Monday, April 1, 2013

Never Trust an Ex-Vegan

I, like many other people in the vegan community, have sat silent after reading Alexandra Jamieson's post about not being vegan anymore.  I silently unfriended her on facebook.   I silently removed her from my twitter feed.  I silently read the comments (It took me more than two hours before I finally had to stop, there are over 1100 comments!) without leaving one myself.

Then I listened to Erin Red's podcast, Red Radio Episode #57.  She may have well been talking directly to me when she called me out on being silent.  So, here I am, finally speaking my piece.

Let me begin by saying, I am in no way perfect.  I never have claimed to be, and never will.  I don't grow my own food, and I admit to really enjoying some of the most ridiculous of vegan convenience foods.  Often.  But, I am a vegan.  I have a "V" tattooed below my right ear to remind me of it every single time I look into the mirror.  This is a commitment I have made for life.  And I will not waver.  Have I made mistakes?  Of course.  But to consciously order and eat a steak?  Nope.  That will never happen.  Ever.

How does someone, after knowing what they know about the absolute disgusting practices of murder and torture that are a part of the animals-for-food industry, ever even think twice about being meat free for life?  Well, she did.  Because she was craving it.  What the fuck?  Are you kidding me?  Almost every single day, my body craves french fries, cigarettes (which I gave up almost 3 years ago now, thank you very much), Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese, Vegenaise, coffee, and yes, even bacon.  Yep, I crave bacon.  The smell of it doesn't make me sick to my stomach, it makes my mouth water...just like you Alex.  But guess what?  I don't eat the bacon.  I just don't.  Why, because I know it is wrong.  IT IS WRONG!  It is wrong to eat another animal.  Just like it would be wrong for me to eat my sister.

Let's calm down for a minute and look at this more closely.  She says she did it because her body needed it.  Because it was the right choice for her.  Because it was a healthier option for her, and that she wasn't thriving on a vegan diet.  Okay.  Fine.  But in her blog post, she offers absolutely no science to back that up, other than it made her feel better.  Now, let's take a look at that statement.  Lots of things make me feel better (the french fries, cigarettes, Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese, Vegenaise, coffee...) in the moment.  You know what else makes me feel better?  Exercise, sex, laying in the sun on the beach, rolling around on the floor with the dogs, watching three episodes of Supernatural in a row when I should be cleaning the house.  All of these things make me feel better.  And no one had to die for it.

She could have posted the results of some blood tests, showing the deficiencies.  Then showing that she had tried all she could have to fix those deficiencies using a plant based approach.  But she didn't.  Instead she talks about giving into cravings.  About listening to your body.  A bunch of foofoo nonsense if you ask me.  Want to see how it's done right?  Read Sayward Rebhal's blog post on how she overcame failing health on a vegan diet.

But it is about more than her personal choices.  I mean, each and every one of us can make our own choices.  I have never ever been a preachy vegan.  Never forced my opinions on anyone.  I spread the word through my food and through educating people about veganism when the opportunity comes up.  I have been with my husband for over 18 years, and he has only recently made the transition into vegetarianism.  I am very tolerant.  I am very compassionate of others and their personal dietary choices.

But, like I said before, it is about more than her personal choices.  Because, she is an "expert" in veganism.  She is a wellness and nutrition coach.  People look to her for advice on living healthfully.  And she tells the world to give in to your cravings?  That is seriously dangerous language.  Seriously.

And then there is the hypocrisy.  She has written two books on being vegan.  And she still sells them.  Why would she still sell them if she didn't believe what she wrote, herself?  She is still making a profit off of veganism, that she no longer believes is healthy.  And if she does still believe it, and simply was weak, just admit it.  I would have more respect for her if she did that.  Instead, she calls out vegans as being judgemental and having a lack of compassion for her and her choices.  The wordplay and double talk she uses when talking in her video rebuttal is just sickening.  She puts vegans in a place that makes them seem "holier than thou" if they disagree with her, and like just plain hypocrites if we do.

Basically, Alex jumped on the vegan bandwagon while she thought it could make her a few bucks, and now she's jumping on the Paleo bandwagon, now that it might make her a few bucks.  And the pity party she is throwing for herself, looking for support in her "journey" is so ridiculously shallow and stupid.  It makes me sick.


