Telling the World You're VEGAN!! Pros + Cons

[@moosenavi]

It's amazing how as an omnivore you can eat Taco Bell and soda every day and nobody cares about your health but once you're vegan everyone is like "is that even healthy??"

[@abigaillydia5041]

Stefania D C yes!!!! Its SO true!!

[@AlextheENTP]

EXACTLY!!!! Meanwhile, they have no actual concern for your health whatsoever, just a raging desire to prove that veganism is BAAAAAAAAAAD.

[@KTKuhBOOM]

"I just want to decrease suffering in the world any way I can." I LOVE that Nisha! How can anyone argue against that? That's truly the core reason why I'm vegan. All four of you have beautiful hearts! 💗💗💗

[@NishaBalsara]

KTKABOOM you are such a sweet soul! I’m so happy you liked what we talked about!

[@TaraCreel]

You know when it gets even MORE fun? When you're a gluten free vegan. That's when the jokes and concerns REALLY come your way 😩

[@silverwinter5311]

ha! try being a raw vegan!! oyyy veyyy

[@TaraCreel]

Silver Winter I know that one too. I was one for awhile 😂

[@silverwinter5311]

[@NishaBalsara]

Oh gosh! That’s rough!

[@LexiePersonForever]

i work at panera and i had to tell people on the first day, because part of the orientation for food-making is tasting the foods, so you can tell other people what it's like. and my manager was really trying to get me to eat cheese and i had to just say "i'm vegan, i really can't eat it" and she let it go and apologized too. but now i'm the resident vegan, and i know everything that is and isn't vegan at work. just yesterday, someone came through the drivethru asking for a broth-bowl meal with the vegan lentil broth-bowl and a med-veg, and i had the person taking her order ask if she wanted the med-veg vegan even though she didn't say it, and so he told her it had feta, but even he didn't know that the tomato basil bread isn't vegan. so i turned on my mic and just said "the bread for that this comes on isn't vegan, can i recommend our ciabatta instead?" and she took the recommendation and i'm just so happy that i get to help people make vegan choices and be the one that people can come to with questions about that for customers.

[@TheSUPERHAPPY1]

I just want to decrease the suffering in the world as much as I can and this is a great way to do it I might start using this! Thanks!

[@rachelsimonson6544]

I get so flustered sometimes when people try and questions me, and my life choices for being vegan. I wish people sometimes would just mind their own business, or actually take the time to research the vegan lifestyle before questioning it. So happy to hear I'm not the only one who doesn't have a response, I just hate feeling like I'm put on defense.

[@RebelwheelsNYCShow]

It was weird because when I first went vegan and posted about it on facebook, although the post never said "and you need to go vegan too or you suck" or anything of that nature, it was just this is what I have decided for myself etc, much to my surprise, a couple of people got oddly defensive and one guy replied "well, I'm still eating chicken!!!" And I was like... okay... I didn't say you couldn't. #What I also quickly found out that a number of non-vegan people I knew, at some point in their lives had a "traumatic" (their description not mind) with a vegan who was really harsh and intense and yelled at them, and ever since whenever they would encounter a vegan (regardless of their tone. I mean in this case, I was being really chill and again just saying this is what I've decided for myself), they seemed to become "triggered" (their word, not mine) by anyone who is vegan. And I realized the psychology of humans and food and our relationship with meat is complicated AF. I eventually also realized that when a lot of vegans communicate to non-vegans, they're in that panicked 3000 rabbits are dying every minute mode and they've completely forgotten about their roots as a non-vegan and how they once didn't get it either (unless they were born vegan) and it can be a hot mess. Remembering my roots as a non-vegan really helps me stay chill and I have much easier time communicating with people about it. Still though to this day, there are some people who will try to engage in an argument about veganism and say things like "well, I'm still gonna eat beef". On a side note, nothing throws people like that off more when you reply "Yeah, I don't care." because ... I mean I do care about the animals but jesus christ. I have shit to do lol. I don't have the time/energy to go there with people.

[@briana.9921]

We went through the term vegetarian in nutrition class and a girl went out of her way announcing that she’d eat chicken in front of a vegetarians face. I wasn’t vegan before so I wasn’t too bothered but it really got me thinking... i fortunately never had a bad notion on veganism because I saw the positives and didn’t feel attacked (super weird considering the reaction of most people) It’s sad that I learned the cons and terror of vegans before learning what it actually was.

