Common responses for why people don't go Vegan

Below are some of the most common responses that I've encountered for why people don't go vegan.  Hopefully vegans and non-vegans can use this as a guide to help tip the scale in the other direction.   

The Confession  

"I actually don't eat much meat.  Only chicken every now and then."

This is when the vegan becomes the minister.  A lot of times when a person hears that you are vegan he/she feels the need to confess that they eat meat and at the same time gain some kind of reassurance that it's okay because they don't eat that much.  First thing pops into mind, who are you comparing your meat eating ways to?  Cavemen?  Truth is, although you may think that this statement will help you look better in front of a vegan, it really does the opposite so don't expect forgiveness.  You're probably better off not confessing.  Instead introspect and question yourself:  why do you feel the need to confess?       

The Disability

"I could go vegan, but I can't give up cheese."

The person believes that if you can't go all the way then don't even start or try.  Best response to this is: "Okay, so you can't give up cheese.  Why don't you just give up the other stuff then?"  Hopefully this strikes a chord and actually shows that trying or just starting somewhere is better than nothing.  

The Comparison

"I'm a lot healthier than before.  Oh and so much better off than my friends and family who have diabetes, heart problems, etc."

The "I'm healthier than before" comparison is a common statement from those who have cut back some meat and is justifying not going all the way.  That's great that you're healthier!  That shows that the process actually works!  But do you stop halfway or cross the finish line?  Imagine what your health would be like if you did.  The best thing is for them to at least try and experience what it would be like to cut out all together.  The other comparison is flawed in that you're comparing yourself to sick people. Of course you're going to appear better when comparing yourself to others in worse situations.  Instead try comparing yourself to healthier people. 

The Inconvenience

"I would go vegan, but it takes too much time and effort."


I agree that it does take time and effort but have you at least tried?  I can guarantee that the benefits outweigh the costs and after a while the time and effort is no longer an issue because you have evolved into something greater than just someone who tries to live conveniently.   

The Assumption

"I don't want to get sick.  I need my protein and all my vitamins."


Brendan Brazier, Carl Lewis, John Salley, Tony Gonzalez...amazing athletes who are vegan!  You can gain so much more nourishment from a plant-based diet.  Did you know that veggies actually have some protein in them?  And that beans are a much healthier form of protein?  Don't assume that vegan is a deprivation for your body, it's the complete opposite.

The Holy Grail
"She's been eating meat her whole life and she's still living."

That's great to hear that the person is living long, but don't you think other factors come into play when it comes to life expectancy?  Of course going vegan does not guarantee a long life, neither does eating meat.  But there is a difference between living long and living well.  Just because you live long does not mean that your body is not experiencing problems.  I know people who are old in age and have been eating meat their whole lives, but they've also had medical problems their whole lives as well.  Going vegan is not about life expectancy, it's about taking care of your mind, body, and soul.