I’ve been cooking solely plant-based food ever since first moving out of my family’s home nearly a decade ago. At the time, I’d already discovered the whole “food as medicine” thing, so this decision was made primarily with my own health in mind. (Concerns about animals and the environment came afterward.)
Because of my work as a plant-based recipe developer and cooking instructor, people assume I’m a strict vegan. But I’m not and never have been, which has always created a bit of tension in me. Like when people ask, I subconsciously answer in such a way as to defend myself - sharing that I’m not 100% there feels like an admission of failure.
It’s always a bit stumbly for me to explain my diet. (“Well, my work is about vegan food, and I cook plant-based at home - except sometimes I eat eggs - but when I go eat or eat with family, I’m pretty flexible except sometimes less flexible than other times. And how about you??”)
Because my answer is verbose, I can see the judgment on people’s faces. Diehard meat-lovers turn up their noses, because they see my answer as virtue signaling. Diehard vegans find it unsatisfactory, too - judging me for being wishy-washy or noncommittal.
People love labels. Labels feel good because they let you put people in boxes… and then judge them.
There is this perception that being vegan is superior - and in many ways, it is. Studies show that plant-centered diets correlate with decreased risk of chronic diseases and better overall health, and it is literally why I do what I do. Not raising animals for food is also hugely important to slowing climate change. Last but not least, abstaining from all animal products (from cheese to beeswax lip balm to leather bags) also takes a monumental degree of willpower and compassion, which is definitely commendable.
If I was your accountant, of course this wouldn’t matter. But here I am in your inbox, week after week, promoting plant-based food. And sometimes I think, what if you saw me out in the world, eating my annual bacon cheeseburger - would it change your perception of me? Would it diminish my credibility?
What I’m getting at is that as a collective, we expect those who present themselves as authorities or experts (or “influencers”) to be perfect. We know humans can’t be perfect, but we suspend our disbelief in order to uphold the fantasy of “aspirational” figures in wellness culture.
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Ironically, the vegan halo is precarious…
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