70 comments:

Annmarie said...

Is the tattoo with vegan ink because tattoo ink isn't vegan and my friend was looking for an alternative.

Joni Marie Newman said...

Yes! Vegan tattoo ink is very accessible. Vegan inks are made by Eternal, Stable, and Classic. Also, other brands, like Starbrite, Waverly, and Unique have some colors that are vegan. Pelikan brand has black ink suitable for vegans. (Source: The Vegan Girl's Guide to Life, Melisser Elliott) So while not all inks are vegan, there are lots of options. Just ask your tattoo artist!

MeShell said...

I don't know how anyone can go from being a vegan or vegetarian, and then start eating meat again. I just can't follow the logic or understand how people can live with that level of cognitive dissonance.

Over the pity parties. Over the nonsense. Over the selfishness.

Erica Rinella said...

I generally don't comment on blog posts, but I honestly could NOT have said this any better myself! I completely agree with you and appreciate that you were able to articulate what I was/am feeling.

Unknown said...

I only read that one blog of hers and it seemed to me that she had jumped from one extreme form of eating to another. My hubby and I are flexetarians. We eat vegan at home but understand that our friends and family aren't going to always be able (or willing) to accommodate us. When we buy meat it is free range and 100% grass fed. We do not buy factory farmed anything. AJ's post didn't mention where she was getting her meat from. I would think that a former vegan would have at least been concerned about that bit.

Jenni (aka Vegyogini) said...

Well said, dear Joni, well said.

I LOVE Sayward's post!! I read it the same day as Alex's post and was heartened by Sayward's commitment to her veganism in sickness and in health.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for saying pretty much everything I was thinking. As a long-time follower of her blog, I did leave a comment that half-heartedly said something about still supporting her as long as she didn't start badmouthing veganism, but after I just felt like "no, actually I DON'T support this in the least" and removed her from FB and unsubscribed from her newsletter. The whole thing is just incredibly disturbing and gross to me. She'll have no shortage of omnivorous clients and followers who want to feel justified that veganism is too hard and doesn't work. Probably a great career move for her. - Angela

Anonymous said...

Great post-couldn't agree more!--Krista

Joni Marie Newman said...

Unfortunately, I think your right. This has probably been a really good boost for her career.

Lindsey said...

Well just because she calls herself a nutritionist, that doesn't make her a nutrition expert. If she wants to try and say a vegan diet isn't healthy or nutritionally adequate, maybe she should have a chat with the real experts.

http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/2009_ADA_position_paper.pdf

BAM!

Anonymous said...

While I agree with many of your comments and the overarching argument, I don't agree that anyone should post their medical exams and bloodwork on a public place like a blog.

Auntie X said...

"While I agree with many of your comments and the overarching argument, I don't agree that anyone should post their medical exams and bloodwork on a public place like a blog."

That's true, however she didn't even talk about having any sort of medical basis for her decision. If she had testing done she could have talked about it rather than posting the actual results, but the fact that she never mentions seeking outside medical attention would leave one to believe that she never sought external help. There is a reason that medical practitioners should never treat themselves as a patient and always seek outside help. You just can't be an objective observer of your own condition.

After reading her post I don't think that I could ever use or recommend her services to anyone (vegan or not) since her reasoning isn't based in any kind of measurable observation or theory. She shouldn't be allowed to call herself a nutritionist if her recommendations are based on her feelings instead of some kind of measurable results and testable theories. She's the equivalent of a snake-oil salesman at this point. Unfortunately there are those who don't know any better and will trust her judgement blindly.

Annmarie said...

This is great!! Thank you!! I'll let my friend know.. she was so discouraged that she might not be able to get one. So so so incredibly helpful!!!

Anonymous said...

I agree. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. A lot of these celebrity-type "nutritionists" don't have any type of scientific background and just got a certificate from some shady non-accredited program.

Stephanie said...

Brava! Couldn't agree more.

I'm also a huge fan of the fact that nearly all ex-vegans say they IMMEDIATELY feel better upon putting animal products into their body. How long does it take for your stomach to even digest that dead, tortured flesh? Isn't the length of time meat takes to digest the same reason that not eating meat lessens your risk of colon cancer? How can you feel so much better so quickly? It's purely psychological; they've hyped themselves up so much about it in their minds that they NEED to make giving in to some dumb, random craving worthwhile.

