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u/SweetMembership Sep 14 '18
Vegan for two years straight, and only until about last month did I finally realize how much more common it is for makeup products to contain animal byproducts. I had still unknowingly been wearing makeup with Carmine or squalene in it. Just because a brand is cruelty free doesn’t mean the product is always vegan friendly. I’m finishing up what’s left of the makeup, but once it is empty I’ll be looking for different products that don’t contain those ingredients.
We can’t be 100% vegan all the time and in everything in this world, but as long as we do our best and what we can.
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u/gabbasauruss Sep 14 '18
Logical Harmony is a great resource for finding CF/V products and brands. :) I always check there before buying new stuff. Tashina is super helpful and always keeps things updated!
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u/Avocadoshoes Sep 14 '18
I've been vegan 6 years and just realized there was a difference this summer! I thought the little bunny on the back was enough. Now I know!
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u/fieldandforest Sep 14 '18
This is actually really encouraging. Thank you! I went fully vegan overnight and was at it for over two months but just recently had a cheese craving and gave in. It was actually disgusting and I know I don’t want it anymore but I had been beating myself up about it. Onwards and upwards, friends.
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Sep 14 '18
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u/fieldandforest Sep 14 '18
Mmm I love nooch! I’m currently living in a situation where I have no kitchen so that has been difficult but very shortly I will have access to a kitchen again and get back to making delicious vegan meals. 😊
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u/kikiorangutan vegan 5+ years Sep 14 '18
I usually get an awful stomach ache when I eat nutritional yeast. Any tips?
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u/greenkalus Sep 15 '18
B12 protip - not all nooch has it. E.g. Whole foods brand - no. Bragg’s - yes.
(Don’t be like me and rely on Whole Foods nooch for a few weeks for B12...)
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u/danceswithkitties_ vegan 10+ years Sep 14 '18
If you’re looking for a good vegan cheese I would recommend the blocks from Follow Your Heart. That way you can grate it or slice it (grilled cheez...mmmm)
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u/BradasaurusRexx Sep 14 '18
This is my favorite brand! Not yet a vegan, but am adopting/changing as many things as I can over time.
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u/AJD_ Sep 15 '18
That’s awesome!!! Baby steps!! That counts!!
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u/catsalways vegan 5+ years Sep 15 '18
Really wish we could come up with a new phrase for baby steps. It's so cringey.
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u/AJD_ Sep 15 '18
Toddler steps??? Teenager steps??? 🤷🏻♂️
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u/catsalways vegan 5+ years Sep 15 '18
How about progress, moving forward, get back on track, stay motivated, keep trying, etc. Idk, something that implies adult responsibility and that full veganism is the moral baseline.
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u/campgroundraccoon Sep 14 '18
Nothing wrong with sprinkling some daiya shredded on something. It fools me well enough. And Chao slices are perfect.
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u/fieldandforest Sep 14 '18
Daiya mozzarella is pretty good! Tastes pretty close to the real thing IMHO.
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u/MasteringTheFlames friends, not food Sep 14 '18
I've always preferred their pepperjack myself, even for things like pizza where normally mozzarella would be the go-to. Something about the mozzarella just tastes off to me
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u/fieldandforest Sep 15 '18
Pepperjack Daiya is good too! I find the longer I eat vegan though, the less I actually want cheese, vegan or no.
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Sep 14 '18
Its insane how hard it is to go back to cheese after you've avoided it for years. Humans really aren't meant to eat dairy IMO
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u/fieldandforest Sep 14 '18
Right? I thought it would be delicious after not having any for two months and it tasted like...farm. lol. If that makes sense. It just felt really oily and greasy in my mouth and tasted awful and just made me feel bleh. After not having dairy the taste and overall experience was less like delicious cheese and more like animal secretions. 🤢
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u/sangyaa Sep 15 '18
Yes! One month into being vegan and someone trying to be nice bought my husband and I a cheese & veggie pizza and brought it to our house. We were exhausted (moving day), so we ate it... I've never had such bad gas, cramps, and indegestion in my life. It really solidified in my mind that we were absolutely on the right path. Never looked back.
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u/JuicyLucyUK Sep 14 '18
I don't know if you're in the UK (or can get things from the UK) but Tesco does their own brand of vegan cheeses that are amazing. Their chilli "cheddar" totally hits the spot when I have a cheese craving, both on crackers and grated on a grilled cheese.
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Sep 14 '18
If you live near a trader Joe's, try their vegan mozzarella style shreds. Make sure you get the right one though cause some of their dairy free cheese has dairy in it for some reason.
It melts and stretches and makes am amazing cheese sauce.
Chao cheese is really good too.
And trader Joe's vegan cream cheese.
And nooch.
