12+ Myths About Veganism
As you probably know if you’ve been around the blog a while, I’m vegan. I have been for nearly a decade! Like most vegans, I’ve heard it all—the jokes, the blurting out of “BACON” as some sort of alleged retort, every “logical” reason possible against my lifestyle..and the myths about veganism. I’ve even been asked how I felt being around people eating meat because “breathing it in basically negates my veganism.” Here’s an assortment of some of the most prevalent myths about veganism I’ve faced over the years.
A disclaimer on these myths about veganism:
Of course, these myths about veganism don’t all apply to every situation—you may live in a food desert or have medical conditions that make a plant-based life difficult, if not practically impossible. But, as any other vegans here might relate to, it’s absurdly frustrating to hear these same (typically refutable) vegan myths again and again!
It’s expensive.
The dollar store sells frozen veggies. Rice and beans (aka the cheapest meal of all time) is inherently vegan. There is no rule that you must go buy meat replacement and nutritional yeast—that’s arguably one of the most common vegan myths, too. It’s totally possible (and honestly pretty darn simple) to be vegan on a budget.
Eating meat is the circle of life.
This is not the Lion King. Did you know that we’re also not living on some sort of deserted island that irrationally has animals to be hunted but no herbivorous food? Imagine!
We’re natural carnivores.
Do you know who has much bigger canine teeth than humans? Monkeys. You know who are almost solely herbivorous? Monkeys. Please don’t tell me that your 1/2 inch almost-pointy teeth make you the natural companion to wolves and lions. If you happen to be a vampire, I may acquiesce. Otherwise….
We need hunting to control animal populations.
Remember that circle of life people love to mention so much? Deer aren’t going to take over the world if we don’t shoot them. Plus, do you really want to be the guy who killed Bambi’s mom?
Vegans can’t get enough protein.
Vegetables. Nuts. Quinoa. Beans. And that’s just a few! You’d be amazed by just how many veggie-based sources of protein are out there. Plus, when in doubt, brands like Vega offer a variety of plant-based protein options to give an extra boost.
What about all the animals who are treated well?
If an animal is bred and lives solely for the purpose of later being eaten, it really doesn’t matter if it’s “treated well” or killed “humanely.” It’s honestly kind of sick.
There’s nothing wrong if I eat milk, eggs, or honey.
Go Google some behind-the-scenes clips of the dairy or egg industry. Or remember that announcement of bees being added to the endangered species list? Animal products aren’t limited to meat.
People need to eat more than “rabbit food.”
There are SO MANY vegan options. From pasta to casseroles, vegan foods span cultures and can be adjusted to fit any preference.
Plants feel pain, too!
False. Plants do not have nociceptors. They do not feel pain.
You can’t build muscle as a vegan.
Again, I refer you to Google in refuting these common myths about veganism. Search for vegan bodybuilders. That should clear that up pretty quickly.
Vegan food doesn’t taste good.
Try some of our vegan recipes! We beg to differ.
People only become vegan to lose weight.
See the previous myth. Honestly, I think most people that think this must have never eaten pasta!
Vegans judge you for eating or using animal products.
We may not offer to share your hamburger, but most of us aren’t going to throw blood on you for eating your McDonald’s across the table. Would we be thrilled to have you join us in veganism? Of course! But I’ve yet to meet a vegan who would force you to become one as well. We’re not a cult. However, we will judge you for using these “reasons” to judge us—in my own experience, anti-vegan judgement is far more prevalent.
Vegans insist on telling everyone that they’re vegan.
I can’t speak for all of us, but I mention it when it would be an inconvenience not to (like if you’re having a party and are listing dietary restrictions to prepare for, or asking about dinner plans or upcoming gift-giving occasions). I’m not going to interject my veganism into each conversation we have. I’ve absolutely heard this myth brought up more often than I address the topic myself!
Obviously, this is one of the more tongue-in-cheek posts I’ve shared. I’m sure my fellow vegans can relate to the frustration—and hopefully our omnivorous friends can avoid perpetuating these frustrating myths about veganism!
Have you heard any of these myths about veganism? Share your story with us below!
