All the best Alex! I have struggled with some of the problems you described as well and can relate 100%. I know how frustrating, conflicted, and disempowering it feels. Give yourself permission to focus on yourself. Get better above all else. You have done so much good for the world, now give yourself the same kindness.
Hello Alex, thank you for opening up about this topic. I totally understand where you're coming from. I've been vegan for over 7 years now. The only time I questioned veganism was when my IBS symptoms were so bad that there were very few foods I could eat without causing a reaction. I had been through a stressful and emotional period then so I knew that is what caused the IBS to get so bad. Yet, I was still wondering, as a last option, if eating animal products would somehow relieve it. I didn't quite get to that point but the contemplation was there. It took me a while, through medical help, dieticians and relaxing more (with meditation and walking a lot) that I was able to see improvements and eventually eat properly again. I still have issues from time to time but it's not as bad as it was. A healthy advocate is a better advocate. I hope your issues become more manageable and you can thrive. Maybe you can go back to plant-based once you're in a better place. The door isn't closed. I wish you all the best, Alex! Take care.
I have IBS and many issues digesting plant based foods. I push through. I push through even if it could endanger my life because it's not about me it's about the animals. There's never a good excuse.
@@rootwo6772 With a strong will, the mind can usually prevail over matter. It is an accomplishment so long as it doesn't feed the ego. The Buddha, as a mendicant, did not reject an offering from any follower merely because it was meat although he consumed only a meagre quantity. His life was dedicated to teaching the masses his way to liberation. Millennia before his time, there were hermits who lived on nothing other than nature - dried plant matter. They believed it was an essential austerity to purifying their Karma. I believe the Buddha was a model in being not attached nor obsessed nor fastidious on food when there is a higher purpose in life.
I respect you a lot for your honesty. It’s very difficult to own up to mistakes and to change your mind on something you were very sure about in the past. Good for you for not being pressured into sharing details of your personal life when you don’t want to. Best of luck to you, especially with your health.
I remember watching Alex's speech at a veganism festival where he called out Sam Harris for exactly the same reasons Alex is not a vegan today. He wasn't charitable to Sam and his health reasons for Sam not being a vegan. That video is no longer available on YT. Anywho, I wish you the best and thank you for the positive effect you have had on my and my friends' lives.
@@mariolis he's still extremely wrong (especially claiming that anything that is found in animal foods can be obtained from plants) and has a long way to go
@@mariolis How was he wrong? He was not. He is wrong now and that is why he "presumably" deleted this video. In other occasions where he was actually wrong about something and changed his mind he didn't delete the video where he was wrong.
Hey Alex, you mentioned struggling to get a sufficient amount of calories and veganism aside, here's something that helped me. I have an eating disorder and for long periods have also had days where I was eating, as you said, 0-700 calories. Meal replacement drinks such as Soylent or Huel were helpful for me as it allows you to drink several hundred calories very quickly and as a nice bonus they are also vegan. Also, making smoothies with things like protein powder/banana/peanut butter. Not gonna comment on anything else here just wanted to leave this here in case anyone finds it helpful.
I switched primarily to Soylent from a diet of microwavable pizzas and burritos about a year ago. I eat it for 90% of my food, and do appreciate that its vegan though I am not.
I have always struggled to attain the recommended minimum BMI with my high metabolism. Your advice to drink your calories is a good one, based on my experience, and Dr. Greger's video on the subject on the Nutritionfacts YT channel and his site. I use a lot of peanutbutter powder as a type of protein drink, and used 1-2 fruit and protein smoothies a day to allow me to reach the minimum BMI goal on a vegan compatible diet. Resistance training also helps since it leads to muscle gains instead of unhealthy fat gains. It also improves the appetite without burning excessive calories. Trail mix (including dates) helps too as a calorically dense, healthy snack.
Of course, I can't comment on how appropriate this would be for Alex's particular life situations, but meal replacement drinks or bars were the first thing that came to mind when he spoke about getting the calories or nutrition in his difficult circumstances. I don't have have the time or energy to cook breakfast in the morning most days, so I bring a Soylent with me to work. I want to empathize with Alex, but it's hard for me to envision a scenario where he couldn't think just a bit more outside of the box to keep it practical for himself.
It will probably trigger the poor man’s IBS. I come from an indian vegetarian background which I had to give up because anything vegetarian aside from nuts gives me the runs.
I’m really sorry for all you’re going through personally, be it a result of health issues and social media. Feel better Alex! Thanks for all the thought provoking content and for always advocating for reasoning, tolerance and kindness!
I also have severe IBS and gluten intolerance (not allergy). When you convinced me to go vegan, I talked to my doctor, who referred me to a nutricianist because I already was struggling with eating healthy. After some attempts and an overall increase in some areas of my health, my nutricianist quickly asked me to compromise my veganism and switch over to a pescatarian diet: seafood and animal products, but no non-seafood animal meat. Much like you, the limits of my lifestyle and work prevent me from being around a kitchen to cook, so I often have to rely on frozen dinners, veggies and fruits. I also suffer from mental health issues, so it is much more crucial that my diet help me function daily. Ultimately, I still hope to one day become full vegan, but until then, I'm not. It kinda feels validating to see you join me, albeit in a selfish way. I wish you the best!
@@tradehut2782 - If I had the money to afford fish every day, I'd be set for life, honestly. Lol In other words, you can rest easy knowing fish is only once or twice a week, when I do eat it. I mostly stick with seafood in general.
I was a strict vegan for a long time, but now I consume some fish and pasture raised eggs, if they're certified humane. I feel weird about it sometimes, but I feel a bit healthier.
@@lisao6928 If you cared about health and ethics, you'd just eat bivalves. Eggs and fish are a bs cogdis you convince yourself of that you're being ethical when those are some of the most harm-causing foods out there.
I won't pretend it was not disheartening. You were possibly the main reason I went vegan. Even though I always valued your content on phylosophical matters more, the cognitive dissonance video really spoke to me. I was angry for a moment, but I knew it wouldn be wise to write anything with emotions being the main factor driving me. And here I am. Where I stand now is that I am still grateful you helped me make the change. Because all your previous arguments still make sense. And I feel sorry for you having sort of explain yourself here. Must be tough. Take care Alex.
What’s more disheartening are the disgusting comments the vegans sent to Alex. They’re on the same level as the radical religious people and ironically, most vegans are atheists.
I went from vegetarian to vegan in 2020 due to Alex O'Connor. But that's ok, Alex. You may have reverted on your position but I am going strong. I am a pharmacist and pursuing medicine, I have taken graduate level biochemistry (I feel fairly knowledgeable in biochemical and physiological processes), and my partner and I are doing the same without animal products (and have been for years) - no food items, no feathers, no wool, etc. It is possible, numerous clinical studies show the benefits nutritionally, and good luck with your IBS.
I really admire your honesty Alex! I’m not a vegan but in watching your videos I have drastically cut down my consumption of animal products. I now will often times choose vegan or vegetarian options at restaurants. At home I have started experimenting with cooking tasty food that is totally vegan. You were the main influence for these changes in my lifestyle, so thank you!
Same here. I’ve cut WAY back on my animal product consumption, in large part because of his advocacy. I’ve never heard of any of the people attacking him now. They are only hurting their cause, pushing away possible converts. That’s what fundamentalism can do.
I think it's important not to think in absolutes here. If everyone drastically reduced their consumption of meat, the total amount of animal suffering would plummet. Of course, our ultimate goal is to reduce unnecessary animal suffering to the lowest level possible, but taking meaningful steps towards that goal is admirable in and of itself.
@@mikolmisol6258 If serial killers decided to half the number of people they murder, there would be less murder in the world. Does that somehow make it ethical?
@@UraniumFractal not at all, but it would be a better world nonetheless. From a practical point of view, gradual change is the way it's going to work for most people. Patience, compassion and being welcoming: That is how to make people feel open to changing. Thinking in absolutes is how you scare them away and make us seem like a cult. You are vegan because of your compassion. It can be immensely frustrating to see people seemingly intentionally not getting the point, but I promise compassion is again your best friend.
@@agentdarkboote We don’t coddle and sympathise with serial killers than ‘only’ kill 2 or 3 people. If someone is doing something immoral, they have no justification to act offended when someone calls them out on their bullshit.
As a vegetarian, and on again off again, vegan for the last 25 years, I can understand where you're coming from. The times that I slip back to eating cheese or breakdown and say "OK I'll have the pancakes, even though they have eggs in them" are almost inevitably times when the rest of my life is overwhelming me. My unsolicited advice is to do the best you can to do the least harm you can. If that means falling off the wagon for a while, then don't let that stop you from climbing back on when you are ready. Be as kind to yourself and others as you can.
@@Rezc0 eating eggs and fish isnt vegan. Thats the point. People claim vegan and they’ve been eating fish eggs milk for years. Long term vegans dont exist. Hence why people quit
@@Black-Circle I haven't eaten meat in 25 years. My wife hasn't eaten meat in 35 years. I stopped eating eggs and cheese regularly about 7 years ago and will occasionally will have a slice of pizza or pancakes when I am eating out and there is no vegan alternatives. I know plenty of 25year+ vegans who are far stricter than I.
@@macrumpton thats not vegan tho. I highly doubt you are strong and muscley. More likely frail and grey hair grey skin. Lying about your health as well
This was obviously a painful moment for you. Proud of your honesty and continued compassion. Whatever happens, you’re greatly appreciated by many, and it’s good that you’re staying healthy.
It was right not to give too many personal details. People won’t always treat sensitive info sensitively so that was a smart move. You have my support Alex.
@@elijahp9424 "did he consult a medical doctor, yes or no?" If yes, then everyone would have been more understanding. If no, then he has shown how he himself is not as logical as he likes to claim. We don't need to know who the doctor was or for what specific medical condition, just that he actually sought professional expert advice. But sure, he doesn't share that with his audience, it sure would help his credibility in other matters.
@@joshwarrey3728 His medical history is private, and you are not entitled to it. If she wants to share his medical history, he can do that but not everybody feels comfortable doing the style.
@@palesgensler3099 we don't need to know his medical history. Knowing that he sought medical advice is not the same as knowing his medical history. Stop making strawman. You do know that his argument for veganism was "extraordinary harm requires extraordinary justification". So far, he has no extraordinary justification presented. Convenience is not an extraordinary justification.
