Note from the Journal Editors
Are You a Vegan Biased Against Veganism?
Are you a vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based individual who unconsciously promotes myths about vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based diets? Many health professionals, researchers, journalists, VRG interns, and others will make glowing statements about plant-based diets, followed by contradictory negative comments. For example, someone might say vegetarians have been shown to have healthier diets, and then state vegetarians have to greatly worry about protein, iron, calcium, or other nutrient deficiencies. What they should be saying is everyone (vegan or meateater) has to get protein, iron, and calcium, and then if appropriate, they can provide a list of sources for those nutrients. You can be a meateater and live on potato chips and beer, or be a vegan and live on potato chips and beer; both may lead to deficiencies. You can be a meateater and eat lots of fruits and vegetables, or a vegan and eat lots of fruits and vegetables; both may be on a healthy diet.
We'll hear some say that a vegan diet is too expensive. In reality, most people worldwide don't eat much meat because meat is too expensive. What they actually mean is that, meateater or vegan, if you eat a lot of packaged processed foods, it will be more expensive. If people focus on eating more legumes (beans, tofu, tempeh, etc.), less processed food will be more affordable than prepared veggie burgers or steak.
People might say it's hard to find vegan options. What they mean is that some people are choosy, and some people can always make do. For example, a meateater may only go to her favorite fast food restaurant for the fried chicken she likes. A vegan may be happy wherever he eats. Or a vegan may feel comfortable only going to his favorite restaurant or packing his own lunch.
Sometimes VRG interns will write that it's socially hard to be vegan. What they actually mean is that some people have no problem being vegan socially, and others feel uneasy. As with any attribute, to some people it's just another part of who they are, and for others it's something to keep hidden, or to brag about.
At VRG, we try to think carefully about what we say to avoid perpetuating stereotypes about vegetarian/vegan lifestyles. We may qualify our comments, pointing out the broader perspectives of science and how people feel.
In this issue, we've had several writers who express their veganism in positive ways. Seth Tibbott (page 16) started making tempeh in his garage and got past many steep hurdles to get his products into most American health food stores and supermarkets. In Florida, Larry Rumbough (page 35) has been coordinating vegan events and VegFests for over 20 years. On page 22, Reed Mangels reviews a multitude of companies producing vegan mac and cheeses. We're thankful for everyone who educates others about veganism in an honest and encouraging way.
Charles Stahler, Debra Wasserman, and Reed Mangels
Vegan Journal Editors
