I received a comment on a video from someone asking me a question about being vegan. The person said, “Why are some people vegan, I can understand someone being a vegetarian, but why vegan?”
I cannot begin to tell anyone why some people are vegan. Everyone is different and they have their reasons for choosing vegan. Just because a person eats a plant-based diet doesn’t mean they are a vegan.
I am not 100% vegan, which means that in some areas of my life I do use products that contain animal-based ingredients, so technically I would not be considered a vegan. I consider myself a person who eats a plant-based diet.
 Diet is a Choice
I do not ask people why they eat meat or drink cow’s milk, because I know that the kinds of food people eat is a personal choice. I just present the information on my blog and if someone is trying to change their diet, they have a resource that can help them make changes.
The way you eat is your choice and I have nothing to do with your food choices. One thing everyone has in common is that our bodies need nourishment. How you choose to nourish your body is up to you and only you.
Here is a testimony someone shared with me while I was shopping:
A woman in the beauty supply store told me that her husband had very high cholesterol and the doctor told them what they needed to do to get the cholesterol down. This young man was on the verge of having a stroke or some other issue related to high cholesterol that would have resulted in serious consequences with his health. The couple cleaned out their cabinets and changed their eating habits. The husband is doing better and has lost weight. He had to make a change in his diet and life style. No, his diet is not vegetarian, but from what the woman shared with me, he stopped eating processed and fast foods. I’m sure there were other changes, but the main change was in his diet.
 Do Not Let Others Make You Feel Bad
There are some people out here whose job it seems is to make you feel bad for the way you choose to eat. Do not let anyone dictate to you the type of diet you should and should not eat.
If you want to eat vegetarian, vegan, raw vegan or any of the combinations, then it is your choice to do so. No one has the right to make you feel bad for doing what you know is best for you.
People who do not understand why you eat the way you do will make remarks that will sometimes make you feel bad. Those remarks will sometimes make you question if you are doing the right thing.
Never let another person interfere with the way you like eating. It is always best to stay true to yourself and do what makes you feel good. Just because everyone is traveling west, does not mean that you have to travel west too.
March to the beat of your own drum, even if no one else hears the beat, you march on. You will be glad that you remained true to yourself.
 Final Thoughts
Eating a plant-based diet isn’t for everyone. I don’t expect everyone to stop eating animals, but I do encourage everyone to eat more fruits and vegetables.
No matter what someone says about the diet you choose, always remember that your diet is a personal choice. You’re not hurting anyone by eating vegetarian, vegan, raw vegan or any of the combinations. You are doing your body more good than you will ever know.
The next time someone gives you a side eye or questions you about your diet, tell them why you eat veg and do it with a big smile on your face. Keep that smile on your face and never let anyone see you sweat.
Keep doing you!
Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I totally agree with you Evelyn.
Diet is our personal choice.
I’m not 100% vegetarian but I always make sure that we have enough servings of vegetables and fruits in our meals because I know that they nourished our body well. I also loved to eat half cooked green leafy vegetables. The condition of our health is the result of what we intake in our bodies. Happy healthy eating to all!
Hi Anne!
Thanks for chiming in and sharing!
I am not a 100% vegetarian, but I have tried to eat more vegetable and fruits and less meat. The primary reason is for health. There are already many proven benefits of eating a vegan based diet.
Hey David!
Thanks for sharing! 😉
Evelyn,
This is a very important topic! There are so many ‘fad’ diets out there and diets with cool sounding names and principles behind them. Really, what you eat is up to you and your body. Listen to it, follow it’s directions and you’ll thrive!
Unless your body says ‘eat chocolate’ over and over. Always fight that one!
Hey Tamara!
Yes, it is so important to listen to your body.
LOL…about the chocolate. So true too! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and chiming in!
Evelyn
While we now have terms for all kinds of eating plans (vegan, plant-based, Paleo, etc), the key is to resist being labeled and choose what works for you. I appreciate your non-judgmental approach as the diet proselytizers can be intense.
Hey Kymberly!
Yes, I agree with the labeling. Labels just complicate things. 🙂
I appreciate you stopping by!
Evelyn
I love this Article Evelyn! I myself have struggled with staying with a plant based diet and I want so bad to get on it again. I can relate to how people will judge you and wonder why I decided to eat a plant based diet..but I will tell you, I felt so much better and I knew my body appreciated it. Thank you for sharing with us and God bless!
Hey Monica!
Thanks for stopping by!
I’m learning that whatever we do people will always have something to say. The main thing is that we must be true to ourselves and do what makes us happy. 😉
Blessings,
Evelyn
Evelyn, you knocked this one out of the park! Well said and very true. People have to figure out where they are and begin from there. It is a personal choice to begin a healthy eating lifestyle. Good article!! 🙂
Hey Ms. Carolyn!
Thank you for stopping by! I appreciate your feedback. 😉
You got that right! A change in diet is the fastest way to better health. It’s all an individual choice – but personal testimonies can help point out some truths about healthy eating sytles! All we can do is share our story in an effort to help others!
Good job…nice writing! Stop by and visit me too! I’d love to have you visit!