The entire point of understanding what we "should" do is also about understanding what we "can" do. So I hope you are able to grow and progress without being too hard on yourself. Thanks for your videos and perspectives!
This isn't about what Alex could - or could not do. He had literally a top patreon supporter that is a meal-planning expertise plant-based nutritionist. If Alex wanted to - he would. He just didn't want to. The problem is putting "practability" as a need. It wasn't a need, but a want. Alex doesn't oppose the killing, abuse and exploit of non-human animals.
It's pretty selfish for vegans who don't have health issues to speak so aggressively to a man who's so kind to them and clearly caring to as many as possible. You can't please everyone and honestly, philosophy can break the mind sometimes. It put me further into depression, when I realised that being fixed on philosophy was harming me I took a step back, I really don't understand why this is so controversial for him to do
@@veryfitting It's also pretty selfish to kill sentient beings and eat their flesh because you are too "mentally ill" to seek help for your diet problems.
@@davidgomes4383 The meal planner can’t account for IBS or IBD flare ups no matter how hard they try - they’d have to systematically go through each food type for multiple weeks at a time to test which foods triggered inflammation. Coupled with how mental health severely affects likelihood of flare ups, it’s very difficult as someone who does eat plant based and has Ulcerative Colitis to be callous to his suffering. Meal planners can help with, but by the nature of what Alex said - it screamed eating disorder to me. Restrictive diets are detrimental to people with eating disorders - inherently so. I would seriously reconsider the position you have out of empathy for people with eating disorders, Bowel Diseases and for general mental health issues
Alex, you were one of the clearer voices that helped me process my thoughts and feelings when I was deconstructing. Coming out of religion, I started to notice lots of patterns in all sorts of ideologies. I would say when I deconstructed, your content helped me deconstruct from ideology itself rather than one specific religion. Though I’m not a vegan myself, I really felt it when you said you hoped people wouldn’t view veganism differently because of the vitriol that you have received. I felt it because for a long time, I’ve been noticing that the types of groups who advocate their righteousness the loudest, also have some of the most insidious and despicable behavior saved for the people who don’t “toe the line”. The very people who claim to be the most caring, often have the most potent venom made special for the ones who deviate in their eyes. For me, I can look past that and take the arguments for veganism on their own merit. Im glad you have the wisdom to minimize suffering in a way that includes yourself too. To have a perfect moral compass when talking about when it’s ok to eat animal products to stay alive and healthy, we would need a perfect understanding of consciousness and nutrition. I just hope we can all stumble forward together in a more healthy way where we treat eachother with respect first, then extend that respect to every living thing. Cheers man ❤
Three quick things in response to your comment: 1) kudos on a thoughtful compassionate response to a thoughtful compassionate honest human being wrestling with the difficulty of setting positive standards for themselves and experiencing the reality that people can’t always / don’t always meet those standards 2) I think there is something quite important in the observation you make about the venom of the (often self-proclaimed) ‘morally superior’ and the patterns of human behaviour in tribes defined by religious or other ideologically purity.. it’s a dangerous and damaging pattern that needs to be observed and called out more. 3) I think the original phrase is “toe the line” - worth a quick Wikipedia look - I think it’s from being ordered to stand exactly behind a line; thought you’d like to know. I guess you maybe live near a river/lake? Funny how phrases have different meanings to people depending on experience - I was discussing more “strings to a bow” with a musician friend and he said it should be “hairs” (thinking of instrument bows) whereas I thought it was bows as in bows-and-arrows.. I haven’t looked up who’s ’right’ - both are interesting imho. (P.s hope all well in your world, good luck with your guitar videos they deserve more views)
@@drmartinbartosHey thanks for the kind words. I did a quick search on that phrase and I think “toe” is what I meant. Guess I had some image of a bunch of people pulling on a rope really hard and one person decides not to and gets dirty looks 🤣 English is fun.
@@drmartinbartos Remind me where thoughtful compassion is in throwing another innocent living being into a hell hole slaughterhouse? You clowns are like necrotic flesh. Like what you eat.
Thank you so much for being so open and honest. I found myself in a similar situation after three years of being vegan (and absolutely loving it) after gallbladder removal surgery. I became unable to digest fruits, vegetables, or legumes without having to rush to a bathroom. I had to give up my vegan diet and I literally hate it. I'm stuck and it sucks. I don't want to eat animal products but I can't eat much else without having issues. I miss veganism and I try from time to time and I always end up very sick (due to my inability to digest most foods and newly diagnosed IBS) I sincerely hope you find a balance that supports your gut health better ❤
Veganism kills more animals usually than eating more carnivore. If I were to only eat beef I'd be responsible for 1-2 lives a year but if I eat all plants it'd be loads more. People who operate those harvesters have shared the extent of all the animals who get killed.
First of all; I hope that your mental and physical health issues get treated well Alex. Your honesty and integrity is appreciated; you made me consider veganism and your latest update does not discourage me at all. Hope you get back on track as soon as possible, best wishes and all the support!
As someone who gave him lots of hate because he is directly causing the mass suffering of hundreds of thousands by using his platform so recklessly I stand by every characterization. Hope he decided to evolve a moral compass or concern for others outside of himself someday. Thank you for featuring my comment Alex!
@@praxisdragon Would you have him no longer be vegan and not saying anything about it? Perhaps that's the right thing to do from a utilitarian perspective but it think most vegans are more deontologists
I was vegetarian for 5 years before turning pescatarian for two years. I then went back to being veggie but honestly feeling a little bit jaded with the whole thing. Content like yours and earthling Ed's helped not only to renew my conviction but also to take the further step to veganism. You are young: I have no doubt that with your curiosity and conscientiousness you will continue to explore this issue and eventually find your own convictions renewed. These things can sometimes take time. I too was very strong in my views early on, and learned from this as well.
@@themudpit621 No judgement from me. I refer to his convictions because in his community post he says this "For quite some time I have been re-evaluating my ethical position on eating animals". I know that in this video he focuses more on the health issues associated with his diet, but I think the two things are related. And he appears to give no definitive renunciation of veganism here, thus leaving the door open for a possible change again.
All the vitriol you got is messed up. Big time! I'm vegan, I've been vegan for 5 years, also a bodybuilder which means I play nutrition on "very hard" and as you, I have gastrointestinal issues that precede veganism. I have allergies that force me from time to time to do an elimination diet of an already vegan diet, which is getting from "very hard" to "nightmare mode" but I do it, and not once did I ever though about giving up on animals. More so, I also competed and achieved great results against people with no limitations. I certanly don't see the reason in your decision, but never the less, how people tribalised on this issue is just sad. You could and still can solve whatever problem you have within the confinements of the vegan diet. I would never abandon a cause I believe in for trivial reasons. You issue is not new, you had it before, it's not because the the vegan diet, therefore it's ilogic to come back to something that didn't work in the past. A fodmap diet or an elimination diet is not exclusive to the carnivore diet. You can experiment within the vegan diet and win this, as I do! Cheers mate! Hope you get better! 🤜🏼🤛🏼
As many have already stated, our viewpoints are very different; but I am always excited when you upload because you are so genuine. I really learn a lot from listening to your perspectives. You have my support & I hope you are able to focus on healing whatever struggles you alluded to in this video.
Alex, Thank you for the video and explanation. First, I want to say that I sympathize with your health issues, both physical and mental. Second, I want to reiterate what you said, that there is no excuse for extreme reactions, such as wishing you bad things. Such reactions are unfortunately not unique to vegans. If you decide to become Christian tomorrow, or support certain politicians, you'd get similar reactions. As much as we'd like to think of ourselves as rational beings, we behave emotionally. This is exactly why I waited a few days for my anger to go away before making my video about you, where I also mentioned that I know you didn't say veganism isn't nutritionally adequate. A perspective I'm offering here is about practicability. Practicability goes hand in hand with self-discipline and resilience and how strongly one holds on to their values. The threshold that separates practical vs not practical depends on one's commitment. Talking about practicability, is veganism as easy as not being vegan? Of course not. Not yet. There were many instances where I went to a birthday party and the cake wasn't vegan and I had to refuse to eat. For some people this can be already too much, and impractical! Or times where I went to a nonvegan restaurants with colleagues and my options were limited. Sometimes as everyone else would just go to any restaurant and mindlessly put products obtained from harming animals in the worst imaginable ways in their mouth, I have to google and find vegan friendly restaurants. If I want to not support harming and killing animals, I have to go an extra mile. It's not fair. But I also think what animals go through is not fair! It's definitely easier to litter and trash anywhere than to walk around and find a trash bin. The more one cares about not trashing, the more they're willing to walk to find a bin. So I 100% agree with you. I also acknowledge that for people with conditions and diseases it might be even more challenging to be vegan. I know people who are vegan while being allergic to nuts or soy or suffering from celiac disease. Even when we go to a vegan restaurant their options are limited. But they figured it out. It certainly take a lot more for them to be vegan than me. So I want to be very clear, that by no means I mean your situation is easy. The perspective I'd like to offer is to compare the inconvenience with what animals go through. I don't know about you, but for me, unless someone imprisons me, takes away my freedom and bodily autonomy, and cuts my head off, things we do to all animals eventually, be it "happy" farms or factory farms, being vegan seems easier. Simply put, it's always easier (or more manageable) for us to be vegan than for an animal to get killed. We can always plan better and find a way. Animals don't get that chance. I know you know this! The solution I kindly offer, is to talk to a plant-based dietician or physicians. One of the best gastroenterologists I know actually lives in the UK, certified in both Gastroenterology and General Internal Medicine, who did his specialist training in Oxford. He is a full-time NHS Consultant and a plant-based doctor, and a published author in the field of bowel diseases. I would be more than happy to connect you. Rationally speaking, there is a problem here: it is very difficult for you to be vegan. Now the solution could be going back to not being vegan, or it could be to find a way to make it work, such that you can take care of your health, and live according to your values. Like I mentioned in my last email, becoming a youtuber wasn't easy. You didn't let lack of having good equipment or any other obstacle stop you! Don't tell me it was easy to get 0.5M subscribers. In fact, I argue that for many people it's impractical! It doesn't mean it's impossible. It means that they find it too hard and they give up. You didn't. So why not treating veganism, where your decisions literally dictate who lives and who dies, with the same seriousness and dedication? Why not at least trying to talk to a plant-based physician, take their recommendations, see how you feel, before deciding to going back to your other diet? (For those reading this who don't know, an average physician gets virtually no education on nutrition, diet, and lifestyle changes for preventing and reversing diseases, which is why one would need to talk to a physicians or registered dietician who is educated on plant based nutrition) This might be in fact a great opportunity, because in your own words, the other diet doesn't seem healthy, and might have caused inflammation to begin with (I have actually worked on drug development for inflammatory diseases). Nonetheless, we have to make sure you are ok, and that you receive the best advice and care possible. You can count on my help if there's ever anything I can do to make your life better. Hope that you feel better, and I hope that we find a way to make sure both you and animals are not harmed!
