser's "Fast Food Nation" and he's not vegan. Worth a read if you haven't. Much love to you and your fam'!

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thank you for all of this! I have read Fast Food Nation - it was actually the film version of it that made me shift - almost overnight - to becoming pescatarian at the time - and then a sloooooooow long trip to becoming plant-based. And 100% about all the stuff you've mentioned about the animal agriculture industry - it's the same as how much money the cigarette industry paid back in the day... it's sad that human being value profit more than the health of their own species..

[@Samantharichie1986]

Once again, you are a breath of fresh air for newbies like me. 🙂 Thanks for not judging us for how we eat or discourage us if we are not fully wfpb or vegan yet. Thanks for always being honest and speaking with love and compassion.

[@pbwithjeremy]

My pleasure!!!

[@DenisMoricMedia]

As someone who regrets not going vegan earlier in life, I often wish that my parents intervened during my formative years and educated me about the merits of veganism while also preparing me for the social challenges, much like the wisdom you share in this video. I hope that a cultural shift in favour of plant based living will make it easier for younger generations to strengthen their principles as life goes on✌️

[@pbwithjeremy]

Agreed

[@tbstoller]

I really appreciate this video and understand the issue with labels. When one of my kids became vegan, I ate pescatarian while she lived at home. I am moving back towards pescatarianism but my husband is an omnivore who does not want to give up meat. When he cooks, he leans towards seafood in deference to me and I will make vegetarian or vegan meals with a meat option he can add. I am not looking to change others so I generally describe myself as someone who mostly eats vegetarian. It short-circuits the comments nicely. Watching your content is moving me away from dairy (with a big nudge from my genetics since I am lactose intolerant) and towards limiting the fat in my diet. I might get to a WFPB diet in the end.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Glad we can be helpful - it can be challenging in a household with various diets.

[@BusyLizzy_]

This is the best description of WFPB vs Vegan that I've ever seen, and EXACTLY how I feel. I'm saving this to copy and share when people ask if I'm 'vegan'. I love that you are offering your kids their own autonomy. We've done the same. Both were raised on no red meat, and no milk (liquid) but some dairy (cheese) and fish/chicken occasionally. Hubby is a meat eater. I'm WFPB (having cut things out starting with red meat 35 yrs ago, and finally seafood and all dairy about 7 yrs ago). Our eldest is vegetarian (no eggs, no milk, but does eat cheese), the younger has gone more omni but really enjoys WFPB options. So, we basically have 4 different choices in my house, but we make it work! One more reason I don't identify as 'vegan' is probably in the category of 'social discomfort' -- if someone offers me a home-baked cookie, I am not going to say "Um is there an egg in that?" -- I'm just going to decide in the moment to eat it, or politely decline, and I don't have a rule either way (just whether I feel like having a cookie at that moment). A vegan would not chance it, but I don't mind an occasional lapse for the sake of courtesy and gratitude.

[@pbwithjeremy]

So glad this was helpful for you. I share your challenging of having multiple taste buds to please :)

[@StevieLWeisend]

My family’s food culture is based on individualism. Whenever we travel or cook together, my niece creates a spread sheet to indicate each persons food restrictions and then we plan a meal around that. Currently, we have 4 vegans -one keto vegan- & on starch solution vegan, one flexitarian, at least one carnivore, and several doing the mediterranean diet. Soy allergies, gluten allergies, mushroom allergies…and we have long conversations over wine about our diets. We all drink wine.

[@pbwithjeremy]

That’s awesome. Your niece rocks.

[@RobertP_1960]

My wife has been a vegetarian for 40 years and my daughters are vegan, I am a meat eater. I have learned to cook both ways as I am the main cook. I eat both ways, and 90% vege. I personally do like certain meat, and although I have tried so many alternatives, I personally don't like how processed many of those "fake" meats are made. I prefer just to eat all natural food, and very little processed food of any kind. I do like Irish Butter, and grind my own meat for meatloaf and real turkey. I have made a meatloaf of half TVP and half meat to save money. I do like beef liver also...which totally grosses many people out. I have lost 40 pounds eating more "vegan" and only meat once a week. Good video..take care

[@veggielovinaccountant]

I always thank you for this. I am going WFPB next week. (Using up my vegan junk food this week.) I have been a vegan junk foodie for a bit. Endocrinologist suggested Dr. Furhman’s book so I am going to do my best to follow for the next couple of months until I see her again. Your videos give me inspiration so that helps. Thanks Jeremy!

[@robsengahay5614]

We keep dabbling with WFPB but go back to the mock meats etc because we are fundamentally lazy and don’t enjoy cooking. For me WFPB is aspirational. If I had someone who enjoyed cooking and prepared WFPB all the time I would probably ditch the processed foods. But I have no health issues or weight problems so no strong incentive to change either.

[@pbwithjeremy]

You got this! Happy to help you!

[@XtalF]

I'm in a very similar situation as I went WFPBNO, my kids and husband did not. But I did approach my family and tell them, sorry, I cannot buy or prepare animal products for you any longer. But if you want to go out and purchase something and prepare it, I won't stop you. I believe in allowing others to make their own choices, too. It's been tricky but we are somehow coexisting peacefully. I am always willing to make a plant based version of something they love. By the way, I was Pescetarian from 2002-2010. At the time, a lot of people thought it was a religion like Presbyterian. LOL I've been WFPB for a year now with a blip of plant-based eating in 2012 after watching Forks Over Knives, before learning I was pregnant with my son and lost my stamina for healthy cooking and resorted to convenience, unfortunately. Like you said, it is a journey and everyone is different.