All the justification in the world doesn't change the bottom line: She decided that her cravings were more important than the *lives* of other loving, sentient beings. (I also crave bacon, but the smell makes me retch.) "But guess what? I don't eat the bacon. I just don't. Why, because I know it is wrong. IT IS WRONG! It is wrong to eat another animal. Just like it would be wrong for me to eat my sister." Amen! It's so simple.

I know vegans make up a vanishingly small percentage of the population, so we can't make a HUGE dent in terms of lessening suffering, but every little bit counts, every single life saved *counts* -- and once I learned how possible it was and how easy it could be, veganism felt less like a choice and more like a personal responsibility.

I've been vegan for ten years and there's never been a doubt in my mind, not for a second: Giving up that sense of gratitude for and responsibility to my fellow living beings because I'm really craving a particular food just doesn't seem worth it to me. But it takes all kinds, I suppose...

Sayward Rebhal said...

Perfectly said Joni, and I'm so glad you spoke up. =)

Anonymous said...

I have craved meat exactly two times in my 50+ years. That was when I was still eating meat.

Anonymous said...

Come on. It's her choice.

Shannon said...

For real! I am over all of this shit. I am over vegan celebrities giving up on the "shtick" because they are pregnant and crave a cookie, or because they develop a soy intolerance, or because of all of the other terrible excuses that people come up with to make themselves feel a little better about abandoning veganism.

I keep meaning to buy this shirt to wear at the gym. If one more dude tells me I need more protein, I will vomit.
http://www.foodfightgrocery.com/food-fight-vegan-paleo-shirt/

Joni Marie Newman said...

True. You've got me on that one. Maybe I should have said, "posted that she had been tested and found out she had some deficiencies."

Joni Marie Newman said...

You are correct. It is her choice. And many people make that choice. I don't write about just anyone. I am taking issue with this because she is a public figure who WROTE TWO BOOKS ON EATING AND BEING VEGAN! Hypocrisy is not even an accurate enough word.

dreaminitvegan said...

Joni! Thanks for the post about this. I also have listened to Erin's podcast and it was really good. Alexandra should have just said "I want to eat animals and their by products". Just be straight up about it. Being vegan is a way of life and if someone is having health issues you can get a doctor/naturopath to help you get better without eating animal flesh. Colleen Patrick Goudreau did a podcast on something like this as well in regards to someone she knew who started eating animals again and how that friend wanted her blessing, basically. If I'm craving a donut does that mean I need sugar? Ahhhhh I don't think so. There was another blogger who recently admitted her not be vegan anymore, Kristen's Raw. She actually blames that being vegan for too long gave her a flabby behind. lol! Can you believe it?!!! Our bodies start to change at a certain age and require different things but really? She was also worried about the development of her toddler being raised vegan but the best way to help with the develop with any toddler is trying to feed your little one breast milk for 2 years. The problem I have with these ex-vegans is that they are bashing being vegan instead of just admitting they didn't want to be vegan anymore. Which like you I can't imagine how someone's eyes who have been open for so long in knowing how factory farming is not only cruel to animals but how damaging it is to our earth and our health. There are many more doctors and scientists nowadays saying how a plant based diet is not only healthier for us but for the earth too.

dreaminitvegan said...

Just wanted to add that Sayward's post was great!

Anonymous said...

It's great that Sayward was able to regain her health and remain vegan but I really wish people would stop pointing to that blog post as evidence that veganism is a cure-all or that anyone with an illness can be vegan. It's simply not true. I've been vegan for over 5 years but in the past several months, my Crohn's Disease has worsened to the point where I cannot digest the majority of plant proteins. Lots of vegans claim that "anyone can be vegan" but it's simply not true. Some of us with IBD try and some are able to maintain a vegan diet but many of us cannot. It's bad enough to live with a chronic illness but then to be subjected to judgement and hostility from the vegan community just compounds the misery. I'm posting anonymously because I'm certain that I would lose friends if people found out I'm not vegan anymore. I shouldn't have to provide medical tests or images from my colonoscopy for people to decide that it's okay for me to not be vegan anymore. But it seems like that's what the vegan community demands. And that's just sad.

