Vegans.... how strict are you?

[Dorobie]

I have been on a plant based for a few months now and it’s been going really well.

However, my kids are still eating meat/dairy and I prepare all their meals. So although I’ve not eaten any meat I do find myself occasionally, subconsciously licking my finger if I get mayo or butter on it for example, then I feel guilty!!

Am I being stupid?.... Considering I’m eating this way for health benefits 1st and ethical reasons 2nd

If you are plant based then you aren't vegan (which is fine) so doing things like licking mayo off your fingers is fine!

My mum is vegan. She will prepare meat occasionally, if we were going for Christmas dinner for example but she won't use utensils that have touched the meat on her food. She prefers to have completely separate cooking equipment (pans, baking trays etc) and won't cook her food in the oven at the same time as the meat stuff for fear of getting meat juices on her food. (She also won't buy the meat, we buy it).

But she won't drink alcohol unless it's vegan, buys only vegan household products and make up etc. No leather, wool, lanolin or honey, even in hand cream.

She is super strict and hasn't faltered in the 5 years she has been vegan. She was a very strict vegetarian before that though, for around 30 years.

Why is she not vegan if she is eating plant based meals?

@Molly357vegan is a lifestyle not solely focused on diet. So unless someone is doing the full lot then they’re not a vegan. Some people choose to eat plant based but still may have honey or occasional animal derived products- plant based diets are typically exclusive of processed foods whereas vegan diets aren’t.

I would try not to worry @Dorobie if it’s for health purposes primarily then I wouldn’t feel guilt about the odd bit here and there. It’s unnecessary pressure. I don’t eat dairy due to intolerance and stopped eating meat for ethical but I do have honey and Occasionally eggs in a cake, it’s about doing our best most of the time not all of the time.

Being vegan is a life-style choice so if you prepare meat for others or lick the mayonnaise knife then that is your choice. I get a bit tired of some vegans (not the op) putting their way of life on the same platform as those with nut allergies or coeliacs for example. Licking the knife won't impact on your health.

Veganism is about not consuming any animal products so I'd say if you eat products that have egg and dairy in, you're vegetarian not vegan.

If you want to be vegan, try Flora spread and veganaise (Follow Your Heart or Hellmans are v realistic)

I’m pretty strict day to day but don’t beat myself up if it doesn’t go to plan. I went to an elderly relatives house and they’d make a veggie lasagne full of cheese, they had made something they’d never made before and I wasn’t going to turn around and tell them I wasn’t going to eat it so had a small serving and just moved on.

These things happen!

I eat oreos and pot noodles and other things that have milk/eggs listed as a possible cross contact 🤷‍♀️. I also eat in non vegan restaurants where there very likely is cross contamination. I just don't eat things that actually have animal products in them.

guilt over food is not a good thing at all. Lose the guilt.

Thanks all. I don’t want to feel guilty, and you’re right... it’s not healthy to.
I do use flora and veganaise, but my kids still have the other stuff, so it’s when I prepare their meals I forget and instinctively lick the spoon/knife.

I don’t want to call myself a vegan, although I actively avoid animal products in other things besides food, and don’t eat animal products. Due to me slipping up. And the guilt feeling.