[@scheristamper9282]

I am not a vegan, i eat wfpd. My husband tells everyone that I am a vegan and I get the strange looks and have to correct him. We use to raise beef cattle and other animals before I changed my diet. I changed my diet because I am unhealthy and wanted to see if this way of eatting would help. The rest of my family eat the sad diet, but I am the one who cooks. So I have lots of veggies for them to choose from. Thanks for the video. ❤❤

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thank you for sharing this! At least your hubby is trying :)

[@karenthornton281]

Karen from Beaverton, Amazing explanation!! Helps me understand how to identify myself. My husband and the one (adult) kid left at home are not wfpb, but will eat some of the food I make. I changed my diet for health. Love to see how your kids do without dairy.

[@alexanderrhynd1866]

I love how you talk brother. Very clear and thoughtful. Live and let live, shave food and information with the curious, and ignore the noise. One thing I would add is just kindly say to people my lifestyle choices aren't up for debat. We all make decisions based on the information we have and that's what I did.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Love this - thank you! My lifestyle choices are always up for debate - that's how I ended up changing my diet in the first place :) I'm just not about to get into an argument about the choices we make with our kids :)

[@alexanderrhynd1866]

@pbwithjeremy I actually agree 100 percent. With anyone who wants an open exchange of information I love the debate thats how we grow as people. That is the line I use to cut off the overly aggressive people who only want to convince me in wrong.

[@kaliwillage8811]

This video was very eye opening and kind. I identify as a vegan, but you made some really good points. Awesome content per usual!

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thank you!

[@glenisvaillancourt3295]

Great video ! I’ve been living a cruelty free plant based diet since 1964 and honestly didn’t even know the term “ vegan till just about 10 years ago.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Nice. You're the OG!

[@Rowanne80]

I went vegetarian in 1996 and now I’m trying to eat less dairy and eggs. I prefer the term plant based but find it confuses most people so I’ll use the term vegetarian because that’s what will help when ordering at restaurants or trying to explain to people how I eat

[@VirginiaFeuRosa]

My biggest motivation for being vegan is the fact that I don't want to eat all the suffering, the fear, the terror and all the toxins that come with that. I don't want that in my body. My weight has never really been a problem for me, so my eating habits have never been health centered and I don't know if I would have the motivation to stay a vegan for very long merely based on my health. I would probably think that having animal products here and there wouldn't kill me and so I would eat them, even if less often. I became a vegetarian 6 years ago for spiritual reasons, because I'd learned that a vegetarian diet helped us to meditate and reach higher states of consciousness. 3 months later I watched a bunch of vegan movies and that was it. I couldn't have any animal product anymore. It makes me sick just to think that I used to eat them. It's disgusting and I never have a craving to eat them at all, even if I did use to miss plant-based versions that would satiate my craving for comfort foods I grew up eating and have emotional attachment to, that's really not an issue anymore. I am definetely vegan for the animals and, of course, no one is better than anyone, but vegans do have more empathy for animals. Does that make us better people? Other people have other qualities, but we are more empathic towards the animals and those who aren't feel guilty for not feeling they can be like that... Food is kind of an addiction and it's 100% linked to our need for survival. People are already super stressed out about so many things in their lives without having to worry about having to change their diets and stop eating animal products because it's so cruel... even the ones who know nothing about the farming industry possibly realise how cruel it is, or they don't, since they don't want to know... Anyway, people are different and if most would change their diets for selfish reasons, then so be it. It's a good way to save the animals too.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thank you for sharing this - love what you've said here Virginia!

[@arambarsamian6312]

As far as I am concerned, you are absolutely vegan. And you do a lot of good for the vegan cause of non-violence. I went from ovo-lacto-pescatarian to vegan - for the animals. If health had been my only concern, and if I had not done it for the animals, I would not be vegan now. For the same reason I am not 100% whole-food plant-based. I am much of the time, but on occasion, especially when eating out, I'll eat something that I know is not ideal. And I'm fine with it, because I am willing to pay the health price. But I am not willing to have the animal pay the price with its life - and this is why I am vegan. Other than pull away from the vegan label, I think we all should lean in and rehabilitate it, the way you are doing right now. We are not morally superior. But the act of choosing to abstain from unnecessary violence is absolutely better than the act of nonchalantly choosing violence, with no concern for the suffering of sentient beings. All morality depends on such considerations and if someone doesn't like it, that's not the fault of morality - or veganism, for that matter. Thank you for all you do. FTA.

[@pbwithjeremy]

My pleasure - thank you for this!

[@bethhumbel2886]

As a person who is on my journey to veganism and plant-based eating, I really appreciate your channel. I have family constraints sometimes on my choices, so it's good to hear how others can make it work within that context.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Wonderful!

[@NoOneUKnow-c3y]

I also say I'm WFPB because of all the different things that are attached with everything. I still eat honey, which vegans don't and yet I think vegetarians do. Either way, I consider myself WFPB and I feel that even with that everyone is still different in their own personal journey. We switched for health reasons, but I am also very thankful for all the knowledge that I have gained, the new foods that I have been introduced to, and so much more. It has been a journey to get where we are at, but one that I would not want to give up either.

[@lorilindgren519]

Thanks Jeremy. I think this is an area that can be confusing for a bunch of people. I say I’m vegan because it’s easier when I’m in a group of people. If I’m asked then I delve into what whole food plant based is. Around my family I tend to lean more toward vegan because try as I might, I cannot get them to understand why I don’t want to use oil or depend on highly processed vegan foods. They have been well meaning and bought foods for me thinking they are being helpful and I tend to oblige out of the need to keep the peace. Make sense?

[@pbwithjeremy]

Makes sense!