[@jhrhiggi]

I’ve found non vegans get so offended! Like I’m somehow insulting them, though I don’t make a deal of it other than when I’m buying something and ask if the product is vegan. My 12 yo daughter is also vegan by her choice.

[@dalindav]

My experience has been some people are happy for me but most people almost seem to get ticked off or annoyed! Kind of gotten attitude! Oh well.... I won't ever go back irregardless of how much negative crap I get! My daughter is the one that enlightened me. I'm 56 and I'm just sad I didn't do this years ago! ❤️👍🏻🌻🌞

[@1BethMcBeth]

Dalinda V I'm the same age and currently 18 months vegan. I am thrilled to be and just like you, sad that I didn't do this years ago! We can only move forward and continue to make it our lifetime journey!👍Happy you jumped on board, no matter what age!👏🏼

[@dalindav]

beth f Congrats to you as well!!! Thanks for the support !!! Yes we can only look forward for sure!!! 👍🏻🌻🌞❤️

[@Devlbaby]

Cultivating empathy and compassion is fraught with obstacles when we have the veil lifted and decide to live by example. So refreshing to see Beauty and Wisdom all together.

[@1BethMcBeth]

Bravo ladies!👏🏼 Great topic! I have no one around me in my family or even my grown children who are vegan, but they are aware that I am. My oldest will tell me that he's "doing more veggies" gradually and, even watched, "What The Health". He was impressed. I don't force my views on him or anyone unless they ask my opinion on it or to tell them what made me transition to going from an omnivore to a vegan. The only issue I seem to have is when I happen to go out to a restaurant that isn't catered to vegans, I tend to say that I have "food allergies" because I believe the restaurant establishment is more concerned about food liabilities pertaining to allergic reactions than if they "accidentally" (or on purpose, in some cases), give you a dish with dairy products in it, etc. and "fail to mention" to you. I've had this happen to me after stating that I'm vegan, and later got very sick. It could be a coincidence, but to avoid this now, I do one of the following: I cook most of my meals at home, I go to places that ARE touted strictly vegan or have vegan options on the actual menu, or I state that I have "food allergies" and remind them that no dairy of any kind or fish, or any meat flavorings. When they ask if I'm vegan, I again repeat that I have "dietary restrictions due to food allergies". I'm ashamed to do this, but feel it's necessary to facilitate no issues for myself.😯

[@debrakelly2500]

Beth f- I do the same thing. I tell restaurants that I'm allergic to eggs and milk then I tell them that I'm vegetarian. I've discovered that where I live more people know what vegetarian is, but don't understand the what vegan is- or have an extremely negative reaction to it.

[@lauratransformingvegan3245]

I've only been vegan for 4 month now and I do have people at work that tease me or comment their food eats mine. But I don't show that it bothers me and carry on with my day... But also in these 4 months I've offered those same people to try my food as just a taste and surprised at how many say yes. Before going vegan I was vegetarian for about a year. But was looking into going vegan. I coined the phrase "I'm not vegetarian I'm vegan curious" A friends daughter asked me about how to go vegetarian and I felt a wave of warmth that by not being "IN YOUR FACE" I still inspired someone to try to start down their own path

[@NakiasHideaway]

Omg I can soooo relate to everything in this video! People's concerns for my health, arguments with non-vegans, teasing from non-vegans. You ladies said it all! But at the end of the day I wouldn't change a thing. I just wish I had done it sooner. 😊

[@annettelauretta]

About 5yrs ago, when I told my Aunt that I was going plant-based, she said, "How do you think your Mom would feel?? I don't think she'd be too happy about that" It made me angry that she would bring my Mom into this. I told her that I felt that my Mom would be very interested, as she saw herself as someone eager to learn new things. It's where I got my "knowledge is power" mentality from. And, I truly do think that if my Mom were here, she'd eagerly adopt a plant-based lifestyle.

[@avocadotoast8901]

I use to always dread telling people I was vegan, but lately I've been getting a more positive response from people! I feel like people are a little more educated these days.