Anonymous said...

She wrote it before she gave it up though. Maybe people should not waste their energy fixing on other people's choices and issues.

Joni Marie Newman said...

So she should do something about it, maybe set it up so any money she receives from those books goes directly to an animal charity, or at the very least remove those books from her website, as they still are there, where it states that "Jamieson proves that LIVING vegan can be made easy." So if it's so easy, than why did she give it up, and if it's not easy, than her book is full of lies, right? Either way, she shouldn't make a dollar off of them anymore, without full disclsure, either on the book jacket or another obvious place that this book is written by someone who does not believe the contents to be true, and does not follow her very own advice as written.

And frankly, if people didn't "waste" their energy on other people's choices, well, the world would be a very ugly place. If people don't speak up for those who can't (in this case, the animals) who will?

Anonymous said...

Joni, I adore you as much as humanly possible for one heterosexual woman to adore another!! THANK YOU!! Thank you for your recipes, your realism, your speaking out, and for reminding us that we're all in this together.
I'm new to the vegan world and hadn't heard of her, to be honest. Now I'm angry. I figure if you can say f*** I can call this person a money whore. Reminds me of a certain tv doctor. He's gung ho one program one day, and gung ho an opposing program another day, just to keep up the ratings. A simple whore.
If I can be vegan, ANYONE can. I live in rural Texas. My home is surrounded by angus pastures. My neighbors keep goats. They aren't pets in Texas. There are no places where I can buy tempeh etc. I have to order online or do without. My vegan world is greens, beans, berries, nuts and seeds, potatoes, etc, and I also do it without added oils and fats. I'm that fanatical. And, drumroll please... I'm friggin OBESE. I have lost 78lbs since I began this journey but I'm still OBESE. My bloodwork is perfect. I used to have high triglycerides, anemia, insulin resistance, migraines. NONE NOW!!
I still have cravings too, thank you a MILLION for confessing that.
And on top of all that, I'm a Christian (don't hate, post readers). The vegans I chat with online are generally not. and they accept me, and I accept them. Not all Christians judge, and not all vegans are limp wristed.
Joni I beg of you.. NEVER change!
Hugs!
Cheryl in Texas

Anonymous said...

My bullcrap-o-meter is really dinging right now. I don't have a gallbladder. Google it. The medical world tells you to not eat much fiber without one and I manage just fine. Anyone can eat vegan that wants to. If you are lying to your friends, you aren't much of a friend. And, anyone who is living a lie to their friends is the kind of person who would lie to themselves. Just own that you want to pork out. You'll lose your vegan friends you've been lying to, but gain new friends you'll meet at all the funerals :)

Quintessence Challis said...

I so agree. It's really unfortunate that she has an audience for this misinformation!! Personally, I've been vegan for about 22 years and it has done nothing but improve my health immensely. I coach people who have had difficulties with being vegan, and it always comes down to them not "doing it right" - just like any other way of eating.

People need to approach any way of eating with balance, and I firmly believe that veganism is THE healthy way to live. I could go on and on!! But yes, thank you for this blog post. Amen, sister!! : )

Marcia said...

See, this is total bullshit. "It works for me so you are obviously lying". Which is why many vegetarians and omnis think that some vegans are a bunch of crazy whack jobs. If you got sick CLEARLY YOU DIDN'T DO IT RIGHT OR YOU ARE LYING OR OBVIOUSLY YOU CARE ABOUT FEELING GOOD MORE THAN THE ANIMALS!! Nevermind having to live a LIFE and care for yourself, your family, your kids.

Unknown said...
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Uhu work said...
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Anonymous said...

after reading all the comments on the ex vegan I'll keep being a vegan to myself. All of you commenters sound like you are holier than everyone else. Actually feel ashamed to now to tell anyone that I am vegan.

Unknown said...
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Anonymous said...

since you have an ad for the teal cat project on your page it strikes me as odd that you would be so upset about someone who is still eating a largely plant-based diet and has publicly stated that they may return to veganism. i mean, really people, the animals used to produce cat food die the very worst deaths. they are the exact opposite of "happy meat". its not complicated at all. its not grey.

as someone who did the whole fake vegan thing many years ago i can relate to alex. sometimes it takes a decade or so for your tastebuds to catch up. moreover, i expect that some of those ululating in anguish over this supposed betrayal have their own "secrets". recidivism is the deep dark secret of AR veganism.