[@lesliejohnson4882]

Great video! I love how you present the information. I usually tell people/restaurants I follow a vegan diet because I’m not 100% vegan per the definition. I’m not sure they get the distinction but I’ve been fortunate that people have been polite about it. Just got back from a Viking ocean cruise where they went out of their way to accommodate lots of dietary restrictions. Was amazing.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Ohhhhhh that cruise sounds like fun!!!

[@ElinorRumming]

My husband and I adopted the term "starchivore" or tell people we follow a starch based diet. We do this to give all the credit to Dr McDougall as my husband followed his dietary advice and reversed his type 2 diabetes.

[@chrisknisley93]

I appreciate your video, and especially that you allow your children to make food choices that do not reflect your own choices. I am on a journey towards wfpb, but I am not radical about it. I am trying to add more vegetables and grains into my diet. I was never a big meat or egg eater, but have only recently started eliminating milk products. I find lactose intolerance an issue as I age. I would be interested in watching a video of how your children feel if they eliminate milk products from their diet. There are so many good replacement options these days! Love your channel

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thank you!

[@1auntievenom]

I have started to explain the difference to people. It is important to me that people understand the ethical component of veganism specifically. it is not always ideal (ie many work situations) for me to go into the ethical arguments for veganism. In that situation, I do often tell people I am plant-based because I am, but plant-based and veganism are NOT interchangeable. lam plant-based for my health and the planet. I am vegan for the animals. I was running from work to grab a coffee the other day and asked a coworker if she wanted anything. She knows I am vegan but asked ifI could grab her a ham and cheese sandwich. When I had to tell her no, she said "You mean you can't even hold itc" 1 had to tell her that I couldn't even order it. This was difficult too because I was already having difficulty with this person and went out on a limb to be the bigger person in the first place. It does veganism a disservice when plant-based people call themselves vegan because plant-based people can wear leather, eat honey, sometimes have cheat days, take animal-based supplements or medications, pick up a ham sandwich for a friend, etc. When people see people fail a plant-based diet, they think they failed veganism and use that as an argument against veganism. I have a friend who always tells me that she knows I cheat because even vegan doctors cheat. We don't cheat on our ethics!!! Those are plant-based Dr's, not vegan!! We want more people on board, not more arguments against it! I always say that the animals don't care about our labels, they just care that we're not eating them. Every animal left off the plate is a victory so the plant-based people are also contributing to a better world but without the ethical component that comes with knowledge, they can go back to eating animals. We won't. Vegan first plant-based second.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thanks for this!

[@arthasdeskia]

Matty B from Australia here. Thankyou for the video. I am allergic to dairy and eggs and with the help of a dietician went WFPB about 2 years ago. So far I have lost 50kg still have about 45kg to lose but I feel so much healthier eating this way. I don't view myself as vegan but I no longer eat animal products.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Congrats on the weight loss Matty!

[@Scor-ah]

I am plant based not vegan, my husband and I went plant based for health. It was the best decision ever! We do get mocked a lot at family gatherings (a lot of eye rolling too) but we just ignore it and I always tell them to keep doing what they like. But we will see who is right when we all turn 90...lol

[@pbwithjeremy]

EXACTLY :)

[@valerieP1968]

What a great topic. I haven't consumed animal products by choice since 2017. There were a few times, I purchased a food item, believing it was vegan, but it was just vegetarian, and it would have been wasteful to throw it away. But I don't identify as vegan. My husband eats meat and has no desire to change so unfortunately meat and chicken end up in our grocery cart. I have leather products like shoes and handbags that were expensive that I purchased before switching to a WFPB diet and I am not going to get rid of them. I agree you can't force people to change their eating and lifestyle habits unless they want to change. BTW...I am so digging your channel!

[@pbwithjeremy]

Yup - we're in the same boat - and thank you!!! Glad to have you here :)

[@michellejacobi386]

I totally am happy you put this video out. This is how I think too.

[@frompizzaaddicttovegan]

I’d say you’re still vegan even though you’re buying products for the kids. Unless you’re supporting zoos, buying animal skins and fur to wear etc , then you’re vegan. No different than vegans who choose to buy food for their animals that contain animals, they themselves are still vegan. On a side note, I understand the reputation of the word vegan. It’s important to remember its not about us, it’s a social justice movement for the animals. Initially I debated whether I wanted to identify as vegan, but I am and I’m proud to stand up for animals and show people the stereotypes aren’t true. Ive been lucky enough to be a part of great conversations, people are always asking me questions , but I just let people in my life initiate those conversations. And no matter what your initial intention was, mine was health too, you ARE helping the animals by encouraging others to include more plants in their lives and showcasing it is easy , healthy and family friendly. Sounds like a vegan to me.

[@mirrortestant1796]

I think how J puts it makes more sense. Otherwise, veganism would not be a consistent ethical belief where you don't contribute to exploiting animals whenever practically possible. It would just be a personal diet + extra requirements. J could maybe argue that letting his children have the choice will lead to less exploitation in the long run and therefore would be the vegan choice, but that is kinda a stretch. Sometimes an ethical choice includes a dilemma and can be truly heartbreaking and not satisfying. I think pushing others on these hard situations is not productive, so we should rather put our focus elsewhere. But we should not bend the ethics along the way. Regarding animal products in pet food: It is almost impossible to have a constructive conversation about this topic, even with most vegans. They will in most cases get defensive, call you an animal abuser, and dismiss you. At some point in time, this issue needs to be addressed. But until then, if someone buys animal products for their pets and calls themselves vegan, I will keep my mouth shut and instead focus on the fights I have a reasonable chance of winning.

