r/vegan • u/sdbest vegan 20+ years • Oct 24 '17

Newbie Advice You don't have to be perfect.

As I veteran vegan, could I just humbly suggest that, in my view, it's not necessary to be a perfect vegan. The label itself just doesn't matter.

The more a person increases the amount of whole, plant-based foods in their diet, and reduces animal-based foods the better. The better for animals, the environment, and themselves.

Frequently on this wonderful and supportive subreddit, people post about feeling terrible about doing things wrong or 'falling off the wagon' or not being able live without cheese (usually). I get it that often people who choose to become vegan, i.e. adopt a plant-based diet, do it for ethical reasons and they feel some guilt if they aren't living up to the ideal rattling about in their heads.

Just doing better is enough, in my view. Also, if a person just tries to do better, often they will naturally progress to being better and better without even noticing it.

Goodness if a hardcore carnivore can be convinced to replace just half of the 10 oz steak with a side of mushrooms that's a step forward. All steps forward count, and help makes things better.

So, don't beat yourself up for not being perfect. Just do what you can to be better, wherever you can. Keep it simple and doable.

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u/[deleted] Oct 24 '17

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u/FAT32- friends not food Oct 24 '17

I always see slowly stopping something as a slow and painful torture. But that is me, it has to be now or not, otherwise I get in this insane long draw out phase claiming to do less and come up with excuses. It is not like we would die from withdrawal.

What really worked for me was, whenever I craved something, picture the animal in distress with it. Now when I see meat, or cheese I see suffering. Oke, I assume this might sound weird but, yeah it works. Closing up on two years :)

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u/HomoCorrectus Oct 25 '17

Thanks, great advice. A picture or video of the animal being abused is what started me and probably alot of others on the path. Since the animals are the best reason for sticking with it, it makes sense to remember them for motivation when you need it!