Going plant-based changed how I eat—but even more surprising was how it changed the conversations around me.

Let’s get something out of the way: Going vegan isn’t a personality. It’s a decision—one that’s shaped by values, experiences, and sometimes, a whole lot of trial and error.

But if I had a dollar for every time someone told me, “I could never give up cheese,” I’d probably have enough to open a fully plant-based taquería by now.

Here’s the thing: going plant-based isn’t about superiority. It’s about sustainability. It’s about health. It’s about compassion. But those conversations rarely get past the first raised eyebrow or bacon joke.

So, after years of navigating potlucks, family holidays, and way too many unsolicited opinions, here are five things I genuinely wish non-vegans understood—no tofu preaching, just real talk.

1. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about doing better

The moment you mention the word “vegan,” people seem to pull out a mental scorecard. “But what about avocados and bees?” “Did you know almond milk uses a ton of water?” And yes, these questions have merit. But they often come not from a place of curiosity—but defense.

Here’s the truth: Most of us who go plant-based aren’t claiming to be perfect. I still wrestle with the plastic packaging dilemma. I once bought “vegan” crackers only to realize they contained dairy-based flavoring.

But going plant-based isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every meatless meal, every plant-based swap, every conscious choice—it adds up.

A 2021 Oxford study found that adopting a vegan diet can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint from food by up to 73%. That’s not a marginal improvement. That’s seismic.

The goal isn’t sainthood. It’s simply harm reduction.

2. Giving up animal products isn’t the hard part—navigating social settings is

You know what was surprisingly easy? Giving up meat. After learning how industrial meat is produced—and watching “Dominion” on an empty stomach—I never looked back.

But you know what’s hard? Telling your abuela that you can’t eat her famous caldo de res. Or watching your coworkers exchange smirks as you eat lentil stew during the company BBQ. Or feeling like you have to justify your choices at every brunch table.

There’s an emotional toll to constantly feeling “othered.” Food is culture. Food is comfort. And when your choices deviate from the norm, you sometimes get treated like you’re rejecting more than just a plate—you’re rejecting your people.

But here’s the deal: I’m not judging your plate. I just want you to stop judging mine. Respect goes both ways.

3. It’s not all salad and soy—it’s flavor, comfort, and creativity

The assumption that vegan food is bland or boring is wildly outdated. If you still think plant-based eating is all iceberg lettuce and sad tofu cubes, I’d like to introduce you to my Sunday ritual: jackfruit carnitas simmered in orange juice and spices, folded into warm corn tortillas with pickled onions and avocado crema.

I grew up in a kitchen that smelled like cumin and garlic. Going plant-based didn’t mean leaving that behind—it meant getting creative. It meant reimagining traditions, not erasing them.

And innovation is thriving in this space. From mushroom chorizo that sizzles like the real thing to cashew cheese that actually melts, plant-based cuisine has leveled up.

According to a 2024 report by Bloomberg Intelligence, the plant-based food market is projected to hit $162 billion globally by 2030. That’s not a trend. That’s a food revolution.

So no, I don’t miss steak. I just marinate my seitan in better spices.

4. It’s not just about animals—it’s about systems

Sure, I care deeply about animals. But if that’s the only lens you’re using to view plant-based eating, you’re missing the bigger picture.

Going plant-based is a response to broken systems—factory farming, climate collapse, food inequity. Industrial animal agriculture is responsible for at least 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations FAO. It’s also a leading driver of deforestation, water pollution, and antibiotic resistance.

Let’s not forget the human impact: Workers in slaughterhouses often face unsafe conditions, low pay, and psychological trauma. Marginalized communities suffer the consequences of nearby CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations)—from foul air to contaminated water.

When I chose a plant-based lifestyle, it wasn’t just for the chickens. It was for the planet. It was for farm workers. It was for my future kids.

So when people dismiss veganism as “extreme,” I wonder: Have you seen how our food is made?

5. We’re not trying to convert you—we’re just trying to coexist

Yes, some vegans are loud. Some lead with guilt. Some wield documentaries like weapons. But most of us? We just want to eat in peace and maybe feel like we’re making a dent in a broken system.

When I bring a vegan dish to a potluck, I’m not asking anyone to give up ribs. I’m inviting you to try something that doesn’t require an animal to suffer. When I ask if there’s a plant-based option at the wedding dinner, I’m not being difficult. I’m trying not to go hungry.

And when I talk about my choices, it’s not to shame you. It’s because I believe in transparency. We all deserve to know where our food comes from.

The goal isn’t to split the table into “us” and “them.” It’s to expand the table—to make room for more sustainable, inclusive, and compassionate choices.

The takeaway? Curiosity beats judgment—every time

If you’re not vegan, you don’t need to apologize. You don’t need to defend yourself. But if someone in your life is plant-based, maybe take a moment to ask why—with genuine curiosity.

Ask what meals they love. Ask what motivated them. Ask how it’s changed them.

And if you’re plant-based reading this, know this: Your choices matter. Even when it feels like you’re swimming upstream in a river of cheese boards and bacon memes—you’re making an impact. You’re modeling another way.

Plant-based living isn’t a sacrifice. It’s a celebration—a celebration of food, of the earth, of possibility.

So the next time you sit down at a table—mixed plates, mixed perspectives—remember: It’s not about everyone eating the same thing. It’s about everyone being seen, respected, and maybe even a little inspired.

Bonus: What non-vegans can actually do

Want to support the plant-based people in your life—or just be a more thoughtful eater? Here are a few easy steps:

Offer options. Planning a dinner party or group outing? Check the menu or ask about plant-based choices ahead of time.

Don’t make it weird. No need to interrogate someone’s protein intake over appetizers. Trust that they’ve got it figured out.

Stay open. Try the plant-based version. You might be surprised. (Oat milk converts, raise your hands.)

Learn a little. Watch one doc. Read one article. You don’t have to agree, just stay informed.

Respect the choice. You don’t have to “get it” to honor it.

Final thought:

Going plant-based isn’t about moral superiority. It’s about doing our best—with what we know, with what we have, right now. And if we can all show up to the table with a little more compassion—for each other, for animals, for the planet—we’ll all eat better for it.