Why is everyone so anti-vegan on the rest of this site?
fknlardarse
Posts: 210 Member
Hi, I am currently exploring veganism, slowly changing my diet for choices that feel comfortable to me. One thing I love is my butter on toast so I innocently posted a topic on the main forum asking for tips on any vegan alternatives. Wow I got such a backlash with people (who know nothing about what I eat) accusing me of eating processed unhealthy food and all vegans are superior etc etc. I'm genuinely quite shocked and confused.
Why the backlash?
Also, some helpful people suggesting nut butter but I wondered if there was something out there, maybe like cocoa butter or Shea butter (can you eat/spread on toast) I don't want to eat processed margarine as I'm trying to mainly eat whole foods, unprocessed where possible, I don't care much for coconut. Just wondering if there is the ideal alternative to butter out there that I haven't discovered?
Thank you. (Feeling bruised)
Why the backlash?
Also, some helpful people suggesting nut butter but I wondered if there was something out there, maybe like cocoa butter or Shea butter (can you eat/spread on toast) I don't want to eat processed margarine as I'm trying to mainly eat whole foods, unprocessed where possible, I don't care much for coconut. Just wondering if there is the ideal alternative to butter out there that I haven't discovered?
Thank you. (Feeling bruised)
0
Replies
-
Good question. I've been transitioning into veganism for the past two months, and also wanted to avoid things like margarine. I finally broke down last week and bought a tub, but it was horrible. I'd also like to know what would be a yummy substitute.
About the forums. Not everyone feels that way, but there is a solid few who just decided to hang out on MFP all day to cause a ruckus. Seriously, they are like robots. They say the same thing, day in, and day out, in every thread, giving each other high fives for their absolute conformation. They are seriously disruptive. I think it's a shame that MFP lets the same people dominate the forums the way they do. I mean, how many people use MFP, thousands? Hundreds of thousands? More? And yet it's the same 20 or so people that ruin it for everyone else.0 -
You're absolutely right, people are very harsh about veganism on this site. I'm sorry you had to get that backlash! There are a lot of people on here that believe there is only one way to eat healthy, whether it be veganism, paleo, IIFYM, etc... There are lots of way to be healthy. Veganism is one of them. I prefer it because it is aligned with my morals and makes me feel good.
Anyway, to answer your question, yes! There are vegan butter alternatives, Earth Balance makes one that is really wonderful! Or you could use almond butter (my favorite), peanut butter, avocado, etc...0 -
Thank you!
Now I've calmed down a bit I have re-read the original post in the main forum and (ignoring the mean replies) there were tons of helpful suggestions, so I'll test some of them out.
Glad I found this group, wish I'd posted here in the first place lol! Lesson learned
0 -
Good question. I've been transitioning into veganism for the past two months, and also wanted to avoid things like margarine. I finally broke down last week and bought a tub, but it was horrible. I'd also like to know what would be a yummy substitute.
Hi! If you have a look at my thread called vegan butter, under food and nutrition, there so many helpful suggestions, hope it helps. Just ignore the banter
not sure why I asked the same question again here when I had many useful responses I think I just got blinded by the mean comments and decided to try here but in actual fact many people have come up with great alternatives to butter in that thread. 0 -
The person who started the ball rolling in that thread tends to have some pretty strong opinions and isn't shy about sharing them. Paleo good, Vegan bad. (Not just on those issues though.)0
-
Ooohhh! Explains it. I took it a bit personally which I know I shouldn't have done. Live and learn
0 -
Oh, don't misunderstand me. Going into a vegan thread anywhere but the groups on this site is a bad idea unless you're in the mood for drama or a vigorous debate. :laugh: The people I have ignored are almost all people who made ignorant and generalized comments about vegans. I keep them off ignore if they offer entertainment value.0
-
people are not very nice about veganism here....it's very frustrating......I'm sick of the vegan threads.
Earth Balance is generally the most favorite of vegan butters, it tastes less processed than the others. 0 -
I figuratively got chased out of MFP town with torches and pitch forks once!0
-
I believe it.
