Why I No Longer Follow a Vegan "Diet"

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For everyone who is saying that the title is "clickbait", the "Diet" portion is in quotations for a reason. I apologize if you feel mislead by the title, but I hope you still learned something important from the video! I made a point to state that I am still vegan within the first minute of this video for this specific reason, but I see some people are still being bothered by this. Let's try to keep it polite in the comments, guys :) Thank you!
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• ABOUT THIS VIDEO •
Cameras I Use: Canon G7x, Canon 80D
Software: Final Cut Pro
• LEARN MORE ABOUT VEGANISM •
Earthlings: www.nationearth...
Forks Over Knives: www.forksoverkn... (also on Netflix)
Cowspiracy: www.cowspiracy.... (also on Netflix)
101 Reasons to go Vegan: • Video
Research-Based Evidence: nutritionfacts....

[@nicinathalie8273]

I feel like you are one of the most logical and psychologically healthy vegans that I watch! I always seem to align with your views because they make the most sense to me, love your videos :)

[@Savage2548]

This was such a great video. You are the ONLY young lady, or actually the only you tuber that I have decided to suggest to my 14 year old daughter. I think you are such a responsible, positive example. She needs that.

[@Savage2548]

Ps. That came out wrong. She is an awesome sweet girl, but has very low self esteem.

[@rebeccakealy5340]

Nicole Savage I highly recommend vegbethany for her, she is absolutely incredible and all about the body positivity, self confidence and eating what you crave . but I completely agree that Caitlin is incredible 🙌❤

[@felimekj]

Absolutely : D

[@Savage2548]

Thank you so much ladies!! Will check out vegbethany!

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

Aw this is so sweet! I also agree, vegbethany is awesome!

[@queentosheable]

I am so NOT type A, lol... I'm plant based & don't like labels or restrictions. I get so tired of the "Vegan Police" people telling others what they should or should not eat, what's exactly vegan or not vegan...blah, blah, blah ...ugggh! I always eat the way I feel best fits me & I do what's best for me regardless of what others think & yes I use oil!! LOL...I really like this video. I agree with you! I watch many vegan/plant based utubers & see in the comments people being mean & rude to others because one doesn't follow the so called rules & I find that very sad. To each it's own right?

[@nadiabaz6046]

Queen Toshe Vegan 👮 So True! Lol smdh

[@queentosheable]

Nadia Baz. Lmao too!! like... uh oooh the Vegan Police out on patrol again.. lol 😊😊

[@nadiabaz6046]

Queen Toshe Lmao Queen I know Right!! People are so funny! I guess they just want us to be better (Optimistic outlook) 😂😂

[@queentosheable]

Right! 😊😊 lol

[@ccap3211]

Queen Toshe why do you call yourself plant based and not vegan? Because you wear leather?

[@MileyLoverIv19]

You're one of the smartest and most well-spoken person on this platform. Keep doing you, I'm very glad I found your channel x

[@MrsPlantinTexas]

I AGREE.

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

Thank you so much, dear :)

[@jelenapedic8614]

Ивона Лаушевиќ agree, and she's so lovely too!

[@jacquelinegarcia5803]

I don't like calling it a diet, I call it a lifestyle. A diet is something you do to lose weight, but a lifestyle is a way of living.

[@aphantomrosevegan1391]

Exactly 🙌🙌

[@petra123987]

Jacqueline Laster No. A "diet" is a set of foods and rules that make up one's nutrition. It may, but doesn't have to, be related to specific health outcomes (gaining/losing weight, improving the intake of a nutrient etc.). The distinction diet/lifestyle is meaningful only if it includes other (non-nutrition related) aspects of one's life, e.g. (not) using fur, products tested on animals etc.

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

I agree!

[@valentinasalinas3252]

see the vídeo, she talks about vegan "diets" like a variation of being vegan, like raw, gluten free or oil free.. she understands that vegan is a lifestyle

[@jacquelinegarcia5803]

Valentina Salinas you're assuming that I'm saying she doesn't know what a lifestyle is. I was just stating what I call veganism.

[@randomname7546]

God I was scared she had stopped being vegan :(

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

You definitely don't have to worry about that!

[@harley_zu]

It was a clickbait

[@1111freespirit]

Random Name me too

[@aarthisitara]

yea me too!