@@maomao180 basically he has to be on his death bed before he can eat animals again, why does it have to get to that stage. Utter nonsense if you ask me
I have been a vegan for nearly forty years, that said, I appreciate your honesty and candor. You remain a person I have a lot of respect for and I wish you all the best...struggle means we are living life to the fullest, I do believe.
as someone with food allergies and IBS who is only able to manage being vegetarian, something i always appreciated in your vegan content was your frequent acknowledgement of the existence of circumstances that could make veganism unattainable. you always exercised empathy towards people with dietary restrictions - an empathy that contrasts the vitriol i've had other vegans give me. i hope some of these people find the same empathy for you. look after yourself and thank you for your honesty.
@@joshwarrey3728 most vegans are able to get protein and iron from nuts and wheat-based sources, while i cannot. chickpeas and beans (and other legumes) are great options i enjoy frequently, but the fact of the matter is i was informed by my doctor that a vegan diet would not be sustainable for me. i also cannot get zinc, magnesium, or calcium from nut-based sources the way many vegans can. most vegan food options carry a 'may contain nuts' warning which - as someone anaphylactic - i must avoid. i wish i didn't have to eat eggs and dairy and feel immensely guilty every time i do, hence why i try to use substitutes where i can (e.g i use oat milk and eat vegan chocolate). you'll probably try to tell me otherwise, but i know from the struggles i've had transitioning to even just a vegetarian diet that veganism would harm my health greatly. attacking people like me does nothing to progress the vegan movement. i love animals just as much as you and encourage everyone to make more ethical choices
@@anka9405 The minerals you mentioned are very inexpensive to take as vegan friendly supplements if you are unable to obtain the amount you need from your day to day diet. Whether you choose to transition to a fully plant based diet or not, it is a good option to have access to.
@@thesayerofing it is a great option! i take supplements daily and was already taking prescribed iron supplements prior to going vegetarian. i take vegan friendly omega 3 tablets to enable me to function without fish in my diet too :)
@@anka9405 Hi, I'm just wondering... If you eat legumes frequently, why do you think you need to supplement iron or zinc? Is it just nuts you're struggling with? Why do you take nutrition advice from your doctor? Most doctors have no clue about nutrition, since they get little to no training on it. If all you need to avoid is wheat and nuts, you still have plenty of options.
sorry to hear you haven't been well, sincerely wishing you good physical and mental health! I hope to see you continue to advocate for reasonable treatment of all life forms on this earth. You never know what the future holds. - from someone whose been vegan for 10+ years
Hey Alex, your meat eaters guide to veganism video introduced me to veganism whereas I otherwise was predisposed against it. I appreciate your transparency with this video and all the content you have put out over the years. Thank you.
This is the opposite of transparency. He's willing to bring up IBS as a vague suggestion of why he "can't" be vegan, but all of a sudden it becomes "private" before he gets to actually explaining why that prevents him from being vegan, which is the only reason he supposedly brought it up in the first place? How does that seem honest or open to anyone?
As someone diagnosed with Crohn's (IBD), I can totally empathize with you. It's rare to see a big youtuber discuss their gut issues. Thank you for being so open and honest. I hope you're doing well.
Thank you for being open about your struggles and for being brave enough to share this. It would have been easier to have just never posted about this change in the first place, but you made the hard decision to not live your life as a hypocrite. As a Christian, I often disagree with the content in your videos, but I respect you so much as a person. And you being willing to work through this publicly rather than living your life as a hypocrite makes me respect you that much more!
And putting the animals’ lives a much more significant second place, which unfortunately in this analogy, happens to be an utterly unnecessary battle royale of species.
Alex's content has been the ONLY thing that has made me shift more toward a plant-based diet. As always, it is fact and philosophy based, without being preachy. I would love to see a poll on the channel to see how many people have experienced this type of change because of Alex. What he does for his own health won't change the mountain of information on the topic that he has given me.
Too bad it's all lies. Not that Alex is lying, I think he's a very honest person from the way he handled this, but the studies are all lies. He's repeating cleverly devised falsehoods. Plants are generally and overwhelmingly indigestible to humans. Many of the nutrients they claim to have cannot be absorbed because of insoluble fiber, oxilates and defense chemicals. Plants do not want to be eaten, and they cannot run away, unlike animals. So they have anti-nutrients which stop you from digesting them. Leafy greens are a particularly ridiculous proposition. Ruminants eat leaves. They have four stomachs. We have one. They clearly have the tracts to digest the leaves and greenery, we do not. (A huge part of the reason humans developed IBS, but since we're so conditioned against thinking plants could be the problem because we've been told countless times they're healthy, Alex cannot see this is indeed the cause of IBS, and a host of other autoimmune disorders) That's why all those nutrients they claim to have, are absorbed by the animal and then we eat the animal. This makes the nutrients extremely bioavailable to us, which they absolutely are not in plants. And by the way, there is no environmental argument for veganism. It's all lies too. Traditional regenerative farming fixes all the problems with modern industrial animal raising. And monocrop farming for pesticide laden, phytoestrogen-filled non-human food, displaces and kills untold numbers of animals. Permanently, mind you. Regenerative farming let's wildlife live in it's natural habitat.
Veganism doesn't work for me either, but I don't think that should change anyone else's outlook on their diet if it's working for them. Not being universally applicable doesn't constitute any serious threat to the actual philosophy of veganism, imo. You do you!
Hey Alex, I’m glad you expounded on this and I’d like to add to the people that became vegan with your help. I’m not angry at you, though I am hopeful you’ll be able to switch back fully at some point. I have Crohn’s disease and thankfully my plant based diet has been a benefit to my health, fitting easily enough into my lifestyle too. I know very damn well what you mean about toilet urgency and the anxiety that comes with that. A reminder for you, that even if you’re unable to be 100% plant based yourself, your advocacy has been a massive net positive for animal justice worldwide. I hope you are able to ignore the hateful vitriol. You’ve just made yourself a very visible target for a small, very loud, and frankly delusional minority of people. You’ve also helped me deconstruct my toxic Christian faith, which I cannot thank you enough for. I was a big fan before, and I’ll be a big fan going forward. Thanks Alex
I have always found the value of your channel to be the well-reasoned and supported positions you present or discuss. I think you are showing that same value here, by explaining your position and showing your work. It also takes quite a bit of courage to publicly announce a change, in any direction, around such a contentious issue. I wish you the best and look forward to your next video!
maybe I'm missing but how has he provided justification or support for his belief. In fact he obviously contradicts himself multiple times by saying that he believes one can get a perfectly nutritionally complete diet while being vegan and also acknowledging that harming animals is wrong and that they have moral worth. So hes essentially admitting he doesnt think its worth his time to figure it out. curious what your thoughts are? (edit - typo)
Huge respect for your authenticity. Your videos have had a great impact on my thinking and what I appreciate the most is your ability to be honest to yourself and always question everything. Most importantly, that is what I can find from this video as well. I will continue following your content and wish you all the best.
I have also suffered from ibs for most of my life, in a way that sounds very similar to you. I wouldn’t go anywhere without a toilet and was constantly suspicious of any tiny feeling in my stomach in case it was a sign of an attack coming on. My gastroenterologist described my case as ‘refractory’. In fact, long before I was vegan he made a point of recommending that I never go on a plant-based diet because it would make me feel worse. Luckily, when I did decide to go vegan almost three years ago, my symptoms decreased dramatically. It’s not completely gone, but it doesn’t rule my life in the same way. I’m so sorry that it couldn’t be the same for you, because ibs is such a painful and distressing condition when it’s severe. I hope you find a way to manage it.
I appreciate the level of understanding demonstrated here. Someone with your personal history could've just as well blamed him for not doing what you could. Thanks for showing compassion, especially in an environment where it's so easy to attack people.
Same case here, and also a huge improvement from eating a whole plant based diet, but then everyone is different and also it takes a bit of time getting adjusted to it, reading the right books and learning how to cook. I feel very compassionate about him and really hate some people being so awful about this
@@flutiyama Why the fuck do you morons keep talking about compassion? Do we have to roll some slaughterhouse footage to remind you of how absolutely clownish you look right now? What does it take to get you to keep quiet?
He will never be a better person than you, sure, you can try but you can only be human. No more, no less. Now go be happy. Try your best to live or die trying.
I have followed you for many years. I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling physically and mentally. Please take care of yourself. Those who are bringing down the proverbial hammer on you don’t represent the majority of us who love and respect you, no matter where you come out on this issue.
He's hurting people because it's not easy not to. I can love and respect him while still thinking that's a messed-up thing to do. He's sick, in one way or another, and needs help, not vitriol. But he's causing others pain and suffering, knowingly and avoidably, and I simply cannot excuse that as if no-one is getting hurt. The separation of his system of philosophy from his lived life is an indication that something has gone wrong. He seems to want to keep his philosophy while living contrary to it. This is definitely a "let he without sin cast the first stone" situation. I bought Cheetos after deciding I would eat a vegan diet. I think most of us have realized that something we've been consuming after we became vegan had something non-vegans in it. None of us are perfect. We've all made mistakes. The question is how best to respond. Vitriol is unlikely to help. If we look at it consequentially, what option of response ought we pick? I'd like to propose we organize a fund to pay for the purchase and delivery of a full vegan diet to Cosmic Skeptic, to both let him know he's loved and to help him live as he would wish he could, according to the philosophy he himself has articulated. I believe this represents the best possible outcome. Rather than knock him down, let's hold him up.
@@RandomAmbles Pretty sure he's more than fine financially. He also has nutritionists and a vegan doctor among his patreons and youtube friends. Given his incomplete and reactionary (focusing on the minority of bad vegans instead of engaging with the good ones) public statement and his more recent behavior (even just talking to someone like the Peterson daughter), chances are he's just never asked for help on this matter.