Heaven forbid you say you don't agree with animal cruelty, then you get told you have no idea what farms are really like, have you ever been to a slaughter house? then no you don't get an opinion.....well the end result is still the same right? It's not like we are waiting for animals to die before we eat them, we are killing healthy animals to feed appetites...we don't need it....seems pretty cruel to me....but I digress...
oh and I have no idea what i'm talking about on nutrition....I've only been a healthy vegan for 7 years....through pregnancy and beyond...give me a break.0 -
oh my I just read that thread, that was a whole lot of stupid.0
-
Stay in the subforums (like this one). I felt like I got jumped by a gang on the regular forum section. People are more helpful here and will cater to your wants, etc.0
-
Ha ha ha, thanks everyone! You all seem so lovely on here (huge sigh of relief) I'll be back for some advice on what to eat I'm sure, it's very new to me, still experimenting.
Just out of interest, what are your views on free range organic eggs from local farms? I used to have chickens in my garden (gave them to a local small holding so they could have more room) but when I had them they seemed very happy and the production of eggs didn't seem cruel they were doing their natural thing?0 -
I must admit I've never had any problems though I've never posted any specific Vegan questions on the main boards. I do though see people leap on others and give all the same old vegan myths it in reality though is probably a minority who have an axe to grind. I've been a Vegan for so many years most negative comments I just ignore and get on with it. Any specific Vegan questions I would normally only put on a sub forum anyway you are more likely to get better answers anyway.0
-
I've stopped even going into the regular forums. I got made fun of by multiple people for not including bacon in my (seriously awesome) brussels sprouts recipe, then I started noticing that people brought up veganism (to bash it) weirdly frequently, when no one else had been talking about it.
I come here for encouragement, not to get really really angry -- so yeah, I stopped reading them.
And yep, Earth Balance is lovely. I like the olive oil one for toast. And a lightly mashed-up avocado with salt and pepper is also heaven on toast. (I know you said you don't like coconut, but I've heard coconut oil spread on toast is really good -- I've never tried it, though)0 -
Two other reasons I stopped reading the other forums that doesn't have anything to do with veganism:
1) A girl posted about how she'd dropped the bar while lifting at the gym and was mortified, and that people at the gym actually made fun of her. She was told by posters here that they SHOULD have laughed at her, and they would have laughed at her too.
2) A girl posted her "after" photo and was told that she needs to get lipo.
Gross. I hate those other forums.0 -
Just out of interest, what are your views on free range organic eggs from local farms? I used to have chickens in my garden (gave them to a local small holding so they could have more room) but when I had them they seemed very happy and the production of eggs didn't seem cruel they were doing their natural thing?
Please check out the discussion in this thread:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1226661-true-farm-fresh-eggs-no-suffering0 -
Just wondering if there is the ideal alternative to butter out there that I haven't discovered?
Thank you. (Feeling bruised)
Like others, I recommend Earth Balance, but it is a highly processed, not too healthy food. You can make your own vegan butter (which some vegans do to avoid palm oil/rainforest destruction/orangutan killing) pretty easily. It's not any healthier to make your own, in my opinion, except that there are fewer ingredients and less packaging waste. You can also create different kinds of spreads depending on what you want to use it for (like a sweet cinnamon one for toast or a savory spread for veggies or potatoes). Theoretically you can use these DIY butters to make things like buttercream frosting, but I can't speak firsthand on that topic.
LINK: http://www.veganbaking.net/recipes/fats/vegan-butters/vegan-butter
If you are following a whole foods/unprocessed/low fat butter, then you should best stick to nut or sesame butters.
Welcome to the best vegan haven on MFP!0 -
It goes both ways. I posted a comment on my own friend page about how I was finding the vegan diet too hard because nobody else in my family is interested so I was exhausted from having to plan two meals for each one meal, plus wasn't meeting even a 15% protein goal. I got some very harsh comments from vegans who were supposedly my "friends".0
-
Two other reasons I stopped reading the other forums that doesn't have anything to do with veganism:
1) A girl posted about how she'd dropped the bar while lifting at the gym and was mortified, and that people at the gym actually made fun of her. She was told by posters here that they SHOULD have laughed at her, and they would have laughed at her too.
2) A girl posted her "after" photo and was told that she needs to get lipo.
Gross. I hate those other forums.