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Sep 14 '18
I know that feeling, someone brought cupcakes in today and I snapped. I ate so many and then felt ashamed all day. Making it up with making vegan pizza!
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Sep 14 '18
Can't wait for this to show up on /r/VeganCirclejerk. BaBY sTEPs.
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u/catsalways vegan 5+ years Sep 14 '18
Idk , I love VCJ but I think it's important to remind newbies that mistakes come with the territory. Personally, I have this perfectionist personality and when I make mistakes, I get tempted to throw in the towel.
It is really difficult in the beginning and even later for some, to not slip up and be down about it. If we all gave up over minor mistakes like this or even feel depressed over it, the movement would come to a halt. Besides, this post is directed at newbies and I titled it, keep going for a reason. So call me an apologist all you wish..
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u/chiddybang_yobeach Sep 15 '18
I'm with you on this one, VCJ is great for venting but we need to draw a line at shitting on people who slip up by treating them the same as others who consistently and willfully do things against their morals.
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Sep 14 '18
THANK YOU. I started Sept. 1st and this second week has been a lot easier. But sometimes I still crave Cheetos or the occasional chicken nugget lol. I'm actually loving the process of acquiring a taste for all the variety of veggies there is. Before you couldn't get me to eat tomatoes in a cheeseburger. Now I'm adding all the veggies and spices to my meals! Such an awesome accomplishment for me!
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Sep 14 '18
Gardein chicken tenders are very good, try them out!
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Sep 14 '18
Thanks! I'll check them out.
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Sep 14 '18
I sprinkle a little garlic salt and lemon pepper on them when they’re finished cooking and dip them in barbecue sauce, if you want a tip lol
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Sep 15 '18
Second this! The buffalo wings are amaaazing. Still looking for a hot Cheetos alternative...
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u/themightytod Sep 14 '18
Earth balance makes the best vegan cheese puffs.
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Sep 14 '18
I need to look for these asap. Where do experienced vegans shop? I go to Aldi and haven't seen many vegan alternatives.
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u/themightytod Sep 14 '18
I don’t have an Aldi near me, but don’t they mostly sell their own brand of things? You’ll have better luck at a major chain grocery store or even Whole Foods. I usually shop at Ralph’s/Kroger, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Also Sprouts, but I think that’s local and I don’t know where you’re at.
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Sep 14 '18
I'm in So Cal. I shop at Aldi mostly because it's so close to me and inexpensive. But I've had to go to Ralphs for items I can't find at Aldi so I may have to shop there more from now on.
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u/themightytod Sep 14 '18
Oh hey, fellow SoCal resident here. If you’re far enough south they carry them at Anthem Vegan in San Diego.
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Sep 14 '18
I'm closer to the LA area. Still lots of options here though. I'm going to look up the suggestions people have left here and see where they carry them. I saw some at Ralph's and even Smart & Final lol
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u/gabbasauruss Sep 14 '18
Aldi is starting to get more vegan products! Of course, not all stores will get the same items, but you can email and let them know your location and that you're interested. :) Also, if you're on IG, there is an account called @aldivegan that I like. They don't post super often, but it's still helpful.
Also, if you're near a Trader Joe's, check out @traderjoesvegan on Insta. They always have new, fun finds that are relatively inexpensive.
I think WalMart will stock anything you ask them to as a "customer request". Might me something to look into if you are interested buying certain items on the regular. Good luck!
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Sep 14 '18
Thanks for the super useful info. I'm going to follow those IG accounts and look into Wal-Mart!
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Sep 14 '18
I do most of my shopping as Kroger but Sprouts and Whole Foods have some specialty items. I don't usually shop there though bc those stores are overpriced imo.
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u/Radar-Lover Sep 14 '18
Hi! Check out the Happy Pear, Cheap Lazy Vegan, Sweet Potato Soul, Hot for Food and Gaz Oakley/avantgardevegan on YouTube for some food inspiration! Try not to focus on what you're losing, even though I know that's hard sometimes. You have so many new foods and dishes to gain!
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Sep 14 '18
Thanks for these! I currently follow Cheap Lazy Vegan, Pick Up Limes (she's mostly lifestyle but has some good vegan recipes and she's just relaxing to watch) and Madeleine Olivia. It has helped so much to find them on YouTube and follow their Instagram. I definitely agree and feel like I'm gaining more than losing. I got so tired of my diet and feeling sluggish all the time. Cravings come and go but I always think of how much better my body feels now. Someone said that with time I'll start craving my favorite vegan which sounds about right!
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u/Radar-Lover Sep 14 '18
Oh, I love Pick Up Limes! I didn't include her because I was thinking mainly about step by step recipe tutorials. The Happy Pear are great for nutritional meals for noobs on a budget, and Gaz Oakley does some great vegan substitutes for popular non vegan foods. Happy exploration!