[@kirahaapaniemi]

okay, firstly, I usually NEVER comment on anyone's video but damn, I really needed this right now. thank you Caitlin, you have no idea how much you just helped a severely depressed, eating disordered girl who has lost all the confidence she ever had and has now found a tiny bit of that spark again, the spark that made me go vegan and kick anorexia's butt! love you

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

oh my gosh thank you so much for taking the time to write this! I'm glad I could help you, even if it's just in a small way. I wish you the best

[@lalalaAli]

Kira Haapaniemi I could have written that comment. I feel like veganism is my spark in seeing recovery becoming a possibility, good luck to you on your journey xx

[@teekay2572]

I hope your journey is going well. I know your comment is 8 months ago, but I'm sending you my thoughts and positivity x

[@Adi-pw1ed]

I'm so glad you noticed this twisted trend among vegan youtubers. It's all come to be extreme labelling and not enjoying plant-based food... It's so unhealthy. So happy for you and thank you! 😘

[@barbb841]

Very proud of you for making this video. I'm so tired of the bashing within the community. It's ridiculous. To the point that I was just starting to call myself a WFPB eater. That's ridiculous that I should feel like I would need to differentiate myself. I'm vegan and I'm proud of it. May I make a suggestion - replace the word "diet" with eating habit? You don't have to, it just a way of showing that this isn't a diet - but a full eating change. Just in my opinion.

[@nootnoot1290]

What's WFBP?

[@barbb841]

Cassie Hart Whole Food Plant Based

[@nootnoot1290]

That's a better label, being a vegan carries so much unnecessary stigma nowadays.

[@barbb841]

Cassie Hart Too true. The fact that it has even been redefined to carry so much more than it's original definition was.

[@mariemarie6778]

I say as long as it's vegan who cares what another person eats. Veganism is so much more than just what you put in your mouth.

[@lauraeimre3056]

When I first found veganism, I still enjoyed eating some nut butters and coconut. but then I found the HCLF diet. Being in recovery, I started taking the low fat part too seriously. I was even afraid to eat oatmeal cause it had "too much fat"... I would only have smoothies for breakfast. It was impossible for me to find anything to snack on while being out. My favourite bars - Nakd bars- become a nono, cause they had "5g of fat" .. Fast forward 4-5 months. I didn't really feel full, my period was still gone (for a year now), my hair was becoming dry. Also my cholesterol is very low. So I started to introduce fats back into my diet. Tbsp of seeds every day, then some other things if I feel like it. And oatmeal is my new obsession 😍. i actually have smoothie breakfasts only once a week now. Rice pudding, oatmeal, muesli, hash browns and sausage are something I enjoy in the mornings right now. I know that smoothies will come back in the summer more often but I will start adding fats into them. :) HCLF is okay for a short time, but for a longer time period? Hell no (for me)

[@peggytheplatypus1636]

Laura Eimre congrats on your recovery 💓

[@lisay9859]

Laura Eimre im so proud of you! i'm going through recovery right now and i'm finally excepting "fear foods" mainly any carbs that aren't made of whole grains. i know its rough but we can only stay wrong.

[@deathlyhallows8495]

I got so proud from hearing this! I am also in recovery right now and I can really relate to what your saying. You go ☺️

[@Deshone49]

Eating HCLF or Raw till 4 doesn't make them any more vegan than someone else. Shouldn't they be happy that people are vegan at all? Great video!

[@mariagabriela5721]

Wow, Caitlin. This video helped me so so much. I seriously struggle a lot with stressing over calories and food but the words you say are honestly affecting me and my mind. Thank you so much for this!

[@BrianTurnerOfficial]

100% agree with you on this Caitlin

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

Thanks man, I'm glad :)

[@tanyas.9688]

Caitlin, your video was clear, sensible, balanced, and downright intelligent. You wanted to help just one person? Mission accomplished. As a New Vegan, I started watching different vegan KZbinrs for inspiration. Instead I was left confused and feeling so restricted and psychologically unhealthy, that I forgot I started this for the animals, as well as my health. Your video has inspired me once again to focus on what matters. Thank You for taking the time to share your views. Very Helpful, indeed.

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

thank you so much Tanya! This comment made me smile :)

[@iamalexandra.]

I'm vegan and that's it. We need fat, as long as it's a healthy one, so there's no point in being a "low fat" vegan. Also, it makes me crazy how many young girls are afraid of eating because they think they'll get fat. I feel so bad that they let society do that to them... It's a shame.