Anonymous said...

i don't believe there is any such animal (pun intended) as an ex-vegan. there are people who eat a plant based diet for a while and then change their diet. veganism is not all about food. at it's core, veganism is about compassion and respect for all life. the people who abandon a plant based diet and begin consuming the flesh of tortured beings never fully grasped the whole of veganism. we need to start distinguishing a plant based diet from veganism. a true vegan would never participate in the horror that is factory farming, a true vegan would never ingest the flesh of an animal, a true vegan never quits being vegan. the superficial, the trendy, the plant based diet eating, fad followers are not and have never been vegan.

Joni Marie Newman said...

I'm not really sure how to respond to this comment as one really has absolutely nothing to do with the other, however since you brought it up, the Teal Cat Project provides money to different organizations to promote TNR (trap-neuter-return) of feral cats. To prevent the suffering of feral cats, and to reduce the feral cat population. I am not sure how that is not in line with any of my vegan ethics. I also understand that cats require an omnivorous diet to survive and that premium cat foods certainly do promote some of the same dirty aspects of factory farming that are prevalent in factory farming for meats fit for human consumption. While, of course, I have no control over the foods that are fed to feral cats by volunteers, I know that in my personal life I have always fed my cats foods that were made with the "throw away" bits from factory farms, so in my own way I was doing my best to cause the least amount of suffering possible while feeding my personal feline companion (RIP sweet Michael) the nutrients necessary for his survival. He was, by the way, a feral kitten when I rescued him.

Joni Marie Newman said...

Agreed!

Anonymous said...

This post and most of these comments are going in my "stupidest things I ever read on the internet" file. The holier than thou, judgmental comments and tone of your article are so off the charts, I can only laugh!
And to say someone needs scientific or medical proof of her deficiencies...are you kidding me?!
You obviously have no idea what you're talking about. Cravings aren't always from a mental desire. They can be from a physical need too. In fact, listening to what your body NEEDS is the highest form of dietary practice. Obviously, you and some of your readers are not at that level yet.

I've worked in the natural foods and alternative healing industries for 30 years. I've seen the results of many, many types of diets. Long term veganism is for the few. Many people could benefit from it for the short term, however, to cleanse and regain their health. But most people will end up with bigger problems than they started with if they don't know when to stop and LISTEN TO THEIR BODIES needs. I don't need a scientist or doctor to tell me, "yes, this 30 yo person's hair is turning grey and falling out, and yes, their teeth are crumbling and turning black." These were friends, coworkers, and clients.

You should be very ashamed of yourself for attempting to publicly ridicule someone for doing what they feel is the right thing to do to stay healthy. You have no idea what other people need and it's quite foolish to think if it's good for you, everyone should be doing it!

I had never heard of Alexandra Jamieson before I read your post, but I'll go read her blog since she's working on a much higher level than you with your narrow mindedness and self righteousness.

Joni Marie Newman said...

I find it interesting that you leave your opinions anonymously. You obviously know nothing about me. I am first and foremost a vegan for the animals. because of my convictions towards the animals, I find it important for me to find my health, however I need to, without the use of animal products in my diet. You do not have to agree with my opinions, as each is entitled to their own. My problems with Alex are a result of her continuing to profit from a book she wrote in which she no longer believes to be true. and that is my biggest problem with people who go vegan for their health instead of for the animals. I am not self righteous and I am not stupid. Nor do I resort to name calling under the guise of anonymity on the internet. These are my thoughts and I am not afraid to attach my name to them. I suspect you will no longer be visiting my site, which is your loss, not mine. You will miss out on a lot of great information, while you are out anonymously trolling the sites of those trying to make a better world for the animals.

Anonymous said...