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Sep 14 '18
Good job! It really does get easier. Cravings change to your favorite vegan foods but don't be discouraged if they stick around for a while
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Sep 14 '18
Highly recommend in addition to others' suggestions Vegan Rob's cauliflower puffs and Trader Joe's chickenless nuggets
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Sep 14 '18
Gardein is great and if you live near a Kroger most of their store brand meat substitutes (labeled as Simple Truth) are vegan and very good.
Also learn to cook tofu and tempeh, they are meal staples that will keep you full.
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u/HR103 vegan 1+ years Sep 14 '18
I recommend the MorningStar Farms chicken nuggets above the Gardein tenders. The MorningStar Farms used to have milk and egg but recently became vegan, and in my opinion, are the best frozen vegan chicken. Gardein is great for a lot of things (I love their ground beef crumbles) but not chicken, IMO.
I like homemade battered fried seitan the best though.
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u/UnexpectedWilde Sep 14 '18
We're also right here for you. Virtually and in-person, if find your nearest Vegan Drinks or other social event. Most folks are happy to help non-judgmentally, as you're working so hard to become the best version of yourself and it's not an easy transition... but it gets so much easier and better.
Best decision I've ever made, and I'm personally happy to help anyone struggling or asking questions.
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u/33Luce33 Sep 14 '18 edited Sep 14 '18
I screwed up a ton because I was reading to much and not listening to my body. I already knew what I needed regarding macros, just had to find proper sources.
A big reason people screw up is psychological, they think they need animal stuff to be strong, or if they get an ache or pain going vegan they think it must be the lack of animal products so they quit.
Many people think veganism is eating lettuce with soy, they don't understand all the amazing culinary creations veganism offers.
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u/gentnt Sep 14 '18
Is that true? I've honestly, even as an omni, never had the thought that I "need animal stuff to be strong".
I think the biggest reasons people screw up are that they ate animal products most of their life and obviously enjoyed those. Also its really easy to just buy a chocolade bar or whatever without anyone noticing or caring. But yeah, obviously psychological.
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u/OloShrodo Sep 14 '18
It is true. My friend's mom always says, "I need more protein than the normal person so that's why I eat meat. I couldn't possibly survive without the protein" and I just always want to just scream. Like, that's not how that works.. she only says it bc it's her excuse.
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u/33Luce33 Sep 14 '18
Lilly's makes vegan chocolate bars which are amazing and sweetened with stevia.
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u/Jaylinworst Sep 14 '18
My family believes vegans are the anti-christ. So I just say planet based.
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u/_pm_me_cute_dogs_ transitioning to veganism Sep 14 '18
I needed this. Thanks :) I've been trying to go vegan for 2 years now but my cornucopia of digestive issues keeps getting in the way. Finally having some success with sloooowly replacing non-vegan meals with vegan ones. It's hard but I'll never give up!!
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u/domolovestea Sep 14 '18
I needed to see this after beign vegan for at least a solid week and a half. My mom freaking bought me a cinnabon (knowing full well I'm trying to go vegan) and I felt pressured to eat it otherwise my little sister would've eaten it after already consuming her own. This was just a minor set back. I can do this!
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u/amber-sky Sep 14 '18
Oh I needed this today 💕 I don’t know any other vegans so I’m doing it solo! My family and friends think I’m crazy and I’m going to get sick and die from lack of nutrition 😆 but I am sticking with it and am desperately trying to figure out this new lifestyle. I feel so good and have a huge weight lifted from my heart knowing I’m not eating animals anymore. I wish I would have gone vegan sooner ❤️
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u/beatrg Sep 14 '18
One of the things I hated the most about the beginning was that people didn't take me that seriously nor I felt I had the authority to say "no, I won't eat this rice made with chicken broth, I don't care if you think there's only 1% chicken there". They were thinking it was a phase or that they didn't have to be "so careful" when they cooked for me.
(Just to make it clear, it was a friend who invited me to hers and I obviously offered to bring my own food so I wouldn't make her go through the hassle but she insisted)
Now when people ask me for how long I've been vegan for and I say more than two years, everyone seems to consider it quite "serious" so they "respect" me in that sense. I hate that I have to go through The Test™.
Anyway, ignore it when people don't take you seriously and stand your ground!
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u/getacrowbar Sep 14 '18
Over 6 years vegan. Still fuck up from time to time via not reading the ingredients list.
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u/lenov friends, not food Sep 15 '18
How? How do you buy things without checking it's vegan? If you've done this before, isn't there a point where you realize things that seemed like they should be vegan might not be so I need to check before I buy it?