[@AllySheehan]

Caitlin I love this video SO much. (As usual) You echoed so many of my thoughts, though much more eloquently. This is such an important message for our community, which is far too focused around macronutrients, numbers and OTHER people's diets. Veganism is a way of life, an opposition to cruelty and a refusal to support it. Veganism is not about what time of day you eat a cooked meal. However someone wants to eat within that is their choice and should be done in regards to what makes them their healthiest, in mind, body and soul. xx

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

As usual, I love your comment Ally ;) I totally agree with you! I should have mentioned that Veganism is a lifestyle, not a diet. What we put on our plates is only a small part of it

[@tarialy]

worked for me! I worked just like I thoought it would. It was easy enough and I just want others to know when something wоrks. Check out it theere twitter.com/0b95104f6e261e609/status/788632172043366400 Why I No Longeeeer Follow a Vegan Diet

[@biebsproblem]

yes!! It's so important to listen to your body and find a balance. if you want that peanut butter, go for it! if you go out to eat and there's oil, who cares? it's not the end of the world

[@sophie-dy4kb]

I'm so glad you've made this video because I feel like so many people confuse veganism with only eating habits. Thank you for being such an inspiration :) xx

[@bluered605]

i agree with you soo much! I've also made the same desicion just recently. First when I became vegan I would follow hclf to the extreme, I would also stuff myself with food because vegan youtubers said me to do so. If I would ask them why I have no energy they would answer to eat more. So that's exacly what I did, i stuffed myself with carbs and avoided all fats as much as I could. And guess what? I gained 10 kilos, so nope carbs can totaly make you fat, if you didn't knew that allready. I now eat when I am hungry and i added healthy fats just two weeks ago (avocado, nuts and seeds not oils) into my diet and i don't restrict my fats anymore. I eat whatever i want and I try my best to eat as healthy as I can. My acne seems to look better and I feel much better myself after adding the fats into my diet. Basicly hclf fucked me up 😟 I now understand how stupid I was, but when you hear many people say the same thing like "fats make you fat" you start to believe it.

[@bluered605]

Btw shoutout to "Healthy Crazy Cool" youtube channel for making me eat healthy fats. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@peace.love.vegetables3031]

chillilover Yes ! Yes! I have started to eat more healthy fats too I really appreciate his helpful videos. He is definitely the sound of reason. Peace and love ❤️

[@MrsPlantinTexas]

Same here! I love Miles!

[@elizabethannshealthyliving6970]

chillilover I totally agree!! I've had that experience too on my vegan journey. It's been a process of experimentation for me to find what works best for me and my body. Healthy fats are amazingly wonderful- they are part of nature for a reason! Another good channel for what to eat inspiration for me has been Vegan Family TV. I love Caitlin's stance on not getting obsessed- totally healthy view for young women especially!💗

[@ameliaberry5828]

I have a friend (non vegan) who was in training for a bikini competition and her nutritionist had her eating hardly any fat. She developed acne, which she had never had before. Once she changed nutritionists and introduced healthy fats back into her diet, her acne cleared up. The lack of fat had created a hormone imbalance which was so much more unhealthy than eating the fat in the first place! I personally LOVE healthy fats. They fuel me more than carbs do and I always feel much more energised when I eat avocados, etc :)

[@megm9750]

I'm really loving these more personal, chit chatty videos! The way you speak is so inspiring and almost calming haha 😊 Always looking forward to your content!

[@annasurufka2017]

Wow...I am sure that I am not the only one that this video completely hit home with, but I just wanted to let you know (for your peace of mind) that you most DEFINITELY helped one person. I so needed this! Thank you Caitlin!!

[@jennalerman]

Such an important video! I agree with everything you said, I'm sick of vegan 'diets' when all that matters is the ethical and environmental aspects of veganism. The health aspects are a great side effect and certain diets within veganism can help with health issues if needed. It's much easier to spread veganism when you show people how unrestrictive a vegan lifestyle can be.

[@avidian888]

Totally agree! You're on the right path Caitlin. Our body is the best guide to our health! #VeganLove

[@elizabethmahony7010]

I don't know how old you are, but I am so impressed with your thinking! I have shared many of your videos with my friends and family (plenty of whom think I'm nuts.) I've been vegetarian for 6+ years and vegan for 6+ months and have never felt better. For the first time I've been losing weight without dieting or depriving myself in any way. I enjoy what I'm eating without all the crazy guilt. I've never been happier! There's no question it was a tough transition, giving up cheese was definitely one of the tougher things for me. Anytime I get down or miss a certain food I search vegan on KZbin and get inspired. Caitlin, thank you so much for your posts. They've really helped me to stay focused and have given me awesome ideas. Thank you!

