Why I Quit Being Vegan After 6+ Years | Ethical Veganism

Summary

In this video, Claire shares her personal journey as an ethical vegan for six and a half years and her subsequent decision to stop. She discusses the health changes she experienced after reintroducing animal products into her diet and the evolution of her moral and ethical views. Claire addresses the challenges of veganism, including social isolation and dietary restrictions, and criticizes the online vegan community for its cult-like mentality and moral imposition. She also explores the environmental impact of different farming practices and the concept of vegan privilege. Claire concludes by advocating for a balanced approach to diet that considers both personal health and ethical treatment of animals.

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Q & A

Why did Claire decide to make a video about her experience as an ethical vegan?

Claire made the video because she wanted to share her personal journey and the reasons behind her decision to stop being a vegan, which were not due to health concerns like many other videos she had seen.

What was Claire's primary motivation for initially becoming a vegan?

Claire's primary motivation for becoming a vegan was her ethical stance against animal suffering, especially after watching documentaries on factory farming and researching the topic for a school paper.

How does Claire feel about the statement that if someone leaves veganism, they were never truly vegan?

Claire finds the statement that someone who leaves veganism was never truly vegan to be factually inaccurate and counterproductive. She believes it discourages critical thinking and understanding of diverse perspectives within the vegan movement.

What hardships did Claire experience while being a vegan?

Claire experienced several hardships as a vegan, including the difficulty of suppressing cravings for non-vegan foods, a lack of social community, anxiety around dining out, and a diminished quality of life due to the restrictions of her diet.

How did Claire's views on veganism evolve over time?

Claire's views evolved from a strict ethical vegan stance to a more nuanced understanding that included recognizing the health benefits of including animal products in one's diet and the complexity of ethical considerations around food choices.

What was Claire's experience when she reintroduced animal products into her diet?

When Claire reintroduced animal products like salmon and eggs into her diet, she experienced significant improvements in her physical health and energy levels, which led her to question the absolute ethical stance of veganism.

Why did Claire feel it was important to discuss the environmental impact of veganism in her video?

Claire felt it was important to discuss the environmental impact because she learned that veganism is not always the best solution for the environment, and that there are sustainable ways of animal agriculture that can be beneficial.

What is Claire's stance on factory farming after leaving veganism?

Even after leaving veganism, Claire maintains her moral opposition to factory farming and chooses to avoid purchasing meat from factory-farmed sources.

How does Claire perceive the online vegan community's approach to those who leave veganism?

Claire perceives the online vegan community's approach to those who leave veganism as often being cult-like and unsupportive, with a tendency to shame and exclude those who no longer adhere to a vegan lifestyle.

What advice does Claire give to those who are considering leaving veganism?

Claire advises those considering leaving veganism to do their own research, consider their own health and well-being, and not to feel guilty or condemned for making dietary choices that feel right for them.