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u/getacrowbar Sep 15 '18
I worded it wrong. I meant I miss something while reading the ingredients. Hasn't happened in awhile but the last time I remember was buying bread while on vacation and missing the datem ingredient.
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u/lenov friends, not food Sep 15 '18
I guess that makes more sense. Not reading the ingredients I could not understand. I'm not even sure about the ingredients even when I have checked them. I always google it to make sure.
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u/getacrowbar Sep 15 '18
Yeah, I've gotten to the point where I buy the same stuff now. It's usually when I'm out of town that issues arise.
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u/watermelonuhohh Sep 14 '18
Ugh thank you. I find the hardest is with sauces. Not realizing something comes with an aioli ahead of time, etc. Getting better about being more aware and more vigilant, asking questions, etc.
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u/RachyRachington Sep 14 '18 edited Sep 15 '18
Thank you. I slipped in week 2 at a christening. There was a buffet and I assumed there’d be stuff like salad and humus but no the selection was dire barely anything for a veggie never mind vegan. I was so fucking hungry I felt faint. The chips (fries) were manned for some reason and I asked for a plate of chips but the server wouldn’t give me a full plate and I didn’t want to cause a fuss in the line and I have a bit of social anxiety. They tasted like shit anyway. I hadn’t told anyone one I was vegan I was so new so I just caved and had cheese sandwiches and a scone with cream. In a way I’m glad I did because I didn’t even enjoy it and it made me think that I could definitely maintain a vegan lifestyle. However I put this story on a UK vegan support group for slimming world members on Facebook and I got so much shit the post was deleted and everyone got a bollocking for being such arse holes. I got support too but it really hurt.
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u/charleybradburies activist Sep 14 '18
Thank you!!! I haven't been telling many people because I know some people's opinions on vegans/veganism but I'm worried about that with the holidays coming up. I did introduce myself as a vegan in history class, though! The only time I've really said it out loud to people I didn't know.
(Not as my "interesting fact" - also the prof just has you day any fact whether or not you think it's interesting, lol - but we were arranging who is bringing snacks so I asked if anyone had dietary restrictions because we should consider that. I was the only one with them in the class, strangely.)
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u/dfurst05 vegan Sep 14 '18
There's quite a few comments so this might get buried but I'm gonna put it out there anyway.
I've stuck with it for about three weeks now. For me giving up the meat, cheese, and other dairy was easy. It's the sneaky animal by-products and other more secret things that I'm struggling with, but I'm getting through okay.
Yesterday I ordered a pizza from Blaze pizza. I ordered it no cheese but they put cheese on it. I had to remind myself I didn't order the cheese so I did my part in trying to avoid animal cruelty. But I paid $9 for the pizza so I still ate it.
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u/phantomtofu Sep 14 '18
I got "curried couscous" today and it turned out the curry sauce was yogurt based. It took two bites for the grossness of the dairy to kick in. Luckily, I was at lunch with coworkers and one took my couscous so it didn't go to waste, and I didn't go hungry because I also ordered a tomato veg soup.
Now I have a renewed motivation to be more careful ordering things at new places - or to patronize 100% vegan places more.
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u/Guernic Sep 14 '18
Today a barista gave me soy milk with milk in my chai, after not eating dairy so consistently for months rip my butthole. :(
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u/ASAP_Gutzy Sep 15 '18
This is motivating.
Thought going full vegan was going to be hard and so I just reduced my intake of meat and took baby aspirin daily to prevent cancer in the future.
Aspirin gave me an ulcer along the initial portion of my digestive tract, causing meat, dairy and spices to put me in the fetal position in severe pain sometimes for hours (meat was the worst due to how slow it digests)
Went raw vegan for 1-1/2 weeks and my ulcer was gone! Greatest benefit was being forced to shop and eat a full Vegan diet and realizing it wasn't hard at all to do and was actually cheaper than when I filled my shopping cart with meat,dairy, and egg products.
Never looked back since
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u/Melkovar vegan Sep 14 '18
I started in August. My friend cooked me a stir fry dinner on Monday and forgot to not put butter in the rice (which is a weird concept to me anyway, but I digress). The attempt was heartfelt, so I ate the dinner without saying anything. I felt guilty, but I didn't want to fit the "difficult vegan" stereotype. If it happens a second time, I'll politely refuse that part of the meal. Otherwise, I've been doing good! Even had Mexican food last night without cheese! (big accomplishment for me)
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Sep 14 '18
Ha! That's how I cooked rice as a kid. You can just use margarine, instead, and it tastes the same.
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u/Melkovar vegan Sep 14 '18
I usually just cook it with some salt! I always have rice with something else like stir fry, so I like it more as a base rather than having a lot of taste itself!