Someone in the main forum told me riding (cycling) 10,000 miles last year has no fitness benefit. :noway:0 -
http://www.veganbaking.net/recipes/fats/vegan-butters/vegan-butter
interesting article about butter alternatives!0 -
Someone in the main forum told me riding (cycling) 10,000 miles last year has no fitness benefit. :noway:
Haha! Well, some of those folks sure do seem to know everything about everything, so I would just stop cycling IMMEDIATELY and go, oh I don't know, sit in a corner and eat bacon, I guess!0 -
thanks everyone, really appreciate all the info and support! Just wanted to you to know I'm following up all your links and advice, totally fascinating, so if I haven't replied directly I have read your response and appreciate the input. If the people in this group are reflective of the vegan diet I reckon I've found what I'm looking for, you're all so chilled and kind and helpful
Been shopping today and bought nut butters and earth balance and Pure and soya yogurt and all kinds of yummy food, can't wait to try it all! Not sure i will get to a point where I can give up eggs so we might be getting chickens again but they'll go on the allotment this time!0 -
This site is full of trolls, don't take anything that happens on the forums personally.0
-
Some people just like to wind others up, and some probably feel a level of guilt themselves, don't like being challenged on something they probably already know is wrong because it's such a horrible reality to face, and it's easier to bury your head in the sand and mock vegans than it is to deal with the truth.. I know this because I was one of those 0
-
Has everyone ignored your egg question?!?
I find fried (scrambled) tofu to have a simular texture to eggs. Because eggs have a very subtle taste and tofu has no taste at all- I find the two very comparable. I like to throw it into my fried rice (typically sprinkle a bit of turmic for the yello colour) or fried tofu with toast and beans. Raw tofu even kinda has the same consistance as a hard boiled egg.
If your put off by the idea of tofu, but have never cooked it yourself before, be sure to do your research. There are different types to be aware of. If using firm (the type to cook with) -WRAP IT UP TO ABSORB ALL THE MOISTURE before you cook it / marinate it. For the most part Silken Tofu is for dessert use or for sauces and has a nice creamy texture when blended. I love tofu creme brule!
Helpful?0 -
Has everyone ignored your egg question?!?
I find fried (scrambled) tofu to have a simular texture to eggs. Because eggs have a very subtle taste and tofu has no taste at all- I find the two very comparable. I like to throw it into my fried rice (typically sprinkle a bit of turmic for the yello colour) or fried tofu with toast and beans. Raw tofu even kinda has the same consistance as a hard boiled egg.
If your put off by the idea of tofu, but have never cooked it yourself before, be sure to do your research. There are different types to be aware of. If using firm (the type to cook with) -WRAP IT UP TO ABSORB ALL THE MOISTURE before you cook it / marinate it. For the most part Silken Tofu is for dessert use or for sauces and has a nice creamy texture when blended. I love tofu creme brule!
Helpful?
Thank you that's great! I've never had tofu (other than in miso soup sachets) so I have never cooked with it, I clearly have some experimenting to do!
Thank you
0 -
I noticed the same thing about the back-lash, and genuinely wondered why… and decided to do something about it.
A few weeks ago, there was an mfp main-blog post about the health benefits of vegan or vegetarian options. A member commented to the post that was so surprisingly intolerant, rude and full of swear-words (not to mention completely inaccurate!), that I reported the person to MFP. I have to say, I'm glad I did… a few days later there was another post on beans or something, and the person commented again, but this time… apologizing for his previous comment! AND complimenting the blogger a well-written blog!… AND although he didn't personally agree with eating beans (or whatever) that he was sure others would find the information very informative. Ha!! I also received a note for mfp administration thanking me for flagging the issue with them. I felt a little victorious!0 -
Hi. I'd love to have your recipe for Brussels Sprouts. I eat them often.
I'd eat eggs if they came from free range hens.
As to posting, I only come here for my vegan/vegetarian views. I go to the main boards for general weight loss things.0 -
Some people are just ignorant and they believe the stereotypes about vegans. I don't let them get under my skin. I was once on another website where somebody posted that veganism isn't natural and have you ever seen a vegetarian tiger? I replied that tigers are obligatory carnivores, people are not, and he should get his species straight! 0
