I’ve been vegan for over ten years, and I remember my old mindset about people who quit. I often judged them, thinking they just lacked commitment. But that changed when I actually talked to ex-vegans. Their stories opened my eyes.
I spoke with 50 individuals who were vegan for at least a year before deciding to quit. I wanted their real reasons, not just the usual internet drama.
### 1. Social Isolation
The most common issue was feeling alone. Twenty-three people mentioned this. It wasn’t just about having trouble at restaurants; it went deeper. Many felt cut off from friends and family. One woman shared that she stopped getting invited to her book club because she skipped their potlucks too many times. Another guy said his college friends stopped reaching out altogether.
This isolation comes from being seen as the “difficult” one in social settings, not just about food choices.
### 2. Health Concerns
Seventeen participants brought up health issues, but only four consulted doctors experienced in plant-based diets. The rest often self-diagnosed, or their doctors quickly attributed their issues to veganism without proper testing.
One individual had fatigue and was told they needed meat for iron without any evaluation. Another faced digestion troubles from a sudden increase in fiber, not the beans themselves. Many didn’t receive the support they needed to determine if veganism was genuinely the problem.
### 3. Community Pressure
Twelve people spoke about negative experiences within the vegan community. One shared a story about getting criticized for a meal picture in an online group. Others felt judged for asking simple questions.
This “purity politics” fosters a toxic environment. One ex-vegan felt more criticism from fellow vegans than from meat-eaters. This isn’t advocacy; it’s cruelty disguised as passion.
### 4. Life Changes
Major life events also made veganism hard to maintain for eleven individuals. Be it new jobs, pregnancy, or caring for family, stress made veganism feel like an extra burden. A new mother found herself too tired to meal prep, and a grad student couldn’t refuse free pizza at work. These choices were not moral failures; they were people doing their best in tough situations.
### 5. Lack of Purpose
Eight individuals admitted they went vegan without understanding why. They followed trends or health fads without connecting to the ethical or environmental reasons. When tough times came, they had no deeper motivation to hold onto.
One person went vegan after a documentary but didn’t think critically about it afterward. A personal connection to one’s reasons is vital for staying committed.
### 6. Financial Barriers
Seven participants discussed financial pressures. Many were not just talking about expensive groceries. They faced food deserts and lacked convenient vegan options. For example, one woman lived in a town where fresh produce was nearly impossible to find. Another struggled with expensive vegan convenience foods while working multiple jobs.
Veganism can be affordable, but it requires more than just money—it also needs time, access, and energy.
### Final Thoughts
This journey changed my view. I used to think those who quit just lacked commitment. Now, I see many faced systemic challenges, including a harsh community. They needed kindness and understanding, not judgment and high standards.
If we want more people to embrace veganism, we need to create a supportive environment. It’s not about guilt; it’s about building a community that understands and celebrates the journey.
According to a recent study from the Plant-Based Foods Association, about 27% of U.S. adults now identify as either vegan or vegetarian. Understanding the roots of why people leave veganism can help us create a more accessible and welcoming movement. It’s clear: we have work to do, but through empathy and real support, we can foster lasting change.
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