[@theimperfectvegan4704]

My name says it all. I'm not perfect. I try my best everyday and don't bring non-vegan items into my home. However, if I go to a friend's birthday party, I'm not beating myself up if I have a piece of non-vegan cake. I agree with another commenter who said, "Animals don't care about our labels"

[@69camaro19]

Me too.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Well animals can't read, so labels are meaningless - but if they could speak they probably wouldn't love us consuming their products. :) I also think words need to mean something - Vegan means you don't consume animal products - ever - it's not an occasional thing that you can make exceptions for. It's strict in that sense. Which is why I don't use it. You do whatever you want - but if you're having non-vegan cake from time to time then you're not an imperfect vegan - you're plant-based. I'd love to know your thoughts on this - I'm genuinely curious.

[@maggivic]

Wonderful video. Very informative. I am currently "predominately" plant based. I' heading towards whole food plant based but still indulge occasionally. (Holidays) Keep up the great videos!

[@pbwithjeremy]

Wonderful!

[@MalcolmSmith-dz9iv]

Your doing right by your kids don't let anyone say otherwise! My kids have dropped meat since my wife and I went WFPB, so they are vegetarian, they are young and there are other kids that they need to interact with, be it birthdays or events with classmates or even family, but this is one step to giving them the tools they need to make their own choices as they get older

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thanks Malcolm! I agree.

[@taniaallan5702]

I agree. I am 100% Plant Based. I’d say vegan but I’m not perfect in the other aspects of the lifestyle so I say Plant-Based, but my diet/what I ingest does not include animals or byproducts. My husband eats what I make and eats omni when he goes out or gets takeout, that’s his choice. My 11 and 13 year old boys eat a fully plant-based diet with me but they are week on/week off here and at their dad’s who is omnivore. I always tell them it is their choice, and I’ll never take that away from them or judge them. They really enjoy (the younger one more so) the vegan foods. However they will eat whatever their dad makes them and so it should be. When they are older they can choose, and I’ll love them just the same either way. We are all on our journey. As much as I try my very best to avoid using animal products/biproducts (outside of food) it’s sometimes not really possible either for where I live or financially. Also living in Canada our winters are harsh, so my vegan boots have not been keeping me warm and fall apart after one season…not good for the earth. My old leather ones are over a decade and still kicking so I still wear them. It’s tough. I want to do as much good as I can, but we also have one life on this earth and can’t be stressed every second of every day about trying to find alternatives if they aren’t reachable. If they are, awesome, chose those. Otherwise we need to show compassion not only to animals, but to ourselves and others as well. Love your channel Jeremy ❤

[@tofuneverbleeds]

Nonsense.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Love this message - thank you!

[@christinedougherty8089]

I also am wfpb, not vegan. I would love to see a video about your kids experience in giving up dairy 😊

[@BrittsCreek]

Thank you for sharing all this. In making these changes for our family, it has been hard to know what to do about encouraging my child to eat the way I know is healthiest while not controlling what she does so that she rebels or ends up with an eating disorder. I really respect how you handle it and find it refreshing. This is similar to what we do and we hope it ends up with her making healthy choices in the long run because we are modeling that and non-judgmentally explaining the choices we make. Family gatherings have been the hardest, for sure. Thanks for the tips! Vegan is too loaded a term anymore, we just say wfpb.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thanks for sharing - sounds like you know what to do that's best for your kids.

[@tara281]

Vegetarian for 35 years (since childhood) wfpb for about 8 years, not vegan as well so I totally relate. Also our two kids are also vegetarian, but we don’t have dairy at home for the most part. I would LOVE a video exploring how your kids try to eliminate dairy. My 15yr old is also trying, because she notices her skin is better…my 11 yr old is harder to convince, but also has no money so only eats dairy at friends or families house lol

[@Carena-t3f]

I love how you explained that now I know what to say even though sometimes its easy to say vegan because explaining planet based is so hard for some to understand ❤

[@pbwithjeremy]

Exactly!

[@mommaz820]

WFPB starting 7 years and did it for health reasons. Lost 60 lbs. and found a way to eat that is easy and I love it!! Just starting babysitting my 18 mos. old grandson, and unfortunately my son and his wife are NOT healthy eaters. It is so hard to give him the milk, and cheese that they have on his meal plan for the day and their idea of vegetables is corn and peas, which is fine but there are SO many better options out there. My biggest regret is that I did not raise my children this way, but I guess they survived and I did too (until my 50s). Luckily they don't do processed foods, so that is a good thing! I will just continue to lead by example, as that's all you can do. I don't say vegan either, as it definitely has a "misunderstood" vibe.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Maybe as he gets older your family will understand if you want to feed him WFPB at your place?

[@mommaz820]

@@pbwithjeremy You bet!! They know if they come to my house to eat, that's what they are getting, LOL. And they don't mind. My SIL usually says, "this is actually good"!! Standing joke.

[@peggymccright1220]

I identify as vegan in restaurants because it’s just easier. I think wfpb is still pretty new and I don’t want to explain it, I’m lazy like that. I love your channel. Thanks so much.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thank you ! And same.

[@restamper1]

We are a mixed household as well. Husband is omni, I am all WFPB, and we are raising our kids vegetarian. Once they are old enough to understand death and how the meat industry works they can choose for themselves. I offer mostly plant based snacks for them, but when a friend or school offers pizza or goldfish they have it. I feel the less restrictive I am now, the healthier relationship to food they will have later which is my main goal. The choices of what foods to include or exclude will be their own to make as they grow. But like you said, until they can understand how meat is a dead animals muscle I won't offer it. I've tried explaining to my 4 year old and she still doesn't understand.

[@pbwithjeremy]

We're the same - I think if you force anything upon kids they'll just rebel at some point - guide them - give the information and then respect them enough to make their own choices.