Hey Alex, I'm sorry to hear about the death threats you received from your community post. That public hanging comment is insane! Clearly, many of those people have their own issues that they need to deal with, even though it's probably near impossible for some of them to ever address their mental health challenges. Personally, I mostly align with Vegan Footsoldier's views on this matter from the video he recently made in response to your video here. I'm glad you can handle the hate though. If you're interested, I have some useful resources in the description of my intro video on my channel that I've been writing&compiling over the 10 years. Also on a different note, I'd like to recommend some of my talks on TH-cam that I did with others, which are not about veganism, but cover even more important issues that I think you'd benefit from learning about. Cheers!
Hey Alex. I want to start by saying I hope you get through whatever mental issues you're dealing with. As someone with IBD (ulcerative colitis), I understand first hand how mental issues can lead to a vicious cycle with these diseases. With that out of the way I want to thank you for all the engaging entertainment you've brought me over the last year. You've made me think about things I had never thought about before. I believe it was your "The Absolute Worst of Cognitive Dissonance" video that first got me to reconsider vegansim. Truly since watching that video, I've been heavily considering the possibility of veganism and often have felt a moral obligation to do so. This discussion has further challenged me. The next time I visit my GI doctor, I'm going to ask him about swapping to a plant based or at least plant focused diet. In particular I would like to cut off the major factory farmed products, namely beef, pork, poultry, and dairy. I hope you will continue to discuss veganism and your relationship with it in the future, but I understand if you wish to remain silent about it given the threats made against you. Either way I'll be looking forward to whatever comes next. Best wishes. Update: Don't know if anyone will actually read this, but as of April 2024 I've been vegan for 1 month. Nothing crazy, and I put it off a lot longer than I planned initially, but thats me. Anyway, I was just going to try it for a month but after seeing how easy it was to go vegan, I'm thinking of sticking with it long term. I definitely get cravings now and then, but after learning about what vegan options I had and giving them a try, it was pretty easy to just keep choosing those options. Big thanks to reddit and the internet in general as I know literally 0 vegetarians or vegans so figuring out what I could and couldn't eat was a bit of a challenge at first.
I really wish I had been more aware of the many things that contributed to flare ups from ulcerative colitis. Doctors would just tell me to simply stop using ibuprofen. My condition only got worse resulting in the removal of my entire large intestine. For years I've felt alone in my struggles and to see Alex speak about himself having a similar condition and reading your comment I am crying. Thank you and Alex
@Tionna Williams You're not alone in the slightest 💗 I've got problems with my small intestine. @ShayShitsInTheBag is a great person to follow for content relating to GI issues. They are definitely is great for feeling less alone.
I have Crohn’s and, if I’m being honest, I would advise against a vegan diet. It’s not healthy for you long-term (or more specifically, it isn’t conducive to brain health). Although, for short and medium term intervals it can actually significantly improve and reverse certain ailments like heart disease and diabetes. That being said, many of the nutrients you will need to consume are often foods that will likely irritate your illness and the sheer QUANTITY you will have to consume every day is just really dangerous for someone with intestinal issues. I used to be vegan years ago and was told by my doctor that it could kill me and I had to stop. But then again, Crohn’s is pretty severe compared to IBS so you may not have the same obstacles. Just remember your health comes first.
@@tionnawilliams1593 Oh G-d I can relate to that. Took so much experimenting for me to realize that greens, nuts, and oils are the BIGGEST causes of flare ups for me. Certain things will cause severe bloating as well.
@Emmett DonkeyDoodle Thanks for the advice. I actually have Ulcerative Colitis which presents and has symptoms very similar to Crohn's (just a different part of the intestines being inflamed). I would like to limit my involvement with the wider meat industry mainly so if I so still need to eat meat or diary I would try to source it more ethically.
Compassion and acceptance are some of the keys to moving forward in some things, and granting yourself some compassion is key to moving forward as a human.
Thanks for your honesty and integrity Alex. I truly hope you're getting the help and support for your mental health issues. Don't be alone on that journey.
Honesty would also mean telling us what he has been eating exactly. Integrity would mean for him to contact a plant based doctor and make simple adjustments. Integrity would also mean to address the constructive feedback he has received instead of focusing on the insults.
@@benh6737 Honestly it's not anyone's business what he eats, which doctor he sees, or what he focuses on in the comments. Everyone here uses animal products needlessly. No point in having a witch trial just because he is doing what is right for him.
@@janieswanson2549 The only argument you keep on pushing by leaving THOUSANDS of comments on vegan related content, (needless harm) has already been refuted countless times. So, you can cope with whatever narrative fits you the most, i don't really care...
Oh damn, I don't really know what I expected, but this cut close to home for me. I think this is the first time I've ever heard a public facing person describe the same quite embarrassing issues I've dealt with my whole life with IBS. It's only a few years ago that I started being comfortable enough to even talk about it with my closest friends and only then I noticed how insane some of it is - that I've just internalized that it's normal for me to simply go hungry if I'm going to be outdoors with friends cause I don't dare to eat anything if I don't have safe access to a toilet. All of the "oh, it's ok, I'm not hungry" while trying to hide my stomach rumbling. I've learned to breathe through the most horrific of stomach aches while trying to look unfaced cause my social anxiety is not really friends with my IBS... I relate very hard! And I know it's just a comment among others, another profile pic in the crowd, but trying to reach out a virtual hand at least to say thank you for sharing this!
Well, thank YOU for sharing THIS as well, then!! Was not expecting such understanding towards Alex, especially after the initial backlash. Happy to see people acting like this❤️
@@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094 Struggled with that too, was vegan for 2 years a while back, then ran into bunch of unrelated mental health issues including eating disorder. With the mentality of "all or nothing", I kinda gave up on veganism, thinking that if I can't commit to it 100% (and seeing similar reactions like cosmic skeptic has gotten) it doesn't matter and I'm just a bad person so why even bother. Today, I have a more relaxed relationship to it, and would estimate that my diet is ~80% vegan and increasing, which works way better for me. The IBS is pretty much unchanged though, it gets extremely worse with certain foods, but I've never experienced what it's like not to have stomach ache after basically every meal.
@@skabbmask as a fellow IBS sufferer I fully relate. My issue with Alex advocating veganism was because of health problems some people have and they could be made to feel guilty for no fault of their own. I have never been vegan but my diet has always been “almost” vegetarian with a lot of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately some years ago my condition worsened and I developed intolerance to dairy products and most fruits and vegetables. Just eating an orange makes me go to the bathroom. I have tried all sorts of adjustments, but no lasting improvements. Only giving up fruits and vegs (and several other things) seems to work.
@@pansepot1490 I have no issue with advocating veganism, and was actually convinced of the morality of it by Alex (which hasn't changed, and from what I understand, hasn't changed for him either). I feel Rationality Rules (see his video on "why veganism will win in the end" or something like that) have a stronger case for the pragmatic there, but ultimately I can't defend not being vegan on a moral basis. However, I don't see anyone living a 100% consistent ultimate moral life in 100% of all of their aspects of living, it's mainly this that has made me more relaxed with it all - and what I really despise with these vocal aggressive vegans is that they're also doing and supporting immoral things like the rest of us but don't seem to be aware of it, strutting around on their high horses sniffing their own farts spitting in the face of people with real problems. So, you should definitely not feel bad for not being able to live like a ridiculous fantasy-saint :) We're all human! Pick your battles, do what you can, help others, be kind to those who deserve it (and even kinder to those who don't deserve it, it pisses them off so nicely >=)), and stand your ground against the assholes ^^ Really just satanism, haha x)
I suffer from IBD and get the difficulty it causes, especially as it can be so unpredictble. In my case, I've been vegan for 5 years now (vegetarian 10 years before that) and adopting a vegan diet significantly helped reduce the frequency of flare-ups - stress is by far the biggest antagonist for me and studying at uni put my flare-ups into overdrive. I would really suggest seeking professional advice before deciding what a healthly diet for you should look like. We are very fortunate in the UK to have access to a plethora of vegan foods and suppliments, there likely is a way forwad here. No doubt you know this, so best of luck - I genuinely hope you can get the stress levels down.
As a someone who became vegan and realized I have a problem with eating legumes I can sympathize. Luckily in my case its not as bad, it consists mostly of bloating gassiness, tiredness and in extreme cases I even got hives on my whole body (symptoms proportional to how much I eat). I am not eating out much so I was able to circumvent the issue by eating seitan as my main substitute and the occasional slip is not too bad. I hope you still experiment with vegan food and find something that works for you, you might need to avoid certain foods or food groups like me but it still better than the alternative. Of course if that does not work I understand your decision even though I regret the situation is at it is, by no fault of your own if I may add. The truth is life is not perfect and we do the best we can and that means different things for different people.
For me, it's been a matter of going very slowly and my tolerance slowly increased alongside. But the real game changer was starting to take in sauerkraut. I had to start that really slowly as well, but now I'm much more capable of digesting just about anything without having bad symptoms. This leads me to think it was a microbiome issue in my case. It could be worth exploring for yourself as well! It needs to be live culture stuff - expensive from the grocery store but dirt cheap if you make it yourself, and easy to do! Seriously changed my quality of life in my case, so I thought I'd share! (Tim Ferris has a sauerkraut recipe, Google will find that, that's what I use with a few modifications to make it simpler, and at the beginning start with just a forkful per day and slowly increase over the next couple of months. I have heard that 2/3 of a cup per day is the end goal, but I started seeing benefits well before that. Note: I had suspected this for a while, I tried probiotic capsules as well, back before I went vegan I had also tried kefir, but only sauerkraut has had a noticeable positive effect)
As a veggie, I have had problems with bloating (and gas), constipation and fatigue. On the recommendation of a Vegan friend, I have incorporated Kefir Yoghurt, Kimchi and Tempeh in my diet, and this has helped.
The trick to not having gas/bloating after eating legumes is to regularly eat (thoroughly cooked) legumes. The gut microbiome can adjust to diet changes in a matter of ~3 weeks. Thats why the first 2-3 weeks on a proper plant-based diet are always the hardest on your gut because a lot of the micro-organisms in your stomach that break down nutrients are suddenly obsolete, die, and are replaced.
