Look, I respect other people’s food choices as their own, but the idea that veganism provides enough bio-available protein (and the idea that we need “way less protein than we think” in the first place) is just mythical. If you want to build muscle for strong bones and longevity, a high protein diet paired with good exercise that includes weight training would look like a gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. Animal protein is has more bioavailability than plant. Most people aren’t going to hit even close to those goals being vegan, and it’s infuriating when they insist it can be done long-term for EVERYONE. Yes, we should care about where our food comes from and make good choices. But I am so tired of veganism masquerading as a healthy choice for the human body— it often isn’t, and we are called to take good care of ourselves first and foremost.
Thanks for sharing Vanessa. I learned all this the hard way! Everything you write was true for me during my 20 years vegetarian/vegan experience. I feel grateful that period of my life is over and I am feeling so much better!
I’m so glad you’ve found what works for you. Sorry if my original comment sounded harsh! I did vegetarianism for years, my mother was on-again-off-again vegetarian/vegan for over 20 years…I’ve seen what a toll that can take on the body and I feel very passionate about pushing back against some of these pervasive myths. Thanks for your vulnerability and honesty, I hope you are feeling healthy!
I’m writing to follow up on the comment I previously left, expressing disappointment that your blog no longer promotes a fully vegan approach. I want to explain more deeply where I’m coming from.
When I saw the title Jewish Food Hero, I felt inspired. To me, a “hero” is someone who makes courageous choices for the betterment of humanity, who aligns actions with compassion and justice. Veganism is exactly that—it is a path that promotes healing, minimizes harm, and offers a solution to many of the ethical and health crises we face today.
As a long-time healthcare provider, and with a spouse in medicine as well, I see every day the damage caused by animal-based diets: chronic disease, inflammation, suffering. And yet, what’s even more troubling is that the suffering of the animals themselves is hidden from us—kept out of sight by a powerful and often corrupt system. This concealment exists even within our own religious community, where some go to great lengths to avoid confronting the ethical implications of eating animals, despite our faith’s foundational values like tza’ar ba’alei chayim.
If a rabbi is not vegan, can he truly embody the holiness he teaches? If a healthcare provider is not promoting a plant-based diet, can they truly call themselves a healer? And if we take on the mantle of “hero,” then doesn’t that mean standing up for the voiceless and the vulnerable—human or not?
I understand that you may have had health challenges with a vegan diet. That’s valid. But the answer isn’t returning to animal products—it’s exploring why the vegan diet didn’t work, especially when history shows us that the world’s greatest civilizations, from the Roman Empire to ancient China, thrived on diets that were overwhelmingly plant-based.
I say this with respect and hope. You’ve created a powerful platform. You’ve influenced many. I believe your voice could be even more powerful by returning to a truly compassionate, plant-based message—one that honors both Jewish values and universal ethics.
Just want to say that I'm sorry you got that kind of response and flak. As a longtime vegetarian, I've learned that everyone's body and needs differ. And it makes sense that for some people, it's tough to exist without meat and the protein it provides. I firmly believe everyone should be allowed to make the choices that feel best for them because you know your body better than anyone. And no shame for eating meat if/when you need it, or if you feel like that's the best route.
I will push back a little bit on some of the other comments regarding protein. I'm a vegetarian who is trying to build muscle and I get a ton of protein from various sources (I also learned how to make my own Seiten which was a huge boost). Point is, you can make it work no matter what you're doing IMO.
Hi Sean, thanks for your supportive words "I firmly believe everyone should be allowed to make the choices that feel best for them because you know your body better than anyone. " I am glad to hear that you are feeling well on a vegetarian diet and I wish you continued good health!!!
Your posts give thoughtful suggestions and good recipes. I am glad your dietary lifestyle is working for you. We can all learn from each other and decide for ourselves, the best approach. Kudos, Joan
I have gone vegetarian (not vegan) for long periods of time in my life and have just decided to do that again, being newly widowed. (My husband was a carnivore and for shalom bayit, I ate meat for the years we were married.) My plan at this time is to include fish in my diet, as well as eggs and dairy. That's not really vegetarian, but I think it will be healthy and pleasing to HaShem. I am also working on mussar and hope that it will be a complimentary practice.
Hi Kenden, well said and I hope you begin to feel better soon. As a vegan myself, I’d love to hear more about your transition back to eating meat, eggs and such and whether it’s helpful to you. I’d do exactly the same if need be!
I feel great! This transition happened in 2021 so its been awhile now. My transition started with eggs and fish and then I started eating beef and lamb. I feel so much better. I started focusing on macros in 2021 - to get my protein and fat to a more balanced place and it worked like magic for me. I totally respect that you are vegan and if that works then its good! The main thing is to listen to your body!