[@mackenziebell2782]

you really reassured me, thank you for filming this!! ❤

[@SheIsCatholicToo]

I really needed to hear this! I have been vegan for about 6 months now and I love it, but I still obsess over my weight and I'm always terrified of eating too much fat, salt, or sugar in one day. Some days I'm even afraid that eating too much fruit will make me gain weight. Tonight I ate a few chips that were vegan but I immediately regretted it because I thought it would make me gain weight immediately. It's so exhausting to always worry about my weight when my diet is so clean. I know my obsession about weight and food has gotten to an unhealthy point. I hope as I continue my journey as a vegan that I will outgrow these thoughts. Anyways, I always love your videos! Thank for reading my long comment haha :)

[@magdalenhamilton5325]

I think this video is SO important! Caitlyn, you are a role model to so many girls, myself included, and hearing this was beyond helpful. I too struggled with eating disordered habits, feared food, and sometimes couldn't think about anything other than my next meal, or couldn't sleep because I was obsessing over what to eat for breakfast the next day. No one should have to go through this, and be pressured to eat a certain way based on how another person's body functions. everyone is different. Thank you for this video ❤

[@82olys]

I just started watching your channel and only had seen older videos. So when this popped up in my recommended videos I was shocked. I am so glad when I watched it and love what you are talking about. Society is so worried about labels and it just perpetuates the problems we as people have. You are such a great person and I appreciate your content. Thank you for being you and sharing.

[@alexnajera4812]

thank you, thank you, thank youuuuuu, so much, I felt so alone because I'm not a raw vegan, just because I love to cook my vegan meals, thank you so much Caitlin.

[@anne-sophieroy8984]

This was extremely helpful. I personally compare myself so much to other bloggers and i am constantly worrying about eating 'unhealthy'... This video made me realize that food choices shouldn't be that complicated. I can't thank you enough for opening up! You're definitely my favorite youtuber 💛💛

[@ChristianaRutkowski]

Caitlin I literally could not have said this better! I agree 739572% and you said all of this so beautifully, so thank you :)

[@ChristianaRutkowski]

"Type A" personality....yes yes yes

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

I'm glad you agree with me :) thank YOU for watching!

[@Hehehihihe]

I looooved this omg there's so much pressure from KZbin to be raw or HCLF

[@apeachyhuman]

Really great video. Been following you a while now, and I just want to say thank you. I look at you and feel such a connection .. a reflection of who I am. I love the honesty. I dig the way you are just so much yourself. I took a long, hard look at my life and where I'm at, and I don't think you even realise how much your words hit my heart and were exactly what I needed to hear. The universe has a beautiful way of letting you know you're doing okay in life. I resonate so much with your thoughts. You are a beautiful, wonderful soul and thank you for helping me to change so many aspects of my life. You probably won't ever know the extent of how you have helped me, but honestly, I am so grateful that I got to stumble onto your videos these last few months. Warmest love your way. Best wishes for your future

[@AshleyMarah]

Caitlin this video and message is SO important! I literally just finished filming a similar video and I am grateful to see other vegan KZbinrs coming to this realization :-) I LOVE YOU!

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

Love you too girl!!!

[@catherstrophic]

This video is straight up FACTS! This is exactly why I'm subscribed to you! You're so down-to-earth & genuine. Although you don't need to justify yourself, I love watching these videos and so many others do too! Hope you had a Merry Christmas Caitlin!

[@codenamehoneytattoos]

This is an extremely important and eye opening video to make, I hope a lot of people feel more comfortable and in the same boat as you on this one. Though I was nervous to open this video when I got the notification, lol you rock!

[@koshowulf]

Phew I was so sad I thought you werent vegan for a moment! 🙈❤

[@betty3717]

Pj Belton so did I 😆😆😆

[@harley_zu]

She was clickbaiting

[@abbyh8432]

Caitlin💕 This is such a thoughtful, compassionate, real video that I appreciate so, so much. Everything you're saying rings true and I'm so glad that you're reaching all of these young women with a message of health and strength of mind rather than fear around food. You certainly brightened my night💃🏼

[@emmalopez849]

Thank you so much for this video. I also have a Type A personality and I completely understand what you're talking about. When I was trying out going raw I would obsess and restrict myself. I was scared to eat certain foods and it got to the point where I was feeling weak and I was always tired. I then realized that I was only harming myself instead of helping myself. I love you and your videos!

[@BEATRIIIZOLAAA]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been transitioning to a vegan lifestyle all because of you. You taught me to listen to my body and fuel myself, and not necessarily follow a certain diet (even before this video!). Best of luck with everything, C!

[@Sarah00229]

I can definitely relate to your inner struggles regarding labels and the pressure of society's ideals. As a fellow type A personality I still struggle with having a flexible diet and restricting my food consumption to certain foods and types. But it's nice to know I'm not the only one and I hope that, like you have, that I can break away and remember how much I love food and enjoy eating whatever makes me happy. I also want to say I love your videos and I have definitely tried out a few of your meal ideas :) Thanks for being real!

