Why Can’t We Be Friends: Low Carb Veganism in a High Carb World

When I initially started this site, I imagined it to be a bit more of a blog format that also had informative posts. Somehow, I eventually got the idea into my head that people don’t want to read blog posts and sort of stopped that side of things. However, I’ve realized lately that there still isn’t a very loud voice for low carb vegans (or keto vegans) in the world today, and that maybe blogging isn’t such a bad outlet…

Anywho, I casually browse Reddit, and watch videos on YouTube for recipe ideas and just general vegan and health information. It’s always fun to discover a new product or recipe, or a new trick for a common ingredient (aqua faba, anyone?). In fact, I usually enjoy reading other vegan blogs, or watching videos on YouTube, even if it’s a high carb low fat vegan. While I’m not really a fan of this lifestyle for myself, I always like seeing what other people eat in a day, or what pretty looking fruit bowls they can come up with.

There are a few things that have been bumming me out a bit lately, though. Well, one thing  – why do we have to judge each other for the macronutrient profile that makes us feel the best? What am I talking about? I was browsing Reddit and noticed that some vegan high schooler who still lived at home mentioned that their parents believed in a ketogenic diet and were concerned about carbs and were urging OP* to try out a keto or low carb diet. Understandable OP was a little apprehensive, as keto is a predominantly meat-based diet, and asked the r/vegan community for advice.

So, what was the response? Overwhelmingly, comments mentioned that OP should ignore their parents, that their parents were stupid and that you absolutely need lots of carbs all the time to function. Here’s the problem with all of that: no one knows the full story. OP still lives at home and is a minor, and it seems needlessly inflammatory to incite that level of discord in a household without knowing any information. Further, to insist that one macronutrient profile is better than another for all individuals, no matter what underlying health issues they may have, or no matter how their body processes carbohydrates is reckless and not-at-all constructive.

Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident. There is this My Way Or The Highway mindset that seems to exist in veganism today (ever watch vegan YouTubers?), that completely ignores the most important factor: everyone is on the same team. We’re all trying to live more sustainibly, and eliminate (or even cut down on) animal products. Whether you eat only bananas and dates, or only avocados and Oreos – you’re on the same side.

Vegans are often ignored or maligned by mainstream society for being too intense and judgmental of others and their lifestyles. When we engage in behaviors that belittle or somehow make another vegans choices seem “less than” our own, not only does it alienate a large portion of our community, but it frankly makes veganism unappealing to the rest of the world.

Instead, we should focus on the common points in our lifestyles. Whether you’re on “Banana Island,” or practicing vegan keto, you’re both actively choosing a lifestyle that reduces suffering, and brings about a healthy change in your bodies. Why not be supportive and more inclusing in our ideas about what constitutes “proper” veganism? Dragging each other down isn’t constructive, and only hurts the community as a whole.

Remember – at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter how you practice veganism, or vegetarianism, or whatever way you choose to lessen animal cruelty, and make a positive impact in the world, so much as the simple fact that you are making a positive impact on the world!

*OP = original poster 🙂