[@jcb24146]

oh.my.gosh. went on a trip with a friend and brought ALL my own food, so no concern there with the family feeding me and such. the mom would NOT stop mentioning petty little things like “you know, when i gave up meat for lent i gained, like 10 pounds because i would eat a lot more in place of the meat!” “you know you can just be pescatarian right?” “if you want some of this beef stew, you can pick around the beef right? because this is just for health, not like saving the animals or anything right?” GAHHHH LET ME EAT MY QUINOA IN PEACE😂

[@iluvhou]

I love this video because it gave me more confidence to be more forthright with my NEED to be vegan. 💚 I just made my request to join the Facebook group. YAY!

[@HannahWeseloh]

I love that!!

[@RachelRambles]

Loved the editing on this one - you ladies always have such wonderful and relatable perspectives, I love listening to you!

[@mariemai2902]

When someone says "But plants have feelings too!" I tell them that on this level I don't have a conversations. If you think animals feel the same as plants there is really no hope. Normally the people then get embarrassed and try to make up with more constructive arguments.

[@PrettyPlantBased]

Yes! Love this. Was quite anti-vegan as well. I used to tease a friend )who has now been vegan 12 years) and ask all the "annoying meat eater" questions about protein and make what I thought at the time was smart arguments about living life, eating animal food, etc :|. Forgive me for the late comments! Just catching up on my fav channels (was on my honeymoon)

[@beau-deanmclean5547]

you ladies could do a collab with Mic the vegan, vegan gains(ahaha) and a few other guys from the vegan world, I'd really like to see how men feel about these things too, but i don't really wanna watch an all guy show so much =p having the ladies present will give us a more honest answer from the men too

[@melyssafurt3294]

Love this video, thank you for sharing your stories!

[@margaritap.9459]

New vegan here and I am really torn about "announcing" it. It may sound stupid, but I am afraid of being out and loud about my eating, because it's still very new and I feel if I ever slipped up or whatever, it would reinforce veganism as some kind of fad diet or something that is too hard to adhere to (I do hope to be vegan for life, but I just don't trust myself yet to be SURE of that). So at the moment I just avoid situations with other people where I have to eat (and I know won't be any vegan options) altogether. Still feel I have to build my confidence...

[@mariemai2902]

Just tell people that you are trying your best to eat a vegan diet. Slip ups do not define you but how you get back on your feet. The more balanced your diet is the easier you will find it. I found the talk "Seven habits of healthy vegans" incredible helpful. Ginna Messina is a vegan of twenty years and a registered dietitian.

[@amyeatsplants6141]

Another great video ladies! Love y’all. 💓

[@NikkiVegan]

love you Amy! Happy you liked this episode

[@NishaBalsara]

Thanks Amy!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@amyeatsplants6141]

Lose Your Veganity you are so welcome! Y’all are my favorite KZbinrs and I’m so glad you are making these videos! 😘 y’all are doing such a good job!!!

[@HannahWeseloh]

We love you too!!

[@rachelanne9343]

Love all of your videos!

[@NishaBalsara]

Rachel Anne thank you for the support!!

[@kellysutton7344]

I absolutely love all of these videos, i already look forward to them every week! :)

[@NishaBalsara]

Kelly Sutton that makes me so happy!!!

[@Ranebow48818]

Nisha, where did you get your top? I LOVE it!!

[@lanii5267]

Great discussion!

[@jordanolson3270]

This video was so great so much of it spoke to my soul!!

[@jjjjjjjjjjjhhhhhhhhhh]

Nisha your dress is SO CUTE! Where is it from?

[@LisaRettenbacher]

i have experienced the same situations. haha i totally feel with you girls all the time!

[@PrettierAfter50]

Some people that I know don't know what to cook for me.. They ask me all the time what food do I eat... I feel ignorance is prevalent and they don't seem to be interested in knowing or researching.. Also, family members that have all the info still don't do anything to change. They accept that that's the way it is... That makes me angry and I still have to put up with it!

[@HannahWeseloh]

I totally feel you. Two of my closest family members still aren't vegan even though I've told them everything they need to know, and I know veganism would help them with health problems and more. Even though I've told them they still won't watch a documentary, which I think is crucial in someone's transition. I really had to see it with my own eyes, and I think others do too. That said, they are much more open to the idea of it now and definitely eat more vegan which is a small victory! You're definitely not alone. xx

[@Dannywithlove]

When I went vegan I just told my bf and then his cousin heard us talking then he started teasing me. I really don’t mind I just ignore him and he stops on his own. I told my best friend who is vegetarian, then my other non vegan best friends they are the one who are very supportive of this decision, they’re even thinking about going vegan or vegetarian. Besides them I haven’t told anyone else not even my parents because I know them, I know that they will never ever ever ever accept it but I don’t care I’m doing this for me❤️ I’m loving it, I feel amazing is all that matters to me.