Look, I respect other people’s food choices as their own, but the idea that veganism provides enough bio-available protein (and the idea that we need “way less protein than we think” in the first place) is just mythical. If you want to build muscle for strong bones and longevity, a high protein diet paired with good exercise that includes weight training would look like a gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. Animal protein is has more bioavailability than plant. Most people aren’t going to hit even close to those goals being vegan, and it’s infuriating when they insist it can be done long-term for EVERYONE. Yes, we should care about where our food comes from and make good choices. But I am so tired of veganism masquerading as a healthy choice for the human body— it often isn’t, and we are called to take good care of ourselves first and foremost.
Thanks for sharing Vanessa. I learned all this the hard way! Everything you write was true for me during my 20 years vegetarian/vegan experience. I feel grateful that period of my life is over and I am feeling so much better!
I’m so glad you’ve found what works for you. Sorry if my original comment sounded harsh! I did vegetarianism for years, my mother was on-again-off-again vegetarian/vegan for over 20 years…I’ve seen what a toll that can take on the body and I feel very passionate about pushing back against some of these pervasive myths. Thanks for your vulnerability and honesty, I hope you are feeling healthy!
Your original comment was not harsh - it was sober and direct!
I’m writing to follow up on the comment I previously left, expressing disappointment that your blog no longer promotes a fully vegan approach. I want to explain more deeply where I’m coming from.
When I saw the title Jewish Food Hero, I felt inspired. To me, a “hero” is someone who makes courageous choices for the betterment of humanity, who aligns actions with compassion and justice. Veganism is exactly that—it is a path that promotes healing, minimizes harm, and offers a solution to many of the ethical and health crises we face today.
As a long-time healthcare provider, and with a spouse in medicine as well, I see every day the damage caused by animal-based diets: chronic disease, inflammation, suffering. And yet, what’s even more troubling is that the suffering of the animals themselves is hidden from us—kept out of sight by a powerful and often corrupt system. This concealment exists even within our own religious community, where some go to great lengths to avoid confronting the ethical implications of eating animals, despite our faith’s foundational values like tza’ar ba’alei chayim.
If a rabbi is not vegan, can he truly embody the holiness he teaches? If a healthcare provider is not promoting a plant-based diet, can they truly call themselves a healer? And if we take on the mantle of “hero,” then doesn’t that mean standing up for the voiceless and the vulnerable—human or not?
I understand that you may have had health challenges with a vegan diet. That’s valid. But the answer isn’t returning to animal products—it’s exploring why the vegan diet didn’t work, especially when history shows us that the world’s greatest civilizations, from the Roman Empire to ancient China, thrived on diets that were overwhelmingly plant-based.
I say this with respect and hope. You’ve created a powerful platform. You’ve influenced many. I believe your voice could be even more powerful by returning to a truly compassionate, plant-based message—one that honors both Jewish values and universal ethics.
Thanks for sharing Steven. I understand your perspective and respect it!
Just want to say that I'm sorry you got that kind of response and flak. As a longtime vegetarian, I've learned that everyone's body and needs differ. And it makes sense that for some people, it's tough to exist without meat and the protein it provides. I firmly believe everyone should be allowed to make the choices that feel best for them because you know your body better than anyone. And no shame for eating meat if/when you need it, or if you feel like that's the best route.
I will push back a little bit on some of the other comments regarding protein. I'm a vegetarian who is trying to build muscle and I get a ton of protein from various sources (I also learned how to make my own Seiten which was a huge boost). Point is, you can make it work no matter what you're doing IMO.
Hi Sean, thanks for your supportive words "I firmly believe everyone should be allowed to make the choices that feel best for them because you know your body better than anyone. " I am glad to hear that you are feeling well on a vegetarian diet and I wish you continued good health!!!
Your posts give thoughtful suggestions and good recipes. I am glad your dietary lifestyle is working for you. We can all learn from each other and decide for ourselves, the best approach. Kudos, Joan
Thank you 🩷
I have gone vegetarian (not vegan) for long periods of time in my life and have just decided to do that again, being newly widowed. (My husband was a carnivore and for shalom bayit, I ate meat for the years we were married.) My plan at this time is to include fish in my diet, as well as eggs and dairy. That's not really vegetarian, but I think it will be healthy and pleasing to HaShem. I am also working on mussar and hope that it will be a complimentary practice.
Beautiful plan and I like how its flexible. I hope it makes you feel well!
Hi Kenden, well said and I hope you begin to feel better soon. As a vegan myself, I’d love to hear more about your transition back to eating meat, eggs and such and whether it’s helpful to you. I’d do exactly the same if need be!
I feel great! This transition happened in 2021 so its been awhile now. My transition started with eggs and fish and then I started eating beef and lamb. I feel so much better. I started focusing on macros in 2021 - to get my protein and fat to a more balanced place and it worked like magic for me. I totally respect that you are vegan and if that works then its good! The main thing is to listen to your body!
Hurrah for you, flexible thinking is so important.