[@jenbidding4544]

Wonderful explanations! I’m WFPB, too, 98% at home and about 90% if dining out. Before this I was pescatarian. ….(before that Keto 🥴🥴). I do it for my health, the animals and the planet. ❤🙏🏼 p.s. if I were a child I’d want you and Woolie to adopt me. It’s so obvious that you’re lovely and caring parents❤

[@pbwithjeremy]

That's very sweet to say - I was pescatarian before going WFPB too

[@ardethellis8930]

Plant-based not vegan either, working on WFPB since January. I started this way of eating because of food allergies. I also have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. So I wear wool, silk, and leather (not so much leather any more) because I can't wear anything made from petroleum. Changing my diet has helped with the MCS. I'm glad to know that I'm not alone in the not vegan but not eating animals category.

[@CaroAbebe]

I feel you. There are so many plants out there that I haven’t been able to eat for years, that does make a vegan life style very difficult. I wouldn’t worry about products made from petroleum, however, as they are highly problematic, I do believe our replacements ought to be plant based as well.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@D_JamaicanGal]

21:06 I identify as WFPB, but I find it easier to just say vegan at times. Lately, I try to take the time to say WFPB, and what that means. By the way, I love your You tube channel. Your family is so fun to watch too.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thank you! Yes - Vegan makes it easy for people to understand in a pinch - if I get a sense that they want my "real answer" then I'll tell them the whole thing :)

[@blindkimberly1360]

No fair Jeremy! You know I live to argue! 😩😩😩 Awesome video though. Unfortunately I’ve not always been blind so horrific visions of cruelty are seared into my brain. Tyvm for not showing them here. I love your family. It’s a fact if you try to absolutely restrict teens from something that’s what they’re going to want to try. Teaching them to make choices that matter and hoping they make the right ones is hard. But it means more to them. I don’t mind being called names. Vegan would be one I’d be proud of. Not there yet though. Working hard at it! As long as you keep sharing your happy self I’ll keep listening! 🫶🏼🤗😎

[@antiquelady60]

"When it comes to being whole-food plant-based, that is a decision individuals need to make for themselves." YES! I also believe that any step in the right direction is good. If 80% of the population were to consume 30% less meat, dairy, and other animal products, it would have the same impact as 24% of the population becoming vegan and that's significant!

[@wendyfox456]

I identify as on my way to being wfpb, lol. I'm not 100% yet, but it actually gets a little easier every day. Keep up the awesome work! You're needed out here!

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thank you Wendy!

[@schloopSE]

Great way to empower your kids! I’d love to know how it goes if they go dairy free for a time. Thanks for your channel. Recently discovered you and really enjoy it!

[@dbdowst]

Excellent video and terrific information provided. First off I applaud you for letting your kids be on their own journey. You are giving them a great foundation of knowledge and they will probably meander around being plant-based and hopefully land there when they are old enough and mature enough to make that choice completely. I am Whole Foods plant-based no oil, I often say I’m vegan, which I really primarily am as well but like you point out vegan has it a negative self-righteous connotation too many people. Great information in this video! We can all coexist ☮️

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thank you!

[@civitahochreiter7549]

Thank you for this video. I'm not vegan or (much) of a meat eater. When I dine I try to choose vegetarian meals and make my food vegetarian. I still love yogurt and honey. 🤭 But I'm on the path to giving up meat. Baby steps for me. I agree, after watching those horrible videos of horrible farming conditions, that we don't need to eat as much meat as we think we do.... Maybe not at all but I'm not there yet. Our ancestors ate meat but not nearly as much as we do in our modern world. It's just too convenient and it's made us the sick country that we are. I'll keep moving in the vegan direction and maybe some day... 🤞 I'm still trying to find food I like that doesn't feel like a compromise. I enjoy your honesty, maturity and overall happy attitude. Keep up the great work! 😊

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thank you for this - check out the recipes on our channel and website for some inspiration :)

[@ivyclara9782]

It is all about the animals for me so I identify as vegan. I don't eat a lot of vegan junk food and just do not like fake meat. I was raised a meat eater, became vegetarian in the early 80's and switched to vegan 13 years ago. I find the SOS community the most preachy and intolerant of all.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thanks for sharing. What do you find about the SOS community that makes them that way? Being WFPB we're *technically* inside that group - so I'm curious your perspective (and I don't disagree with you).

[@jenbidding4544]

I know what you mean about the SOS vegans. The people at True North in California preach SOS free, plus Chef AJ, and Dr McDougal and while I tend to agree with them, I can definitely see how they’d put people off with their judgmental delivery. My fav vegan doctors to listen to are Dr Klaper, Dr Barnard, and Dr Greger. They’re the best (most positive voices) out there right now. Rich Roll’s plant based podcasts are brilliant, too.

[@Pyliah]

This video hit home for me...if only because I really understand what you are saying and it feels personal to me. Your point about lack of knowledge is spot on. I'm embarrassed to admit that growing up I thought that a cow was an animal that just produced milk (as in I didn't understand or know that a cow needed to have been pregnant to produce milk). I didn't know anything about the meat or dairy industries. I think that education in school on this should be mandatory. Now I don't believe that that would necessarily make everyone want to be plant-based or vegan but I feel like people would have a better knowledge base to make choices. I feel like that won't happen though because people don't want to confront societies short-comings (that their food can cause suffering or death) and prefer to live in blissful ignorance. I say this from a completely non-preachy place, I just believe this is human nature to try and avoid confronting negative things. I also completely understand your point of view on not forcing this way of eating on anyone. My family makes their own choices about the way they eat but I at least try to pass knowledge on to my child - I do want them to understand that if they eat meat they are consuming an animal and it did come from a living thing not just a box at the grocery store.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Lots of people are in the same boat.