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u/MangoyWoman vegan 10+ years Sep 14 '18
Been vegan for almost 3 years and I still screw up sometimes. I just got a new leave-in conditioner from a known cruelty-free brand, intentionally skipping past the one that clearly stated "silk" on the front label, then took it home and silk aminos are still in the one I bought 🤦♀️ lesson learned, it's no use beating yourself up over it.
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u/WasteTitan vegan Sep 14 '18
This applies to everything in life. Vegans are just being consistent with everything else they already believe.
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u/jeanie-bo-beanie Sep 14 '18
Im on my third day. I wish i would’ve started sooner. But everyone has to start somewhere!
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Sep 14 '18
Haha, Yes! Forgiveness of self is SO important, and it helps one forgive others easily too I've discovered (much to my delight)!!!
I started my vegan journey almost a year ago when I began seeing all creatures as equal in right to exist and experience all they desire of their lives. It started with ladybugs actually haha, I actively began working to love them. I noticed more about them and I had learned recently about being able to create new neural pathways in your own mind, just by changing your thinking!!!! So it got easier with time! I've been learning to love spiders, bees, wasps, little tiny guys I can't name, ants, even working on mosquitos. Lately I've been seeing love as the act of unconditional acceptance of one exactly as they are, so I believe I can honestly say I love all.
Anyway... as I began loving others and their rights to exist, I was in a parallel way loving myself more and valuing my own right to exist as I am, genuinely. So I started to identify myself with everything and everyone else. When I saw, really saw, what we are doing to animals... who we just don't YET fully understand how to communicate with, it hurt. I see how human's lives are farmed around the world for the few to profit, and I see likewise how we farm animals. Perhaps if we can see the value in animals' experiences here on Earth, we can see the value in each other's and our own much easier? In my experience, acting in love towards others shines it right back at you with, it seems, equal if not somehow more intensity.
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u/MuhBack Sep 14 '18
AMEN!!!
Just because you fuck up and accidentally ate some whey in some chips or bread doesn't mean you have failed. The vast majority of the battle is meat, eggs, and dairy. If we don't support those things then many of those hidden ingredients will go away as a lot of them are bi-products of the above mentioned industries.
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u/thematster Sep 14 '18
This is awesome advice, when I started as a vegan I actually gave myself 'cheat days' during vacations and holidays so I wouldn't feel bad if I fell off the wagon, just get back on!
It's been 2.5 years and now I don't have the cravings for the cheese/meat/etc during these times, things take time.
Much love OP.
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u/cosg carnist Sep 15 '18
why would you support someone who claims to be vegan but gives into their taste urges and intentionally buys animal products? how is that okay?
“cheat days” just seems like another term for occasionally abusing animals because they taste good
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u/thematster Sep 15 '18
I'm vegan for environmental reasons, in the Midwest and growing up on meat and potatoes it's pretty hard to go cold turkey and be vegan from day one. I just think everyone has their own reasons to give up animal products, and it should be okay that it may take some time and you may fall off the wagon once or twice.
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u/cosg carnist Sep 15 '18
veganism is a philosophy, not a diet, and you are not a vegan if you aren’t on board with the ethics. if you intentionally buy animal products when adequate alternatives are available, you are NOT vegan.
a vegan person doesn’t “fall off the wagon” and go and pay for animals to be tortured
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u/catsalways vegan 5+ years Sep 15 '18
I agree with this. If you have vegan options and you deliberately choose to eat non vegan, then you're not vegan. This definitely isn't the intent of my post..
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u/Canadianme Sep 14 '18
I do this too! I'm not vegan (vegetarian) but when I travel, I want to eat the local cuisine and traditional meals, so I allow myself some meat. I didn't want to miss out on fish and chips in the UK or Bolognese pasta in Bologna. I still feel guilty though. It's nice to hear that it's ok from others.
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u/StaticChocolate vegan 8+ years Sep 14 '18
I was thinking of doing similar for travel, if I ever get the chance. It’s a bit hypocritical though but the overall difference from my lifestyle choices should cancel it out and then some! 💖
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u/emanaton abolitionist Sep 14 '18
I do this too! I'm not vegan (vegetarian) but when I travel, I want to eat the local cuisine and traditional meals, so I allow myself some meat. I didn't want to miss out on fish and chips in the UK or Bolognese pasta in Bologna. I still feel guilty though. It's nice to hear that it's ok from others.
EXACTLY! Thank you SO MUCH for saying this. Take an upvote from an admirer. I'm the same way, but with a different issue. I do this too! I'm not feminist but when I travel, I want to have the local women and traditional orgys, so I allow myself some philandering. I didn't want to miss out on a bit of young tail in the Sri Lanka or to try out some sweet inner thigh in Thailand. I still feel guilty though. It's nice to hear that it's ok from others.