I like how the canadian singer Lisa Lavie sings, but i don't like that she's vegan. First vegan singer lol :) specially for those veggie idiots. I feel uncomfortable being her fan. And she's can't be tolerant with other singer - her friend in tour Lauren Jelencovich - Lisa forces her to go to vegan restaurants! Guess she secretly want meat lol :) Lisa has those suspect look in her eyes like every vegan do - she's always searching who eats meat and want to attack!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey naive idiot, i want to eat your meat hahahahaha!!! It's okay to eat a vegan!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I totally agree with Anon above who has become sicker with IBD etc on a vegan diet. I have been vegan for 18 months but because I have a genetic condition that means I have chronic deficiencies in B6 and zinc I feel horrendous on a vegan diet. I swore I'd be vegan forever and was about to get a vegan tattoo but not now. People need to be a bit more open minded and less judgemental. Like AJ I was passionate about my diet until I got major adrenal fatigue, leaky gut, allergies and depression. Spending a few days per week in bed in order to be able to look aftert child was no fun. If I could have remained vegan I would have - I ate VERY well. No gluten, lots of good fats, fruit and greens etc but NOTHING made me well. I hated eating meat but was craving fish and eggs so so much. After a year of no energy and hell I have changed my diet and will only now eat meat and eggs from animals that are pastured I won't sacrifice my health for anyone. Any vegan who does is doing harm and is mad in my opinion.
Anon.

Anonymous said...

Here here! A totally plant based diet works for some but definitely not everyone. I wih it had worked for me but after 18 months I was very sick indeed. We all have different micro and macro nutrient needs and some people thrive on animal products, fruit, veggies, greens, nuts and seeds. Me for one. I am now finally listening to my body and I am healing. I will always buy from the most ethical and sustainable source but I come first as should everyone's health. I love animals but not above my health and my family's

Anonymous said...

Oh life is a wonderful experience! We all learn from each other. Political figures who were so against gay marriage turned out to be closeted homosexuals, and married with children. Preachers who preached Christianity turned out to be promiscuous, vegans who love animals but condemn the ones who "fail" and become ex-vegans because they too crave animal flesh so much. I went on a plant based diet because I love animals, and then I lost 15 lbs and I am one who didn't need to lose 15lbs. My hair started gr out and losing them. So I started introducing seafood and eggs into my diet. But what I've learned about plant based diet is immense and will continue to eat more of it, and at the same time, I feel that my compassion towards animals will forever be there in me, it's my innate nature. Judge not for you too will be judged.

Anonymous said...

I struggle daily with my craving for unhealthy foods like french fries or (vegan) sweets.
I know they are not good for me and I know I do better on a WFPB way of eating but damn... if my hubbie buys a box of french fries I will certainly dig in.
This is the kind of logic that Alex thinks we should live by.

Before I was vegan I could inhale a chocolate every day.

I still struggle with my weight but I know its because of vegan junk food rather than veganism itself.
I constantly get inspiration from the real experts, namely T Colin Campbelll and Caldwell Esselstyn.

If she was really craving meat why not eat soy or seitan?

I think she is just jumping on the paleo bandwagon and will make a lot of money out of it.

While the rest of us struggle to convince others that Veganism an easy lifestyle. (It really is)

Anonymous said...

noticed this post looking for vegan thanksgiving recipes even though i am one of the hated ex-vegans. i was vegan for 3.5 years and totally happy and then moved from a hippie town to a new city. after about a year i started eating some dairy because as a lean guy already (5'8'', 155 lbs currently) I kept losing a pound here and there and got down to like 149. clearly you cant trust me even though i eat 95% plant based diets since i also eat greek yogurt and egg whites sometimes. ive been that way for 9 years since and total happy.

honestly i think people like you do much more to hurt all the overarching causes associated with veganism by turning it into some sort of religion for the chosen few rather than something all of us can do (ie eat less animal products). im sure you dont trust that eating some dairy was a healthy thing for me to do, but thats the point...you just look like a judgmental asshole and it turns people off.

Anonymous said...

You don't have a "V" tattoo on a highly visible place to remind yourself that you are vegan. You have this tattoo to show your special-ness, your superiority, to the rest of the world. When fundamentalist religion is (thankfully) off the table, so to speak, veganism fills a need. Some people just need a hardcore credo to attach to or they will be rudderless. Be honest.

Joni Marie Newman said...

Actually, I do. It is tiny (smaller than a dime) and behind my ear, no one would know it was there unless I pointed it out or pulled my hair back, but thanks for judging me, the way you accuse me of judging others. I am being honest.