[@Psaltrymom]

YEEES - 00:59 - I'm your peeps - I understand!!! But seriously -- this video speaks my heart. I appreciate it immensely. And yes, it's okay to delete all the hate mail you'll probably be getting.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Shockingly it's been the opposite - so much love!

[@kiml1159]

Good video Jeremy! Hubs and I switched from the standard american diet to being Whole Food Plant Chompers due to health. We switched at the beginning of Covid because we read outcomes were worse for obese people and we were obese. Going strong after almost 4 years and we have lowered our blood pressure, cholesterol, and lost a combined weight total of 130.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Oh wow - congrats! That's amazing! How do you feel?

[@kiml1159]

@@pbwithjeremy We are feeling great for being in our mid 60's.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Yeah!!!

[@elliott423]

Do you have hoodies and shirts that say “Is the inch worth the mile?” 🙂

[@samach]

Every time you explain what it means to someone, they will tell you that your digestive tract is not anywhere near a mile long.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Fair!

[@ellentevault6244]

I would love the video on your kids testing out not having dairy or fish or whatever choices they decide on.

[@LorraineRo]

I'm a WFPB Vegan. And it is rarely me that starts a conversation about my diet, especially as I often bring my own food I am very often asked about it. However if I answer honestly why I am vegan (ethical and health reasons), some people still get defensive. Even though I am only explaining why I am eating this way... Don't want to know / or mock, then don't ask. Genuinely interested in the reasons? I will always be up for a conversation. Though it is draining sometimes when there seems to be no other conversation than my diet e.g. At family gatherings. 🥴

[@frompizzaaddicttovegan]

💯 %

[@JuliaBousamra]

That was such a wonderful video ❤ Thanks a lot for all the kind words and tips! It's exactly how i see things. My husband and I are vegans for at least 8 years now, trying to become more WFPB everyday, just like you and your wife. We do have a few vegan friends and still a lot omnivor friends and we love and respect them all. Best wishes from Cologne, Germany

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thanks for sharing Julia!

[@Rebecca_Showman]

I went vegan September 2023 and it for me is the best decision I’ve ever made. My only regret is not doing it sooner. I was vegetarian for 2 years before that until I watched Dominion and then I I went vegan overnight!

[@marileigh9913]

Thankyou so much for this video .My parents are in their 90 ,so they get very upset when I eat different. I told them when you go to a restaurant do you all order the same? They are kinder about it now ,but don't argue about it.small wins😊

[@pbwithjeremy]

Small wins, indeed. And sometimes better to just let it be and enjoy the company.

[@journeyofbear6423]

I say I eat a mostly plant based diet. Which is the truth I'm not 100%. When i get asked why, I say I've learned enough I could argue an ethical or health reason but I do it for my health. I might then add that it helps with my arthritis pain. I'm on my second round of trying to eat this way. When I did it before, the longer I ate this way the closer to a vegan diet I just naturally landed on.

[@bettymaugeri7316]

Terrific video Jeremy. I am not vegan either - just whole food plant based - just what grows from the earth.

[@hypnowellness1]

I give myself the label of plant aware. I try not to bring attention to what I eat so that no one says anything. If they ask I will tell them I'm plant aware and strive to eat more fruits and vegetables. Then if they are rude and keep on I will bring up my mother having vascular dementia and my grandfather dying of a heart attack at 42, that usually shuts them up and then they start asking me what I eat and recipes.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Haha - that'll shut 'em up :)

[@jill1452]

Great video - thanks! I consider myself vegan and plant based… but certainly not a ‘perfect’ vegan with things like leather and makeup - I do what I can! But I appreciate your perspective about this!!

[@dutchman10201]

I am doing my best to eat WFPB but I am new to it Just since January 18th of this year and I initially started due to my health issues But believe there is many other positive aspects to it as well in that time I have had 4 beyond meat burgers and some honey but for the most part I am working on WFPB thank you for having this channel I enjoy watching it and love that I can get most of the foods you have on the channel in BC Canada

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thank you for watching it! Fellow Canadian from the other side!

[@kimberleewixom5112]

Well said! Love you videos!

[@nechamakaufmann3654]

This is a really fantastic, thoughtful and thorough video! I’m enjoying your videos very much ! Keep up the great work!

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thanks so much!

[@cltinturkey]

I'd love to see a video about giving up dairy and seeing how it affects your skin, health, and overall well being. Thanks!

[@CarolKnoles-c5m]

You are so brave and real. Bless you❤

[@theaccidentalsenior]

Thank you. I am whole food plant based and do not project myself as vegan. I view veganism as a life style while WFPB as food focused. Although WFPB, I am more aware of animal based products and - moving forward - try to purchase items that are more environmentally friendly. I am not a vegan.

[@maryannhughes8999]

I think my family is afraid of change. Any suggestions??

[@pbwithjeremy]

Where does the fear come from?

[@maryannhughes8999]

@@pbwithjeremy I think it's traditional foods they've eaten every day and on eaten on holidays. I think they're afraid it'll taste bad, funky or not taste like traditional foods.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Here's the thing: It's not going to kill them - and if it tasted bad there wouldn't be 1.5 billion people around the world who are eating this way :) Take the meals that they already love and just swap out the parts of it that are animal product related. You don't need to re-invent the wheel or take away what they already love. Obviously there's no straight swap for a hunk of steak, but otherwise there's so many options out there. What would you say are there top 5 favorite meals?