[@keipup4422]

i ate RT4 for months even tho I hated it because I felt pressured. I'm really glad people are starting to get away from that!

[@jasmynebell8152]

I've been vegan for a little over a year now, and have really enjoyed cooking so much more. I've always had a slender figure, but now following these other vegan ladies, I felt like I needed to keep trying to upgrade. Thanks for helping me to see that the way I am is good enough. I always feel good with what I eat and I stop eating something if it doesn't make me feel good. I'm growing into a woman here in my early twenties and this video helped me a lot to realize how different my body is (especially at this stage) compared to the vegans I follow. So thank you :)

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

You are MORE than enough

[@shamirah17]

This is why you're one of my favorite vegan youtubers!!

[@laribeker3981]

I thought you stopped being vegan hahah so scary

[@donnerparty1815]

Lara Beker I did based on the title and went out and has a steak

[@nonename8589]

I know this is a 2016 video but it seems like every video I watch you are saying literally the words in my head. Thank You for being this way.

[@MamaBearMcKenzie]

Watching this video has made me realize just how happy and thankful I am for finding your KZbin channel. I have watched some other vegans on here and you are just so down to earth and honest. I can truly see your sincerity in all of your videos and it means a lot. I nearly cried watching this video because there are so many women, or even just people in general, that deal with eating disorders, following restrictive diet guidelines, and feel pressured to eat a certain way. I turned vegan in April of this year and have heard so many things about veganism... I think it has gained some bad rep just because people try to make it seem so restrictive by saying you must do this or that to lose weight or fit in to the lifestyle. It's not restrictive by any means and I am so happy that I am vegan. It's not hard and it makes me happy to have that flexibility. It's not cool to put labels on anyone or anything, especially not a lifestyle that is built on compassion, animal loving, eco-friendly, and positivity. Lastly, I agree that it is important to listen to your body. If your body craves junk food perhaps it just needs more of a certain vitamin/nutrient, i.e. potassium, iron, etc. so finding the corresponding fruit/veggie that fits that can help. Making healthy swaps is key. Anyways, thank you so much for making this video. Keep up the awesome things you do!

[@Kittysnack]

I just found your channel and i'm obsessed, I'm vegetarian working towards cutting more and more animal products out, but i LOVE and appreciate how you talk about (especially young girls) obsessing over weight and looks over just focusing on keeping a healthy diet physically and psychologically that aligns with your vegan lifestyle

[@Valerie-vt5rp]

I love how you do what is right for you, but never fail to make sure everyone understands that you respect every being at their point in life! :) You are such an inspiration.

[@hagarst3303]

lmao I just subscribed yesterday (and btw I love u and I binge watched you for the past 24 hours) and I read the title and I was like "well shit" but then I watched the video and calmed down 😅😂 I totally agree with you and I had a similiar experience with restricting myself on a vegan diet

[@jadebryant4770]

Hagar ST sammee😂😂

[@carolynspantry3902]

Hey Caitlin! I always love your work on KZbin and Instagram and have been a fan for a while. Posting this video probably wasn't easy or comfortable, but thank you for sharing it. We are all so much more than our food labels and I completely agree with your desire to dissociate yourself from the word "diet". Keep being you!

[@StrawberryElli]

Thank you so much for sharing you opinion on this Caitlin, and I can say that i totally agree with what you're saying! I tend to follow things to a T where I just wanna be 'perfect' with it but I came to a point where it just became unhealthy and way too obsessive! I know how I feel my best but that can change depending on how I'm feeling that day, where I'm at (eg what climate I'm in) or just simple on what foods are available for me! We should all just figure out what works best for us! And at the end of the day it's just food, as you said, something that nourishes and fuels us but it should not consume us! Thanks for that reminder, much love to you!

[@queenofeternity1418]

Well spoken. I went through a similar journey this year. I'm enjoying a mixture of raw, plant-based, general vegan food and vegan junk and listening to my body every day. Feel you with the perfectionism and my lesson this year was to truly hear my own body and tune into the sensations and I'm in the best shape of all now that I do this :) Thanks for a great video!

[@nadinej8266]

I completely agree and I've also been there. I think nowadays the most common vegan diet label is high carb low fat which is what I followed at the time. Naturally, I developed a fat phobia and anxiety over eating more than a fourth of an avocado or eating a tablespoon of nut butter over my Oatmeal. I had to constantly log and track my calories to reach a calorie maximum and check my macros; and god forbid my fats were ever more than 10%. It was such an unhealthy mindset specially recovering from an eating disorder. These labels just fuel disordered eating behaviors. I'm just recently trying the whole label free vegan and trying to eat more fats but it's still a struggle. Thank you for making this video.

