Vedge Your Best, Vegan Ideas for Everyone At Any Age

264: Vegan Voices in Your Head: Internal Family Systems and the Plant-Based Practice

Sep 23, 2025

Ever feel torn between your vegan values and social expectations? This discussion dives into navigating those inner conflicts using Internal Family Systems (IFS). Michele shares that mixed feelings are normal and how honoring those 'vegan voices' can lead to growth. A short guided practice helps listeners cultivate their compassionate selves in challenging situations, whether dining out or traveling. Plus, there's a listener challenge to embrace those internal dialogues instead of silencing them.

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ANECDOTE

Traveling With Vegan Tradeoffs

Michele describes planning travel with her husband and the extra effort vegan choices add.
She admits sometimes thinking it would be easier if she weren't vegan.

INSIGHT

Mixed Feelings Mean You're Human

Mixed feelings are normal and signal multiple parts of the self weighing in.
Michele reframes inner conflict as different parts attempting to help.

INSIGHT

Reframe Voices As Helpful Parts

Internal Family Systems (IFS) labels conflicting thoughts as "parts" rather than problems.
Each part aims to protect or help you, so they aren't inherently wrong.

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Episode 264 – "Vegan Voices in Your Head: Internal Family Systems and the Plant-Based Practice"

Ever feel like there’s a whole committee in your head when it comes to staying consistent with your vegan or plant-based choices? One part of you is passionate about animals and the planet. Another part just wants to fit in at the family dinner table. And yet another whispers that travel would be easier if you weren’t vegan at all.

If that sounds familiar, nothing has gone wrong..

In this episode of Vedge Your Best, Michele introduces Internal Family Systems (IFS), a powerful way of understanding those inner conflicts. Instead of trying to silence the “vegan voices in your head,” you can learn to listen, thank them, and then let your calm, compassionate Self take the lead.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Why mixed feelings are a normal — and even healthy — part of behavior change.
How IFS reframes conflicting thoughts as “parts” that are actually trying to help.
Why acknowledging your parts can make self-advocacy as a vegan easier.
A short guided practice you can use before meals, social events, or travel.

Whether you’re navigating restaurants, family gatherings, or planning trips abroad, this episode will help you see inner conflict not as a setback, but as a sign of growth.

Listener Challenge:

This week, when you feel that tug-of-war inside, don’t shut it down. Pause, thank the parts of you that are speaking up, and invite your compassionate Self to guide the next step.

Little by little, your vegan journey will feel less conflicted and more peaceful.

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