[@thepaulingfamily8187]

I mean you should never focus your vegan lifestyle on anyone. Not saying you ladies are but I think the reason why people give those reactions is because vegans try to focus their lifestyle on people. So but thing is if you eat meat or don't as long as your healthy I'm happy. I love the video as always

[@HannahWeseloh]

Yes, good point! I definitely came on too strong with some of my family members in the beginning but quickly learned that wasn't going to be the best way. Now I try to lead by example, which seems to be the most effective. I hope that feeling happy and healthy and energized will rub off on people and they'll want to know more from that, rather than me pointing out things that may make them feel bad.

[@purplelayne6069]

i would love to be part of your group chat haha

[@takecare0721]

Is it just me or do their faces not match the words like what the hell and it's ok every video, maybe it's just my phone ?

[@heathermariek]

I have this same issue and I'm watching on a computer. I think it's a little off, but only for the first few minutes.

[@jayneduncan6110]

my computer is the same. i refreshed the page a couple times to see if i could fix it lol

[@Ivonnep24]

Loved this. It sucks that people have nothing better to do than to be pick on every possible thing on vegans. It’s so rude. Y’all handle it with so much kindness ! Y’all are awesome !!!:)

[@HannahWeseloh]

Aw thanks Ivonne!! So happy you liked it! xo

[@natalienapalm7510]

Goals: To one day be a guest and have coffee with you ladies!!!

[@wmnpwr98]

My mom really struggles with my vegan lifestyle even though my brother has been a vegetarian for more than five years. When I visit she had a hard time getting away from the traditional foods we used to enjoy together but has recently made efforts to make vegan dishes and eats them with me. Sometimes she slips up and says, “Wait, you eat fish right? What?? You don’t even eat chicken?” As if she forgot what being vegan meant. 😑

[@Noah4evaa]

Y'all need a southerner on that panel🤠😊

[@NishaBalsara]

Rachel W We have one! Me! Lol!!! Texas born and raised 👩🏾‍🌾 that’s supposed to be me in a cowboy hat 😂

[@HannahWeseloh]

Haha me too actually! I'm born and raised in Arkansas. :) xo

[@MelanieZachariades]

Ah I wanna join that group text. I'm the lone wolf of my vegan friends.

[@TheVeganView]

+Melanie Zachariades join our Facebook group!!

[@ivanavelikic6204]

❤️❤️❤️

[@CatherinStadele]

I told my waiter that I was vegan and he offered me a gluten free menu. Lmfaooooo like.....???

[@rawandrea6674]

How long have you all been Vegan guys?

[@NishaBalsara]

Andrea Stevens I’ve been 100% vegan for 3 years! And a year before that I was primarily plant based for health reasons

[@eelkeaptroot1393]

Could have been just my setup, but I had to put on headphones to hear you ladies, so next time please speak up. Never got any really negative reactions going vegan, though when I mentioned friends I was eating more raw food, they pointed to a Dutch documentary made about some kid and his mother who tried that. All my friends agreed that this was some form of child abuse, though perhaps with the best intentions. Their main point being how´s this kid going to have a normal life without french fries... Guess where my friends get most of their calories from... Besides that most people took it well, though I also remember the ´plants have feelings too´ issue comming up at one point. sigh... Too bad I´ve rarely met other vegans in real life, but good thing there´s youtube, in particular with headphones on, it almost feels like I´m at your table watching this.

[@NikkiVegan]

funny how people think that eating more fruits and vegetables could be bad for you lol glad you liked this episode Eelke!

[@takecare0721]

Eelke Aptroot I can't hear them fine

[@eelkeaptroot1393]

Yes, it was some browser setting I missed at first...

[@erinbriggs9821]

My husbands best friend always tell me “well your eating my foods food” 😒😑

[@reallyrosie3990]

how is being a vegetarian pretentious?

[@reallyrosie3990]

I think it's pretentious to look down on other's lifetstyle