@@agentdarkboote thanks for the reply. I tried fermented foods for a while, maybe ill try again in the future. I also tried eating soy/tofu (and other legumes) for a year and my energy levels were really poor which clearly showed on my running performance. I can explain away all the symptoms to the microbiome/digestion but I can't explain the hives I got that way. I really think its not an issue with getting used to the food but genetic, maybe I'm wrong. Edit: added "(and other legumes)"
Much support to you Alex. The human body is a complex machine and lifestyles are more complex still. I think the key takeaway is empathy towards our fellow man in understanding the difference between the championing of moral causes and self care.
@What About B12? It seems like you’re finding it hard to stand in Alex’s shoes, which I guess makes sense because you’re so used to comically large shoes (and rainbow wigs) Good luck!
I had IBS most of my life as well. Livable on a standard diet. Unbearable during my 18 months vegan. I nearly had to quit my job. Debilitating. Went back to livable after quitting, but worse than previous. The only think that cured it for me is an animal based diet. I've been symptom free for 4 months now. I am amazed how great life can be when your entire brain isn't consumed with where the bathroom is, or whether I can hold in gas when around other people.
Thank you, Alex. Take care of yourself. While I'm a meat eater, I have become aware of the vegan perspective to animal farming and suffering through this recent announcement. It informs me and allows me to participate in social/political discussions with empathy. I subscribe to you for your rational discussion on religion and philosophy. I look forward to your continued thoughtful and fair evaluation of these topics, as on the issues raised by vegans.
Hey Alex, I´m a vegan for over a year now, partly because of your philosophical videos and talks about veganism. I have a great deal of respect for you and i think that i know you enough from watching your videos to know that this wasnt a "just dont wanna anymore" decision. I am a little sad that veganism is not a possible option for you anymore, but i do think that you did (and still do) a great service for veganism. Mental health is so so important, as someone who studies humans physical health, i cant understand how (even med-people) dont grasp the significance of mental health and the according problems. The best wishes from me, to deal with, and eventually overcome your mental and physical health problems. Will still enjoy your content and still recommend it to my friends. Vegans and Non-Vegans alike.
Eating a plant-based diet is not a "possible option" for Alex only because it's too inconvenient, something he complained about a year ago. He was never vegan, not once did he mention the animals in all his excuses.
@@harveyplantharvester1502 Just because his complaint a year ago was that it was inconvenient doesn't mean that this video is complaining the same things. A human being should prioritize their overall health first and foremost before prioritizing the health of animals. Alex was really struggling getting enough to eat at all and his mental health as well as his medical conditions were causing that. That's not a matter of inconvenience.
@@miketunney69420 Plus, millions of animals are murdered from industrial farming of plants. 🤷♀️ It's how the world works, man. Animals kill and eat each other for food, even omnivores.
Stay strong Alex. You've been a major influence in my transition to a plant based diet, so even if couldn't continue with it yourself, I still want to thank you for this wonderful change you've made in my life. I wish you the best Thank you, truly
@@Ashclayton1994 The universal euphemism for "I cant come up with a response so im just going to throw around false accusations of trolling and run away!!!" BTW love the profile pic you use as you defend enslaving those who don't look like you. You're definitely not a clown or anything.
@@DiahRhiaJones do you care about the animals that are indirectly killed due to pest control, habitat loss, being caught up in harvesting machinery and the people in 3rd world countries forced into slave labor to pick the avocados, quinoa and other crops that sustain your vegan diet, or do you only pretend to care about animals as long as the end result of the exploitation is on your plate? There's no such thing as a cruelty free diet under capitalism get of your high horse and stop pretending your own shit dosen't stink
@@Ashclayton1994 Nice level zero anti-vegan tropes. 1. Where are the overwhelming vast majority of crops that are being grown going to again? 2. Theres nothing ethically wrong with protecting food needed for survival, even if it has to be done violently. 3. Since when does avocado = vegan? 4. "There is no such thing as a cruelty free diet" is another meaningless throwaway garbage catchphrase like "there no such thing as ethical consumption". Throwing around that garbage doesn't absolve you of responsibility for tossing a baby cow into a slaughterhouse to have her neck slashed or a pig into a gas chamber because you're a manbaby that can't give up "bacon." 5. Im a vegan, I dont ride horses, dipsht. Though I am an infinitely better person than you are because I dont abuse animals like you do. Thats for sure. Who's trolling again?
@@nosnawseinaj But he himself cares about his 'murderous ways'. He views it as morally wrong to kill animals - he just gets ill from not being able to practicably follow a diet that is vegan and healthy. He is not saying it isn't possible for most, nor that he hasn't made changes he still keeps.
I've been watching you since before you were vegan and was over the moon when you started your vegan journey. You've done so much to progress the movement and I've always found your videos insightful and meaningful. I'm definitely sad and disappointed to see it hasn't worked for you and truly embarrassed on behalf of the people who have had such a violent response - what a bad look. Talk about compassion! I hope you're doing alright and I look forward to your next project. ❤️
I don't agree with the name calling and personal insults but if you're vegan that does not entail compassion. It's just about respecting basic rights through empathy.
"Talk about a bad look!" Here, let me roll some slaughterhouse footage and we'll all be reminded what we're talking about here while you claim that insults are the "bad look" here. CLOWN!
Frustrating to hear about this experience, man. I saw your post and thought it was honorable of you to be honest in a situation where you didn't necessarily have to be. I think it's good to recognize your own challenges and be up front about them. I think even from a philosophical angle, once you're further away from this experience, it might be worth examining these kind of challenges from a philosophical angle. You're correct that from an outsider's perspective, the response looks rough, and doesn't exactly inspire others to get involved. You've done a lot for the vegan community, and that contribution getting met with such venom when you, as you admit, falter from your own standards, is ridiculous. I hope you keeping yourself safe mentally and physically. I've lately been very appreciative of your argumentation and your personal challenges don't invalidate that argumentation nor your advocacy against factory farming. Be well, I hope this storm is short-lived and that your new content does well.
From an insider perspective, which Alex pushed untill recently, a lot of vitrol is deserved. Alex goes from condemning [deeply immoral act] to partaking in [deeply immoral act] for reasons that may not be a strict necessity.
@@bdnnijs192 The most ironic thing is that everyone watching his videos or commenting partake [supposed immoral act] in using animal products just like he does. Why is it okay for you to do it while calling it an immoral act while it isn't okay for others?
@@bdnnijs192 Thanks for agreeing with me that everyone here upset about him making a positive change doesn't practice what they preach therefore absolving Alex of doing the same thing. I accept your concession.
Alex, thanks for being so vulnerable and transparent. Everything you said is exactly what I deal with emotionally, mentally, socially, etc. regarding my IBS. I could relate to everything you said and I’m with you in your struggle. Stay strong and do what’s best for your health! Nobody else should have any say in regards to that. It’s your body and your life! Thanks again for this video.
I'm just now learning about this... I didn't know that you are no longer vegan. I'm sorry you were going through a rough time mentally and physically and I hope that you're in a better place now and I wish you all the best man and I admire the fact that you were truthful about it. Take care.
Bro… I’ve learned much from you and once again I find myself stepping back and thinking “here’s an example of someone genuinely trying to figure things out in an intellectually honest way”. It seems unfair but your struggle with this situation means that, yet again, we get to watch a brain sort through ideas and arguments in a healthy, decisive way. I can’t be the only one who has benefited from this. You push and navigate your way through these things and we get to reap the benefits. Many thanks, my guy. To so many of us, you are worth your weight in gold.
I don't want to throw any hate at cosmic skeptic at all, I am just curious at how he talks about how 'not easy' it is to be vegan. He lives in the UK right? I live in Denmark but have family in the UK and it always feels like a complete haven of almost infinite options of plantbased foods compared to Denmark. I guess, from my perspective, UK seems to be such an easy place to be vegan and eat healthily.
I have learned there are quite a few vegans that are simply not worth having in your life. I suppose this is not unlike some other groups. They are not helping the cause for sure.
@@earthysophie Speaking for myself, I’ll decide my own choices based on what is important to me and my understanding of the issues. It is another question entirely whether I want to associate with a group of people or not, even if our decisions on certain topics are similar.
Thank you Alex for your thoughtful explanation and honesty, and I'm very sorry you're experiencing issues with your mental and physical health. Many ex-vegans will say "I found it hard/inconvenient to eat a vegan diet, therefore veganism no longer has any ethical basis." People most likely do this because they feel the need to justify their decisions and maintain their moral superiority. This is a very pathetic behavior in my opinion. Thank you for making the distinction between the moral/practical, and using logic and nuance in your statements. You've been such a valuable contributor to the animal rights movement and that is not lost! I hope you get well soon.
30+year vegetarian here with IBS and an eating disorder called ARFID. I completely relate. I am fifty, and I have opted to live the way you described where I avoid situations and food because of my conditions and dietary choices. I am still a relatively strict vegetarian but it's NOT EASY. And beyond not being easy, it's VERY difficult. ((hugs)) good luck on your journey, I'm on it, too.
Hopefully, Alex can find a way to slowly get back into a vegan or vegetarian diet. Whilst it's not ideal to be consuming animal products, we should meet people at their current point and if Alex needs to consume animal products for a period of time in order to rethink and strategies a new approach then we need to support him. He clearly still believes in the movement and it's great to see people in similar situations being empathetic and supportive.
@@Moontic935 Alex never said he needed to. In fact, he has explicitedly stated that it wasn't a possibility case, but a practability one. It was not about if he could - or could not. It was a case of wanting not to do it. He just wanted to go out to eat some sushi, that's the reality of it.
@@davidgomes4383 Stop acting like an English teacher, it's a TH-cam comment. All I was saying was he thought it was best for him to go back to eating animal products and I got the implication this isn't a permanent situation ass he still believes others should be vegan and repeatable defends the vegan diet. We just need to give him some time, especially given he's not in the best place mentally. No one is perfect and sometimes we fall back to old habits when times are difficult, we're far better off being understanding than angry. If the video was renouncing the movement then I'd understand being angry, but as he said, he still wants to advocate veganism and pushing him away from that prevents others from hearing our side. Given Alex's history on the topic, it's really bad faith to just say he wants to eat sushi, he's done more for the movement than most of his audience combined.
