Vedge Your Best, Vegan Ideas for Everyone At Any Age

229: Why Does 'Vegan' Trigger People? A conversation with therapist Deborah Gonzales

Jan 21, 2025
Guest
Deborah Gonzales
In this conversation with Deborah Gonzales, a therapist and vegan lifestyle coach, listeners explore the emotional triggers surrounding the term 'vegan.' Deborah shares her personal journey to veganism in her 60s and provides insights on handling skepticism gracefully. She emphasizes the power of community and offers practical tips for making vegan dishes appealing at social gatherings. Additionally, she discusses the importance of mindset in transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle, illustrating how planning can enhance the experience even in non-vegan-friendly areas.
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INSIGHT

Veganism as Rejection

  • The word "vegan" can trigger strong emotional reactions, unlike "plant-based".
  • People may perceive veganism as a judgment on their own choices, triggering feelings of rejection.
ADVICE

Introducing Veganism Gently

  • When introducing veganism, focus on personal choices rather than advocating.
  • Use non-judgmental language, like "I don't eat that anymore."
ANECDOTE

Overcoming Isolation

  • Deborah initially felt isolated when her friend created a separate "vegan table".
  • She overcame this by bringing delicious vegan dishes to share, which everyone enjoyed.
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