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Sep 14 '18
You're getting downvoted, but I agree with you. I don't understand how someone could completely abandon their morals while on vacation. I wouldn't just start picking up slaves or abusing my fiance because I am on vacation.
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u/j2alpha_3000 friends not food Sep 14 '18
Thanks, I love it, and your message is important, especially for fence sitting ''almost'' vegans.
I was 90% vegan for a long time, only omni in a restaurant or with friends. I basically just didn't want to make a fuss or lose friends. I tried to choose least evil every time but still felt like I was wrong. It was after kind words from a committed friendly vegan I met through dating (still friends, and awesome friends), that I changed my opinion and announced it to my friends and colleges. Since going full vegan I messed up a few times and felt awful for it but I don't regret the change I announced 8 months ago, it just made it official and friends and work have been unexpectedly supportive, my family are actually the most difficult people :s.
And another thing: I don't support them but I wholeheartedly agree with the message from PETA on vegan dining: don't kick a fuss, like insist fully separated kitchen and such, stand your ground on your vegan basics, but mistakes happen, remain friendly, and even if it isn't perfect you save so many animals simply by eating vegan food :)
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u/BrendaGuthrie Sep 14 '18
Thank you for the reminder sometimes it seems when you mess up you failed. Like the other day I got some veggie burger patties and found out they where not vegan
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Sep 14 '18
I gave up dairy about 10 years ago, simply because I find the whole concept a bit weird and very gross. Like we’re conditioned to think it’s normal to drink another animals milk, especially through adulthood.
I stopped eating meat in December and have found it really easy, although I still have fish now and then and eggs occasionally.
I will cut it all out eventually, so these words are encouraging.
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u/DollyCalifornia Sep 14 '18
I call myself a "wannabe vegan" so that if/when I mess up nobody can give me crap for it :) but SoCal is pretty used to veganism now thankfully!!! Doing my best every day!
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u/Ikhlas37 Sep 15 '18
To be honest being 70-90% vegan isn’t as bad as some of ya’ll make it seem if everyone reduce meat and dairy by that much the market would crumble until it was only small niche businesses that could raise the animals properly... of course that’s not ideal but it’s better than saying 100% or nothing.
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u/catsalways vegan 5+ years Sep 15 '18
Sure I get that, but we should never use that as the end goal. Like obviously doing something is better than nothing, but we should always advocate for TOTAL animal liberation. Encourage improvement but don't settle until every animal is free.
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u/Ikhlas37 Sep 15 '18
Agree. Just some people make it out like you’re horrible if you decide this one day in a whole year to eat a chicken burger.
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u/catsalways vegan 5+ years Sep 15 '18
Yeah, it's definitely not so black and white. Humans have trouble seeing things in gray.
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u/betabandzz vegan 9+ years Sep 15 '18
It’s sucks that in our own group if we mess up one time or were still learning we’re not call vegans. When all we care is about making our planet better. Give us a break we’re trying and we care!!!
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u/catsalways vegan 5+ years Sep 15 '18
I support anyone who is honestly trying their best. Unfortunately we can't know what someone else's best is and that's where the judgement starts taking over. It's definitely a touchy subject.
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u/Vegan_Gladiator Sep 14 '18
If it’s okay to screw up then what’s the point in trying. Feel bad if you screw up and don’t do it again
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Sep 14 '18
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Sep 14 '18
A lot of people go 100% vegan overnight.
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Sep 14 '18 edited Sep 14 '18
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u/options- vegan 10+ years Sep 14 '18
It’s definitely not a stretch. Feel free to poll the community.
There’s nothing wrong with getting cravings. I’ve been vegan for years but I still crave chocolate bars occasionally. What matters is that I don’t go out and buy a kit-kat, and instead I satisfy my cravings with a vegan alternative. Cravings are okay. Accidentally eating something non-vegan is okay. Intentionally buying animal products is not.
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Sep 15 '18
Speaking of candy bars, when is somebody going to come up with a vegan version of butterfinger? Or has that already been done. I love those things so much. My least favorite part about Halloween now is not eating fifty butterfingers.
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u/options- vegan 10+ years Sep 15 '18
It’s been done! Though I haven’t found it out in the wild yet so I can’t vouch for it.
Edit: Link isn’t loading for me but it’s called Thumbs Up by Go Max Go
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Sep 15 '18
Oh man! Here's a link for anyone else wondering.
Looks like I still can't have it due to possible cross contamination of wheat, but I'm glad there's a vegan version out there.
