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When people stop being vegan

No longer vegan - 6 reasons why some vegans go back to being vegetarian or meat-eaters

Again and again you hear and read about people who are no longer vegan - whether in the celebrity world or in their own environment. They are taking the step back from vegan to vegetarian or meat eater - and are once again consuming animal-based foods that they actually wanted to give up permanently. But what exactly are their reasons for turning their backs on veganism?

In this article, I would like to give you the answer to this question. You'll also find out why people who stop being vegan were never actually vegan. Let's go!

6 common reasons for "no longer being vegan"

The number of vegans in Germany is increasing rapidly. The number doubled during the coronavirus crisis alone. Now around 2 percent of all Germans are vegan.₁ So it's not surprising that there are people who stop being vegan from time to time. Here I present the most common reasons for this.

1. nutrient deficiency

Some people quit veganism because, after a trial period of eating a purely plant-based diet Symptoms of a nutrient deficiency (e.g. headaches, malaise, pimples etc.). Of course, these can also have another cause. In the end, those who switch usually don't even know whether they really had a nutrient deficiency. Nevertheless, the people with whom they share these experiences believe it.

Fact is: at a balanced plant-based diet are according to American Dietetic Association (the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals), nutrient deficiencies should not be expected at any stage of life, including pregnancy.₂

Tip: Simply take regular vitamin tests with your family doctor to check for any deficiencies when switching from meat eating or Vegetarian to vegan prevent.

2. other interests

For many, the Veganism only a trend, that quickly fades away. Celebrities in particular like to take the opportunity to show the world that they are vegan. After all, this shows compassion, makes them likeable and puts them in the spotlight. No longer being vegan then creates another reason for headlines some time later, which encourages other people to consume animal products again.

Fact is: Veganism has been around since 1944, when the Vegan Society was founded. The number of vegans around the world is growing steadily and rapidly. It is not a trend, but a Movement against the exploitation of animals and Cruelty to animals - an attitude that almost all people in the world share with each other.

3. convenience

No longer be vegan - reasons

"No longer vegan" are often the people who are only superficially concerned with the reasons for and implementation of the diet and lifestyle have. As a result, many people simply find it too much effort to check the list of ingredients for every food item and ask for vegan alternatives in restaurants. The vegan substitutes are not enough. Perhaps they simply don't feel well because they have been eating a one-sided plant-based diet.

Fact is: The benefits of a plant-based diet only really come to light when you really get to grips with it. If you do, you will quickly realize how varied and colourful vegan cuisine actually is. Burgers, pasta, pizza - you can still eat it all. And you'll soon get into the groove! It also helps immensely to to put themselves in the position of the animalswho have to suffer for their own diet. Then you quickly recognize for whom it is actually uncomfortable.

4. own environment

When people switch from being vegan to vegetarian or meat-eater, it's often also a Consequence of the lack of support in one's own environment. If you are constantly in discussions with colleagues, friends or your own parents, the path to no longer being vegan is usually the path of least resistance.

Fact is: If you work intensively with the Reasons for veganism busy (Animal suffering, environmental destruction, health hazards) and it "clicks", the decision to live vegan is like a massive fortress. From there you can rather Convince meat eatersthan actually going back to consuming animal foods yourself. It is also helpful to become vegan together with others and to regularly exchange ideas in Facebook groups or forums.

Notice: You often hear that vegetarian yet is enoughto change something. It's true that the way we eat also has an effect. Nevertheless, we continue to pay money for products for which animals are tortured and exploited.

5. perfectionism

I used to be one of those people who wanted to do everything perfectly. This has meant that new things or Changes were difficult are. For many people, perfectionism is also a very decisive reason for no longer being vegan. "I alone can't change anything anyway", "Animals will continue to be tortured even if I stop eating them" and so on. And then there are also the daily discussions with meat eaters, which push many people to the edge of Resignation bring

Fact is: Nothing has to be perfect if we are moving in the right direction every day, both personally and in society as a whole. And that is the case. There are more and more vegan restaurants, vegan YouTuber and vegan recipes. Not a day goes by without the newspapers and television talking about animal rights and a plant-based diet. Every single vegan and every single vegan meal contributes to this. Taking back the decision to be "pro-vegan" is definitely a step in the wrong direction.

6. ravenous appetite

Many of the foods we have become accustomed to for years or decades are of animal origin. Meat, cheese, yogurt, eggs, milk - eating these admittedly delicious foods has caused cravings. The cravings are sometimes stronger than the attitude and motivation to stop eating animals. As a result, many vegans suddenly start eating animal products again.

Fact is: There is now at least one equally delicious plant-based alternative for every food! Not all substitutes taste excessively good - but that's no different with meat, cheese and the like. Simply use pea-based sausages, cheese made from coconut oil and Soy yogurtto make the transition easier for you and to prevent cravings.

Who is no longer vegan, was actually never vegan

No longer vegan ethics

We have now talked about the reasons why people stop being vegan. But in my opinion, they were never vegan, they just ate a plant-based diet. However, veganism is more than just a diet. It is a way of life that tries - as far as practicable - to avoid all forms of exploitation and cruelty towards animals for food, clothing, experiments and tricks. You don't simply turn your back on such an attitude. These are deep, inner moral concepts.

I became a vegetarian because I wanted to live a healthier and more environmentally friendly life. I became vegan a short time later for the animals. For example, because Dairy industry even more brutalthan the meat industry. It is primarily about ethics - environmental protection, the promotion of one's own health and the Fight against world hunger are additional motivators. The focus is on the well-being of all living beings - and not exclusively on our own well-being.

Tip: In the article about the Difference between vegan and plantbased you can find out more about this.

Ethical-motivated veganism is here to stay

Of course you can stop eating a vegan diet. But those who, for deeply ethical reasons vegan liveswill not stop being vegan. Because the latter is not a diet, but a way of life. A way of life against cruelty to animals and the exploitation of innocent, sentient beings. Moral values that most people would probably subscribe to directly.

Do you have any questions about this article? Or are you considering no longer being vegan? Then write me a comment with your reasons.

Stay animal-friendly,

Christoph from CareElite - Plastic-free living

PS: Did you know that you can also vegan for people and not just for animals? In the linked article you can now find out to what extent your vegan lifestyle also promotes human rights.

References:
₁ Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture: Deutschland, wie es isst - der BMEL-Ernährungsreport 2021, available at https://www.bmel.de/DE/themen/ernaehrung/ernaehrungsreport2021.html. [27.05.2021].

₂ American Dietetic Association; W. J. Craig; A. R. Mangels: Position of the American Dietetic Association: vegetarian diets (as of July 2009), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19562864. [24.07.2020].

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Christoph Schulz

Christoph Schulz

I'm Christoph, an environmental scientist and author - and here at CareElite I'm campaigning against plastic waste in the environment, climate change and all the other major environmental problems of our time. Together with other environmentally conscious bloggers, I want to give you tips & tricks for a naturally healthy, sustainable life as well as your personal development.

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