Some People Think I’m Doing Veganism All Wrong… and I Don’t Care

Whether out of concern about climate change; the proliferation of antibiotic–resistant bacteria; or a desire to avoid or treat lifestyle-related illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, more people than ever are ditching animal products for good.

And of course, millions of people (including myself) make the choice out of concern for animals suffering needlessly at farms. Farmed animals are easily the most abused animals on the planet. From the moment they are born, they are subjected to cruelties that few of us can even imagine, including extreme confinement and mutilations without painkillers.

Over the years I have gotten some surprisingly rude comments about my diet from other vegans who judged me as a “junk food vegan” because I enjoy vegan versions of the foods I grew up eating. I do realize that not everything I eat is the healthiest, and you know what? I couldn’t care less. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always be glad someone went vegan, whether or not they did it for ethical reasons. It will inevitably benefit animals by reducing demand for meat.

But let’s be clear… I’m vegan to protect animals, not to win the approval of other vegans.

And to my fellow junk food vegans out there—don’t let anyone make you feel ashamed about your love of vegan cookie dough ice cream or Gardein Beefless Burgers. Remember that by leaving animal foods off our plates, we’re helping create a better world at every meal.

In honor of that, here are five of my favorite indulgent vegan treats:

• Coconut Bliss Vanilla Island Ice Cream

This ice cream is anything but boring. It’s truly one of the creamiest decadent treats I can think of.

• Earth Balance Vegan Cheddar Flavor Squares

These take me back to my childhood and are my go-to snack at the office.

• Amy’s Non-Dairy Rice Mac and Cheeze

Amy’s Kitchen makes a bunch of great vegan entrees, but the mac and cheese cannot be beat.

• Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos

This “accidentally” vegan treat is intensely savory, but sometimes that’s what you need.

• Nutter Butter Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Yes, these well-loved peanut butter sandwich cookies are vegan and available pretty much everywhere.

Whether you’re talking to a fellow vegan or someone interested in a plant-based diet, remember that nobody likes to be judged, pressured, nagged, or told what to do. Give people the benefit of the doubt, and don’t assume that they are motivated by the same things that you are.

As for me? I say eat what you want (as long as it’s vegan).