[@jordanwaddell]

Preach it girl! So true. I've been there - every different offset of the plant based lifestyle I've tried. I would feel better at first, but I always come back to giving my body the plant power it is craving that day.

[@baileekinney8923]

This is honestly one of the most beneficial videos I have ever watched. Thank you so much for this! You are amazing💗💗

[@lrselfe871]

I'm loving this development from you. I had to take a step back from your channel before as it was a bit too "diety" for me. Looking forward to watching where you go from here 😊💚

[@risuhana]

I totally agree with you! And I wanted to add a little story here: I have certain intolerances & allergies (gluten, histamine, some nuts,...) so it makes it really hard for me to find food that can fit a vegan diet that doesn't kill me when eating out. When I was with certain "friends", they always kept judging me like "because of you we can't eat anywhere" "just eat that, one time won't kill you" "then just order the meat dish" and so on and so on (that led to the point where I would just sit at a restaurant with grumbeling stomache, not ordering anything).... I finally realized I don't need that kind of friends. And even tho (and please don't judge me) I do eat fish sometimes (because it's better than ordering a vegan dish that will give me an anaphylactic shock, right?), I am still on a plant based, vegan diet. AND at first I thought it wasn't okay to do so and that noone in the vegan community will accept it, but I was wrong. I have a lot of really good vegan friends with different vegan diets and they're all fine with it. :D

[@victoriabaron123]

Hi Caitlyn! I think this is really important to talk about. I've definitely noticed some you tubers and even people I know in person who have struggled with eating disorders and then move on to 'healthier diets'. While it's a good thing to eat healthy, it seems like the control and obsessive qualities of the disorder are still there. I think there is even a new category of anorexia that is characterized by exercising too much. It's a good thing but our goal should be to be healthy and happy! But yeah I agree with everything you're saying and appreciate the boldness to do so. I really love your channel!

[@jelenapedic8614]

you opened my eyes , especially with the restrictions on food. thank you for being open and honest :)

[@quiannacopperbox4473]

I love this video so much!! As someone who has suffered from an eating disorder, it's been hard to not put another label on myself besides vegan. I'm vegan for the animals, environment, and my health but I don't want to destroy my mental health by trying to constrain myself anymore. I'm type "A" as well, so it's hard but I know that not putting too many rules on myself is the healthiest thing for me and my body!!! Love you and your videos so so much ❤️

[@ferlinecarldalupan8752]

I have been binge watching your videos for the past few days especially the ones about veganism. Another youtuber introduced me to veganism and has helped me a lot, but your videos had taught me practical things that I needed to learn as someone who is currently in transition to being vegan. I guess that you are younger than me or at my age (I dunno), but I am really grateful to you because you taught me a lot about veganism and I admire you doing the poverty awareness series. I live in a country where poverty is all around and I feel so fortunate that I am somewhat above the line but your videos helped me actually be aware of the poverty situation. Thank you so much. Keep it up. :)

you are the best, I really really am SO INSPIRED by you. Thank you beauty

[@ellengoesrawr7]

I was so worried you weren't going to be vegan anymore! I'm doing Veganuary, and you're channel is my new favourite! It's making me so excited!

[@PrismWellnessYoga]

Thank you! I love this video and the message you spread. Good for you for self-reflecting and finding whats best for YOU and helping others going thru similar issues.

[@mikisalamon2011]

Thank you sooo much for this video!! I ( among most others), have definitely felt the pressure to follow a certain vegan "diet" and it has without a doubt made me question the validity of my vegan lifestyle. Really appreciate all of the positive, honest, and thought provoking videos that you put out ☺️ keep being awesome!!

[@deyaniraramos1396]

I'm sooo glad you are saying this. I kind of was waiting til you said this. Its not about the specific diet as long as were plant-based is the most important and this is what makes you feel better and great about youself and for other creatures. Its great that you were honest too, on a personal level, keep sharing about that. Thanx.

[@fernandapreciado9212]

This is so true. Its crazy to think i was scared of nuts. 🤔

[@victoriarago3522]

the title gave me a heart attack!!! thank you for making a video on this, it's so important !! ❤ love your videos as always !

[@luridplight]

I very rarely comment on videos, but this one really hit home. As someone who comes from an eating disordered past, when I tried to transition from pesco to vegan I found myself looking at the subsets, raw specifically. I started cutting out things that I loved, like pastas, rice, and potatoes simply because they weren't raw. I got craving and would deny myself, solely on the fact that the foods my body wanted weren't in line with raw eating. I saw myself slowly slipping back into old habits of restricting, denying, and self-shaming. Over the last few weeks, I've been allowing myself to eat what my body craves as long as it remains vegan. I can absolutely see where you're coming from with the subsets potentially being unhealthy for someone who sticks to guidelines for no other reason than to stick to them. Thank you for putting this out there Caitlin. Truly.