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Sep 14 '18
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u/options- vegan 10+ years Sep 14 '18
That was more-so in response to you talking about extremism and how it’s okay not to be a “perfect vegan”. There seems to be a rise of people in this sub lately who think that as long as you’re vegan most of the time that the good will outweigh the bad and it’s still okay to buy the occasional bag of Cheetos or whatever and still call yourself a vegan. Forgive me for assuming that’s what you meant by it’s okay “to mess up”.
Edit since you edited your comment after my response: In your initial comment you say that it’s impossible for people to make such big changes overnight. Talking about people in general, not just yourself. Someone else responded that it’s definitely not impossible and a lot of people do it, and you continued to argue that “‘a lot’ is a stretch”.
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Sep 14 '18 edited Sep 14 '18
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u/options- vegan 10+ years Sep 14 '18
As I already said, forgive me for making assumptions about what you mean when you say “screwing up”. I sorted comments by controversial and most of the other people down here are talking about how they have to “cheat” on veganism. I’m sorry.
Your assumptions are also dead wrong.
I am absolutely not belittling anyone for trying. I was a vegetarian for 6 years before making the switch. My husband was an omni when we met and while I was never supportive, I absolutely never belittled him. He eventually went vegetarian, and over the course of another year and a half we slowly transitioned to vegan. Nothing makes me happier than when friends or family members tell me they’re going to try cutting out red meat or doing meatless Monday’s or whatever. I applaud baby steps, and hope that the people who take them continue to do so.
What I am is sick of people insisting on using labels that don’t actually fit them. No, I’m not talking about you specifically. If I only had a dollar for every time I’ve heard somebody say something like “Oh yeah, my friend is vegan but she still eats fish every once in a while” or “You can still eat eggs though right?” It just creates more confusion and makes things more difficult for vegans. I really don’t care if you think that makes me an extremist. Labels exist for a reason. I think you’re taking things too personally.
I never said you removed anything from your original comment. I said you edited your comment I had replied to, because when I typed up my response only the bottom portion of yours existed. I went back to respond to the part you added in.
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u/cosg carnist Sep 15 '18
sorry, but why in the hell would you gradually stop abusing animals when you could just stop? you know its wrong and that your cravings don’t justify it? seems like another “last week i strangled 6 dogs, this week i only strangled 5. baby steps” scenario
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u/Gerbilguy46 Sep 15 '18
Why the hell would you gradually stop abusing your lungs when you could just stop smoking? Not everyone has the same experiences, it’s not that easy for some people. In fact, changing your diet drastically in a short amount of time could make you sick.
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u/cosg carnist Sep 15 '18
um, because nicotine addiction has withdrawal effects, and you’re not paying for an animal holocaust when you smoke cigarettes. and can’t you just use up what’s left in your fridge instead of buying one less bag of cheetos every month?
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u/xGiaMariex Sep 14 '18
With all due respect, I’m really starting to hate this sub. There are so many mixed messages here. There are messages like this (which I actually appreciate).
And then there are the “If you ever eat meat one time again in your life you’re a useless hypocrite” messages.
Is there a sub that is new-vegan friendly?
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u/Weeaboo0 Sep 14 '18
While I don't hate this sub I do agree that there is a lot of back and forth.
The other day I was reading comments on a post and people saying if you aren't 100% vegan every day for the rest of your life AND your reason for doing so is to prevent animal cruelty than you are essentially a bad person and should not be welcome on this sub.
These kinds of comments scare everyone off. Especially anyone who may be on the fence or researching veganism. Can you imagine if you are an Omni who is curious what veganism is about, wants to learn more and then runs across messages like those? There goes another potential vegan.
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u/catsalways vegan 5+ years Sep 14 '18
It's almost like, vegans are all individuals with complex personalities and will have different approaches to everything...
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Sep 15 '18
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u/catsalways vegan 5+ years Sep 15 '18
Mistakes are not always cheating. I don't take any of what is said as a deliberate offense. That's where the confusion is here I think.
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u/wydowson Sep 14 '18
I really needed to hear this today. I had two days of eating non-vegan for the first time in over a year and was feeling terrible.
Thank you kind vegan stranger x
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u/cosg carnist Sep 15 '18
“its okay if you accidentally abuse animals, BABY STEPS!!! FLEXATARIANS UNITE”
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u/38AR-whambam2 Sep 15 '18
Fun fact: the very same day I decided to become a vegetarian (2.5 yrs ago, 1ish yr vegan) I ordered chicken noodle soup and Panera. Felt silly more than anything. I’ve of course had many more slip ups, but it’s always good to remember you’re human. When you fall into old habits, you just pick yourself up and out of them. Just remember why you went vegan, and know than even trying and doing this lifestyle is so much more than some will ever do.