Joni Marie Newman said...

People like me? What does that mean? People who call out others on their hypocrisy? People who care enough about the suffering of innocent sentient beings to give eating them up and not give into "cravings"? If that's what you mean by "people like you" than I honorably take on the role.

I find it so interesting how many anonymous posters love to judge me and call me judgmental all in the same sentence.

Unknown said...

I find it Interesting that Alex Jamieson's website still mentions"fighting cravings" as one of her specialties.

Unknown said...
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Anonymous said...

I'm an ex-vegetarian and don't mind telling the world. You have problems o.O... Any diet can be healthy if done the right way. A lot of Japanese people live so long and they eat fish and sometimes beef or chicken. I only eat wild animals or animals from my farm that had a good life. I will gladly wear their warm fur because I don't waist. Also when there is an override of species in the wild destroying the natural balance there is no other choice but to kill them.

Anonymous said...

I agree with anonymous Joni started a cult.

Anonymous said...

You're just jealous. People have the choice to buy those books if they want. Why are vegans always so angry? Did they eat some shrooms?... Probably

Anonymous said...

I think Joni has a point here: If she's no longer vegan, then ethically, yes I think she may want to take the books from the shelves. Because she was a vegan expert, I think she may want to take responsibility for her actions, because her explanation of "giving into cravings" can have potentially disastrous effect. Yes she is no celebrity but she does have some influence.

Perhaps some vegans objections to her action is because she hasn't actually owned up to her actions.

And yes her reasons for going back to eating meat are honestly, not convincing enough. If she said seafood/dairy perhaps the ramification isn't as great, but steak is a completely different animal - red meat is probably one of the least environmentally friendly food out there.

And I think her reaction to vegans' comments aren't the best, especially since she hasn't properly backed up how meat actually improves your health (feeling better...well hey I can say I feel better eating French fries - maybe that's a new health food?)

Anonymous, I think you're triggered because deep down inside you don't think you're that healthy, but you want to be seen as healthy. If you truly were comfortable with your diet and health, why would you leave such judgmental comment with swear words? Instead of calling Joni judgmental, why don't you look deeper into yourself?

I'm not saying you're unhealthy or healthy for eating seafood/eggs etc I just think you may want to do some inner work before lashing out at others; you're taking what Joni said personally... which may not be necessary

Anonymous said...

Explain how Joni just started a cult? Do you even know what a cult means?

Anonymous said...

I'm glad I found this post before buying some of your books. You may be good at creating recipes, but it's pretty clear that you have some huge, gross blinders about your own ableism. No one owes you or anyone else their health, or any explinations about their health. That you feel you (and other ableist vegans like you) are owed "proof" of anything.

P.S. "I find it so interesting how many anonymous posters love to judge me and call me judgmental all in the same sentence. " Maybe they're anonymous because you've shown yourself willing to bully anyone who points out your bullshit.

Unknown said...
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Anonymous said...

There are so many no longer vegans(see Kristens no longer vegan raw blog to see the nonsense she writes and how she does so far to say her teeth broke bc she was vegan!!) and they mislead and misuse their blogs to misdirect people. This can be so confusing to someone new to veganism who wants to learn more about the health benefits. To have someone foolishly write things like this can have a negative impact on a diet which is extremely healthful beneficial to the environment and extremely gentle to the animals we cohabitate on this planet with.

Jennifer Jen said...
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Anonymous said...