[@trina7274]

@maryannhughes8999 I hope that I can step in and give some advice that may help a little (hopefully) My name is Trina and I’m from Oregon. I’m 54 and in 2018, just a year before the pandemic… I was diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis (often when a person has 1 autoimmune disease, another is lurking in the background) …. I had been in and out of the hospital for 2 years before diagnosis and I could no longer work..I had been put on very high powered IV antibiotics and steroids, I ended up gaining over 60 pounds (that’s very bad, because I’m only 5ft tall!)that I was just not able to lose, no matter what I did!! (I’m half way there, down 30lbs in 10 months)… First they put me on keto. I had minimal weight loss, only about 10lbs….After 2 years of that… my blood work tanked…. When I say Tanked… I mean TANKED!! My A1C went up to 5.9…. (We eat zero sugar in this house, haven’t for years, sugar puts me in a flare every time I eat it!! ) My cholesterol went up…. I was put on high blood pressure meds… and I was stuck on the steroids and gaining weight again. I looked and felt miserable. Zero energy and I was in horrible pain from my arthritis.. So enter my wonderful Whole Foods plant based rheumatologist Dr Baker to the story!!! She said “why do they have you on keto?? That’s the worst diet for someone with gut issues.. and she hands me “The Starch Solution” By Dr John McDougall …. She said “go home with an open mind. Be open and willing to work with me, let’s get you to feeling better and off these meds”….. I read the book in just 2 days. I watched every KZbin video on The Starch solution I could find! I downloaded The Starch Solution on audible (it’s free) and I listened to it as I did chores around the house ( even after reading it already)…. So that brings us to now…. I’ve been on the starch solution for 10 months… I wasn’t strict at first… but I’m pretty strict with my diet now, just because I know it’s better for me, with my health issues…I’m still loosing weight very slowly, but there are a lot of reasons for that Dr Baker said…#1, my metabolism is fried from the years of high powered antibiotics and steroids (those 2 things together are very hard on your body) #2 I am a 54 year old female and all the drugs threw my body into menopause… which is also hard on your body… Lastly #3… my gut micro biome is really destroyed and it will take up to a year to repair itself…. Possibly longer…so it’s not that my wfpb diet isn’t working, not at all… it’s going to take time to repair all the damage that has been done to my body! She said that 30lbs is awesome all things considered!! My cholesterol went to completely “normal for age” range in only 3 months on The Starch Solution AND my A1C is now way down and normal too!! Ok, now to the part of how I may be able to help!! My husband is a type 2 diabetic…. He’s never been overweight a day in his life BUT…. All his siblings and parents were/are diabetic. I think in their case it’s hereditary! My husband is on keto because of this , while it has brought his A1C down (but not to normal levels, it’s still 5.9) he now has high cholesterol….. just like it did to my blood work!! I’ve tried talking to him about coming totally on my diet, to wfpb… but he’s to brainwashed that “potatoes bad. Meat good”…. So instead of argue with him, I cook for him! 😅☺️ I will make him wfpb and not even tell him it’s wfpb (like an Indian recipe for example) or my jackfruit tacos that I make… I’ll use a low calorie tortilla…he can have as many as he wants and it doesn’t affect his blood sugar! I just cook his keto meals that he’s on…. I cook mine separately… and I slowly started adding more and more wfpb foods to his plate! I make him the sweet potato Brownies and he honest to goodness had NO CLUE that they were not real brownies… the only thing he said was “these are so amazing! I don’t even miss the sugar!! Thank you!!” (Because he of course knows we don’t use sugar in this house!) he had no clue that they were wfpb! Not until I told him… and then he didn’t believe me! They were that good! So my advice is… find a few meals that are your favorites… and just add them to the meal rotation!! I promise your family won’t even notice… except that the food is yummy!! The biggest thing is try not to make a big deal out of it! Show your family that you can still have the yummy foods that you love, just in a different way!! Another example is my husband HATES chickpeas! But guess what?? He eats them all the time 😂😂…. I put them in nearly everything!! I just love them!! It’s my favorite meat replacer!! I throw them in soups, stews, salads…. The other day I made him a “tuna” sandwich and it wasn’t even “tuna”!!! It was chickpeas!! And it wasn’t even real Mayo either!!! It was chickpea Mayo 😂…. He said not one word, accept “delicious lunch honey, thank you!”…. Recently we were talking to one of our neighbors… the neighbor asked “oh it smells good! Whatcha cooking?!” I said “oh I’m pressure canning chickpeas! I use a lot of them”…. So the neighbor asks “will you teach me to can them up?” I said “of course!” So my husband then said “I can’t stand chickpeas, they’re not my favorite! I never eat them”…. I said “don’t listen to him, he eats them all the time, he just doesn’t know it 😂👀”….. of course the neighbor thought this was hilarious… and he said “well, that’s how you know your wife is a good cook” 😂 Anyway…. That’s my best advice. 1… don’t make a big deal about it and 2…. Incorporate wfpb into your weekly meal rotations… 3… tell your family AFTER the meal that it’s wfpb… I would also suggest PBwith J’s “teenage sons favorites” video…(I think it was last weeks) and also another favorite is PB with J’s “simple, tasty, awesome” video.. also….pb and j has awesome “comfort food meals” several videos on that subject that can be helpful. K…..I just realized that I sound like a PB with J advertisement 😂 Lord have mercy 😂 …but this channel really has helped me alot, all laughter aside ❤️💕🙏🏼 I’d last like to add that ANY change can be scary!! So be understanding with your family and be patient. I’ve noticed that if I am positive in attitude about a new dish or new food… often my husband will be too.. I’m sorry I wrote a small novel. I honestly didn’t mean to!! If you made it this far, go grab a beverage and relax a little after…. Whew! 😅 ❤️💕✌️ Happy cooking! ~Trina~

[@rochellepryor8974]

Just trying making a few meals . They probably will like them

[@jennifermckenzie4576]

I totally agree! This is how I live as well. Thank you for sharing this as many don't understand.