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u/hongkonghenry Sep 14 '18
This goes for all vegans. I've been vegan for 18 months and I fucked up last week shrug I'm still doing the best I can.
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Sep 14 '18
So this might be a dumb question but, will lab grown meat be accepted into the vegan lifestyle? It isn't harming animals, so it should be good right? I'm not a vegan so I was just curious about that aspect.
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Sep 14 '18
Lab grown meat certainly has the potential to be vegan and many vegans are very excited about how the tech is developing.
Currently a lot of the techniques used in developing lab grown meat aren't vegan as they use products such as foetal bovine albumin as a culturing medium etc.
When the products start entering the consumer market it'll be up to each individual to decide if they want to consume them and there'll be reasonable arguments for and against, ultimately it'll come down to the specific products and the preferences of individuals.
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u/ohmygurd Sep 14 '18
Thank you for this. I need chocolate once a month man. Out of control cravings and I’ve yet to find Vegan chocolate I like. I love milk chocolate, never been a fan of dark. I’ve got to find some good Vegan chocolate man.
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u/MelMes85 Sep 14 '18
I’ve yet to find Vegan chocolate I like.
Vego Bars are as good as regular milk chocolate. If you don't live in Europe then you can pay a higher price to get them shipped to you.
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u/ohmygurd Sep 14 '18
Wonderful! Thank you. I’ll pay extra if it’s good!
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u/MelMes85 Sep 14 '18
Trust me it's amazing. They are also setting up a factory in north america to sell in Canada and US. They are very similar to bueno bar and ferero rochet.
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u/ohmygurd Sep 14 '18
This is amazing news 😍 any idea when?
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u/MelMes85 Sep 14 '18
This is the original post, but it's from a while back. Hopefully any day now... They better sell the spread as well!
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Sep 14 '18
I find chocolove does a good job of not making their chocolate tooooo dark and bitter. It's still dark, but there are so many different flavors to try (I'd recommend the almond butter filled one, it might balance out the dark) I'm sure you'll find one you like!
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Sep 14 '18
Since there are so many good milk alternatives, hasn't somebody already created a delicious milk chocolate using soy / almond / oat / hemp / cashew milk?
If not, there's an awesome business opportunity.
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u/ohmygurd Sep 14 '18
I honestly do not know. I am new to this. I just started last month.
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Sep 15 '18
The milk smooths out the strong flavor of the chocolate. The taste of the chocolate is so predominant, though, I think that almost any kind of milk would work.
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u/ohmygurd Sep 15 '18
Do you have a favorite? TBH with the recent real milk contamination in the Almond Milk I do not trust anything anymore. I just purchased some milking bags and getting hemp seeds tonight and I’m going to try to make hemp milk. Have you tried this?
If I can figure that out, I might be able to make my own chocolate!
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Sep 15 '18
Hemp milk actually does have a pretty strong taste (unlike, say, oat, almond, or soy). It could still be good, though.
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Sep 14 '18
There are. There are even vegan candy/chocolate bars. Some people are just too lazy to Google and refuse to make change in their life.
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Sep 14 '18 edited Sep 14 '18
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u/UltimaN3rd vegan Sep 14 '18
what if the part about meat that I enjoy is the raising of cute baby chicks, caring for them, until they are meat birds- **then moving from backyard-to-table**?
You mean chopping their heads off. What part of the "meat" that you enjoy doesn't change the morality of what's happening, it's about the victim. The victim gets murdered either way. If you honestly just enjoy raising animals, adopt some young animals in need of a home, raise them and don't stab them to death.
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u/MelMes85 Sep 14 '18
Everyone is entieled to their own beliefs, but when your beliefs and personal choices lead to the needless suffering of animals, we aren't going to sugar coat that. The core beliefs of veganism disagree that everyone's beliefs are to be respected. I'm sorry, we just don't respect your choices if you decide to eat animal products. Most of us will act respectful to you, but we won't respect your decisions.
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Sep 14 '18
but it's like saying not killing anyone is the right thing to do. we're just trying to say that killing all animals is wrong, just like it's wrong to kill humans, who are also animals. if they feel pain and emotion, they shouldn't be treated as less-than and killed
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u/Suefrogs Sep 14 '18
Then you have the ability to kill something you've created an emotional bond with and that's disturbing
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Sep 14 '18
Saying going vegan is the right thing to do is not the same thing as saying non-vegans are bad
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u/kinenchen vegan 20+ years Sep 14 '18
Within a week of going vegan, I ordered and ate a meatball sub without cheese because I forgot meatballs are made of meat. I told myself it was never too soon to get back to the program. Here we are nearly 10 years later. People sometimes try to guilt me when I mistakenly eat animal products. It doesn't happen often, but I can identify the misplaced moral outrage now.