@@davidgomes4383 you either dont understand what certain words mean or you just want to slate a man for any old reason, alas whatever. he mentioned that it is completely POSSIBLE to have a balanced diet and live perfectly fine as a vegan, but its practicability is hindered by several different factors. he most definitely COULD stay a vegan, but you would be missing the point of the video entirely. as someones whos struggling with mental health rn, i cant even go to my lectures and supervisions. its absolutely possible for me to go to them, my legs are fine, the weathers decent, etc. but its practicability is hindered by factors relationg to my mental health. to just brush it away as some moral weakness is disgusting and i hope you realise that. in that same sense, it is clear from what alex is saying, and if we are to trust him, which i have little reason to not believe him, that there are health and mental health reasons which hinder his general ability to function normally and as an extension hinders his diet. saying its "a case of not wanting to" jesus. like mate go do one please, pathetic. peoples tribalistic dogma creates such deep hate its just religion written all over. you can hardly blame the misanthrope, were all so pathetic. when a person struggles with a certain "simple" thing for unexpected health reasons, and particularly mental ones, its not just a matter of perservering. a lot of the time its about stepping back, reverting to something basic and working forward to enable yourself to head back in the direction you once were headed. with that, we work from simpler principles and hopefully, for alex, that means becoming vegan again in some future date. do better.
He just said he had IBS b4 going vegan and he still has it as vegan. Doesn't sound like a good reason to go back to eating animals. Can you be a NAZI AND PUSH JEWS TO DEATH CHAMBERS and STILL CARE FOR THE JEWS? HE just said inconveniences isn't worth it and thereby telling everyone to continue shoving fkesh into their mouths since changing what you eat will ALWAYS entail SOME inconvenience
I also have a condition, that comes with extreme gastrointestinal issues, which severely restricts my caloric intake. This makes it very hard to even maintain my weight and it is even worse, if I restrict my diet. I’m vegetarian and I try to eat as little animal products as possible, but as hard as I try, I can‘t always be perfect and that‘s ok. Many angry people here claim to care for the suffering of all living beings, but ignore, that you can suffer too. You were and will continue to be a big inspiration for me and my life. You always make me rethink my positions and helped me with my mental struggles and I hope, that there will be better times for you.
Alex, I hope you can give yourself a bit of a break, dust yourself off, and continue your journey. You do a lot of good in this world. That counts for a lot. After some serious health issues of my own I switched to a plant-based diet. I lost weight, reduced my blood cholesterol, and reduced my blood-pressure, resting heart rate, and halted progression of other concerns. I agree with the ethical and environmental reasons around plant-based, whole food eating as well. That being said, after years of eating this way (in the Mid-west of the U.S.) I continue to struggle with it as challenges about convenience, craving, and culture constantly arise. I falter, I fail, I cheat, and sometimes I follow the ethical principles just to feast on vegan "junk food" fake meats and processed carbs. It's very difficult on many levels. It helps to be surrounded by family, friends, a community and a society that shares your values and provides options and innovations to make it easier. Few of us actually live under those conditions. I've settled on the philosophy that "it's a practice, not a perfect." I will endeavor to keep up the effort for my health, for our planet, and for the animals and I realize at times I will falter, I will fail, I will "cheat." Now, those times are fewer and farther between and I don't obsess over moments of exception, I simply attempt to learn from them and move forward.
whats the good? the only thing i seee in his channel is basically going against christianity. wish u guys were instantly teleported in islamic nations and live the rest of your lives there
Wait “fake meats” are a bad thing? aren’t they plant based and kinda useful to people trying to switch to a plant based diet? What does that have to do with cheating on your diet? Please tell me I just misunderstood what you said.
@hermes7526 Yes, going against Christianity is subjectively good. Either it makes you think and consider beliefs from more angles or it can change your mind if you held positions for poor reasons.
@@landonmoore5077 sure there are benefits to fake meats especially ethically and environmentally however they are highly processed, fatty and generally not as healthy as whole food. I agree it helps bridge the gap for people switching over their diet or herbivores craving a burger or a brat.
@@hermes7526 if you are concerned about the fundamentalist theocracies of an Islamist nation, one should also be concerned with the U.S. becoming a fundamentalist Christian nation. Consider the power abuses during the Holy Christian Roman Empire, the blood shed of the crusades how the Nazis weaponized Christianity and white supremacist. Teaching critical thinking and challenging fundamentalist thinking is a collective good that keeps all of us on guard against abuse of power so common in religious organizations. Watch V for Vendetta or A Handmaid’s Tale and you can see those abuses happening now in western countries.
Thanks for bringing this up. You were one of the most important inspirations for me deciding to become a Vegan and I've been one ever since. I want to thank you for that. I'm disappointed, but I understand. I hope everything gets better for you. Hopefully a plant based diet becomes feasible for you to maintain one of these days
Really sorry to hear about all the issues you've been going through and I hope they improve. Unfortunately not everyone is the same and health conditions can play a factor in your lifestyle. Personally I've been vegan for about 7 years and have only felt better with time, but everyone is different. It must have been tough to make this video as the vegan community definitely can be ruthless, but I'm sure you also understand that it comes from providing a voice for the animals and the amount of pain and suffering that they go through. It's not an ideal situation for anyone but hopefully your health will improve and we'll welcome you back one day brother 🤝🏼
IBS doesn't make it impossible to be vegan. Any decent nutritionist can work out a diet plan with you if you put in some effort. Alex has easy access to professionals in his patreons (among them a vegan doctor) and among his youtube friends. All it takes is one message. I know vegans who suffer from IBS and have stayed vegan after reaching out for support. I myself have alot of allergies (essentially can't eat half of all fruits and veggies including soy) and also managed with some help. If he had just said that he has mental health issues, I'd find that more convincing than implying IBS = no vegan diet, "practicability" (whatever that means) and focusing on 0.5% of mad vegans. Sorry, but that makes it kinda hard to look past.
@@Luftgitarrenprofi he explicitly explained this applies to himself. Not that veganism isn’t practical for anyone with IBS. The whole thing about IBS is it’s not an adequate diagnosis in the first place. There isn’t much understood about it. You often get diagnosed with it when doctors can’t find anything else physically wrong, which makes treating it and managing it complicated and not a one size fits all. In fact A LOT of people don’t have luck with dieticians and doctor’s guidance on IBS because it’s such a vague diagnosis. I’m glad you seem to know people with success stories. But that isn’t the case for everyone. He still advocates a vegan or plant based diet, just does not find it practical for himself. Additionally. No one owes you an explanation. He could very well have mental health factors playing into this decision. We don’t know. But he does not owe an explanation of potential mental health factors to you.
@@mkaylagomez1959 Alex does owe his audience an explanation if he wants to be taken seriously as a public advocate. And his explanation is lacking. I've already unsubbed two years back when he gave WLC way too much leeway, so this inconsistency doesn't really come at a surprise. Alex has expert nutritionists and a vegan doctor among his patreons. Give me one reason why he would leave the information out that he tried everything he could with professionals who know more than he does if he did indeed do it? Instead, he focused on some vague "practicability", some undefined mad vegans and a diagnosis you just admitted is so vague that it doesn't mean much. That's not enough of an out to start supporting animal suffering and death again after his aggressive ethical vegan content (remember the cognitive dissonance video)? At this point I'm really just waiting for the no longer an atheist "my road back to theism" video. Lol
@@enterthevoidIi I don't watch any vegan youtubers aside from an occasional Ed video. I just have an alllegiance with the truth. Sorry if that doesn't fit in your otherization view of people you don't like.
Thanks for making this video. I hope you'll get better. I would have one question. A hypothetical. What if you new that a "Lion Diet" would cure your mental health problems and completely cure your IBS? Would you switch to Lion Diet? What would be your thought process at that point? How would you weigh that out? I'm not saying here that it would happen or that you should eat only meat or anything like that(you've convinced m, over the year,s of the moral argument about veganism), but am wondering what would happen. On one hand you have your well-being maximized which is definitely not nothing. Like you would be able to live your life in the truest meaning. To go with friends and not think about all of those things. You would feel happier and maybe you'd achieve even more. You'd be calmer for all these reasons. Imagine even never having a brain-fog. I'm not sure where would I put human brainpower of the scale compared to animal suffering. Human brain power is the thing that can radically change anything almost. I'm not telling you to do a Lion Diet, or that this would happen, this is just a hypothetical that I'm quite curious to hear your answer to. I don't think that you operating on 80% of your brain capacity is worth not killing animals. There I said it. I sincerely believe that you are a Nikola Tesla of philosophy and I mean it. You have that potential. You are absolutely the most logical person I've ever came across both in person and on the internet. By far. And I'm not saying this lightly. This is a philosophical question, that's why I'm writing it. I hope everything ends well for you. Greetings from Serbia. :)
I think if anyone’s operating 80% of their max with plant based that i morally wouldn’t recommend it either. However, I think research is pretty clear that most people can not only survive but THRiVE with at least mostly plant based diet(if not exclusive). I’m not vegan, just mostly plant based
@@SuperAwesomedude20 I'm saying this because Alex himself said in the video that - Yes in principle it is possible, but it so much more difficult that most people are going to operate on lower percentages of their brainpower simply due to unattainable level of nutrition science you have to know and then use everyday to obtain optimal health. People are mostly unhealthy in terms of nutrition even when they're not vegans. And expecting everyone to be diligently committed to know about every single nutrient and then get every single one of it is ridiculous. Alex is a Philosopher who graduated at Oxford and even he himself has problems "planning it out". Can I really expect an *average person* be better than Alex? For example, I'm a Linux enthusiast, but I am completely aware that even if Windows is mostly a spyware, people won't just magically start using Linux since *it is more difficult* to set up usual things that people use. In principle it is possible to set everything up. I have. My friends have. But for an average person... I really cannot expect him use Free Software even if that will have an impact on human rights.
@@GospodinStanoje yeah but it seems like Alex did have extraordinary health issues. What I'm trying to say is plant-predominant whole-food diet is easier to plan than other diets no? I literally follow the "eat food, not too much, mostly plants" motto. it seems a lot less restrictive than Keto or Carnivore?
Thank you for being transparent, and also thank you for not being dishonest. When Miley Cyrus became an ex-vegan she went on Joe Rogan and said a lot of factually incorrect bullshit, and it caused a lot of damage to the animal rights movement and veganism. You are much more in point and nuanced in your reflection, and for that I respect you. I hope you jump on the vegan wagon again sometimes in the not too distant future. Thank you for all you've done for veganism!
I can see you have really struggled with this descision. I developed IBS in my teens. It wrecked my education as I was unable to sit in class. I found a high fibre diet helped in my case but so did relaxing and just explaining to people that I might have to leave meetings. I am sure you'll be exploring counselling. Take care of your self.