[@pbwithjeremy]

You are so welcome!

[@lynnewilcox8169]

My husband and I ate a vegetarian diet but cooked chicken and eggs for our son. As soon as he left home at 22 years old he became vegetarian. We have been whole food plant based for the last five years and were vegetarian for forty years. I don’t like to use the term vegan as it implies I’m some kind of activist. We became vegetarian as we didn’t want to eat animals which we see as sentient beings. We now also consider the impact intensive farming has on the planet. Personally I feel that the meat from any animal raised and killed under stressful conditions must therefore contain a certain amount of that stress.

[@pbwithjeremy]

So bonkers that he went vegetarian AFTER he left home! Oh kids! Thanks for sharing this!

[@bonniedavis7498]

Thank you for your honesty, Jeremy, this is very thought provoking! I kinda feel like, with anything, ie religion, cultures, nationalities, etc., there are varying degrees of veganism, and, i think unless you never drive, walk into a store, or restaurant of any kind, you could say you aren't vegan, right?! I feel like a vegan, i don't eat ANY animal products consciously, I try my best to buy household items and self care that are vegan, cruelty free, but who knows if they totally are. I do my best... my son is Autistic, and although we never bring meat into the home, never eggs or cows milk, once in a great while, he wants a real cheese grilled cheese, and I buy it for him because he can't do it himself. Does that make ME not a vegan? I go to restaurants that serve animal products, does that make me not vegan? I guess you could argue, yes, it makes me not vegan. But whatever you call yourself, i think if your life is spent trying to avoid these things for yourself, call yourself a vegan. I'm baptized Catholic, but I have no association to the church or religion anymore. So I am not Catholic in my heart, but have to write a letter to some big bishop or someone to get that title officially taken away. Wtf!? Lol, my point is, titles don't mean much in the grand scheme of things, you are what you are in your heart and mind, and all the minutiae of what people think things are, shouldn't matter...I'm sure ill get a lot of shit saying all this. Whatever! Peace!

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thanks for sharing this Bonnie! It's impossible to be perfect and I certainly don't think that's the goal. I don't believe in black and white containments and thinking. :) Sounds like you and I are on the same page.

[@melanie.3837]

“Is the inch worth the mile?” Wow. That is such a great quote and something I will keep with me. I agree that vegan food isn’t necessarily healthy: potato chips and Oreo cookies are vegan and not particularly nourishing. I identify as whole food plant based as well but also don’t discuss it with others unless it comes up. Like you said, “don’t be the person nobody wants to be around.” Besides, as soon as I say vegan, some people are quick (and eager) to point out something I have (ie my shoes, my car, my belt, a shoelace) that is not vegan. Not interested in setting myself up.

[@dayalof108]

What's funny is I used to call myself vegan then I called myself plant-based. Now I stick to vegan because the WFPB movement has become in my opinion much more judgmental. I don't always agree with how vegans go about things but I can see where they're coming from. I don't understand how someone can judge somebody just cuz they eat oil or indulging junk food.

[@michelletulumello661]

Wow! So suprised to hear that. I would say the WFPB peopleare tons easier to get along with than certian vegans. I tend to take their criticisms in stride and intended as educational, but there are vegans that just piss me off. Probably because they don't see the hypocrisy in throwing out all their old leather stuff and going out and buying a bunch of slave labor produced toxic polyvinyl chloride crap to replace it. Or find anything wrong with having a carbon footprint the size of a t-rex. But seeing you in the same doc Martens you've own for the past 10 years gives them hissy fits. Any kind of moral one upmanship like that just sets my teeth on edge.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Sorry you've experienced that.

[@RonsonDalby]

I agree. I think many WFPB advocates (of course not all) have replaced the annoying and superior attitude that a lot of ethical vegans once displayed if KZbin is anything to go by. As for social situations it’s been a long time since I was unable to get decent vegan alternatives at weddings, in restaurants, work and family functions etc. I’m a bit hardline in thinking that the term vegan should define people who avoid all animals products purely because of animal cruelty. Any benefits such as health, the environment etc. are definite benefits but second to the exploitation on animals. No offence to anyone as we all have to walk our own paths in life.

[@leibatt2]

I've been vegan and WFPB for a year now🎉 I thought it would be hard but it was surprisingly easy. I just call myself vegan because it takes too long to explain WFPB 😂

[@pbwithjeremy]

Yup - I often do the same.

[@Scor-ah]

I have not touched meat and dairy in 10 yrs although I do feed it to my dog. I tried to switch her to plant based diet but her health began to suffer.

[@pbwithjeremy]

We tried to switch our dog too. No dice.

[@BettyHorn]

I'm WFPB because I have alpha-gal. Eating paleo almost killed me. So now I eat what I eat. If hubby wants more, he knows how to fix it and doesn't hesitate if he wants it. But most of the time, he eats what I fix. It is not a contentious home here. We don't eat out very much because we can't afford to. And that's ok, too. We have enough.

[@pbwithjeremy]

Love this - thanks Betty!

[@brinagotsued]

I would love a video about the kids cutting dairy and anything else that they may want to try.

[@sherhamon692]

So informative, great video Jeremy 👍👍

[@pbwithjeremy]

My pleasure!

[@255094]

Aș a parent of grown kids I think you do great! Do your best as example and hope they choose the best for them ❤ And I am a whole food plant based but I usually say I am vegan because I feel people do not really understand what is that and I loose them in explanation 😊

[@pbwithjeremy]

Thank you!

[@katiewilliams9537]

Thank you so much for this video. I support you. 💜😎🤘

[@pbwithjeremy]

I appreciate that