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

thank you for this heartfelt comment!

[@luridplight]

Caitlin Shoemaker Thank you for continuing to make videos that are relatable and real.

[@reginafalange3110]

I was somewhat excited when I saw the title because the meals are already so amazing and I want to see some with no dietary restrictions

[@Agpals]

100% agree!! I used to be HCLF which entirely was horrible because low fat jacked up my hormones and then once I ate more fat while still being vegan, I felt SOO much better :D! Vegan is vegan, it's all cruelty free!!

[@ohmygoshheaven]

Lol. I have been meaning to see this video since you posted it. I was going to be so sad if you had stopped being vegan because I recently started following you this past November. I so appreciate your view around the 6:15 mark. If I was younger watching this (even now) its so good to hear. Thanks girly.

[@caitiemae6189]

Yes! You are so strong and smart. I really appreciate your videos & your style :)

[@KieranReadeMX]

Seriously just started being Vegan last Friday. Not sure how it was for you guys, but for me I swear I'm spending most of my free time checking labels. Is this my life now ha?

[@ariaris419]

Kieran Reade yes

[@dayaneoliveira1122]

Kieran Reade Lol maybe in the beginning you will need to check labels, but soon you will know which products are vegan or not :)

[@luluucupcakee]

This is greaaat! I love your view on life, so happy I found you! Lots of love from Costa Rica

[@AnaMaria-bn8ko]

Please dont ever stop making videos i love youuu ❤

[@monicadiaz8100]

I try to follow a hclf vegan "diet" and I have lost about 20lbs, I want to be healthy and being hclf has been working for me BUT sometimes I crave something that's fattier and I let myself have it as long as it's vegan. And I thank you for posting this video, you are so inspiring!

[@attiki619]

I totally agree with you on this!! I am also just trying to follow an ethical lifestyle. I only eat pasture raised hen eggs, and recently I've been eating a little bit of dairy over the holidays (butter, cheese, cream, ect.) but plan to return to being strictly ovo-vegetarian in the new year! I find giving myself a label like that and trying to follow it in the most positive mindset achievable is much easier done by using an all-or-nothing approach, I have found that for myself, the key to making lasting dietary changes is aligning your food choices with your ethics and really deeply researching what options you have available. Many people will struggling with this... especially the more they learn about where their food is coming from. For example I'm sure a lot of people who want to eat ethically cant due to financial reasons, which is really sad... Regardless, I do agree that one shouldn't feel any type of regret for breaking or changing their labels, thats what life is about; change.

[@amirahel-amin8958]

I can listen to you speak for hours, such a well spoken young lady.

[@USER.__777]

I'm not vegan or even vegetarian but your videos really have helped me have a healthier lifestyle. I used to eat out all the time and would feel so sick almost every time I finished eating to the point where sometimes I avoided eating, it just wasn't healthy at all. Thank you so much 💕

[@KiaraWyBradford]

This video is everything! I went vegan back in August and i have been feeling like I'm not doing it right because of how other people do it.... I love being vegan and I love the fact that I can make a healthier version of what I use to eat and it works for me! But I also love introducing myself to foods I've never had before!

[@CrazyForInvaders]

Just started watching your channel and I am obsessed. I was previously vegan for my HEALTH and people always called me he crazy vegan. Thank you for inspiring me. :)

[@jaquelinej777]

This video is exactly what I've needed to hear. I'm an A type personality person and have also fallen into the labels of veganism which has been taking over my life lately and I've gone back to my ED binge ways. The fact of not allowing myself something just because it's not "raw" has left me miserable around people I like and love. I've been roped into the beauty standards of the raw foodists and kept thinking ill turn out that way, but it's been challenging and the self criticism is awful. I've decided to also just label myself "vegan", not hclf raw or anything else. Food has been stealing my thoughts and it's no way to live. I struggled with an ED for years and now feel like I'm heading back that way and then your video popped up, so glad I watched it. You said everything I've been thinking and I thank you so much. You've definitely helped me! A weight has been lifted from my shoulders 💞

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

I think that just labeling yourself is vegan is a great decision, Jaqui. I'm sure you are beautiful and amazing in your own way as well...no need to compare yourself to anyone else!