As a vegan, I’ll say this, follow your heart. I’ve been plant-based for over 5 years and I feel better than ever. I do bodybuilding and ultramarathons. You were eating 0-700 calories a day? That’s crazy. Try eating calorie dense plant-based foods like; pb&j, avocado toast, cereal with soy milk, oatmeal and so on. Good luck, mate! Love your videos!
Really hope you just get back to a state of health, your content is very valuable, and very much appreciated in my opinion. I really wish people didn’t just assume malice with your community post because quite frankly some of the things I’ve seen directed towards you on this subject have been truly untethered and shocking! Anyway, hope you feel better as soon as possible Alex!
If you do manage to get back to a vegan diet despite these problems, please make a video about how you did it so you can help people in a similar situation that want to go vegan. Hoping this happens one day, you made me go vegan. Cheers Edit: Since there seems to be a war going on on the replies I'm gonna say this here: His mental health problems that he doesn't want to go into details are probably related to an eating disorder, which are extremely hard to mentally recover from while in a 100% plant based diet. I knew someone who was vegetarian for 10 years, vegan for 5 and had to eat a not vegan diet for more than 6 months as I remember to deal with it, she got back into a plant based diet after that. I think that's what Alex is going trough and this is the way he found to not starve himself. Even if I'm wrong about the ED aspect I think people should be a little less ablaze from this situation. Even tho I disagree with some of his personal actions and the way he communicated some aspects of this situation I'm at least glad he's not joining on the "the plants caused this" bandwagon.
@Chris S It's quite possible that is the case, but even so, he is being entirely honest about his struggles and about the fact that he is not a great representation of the efficacy of a vegan diet. Even if he has strayed outside of strictly necessary foods (a very hard line to draw) he is struggling in ways that can't necessary be made better by a good diet alone. I am fortunate enough to not be affected by serious mental health issues, but attempting to deal with my physical health issues while being vegan is still very mentally and emotionally taxing.
@@bornkinggamer3347 @BornKingGamer Well that doesn't necessarily depict integrity on his part. It's probably easier to admit to not being vegan than to continue to lie about it and there have been 'vegans' such as Yovana Mendoza who did try to hide it and were caught which would be a really bad look. And to Connor*, I find it exasperating that people want to give credit to ex-vegans for their transparency about how they allegedly suffered on their vegan diet forgetting there was no transparency at all before they decided to pack it all in. They never reach out to anyone before somehow deciding that fish or eggs is the solution to whatever problem they perceive they were experiencing due to their poorly planned diet. If your standards for effort and honesty are so low that you commend Alex's behaviour that's really just unfortunate.
@@puffybuf If he were being that disingenuous, he would have done what many other click thirsty TH-cam former plant based content creators have done, and throw a fully plant based diet under the bus by claiming that it isn't sustainable for anyone. Often, they then reap all the extra clicks and subs from the vast majority of viewers who eat animals.
@Jonah Whale 3 comments on this video alone, and only on this video. If you aren't baiting and are actual vegan white knight, stop. You are giving vegans a bad name. No one wants to follow someone who acts like how you're acting. All the best
So I don't usually comment on videos but kudos to you on how you decided to handle this. I wish you the best and keep yourself healthy. (that should be your 1st priority but you already know this) And yes I will stick around and look forward for what you have in store for us.
Veganism is a battle, and Alex is a speartip even though he struggles with it himself. He has made many people go vegan, including myself. We should support people, and be caring for the ones who struggle ❤
I doubt that you'll see this comment but I just want to thank you for your openness on this topic. I went vegan after watching your discussions with Earthling Ed and Rationality Rules on this topic and have been happy and healthy. My girlfriend on the other hand has IBS and we've had several difficult discussions because she has trouble eating just plant based foods. It took me longer than it should have to realize how difficult this was for her and how unrealistic my expectations were at times. Seeing this video is helping put the pieces together and will help me act more with empathy in the future. I'm sorry you are dealing with this and I feel for you! That said, I hope some day you might make more videos about veganism and or animal rights, as I think your "veganism from a meat eaters perspective" is a really effective format, and you are such an eloquent communicator. No matter what I hope you are able to make the changes required to be happier and healthier and I really appreciate your honesty and empathy. 💜
@@Shijaru64 so I have gotten confused about this. I had learnt that humans are omnivores, as u say. I became aware of veganism from videos suggested by youtube algorithm. The few I watched claimed humans are herbivores. I thought, ok may be I was wrong. My country has a large number of vegetarians (due to religious reasons) but they are not vegans. And dairy products are a core part of the vegetarian diet. Jains have the strictest diet, coz "ahimsa" is the core principle of Jainism. They don't eat underground vegetables like potatoes, onion, garlic etc coz pulling them up kills micro organisms in the soil. But they eat dairy products - for whatever reason Jainism does not consider taking milk from a cow as violence or torture. I guess interpretations vary with culture.
Man, I really feel for you Alex. The inner turmoil must be excruciating. Not to mention the additional physical issues you mentioned. This must be an exceptionally challenging time to navigate. All love and support here! ❤️
The animals only have one body too. I suppose what's best for me is killing and eating dogs as well! But wait, that would be objectionable. What to do, what to do.
As someone who gave him lots of hate because he is directly causing the mass suffering of hundreds of thousands by using his platform so recklessly I stand by every characterization. Hope he decides to evolve a moral compass or concern for others outside of himself someday. Thank you for featuring my comment Alex!
@FyreWanderer You’re absolutely right. To add to what you said, it’s pretty bold of people to be jumping to such severe accusations. I think it’s especially careless when no one knows what he’s dealing with metal health wise (and righty so. It’s none of our business if he doesn’t feel comfortable sharing). Ironically, Alex, who is no longer a vegan I suppose, does a better job advocating for the community than some of its own members.
@FyreWanderer It appears more like he just wants to eat fish. If he really cared about animal rights he would have gone to a nutritionist to work with him on fixing his health issues. You can tell he doesn't care about ending animal exploitation because all he ever talks about is wanting factory farms abolished.
@@LorcaLoca jesus, zealots. the man explicitly said he is going through physical and mental health troubles. as someone whos going through a mental shutdown atm, ik how hard it is to do things that are so simple, that are in my best interest, and that *should* be done. saying he should have just seen a nutritionist as if its as simple as that when someone is going through mental health troubles demonstrates your ignorance. im sure he really wants to, the same way i really want to go to my lectures but fucking cant overcome this mountain that is depression. using dogma to slam this man is pathetic, you care about these animals so much and yet arent able to understand the nuances of mental health. do better.
I’ve been a vegan for over 10 years, just thought I’d put that out there lol. Love ALL your content and I’m looking forward to more - - thanks for sharing and take care of yourself :-)
Hi Alex, thank you for speaking up about the challenges of eating vegan while struggling with chronic illness/mental health. I myself was diagnosed with coeliacs disease meaning I have to avoid any traces of gluten at all costs. Therefore I can't go anywhere without planning in advance where and when to eat (I live in Germany and it's a lot harder to eat gluten free over here...). Oftentimes I'll either have to cancel or not eat when I'm out with friends and it's SO hard to be spontaneous. Going vegan definitely made all of this a lot harder and I will make exceptions every now and then. It's a constant struggle and it does impact one's mental health. Thank your for raising awareness on these important issues. Take care :)
A lot harder than where, exactly? I also live in Germany and it's the country with the most gluten-free products by far out of all the places I've been to. Almost all restaurants offer fries, a salad or a mixed vegetable plate. It's not ideal but it's all vegan and gluten-free and things you can go for from time to time when you're eating outside.
You wanna know about hard? Try becoming vegan back in the '80s. And I've been eating a plain bake potatoe for decades in restaurants where I have to meet family members, and you'll make "exceptions"? How about raising awareness about the ANIMALS you're making exceptions to eat? You think of the animal victims, not yourself.
@@kadirm.4047 In my experience (& I've been gluten free for 10+ years) it's harder than in most countries I've been to but especially compared to the UK. It's definitely getting easier but "gluten free options" doesn't mean "safe to eat" because of cross contamination. However, I can only speak for myself. If you're coeliac yourself and you experience it differently - good for you!
@@harveyplantharvester1502 Back in my day We ate rocks and he liked it. People like you make normal people from for the very concept of veganism like it causes aids.
You words on ibs have been a great comfort to me. I have been accepting that I suffer from the same, and have appointments coming up. Thanks for talking about it. I am a young student and worry that I wont achieve what I want to and think I can intellectually, because of my ibs. You've inspired me quite a bit :)
You’re a great person Alex and have helped so many people including me with your insight and intelligence. It must be a tough time for you and a difficult decision but you must prioritise your own health. Both physical and mental. It must be hard when you’re a public voice but try not to let the judgment of others affect your well-being too much. ❤
Hi Alex I just wanted to say that you were one of those instrumental people in my going vegan last year and I want to thank you and express my hope that you can recover one day from this condition, and that things get better for you generally in the future. I suffered from debilitationg IBS for about five years, and despite the fact I could speculate I honestly have no idea what caused my symptoms to go away. I only know that I was very lucky. During this time, I could not eat any form of seed or nut, except for almonds. I could not eat any kind of grain except white rice, or any kind of legume including peanuts. Dairy and meat were just about the only safe proteins that I could consume. I felt forced at that time to, as you say, evaluate my stance on animals in light of what I was going through. I do not know what your exact sensitivies and triggers all are, and I can only say to anyone who wants to comment on what your diet should be when they have no damn clue either.. they should all just bugger off. I can't stand this backlash and all the people who are perpetuating it. I am strongly considering unsubscribing from every one of these low-life losers who cannot conceive of a reality other than their own. I categorically reject any idea that you should be excluded from this movement, just because of your dietary choices-- however justified they may or may not be. You are a valuable ally and continue to be an asset to the online community and the world. I applaud your incredible honestly -- you had little to gain from being this honest, and the fact you have been, depite everything, does not go unnoticed. I want to wish you every success in finding a diet that can support you through this time in reconnecting with your friends and with all the things that make you happy.
Thank you! I am disappointed Alex has lost status in the vegan community, but I respect his philosophical arguments and hold to them still. I also suffer from IBS, and if it ever got worse or as bad as yours, I would seriously consider reverting my diet to include meat again. It seems like the prevalence of IBS and gluten-intolerance in the west is rising rapidly, so I expect many people will have trouble going vegan for these reasons.
