Action for Animals Austin

Way to go!  I know what you are talking about regarding the way people react.  It's never easy, although with practice you will get better at handling those situations.

I think this reaction is the result of the guilt these people carry.  Those that are closest to understanding have the most negative reactions.  Deep down they know they are doing something selfish and uncompassionate.

I'm comfortable with confrontation, so I understand this approach is not best for everybody.  Still, this might help:

1. People don't like the implication that you are judging yourself as "good" and them as "bad."  However, I am still clear that exploiting animals because they like the taste of cheese is a bad thing.  Sometimes good people do bad things.  However, good people eventually come to terms with what they do and STOP doing bad things when they finally realize they are bad.
2. I make sure people know that I wasn't always vegan.  It took me a long time to reach these conclusions.  I let them know it's ok that they have been exploiting animals up until now, as long as they didn't know any better.  However, I encourage them to think more about it -- they may just need more time.
3. Don't let people lead you on a wild goose chase.  They'll say, "I'm worried about not being healthy without eggs."  I could say how much healthier a vegan diet is, but that never works because this isn't why they eat eggs.  These are usually the same people that over-eat, don't exercise, drink too much, smoke, etc.  "Being healthy" is not driving their decision-making process.  They are looking for an excuse.  If you address the health issue, they'll just throw out another excuse.  I try to make people own up to the fact that they are doing what they do out of selfishness.

i've been vegan for over a month now.  it feels great for my actions to be aligned with my ideals. i haven't missed anything! at the most, feeding myself has been less convenient... and that's something i can deal with!

really, the only problems i've encountered with being vegan involve other people.  it seems that people tend to dislike vegans. i did not expect the wrath that i would incur... even from vegetarians! 

i was at a vegetarian potluck the other day, and when i passed on a mac-n-cheese dish i got this: "you're not VEGAN, are you?!"  (said with scorn.) well, yes, actually i am. "i could NEVER live without cheese!"  well, actually, you could, you just choose not to. "that's damn right!!!" (said aggressively!) 

does anybody have any tips to share for dealing with vegan hatred?

It's OK!  Lots of people take several tries before it sticks.  Don't beat yourself up about it.  Eight days is a great start.  Come say hi to us at the Vegetarian Chili Cook-Off this Sunday (it's on our Events page).

confession: my attempts at veganizing back in september didn't go so well. i caved in less than a week.  however, i'm back on and am now at 8 days vegan. it feels great!

way to go on the challenge! you'll find there are so many options out there for wonderful vegan food, both in restaurants and grocers as well as stuff you can make at home. if you need any help with recipes, let me know! rebecca and I runa vegan catering company and are always trying out new things.

I'll let you know the next time we're having a get together!

hey. hope all is well with your 40-day vegan challenge. good luck. :D Please blog about how you are doing so others can offer advice, etc. Here's my advice: stay focused, stay focused, stay focused. write down your commitment on piece of paper and carry with you everywhere. look at it in the morning as a reminder, look at it when you are tempted to eat dairy. also, try different vegan foods (buy them or make them) for fun. Whole Foods has been making delicious vegan donuts and fritters for few weeks now. Wheatsville Coop has the best vegan baked goods counter in Austin. They also have mostly vegan options in their warm foods case. Try them all. AGain, good luck. :D

Best of luck on your vegan lifestyle change.  You won't be disappointed.  I wish you much success!!!

You will LOVE it!  I was vegetarian for 12 years before I went vegan -  I did a 30 day vegan challenge and never looked back -and that was four years ago.  It just felt like what I was supposed to be doing all along but was too afraid to try. 

Let us know if you have any questions.  And speaking of dinner parties there is an AFA get together on Saturday night with lots of tasty vegan food.  Check it out on the Events page - we would love to see you there!

Hey great work and good luck!!