[@annamariewagner2261]

This is very well said!! Plant-based is the healthiest way to eat, but we shouldn't force ourselves into any specific subset, I believe that listening to your body is the best way to go👌

[@phoenixballerina5684]

You have such an amazing and beautiful soul! Always remember that, because you exude health and lively warmth. Keep it up!

[@CaitlinShoemaker]

thank you :)

[@hannahtamar7215]

Caitlin, every time you post I get excited to see what you will do next. I love all of your content. However, this video is by far my favorite video you have posted. Your beauty radiates from the inside out. You are such an influential role model for young people today that I could have used during my dark times in high school. All your subscribers really admire when you open up because everything you just talked about made others feel like they are not alone. You are a beacon of inspirational light and I hope your holiday was filled with so much love and joy. Also, if you have time to check out my channel, I would really appreciate it. I am new to youtube, and would love to hear your perspective on my content.

[@delaneyerin4830]

This is really important and needed to be said!!! Very well put 💛

[@deanneaguirre6102]

Great video Caitlin! I don't mind the idea of little sub-sets of a vegan diet but have never followed one myself. To me, it seems a bit restrictive, at least personally. I think living a vegan lifestyle is all that matters, I completely agree with listening to your body. It's so important! Keep up the awesome content :D xx

[@123melbell]

It always makes me wonder when people automatically associate suuper skinny with healthy. Like, the skinnier the healthier, until at one very sudden point it's "too skinny" and sick. But the line is very vague and close. That's why weightloss is always openly complimented in our society, even if the person was already skinny in the first place.

[@metasek1098]

123melbell I agree. Health should be what you feel on the inside. Not how we are seen on the outside.

[@melaniesavard2597]

Thank you for using your platform to express this very important message! Too many new vegans get lost in those dietary guidelines either quit or just have a hard time finding the right way of eating without compromising their health. Being vegan is a really hearthy as long as you listen to your body. You go girl xox

[@yanton999]

Thanks for expressing this so well. I am the same. One day I will eat more fruit, another mostly raw, another day just what is left in the cupboard such as lentils and beans. I feel we should mix it up, get a broad span of nutrients, and eat what is available at the time. Just after groceries arrive, I have more fresh foods, then end up with more dry store foods later in the week. As long as our food is plant based, then surely this it what it is all about. 🤗

[@Crssal]

love this vid girl! i completely understand what you're saying. love your genuine honesty here!

[@kkuhn3]

Thanks for sharing :). I also consider myself to be a Type A, and I've had some trouble with restrictions in my diet. I started using a nutrition app when I first went vegan, and I stressed myself out over every macro and micronutrient to the point that I didn't feel confident in anything that I ate. I think that having dietary goals is great, but expecting to eat perfectly is an unhealthy way to think about food. It makes me feel better to know that I'm not the only one who consciously strives for balance.

[@anskuu0]

This video really opened my eyes about veganism and the vegan diet(s)! Since the majority of things I've seen on social media related to vegan food is always super healthy, it had given me the illusion of that in order to be truly vegan you have to eat healthy and restrict yourself from sugar, fat ect. Basicly the social media tells us what are "the right ways" of being vegan :/ I recently stumbled upon this Finnish Facebook group called Chipsbeervegans (Sipsikaljavegaanit) that is an "ode" to unhealthy vegan food. I love how the atmosphere there is so liberal and how it shows people that vegans too can eat junk food, cakes ect. goodies! I totally agree with you and thank you for this video, you just got a new subscriber

[@hannahrose9055]

I really really needed this. I've been vegan for a few months but have temptations to fall off because of the vegan "diet" restrictions I was putting on myself. Thank you for his video it was something I really needed to hear.

[@ashleyparr681]

This resounds with me SO much! Thank you for sharing this freeing and uplifting video!

[@ilyykenna]

GIRL I LOVE YOU! You totally hit it on the head! Even outside the vegan community, people spend way too much time labeling "diets". It's about LISTENING TO YOUR BODY. I have been dairy free for a month, and made the decision yesterday to stop with the excuses and go completely vegan. Nothing is more rewarding to me than knowing I am doing what's right for my body, animals, and the planet. You are an inspiration and I will totally be referring to your videos for helpful recipes and stuff since I'm so new!

[@sarah8579]

I agree with you Caitlin! As long as you're eating food that makes you feel good, there's no need to fit into someone else's standards. Diets and what we put inside of our bodies is such a personal thing, and we need to figure out what works for us through trial and error.

[@sonyatravis5321]

I want to thank you for this message. I will sometimes be a "know it all" with my hubby, who is Vegan curious. I don't want to be a bully. Instead, I want to be an inspiration and enjoy these whole plants! Thanks.