You know, I'm tired of having to read childish comments whenever the topic of veganism comes up. I don't know what it is about vegans that infuriate most people, but I'm fed up of being mocked just because I've opted to take a stand to minimise an animals suffering. I think it's amazing we get so much crap when all we've done is chosen to pass up animal products rather than continue to feed our taste buds and the worldwide meat and dairy industries. Not only is it frustratingly childish to name call (and I find is often more telling of of complainers insecurity than the vegans choice to go vegan since I doubt they would feel the need to try to justify it if they honestly believed it was decent), but it reminds me of just how selfish, disgusting, intolerant and ignorant some of us can be as human beings, particularly in regards to how we think we can treat animals and our fellow human beings (take the horrors of fur farming for example, or testing on animals for something as shallow as cosmetic purposes or asking another human being to do the work in slaughterhouse for us when we wouldn't have the stomach or heart to do it ourselves). It's just so predictable and boring (and take note, aside from being ultra annoying too, will never work to deter those of us who are ethical because when we pass by these lovely creatures grazing in a field or huddling under trees in wet weather, no amount of boorish childishness comes close to the pride we feel at having taken a stand to say 'never again'). As far as any ex-vegan is concerned, I don't care what they decide to do, but I do care when they openly start to blame veganism for their failing or poor health (although I do care about - and have great empathy for - each and every future animal that will end up on their plate). Really, when will people finally learn that veganism is not the cause of poor health - poor choices are!!!. If you opt to go down the vegan route, you have to make damned sure you take the time and effort to eat well every single day. I don't believe for a second either that it's unattainable for those in relative good health, so when I hear somebody saying that they had to listen to their bodies, I agree that what they're actually listening to are their taste buds. And let's face it- eating meat is so much easier than going vegan I think that's what draws alot of people back). If we're was truely unattainable though, I doubt governmental bodies worldwide would posit that well planned vegan means are just as nutritious and healthy as well planned onmi meals. Also, I personally don't believe in the concept of ethical meat since grassfed does not always equal to humane, and they too end up in the same killing room as those poor factory farmed animals. I also don't believe in the term humane killing. Also, anyone who believes in the sustainability of meat should check up the UN IPCC reports. Now I'll say again, I have nothing against people who eat meat (though I do have a problem with people who think it's owed to them and will admit -often accompanied with a nasty attitude - that they don't give a toss about the fact that it's slaughtered), but I don't like it when these ex-vegans go out of their way like lots have to scapegoat veganism, particularly when there's a huge volume of information in the scientific journals that highlight the advantages it seems to have in regards health (not to be confused with perfect or optimal health, because nobody knows yet what that requires is). If you want meat, just admit it.

Anonymous said...

Note, that's supposed to be 'if it was truely unattainable....' and 'well planned vegan meals...'. Damn you typos and autocorrect! By the way, since I'm here trying in vain to correct my typos from the above post (Gah! there's also no 'is' at the end of 'requires' on the last line either....) I'll take an extra minute to mention how amazing the Plant Positive videos are on YouTube- the author does a great job of highlighting the inaccuranices and misunderstandings of the ideology behind the very angry and usually deeply anti-vegan/vegeterian saturated fat people. I mean, it's only fair since the bulk of the scathing and derogatory comments about veganism/vegeterianism eminate from their die hard followers (the comment above about wanting to eat a vegan is definitely one of the milder I've come across, though I thought I'd use it nontheless to point out how intolerant people can be of a strangers lifestyle choice). Also, for sound advice on good nutrition in vegan diets, GInny Messina is very level headed in her approach. I highly recommend both. Go vegans! We really are amazing and have every right to be proud of ourselves for it. It's a commitment for sure.

Olivia said...

Exelent article! But still can't understand how blind some people could be...

Grace said...

I was vegan for 10 months and had a death in the family and had a breakdown and did go back to eating animals and that sucked but when I was healthy enough and was able to think rationally I came back to veganism. Nope was not ideal but am working on showing compassion to myself and animals. I NEVER pretended it was ok to eat animals. I really did enjoy this article and agreed with much of what was said but not everyone is the same.

cledion gamer said...

i will never trust them tutoring site

Obiuser said...
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Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

People who lie also seem unable to match their emotional responses with their reactions. It smiling a tad too late when accepting a gift they obviously do not like. It is like waving their hand to dismiss an issue too early.http://liedetector.uk

Anonymous said...

https://onlybuyvegan.com

2012 Copyright/Permissions/Disclaimers

All recipes written by me, Joni Marie Newman, unless otherwise noted. Please feel free to refer to or link back to any of my recipes, but please ask for permission, and remember to give credit when reprinting recipes in their entirety. I do provide links to affiliate programs (such as Amazon) in which I receive a small commission for items purchased. I do not provide paid reviews. All reviews done on products or books are of my own unsolicited opinion. On occasion I may receive a book or product to review. I will note when this is the case, but rest assured, it will not affect the authenticity of my review. Thanks!--Joni