I really appreciate your openness and honesty regarding all this. I feel the central message people should take away from your experience is, veganism js a good, ethical thing to do but it’s not always the best for everyone. Each person needs to take a call based on their own circumstances and variables. And they shouldn’t be vilified for whichever choice they make.
Whilst I don't necessarily agree with all your views/opinions, I do think that you are a force for good and are an honest and decent person with integrity, who has inspired me a lot and makes me question a lot of things I had previously not considered. I wish you all the best!
Alex is definitely not being honest/integral here. He cannot just admit he's a dumbass who doesn't know how to eat food and also doesn't want to be inconvenienced/embarrassed (IBS, lack of vegan restaurants). I recommend you steer clear of him at least when it comes to veganism, as he has an extremely unpopular conception of veganism (welfarism).
I'm a vegan at heart, but a pescovegetarian in practice. I'm a catholic theologian, but also now an atheist. I was disappointed when I heard that you stopped being vegan, but after watching this video and reading your post, I want to thank you for your honesty. I find beauty in your way of thinking and communicating with such a precision, especially in this video that must have been so hard to record. I hope you're better now.
Sometimes people forget, that TH-camrs are human beings. With bodies, baggage and broken bits. You did your best....and are still doing your best. And that's all you owe anyone. I still admire the shit out of you for all that you do. But I respect your humanity as well as I'm sure many, many, many of your viewers do. Hang in there buddy. You got this. One day at a time. ❤️
Boy these comments are so dumb! He's exposed himself as a liar and hypocrite. If this was a pro-religious Christian philosopher/writer these SAME people would be laughing at THAT person. But with Alex everyone seems to be oh I feel so sorry... meanwhile the dead tortured animals. WELL ... lets concentrate on his positive virtues... lmao A bit biased aren't we? LOL
@@examiningkubrickphilosofia1530 Because of your comment, I’ve decided to purchase a pound of steak from Costco. Thought you should be aware that you are directly responsible for the death of an animal, as are a couple other people who have posted disgusting comments like this. For every reply you make to me or anyone else that attempts to insult, I’ll buy another pound
Sometimes people forget that animals are raped into existence just to be exploited and killed for their own selfishness, I'm assuming like yourself. You want to offer sympathies, look who is on your plate/coat/bathroom product and apologize to them. Better yet, stop paying for it and go vegan.
Hes not doing his best, he acknowledges that he could eat a healthy and nutritionally adequate diet given his health issues. He just doesnt want to put in the effort
I read a quote in my college cafeteria. "We do not need a handful of people doing zero-waste perfectly. We need everyone doing zero-waste imperfectly." This is how I view all activism. Calling for purity is not the best way of reaching your goal. I am a "vegan purist" in my own lifestyle but I ask those around me to minimize the consumption of animal products, not demand that they shun them altogether. That is something I hope you will endeavour to do as well
Thank you for the update - I hope you’ll get better soon. As a vegan for many years myself I’m sorry for the rage that you experience from some in the community. People are lashing out with the hurt of someone let down by a star player leaving their favourite sports team. Others claw in despair feeling the animals suffer the loss of a brilliant advocate. I very much relate to this sadness but understand that the link between our food and how we feel is different for people and you might not experience the satiety, fullness or energy from restricted meals that are perfectly satisfying for someone else. I also know that tasty vegan meals sadly are not everywhere (yet) and that homecooking them nutritionally packed, Ibs friendly AND great tasting is not always the same thing. It can absolutely be time consuming (but enjoyable if you like cooking) and devoting the time and interest in researching, planning, shopping, preparing, cooking multiple items, storing, cleaning - that can be overwhelming for anyone with passions elsewhere. Or problems elsewhere. And when you’re away from home the quality and taste of what you get can sometimes be awful. I have had many bland vegan meals served - even terrible ones. I quite soon go into low energy stand-by mode if I don’t get a real meal (a banana and some nuts are not enough). I try to help people around me by sharing vegan food I cook or help them cook to show how to make meals tastier and richer. Some just need a boost of practical inspiration sometimes. I don’t doubt that you are doing the best you can, in a time of struggle and with hopefully better times ahead you might one day be energized again to navigate any challenges of a vegan lifestyle. Once the food part is solved in the practical sense, it really is a lot easier and joyful. I wish you the best.
Have you heard of huel, it’s a vegan shake that you can take with you anywhere that is meant SPECIFICALLY for people with ibs and hyper busy lifestyles. Like the reason why people are justified in being upset is because Alex completely abandoned the philosophical principles he said he holds so easily. If killing and eating animals was wrong to him he would find another way. if you haven’t seen his interview with mikalah Peterson you really should it was obvious he was eating animal products then as well. The point I’m trying to make is that Alex hasn’t provided sufficient justification for his objective mistreatment. If you actually wanna be vegan there is no health reason to not vegan, as stated by the American and British dietitecs Association after 117 peer reviewed studies came in concluding the same thing.
Imagine telling people you will be vegan till the day you die, and then while your in France you ask Joey Carbstrong if it’s okay to eat meat because you don’t know how to look up what’s vegan around you. (True story) he doesn’t care. If he would be real I wouldn’t care but he wants to act like he does.
You described my symptoms many years ago. It “may” be an allergic reaction to certain foods. For me it was chicken, lamb, wheat, rice, and corn. I had no idea until I was tested. Once I removed those things the insomnia, fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, and stomach issues went away. You are a super smart person and probably have great health care so you may have already checked for this possibility. I love your content and your respect for others. I hope you find the solution for you and too bad about the vitriol from others. You are amazing.
All the best Alex! I have struggled with some of the problems you described as well and can relate 100%. I know how frustrating, conflicted, and disempowering it feels. Give yourself permission to focus on yourself. Get better above all else. You have done so much good for the world, now give yourself the same kindness.
Hello Alex, thank you for opening up about this topic. I totally understand where you're coming from. I've been vegan for over 7 years now. The only time I questioned veganism was when my IBS symptoms were so bad that there were very few foods I could eat without causing a reaction. I had been through a stressful and emotional period then so I knew that is what caused the IBS to get so bad. Yet, I was still wondering, as a last option, if eating animal products would somehow relieve it. I didn't quite get to that point but the contemplation was there. It took me a while, through medical help, dieticians and relaxing more (with meditation and walking a lot) that I was able to see improvements and eventually eat properly again. I still have issues from time to time but it's not as bad as it was. A healthy advocate is a better advocate. I hope your issues become more manageable and you can thrive. Maybe you can go back to plant-based once you're in a better place. The door isn't closed. I wish you all the best, Alex! Take care.
I'm sure he's still eating plant based. He's just mixing in a few animal products.
Thank you. This is how veganism should be. Positive, understanding and welcoming. The vitriol of other certain vegans is vile and very sanctimonious.
I have IBS and many issues digesting plant based foods. I push through. I push through even if it could endanger my life because it's not about me it's about the animals. There's never a good excuse.
@@rootwo6772 That’s a decision you made for yourself.
@@rootwo6772 With a strong will, the mind can usually prevail over matter. It is an accomplishment so long as it doesn't feed the ego. The Buddha, as a mendicant, did not reject an offering from any follower merely because it was meat although he consumed only a meagre quantity. His life was dedicated to teaching the masses his way to liberation. Millennia before his time, there were hermits who lived on nothing other than nature - dried plant matter. They believed it was an essential austerity to purifying their Karma. I believe the Buddha was a model in being not attached nor obsessed nor fastidious on food when there is a higher purpose in life.
I respect you a lot for your honesty. It’s very difficult to own up to mistakes and to change your mind on something you were very sure about in the past. Good for you for not being pressured into sharing details of your personal life when you don’t want to. Best of luck to you, especially with your health.
I remember watching Alex's speech at a veganism festival where he called out Sam Harris for exactly the same reasons Alex is not a vegan today. He wasn't charitable to Sam and his health reasons for Sam not being a vegan. That video is no longer available on YT.
Anywho, I wish you the best and thank you for the positive effect you have had on my and my friends' lives.
Is that the Sam Harris who said he didn't care if Hunter Biden had pictures of dead kids in his basement on his laptop?
He realised he was wrong , and now he has changed his mind
I think this is a sign of growth , and not of hypocricy , which I assume you mean
@@mariolis Vegans are worse than the trans community for not forgiving anyone who leaves their cult.
@@mariolis he's still extremely wrong (especially claiming that anything that is found in animal foods can be obtained from plants) and has a long way to go
@@mariolis How was he wrong? He was not. He is wrong now and that is why he "presumably" deleted this video. In other occasions where he was actually wrong about something and changed his mind he didn't delete the video where he was wrong.
Hey Alex, you mentioned struggling to get a sufficient amount of calories and veganism aside, here's something that helped me. I have an eating disorder and for long periods have also had days where I was eating, as you said, 0-700 calories. Meal replacement drinks such as Soylent or Huel were helpful for me as it allows you to drink several hundred calories very quickly and as a nice bonus they are also vegan. Also, making smoothies with things like protein powder/banana/peanut butter. Not gonna comment on anything else here just wanted to leave this here in case anyone finds it helpful.
I switched primarily to Soylent from a diet of microwavable pizzas and burritos about a year ago. I eat it for 90% of my food, and do appreciate that its vegan though I am not.
I have always struggled to attain the recommended minimum BMI with my high metabolism. Your advice to drink your calories is a good one, based on my experience, and Dr. Greger's video on the subject on the Nutritionfacts YT channel and his site. I use a lot of peanutbutter powder as a type of protein drink, and used 1-2 fruit and protein smoothies a day to allow me to reach the minimum BMI goal on a vegan compatible diet. Resistance training also helps since it leads to muscle gains instead of unhealthy fat gains. It also improves the appetite without burning excessive calories. Trail mix (including dates) helps too as a calorically dense, healthy snack.
Of course, I can't comment on how appropriate this would be for Alex's particular life situations, but meal replacement drinks or bars were the first thing that came to mind when he spoke about getting the calories or nutrition in his difficult circumstances. I don't have have the time or energy to cook breakfast in the morning most days, so I bring a Soylent with me to work. I want to empathize with Alex, but it's hard for me to envision a scenario where he couldn't think just a bit more outside of the box to keep it practical for himself.
Soylent and huel are not food, you have teeth for a reason. Vegans are just going out of their natural way of living for an idea.
It will probably trigger the poor man’s IBS. I come from an indian vegetarian background which I had to give up because anything vegetarian aside from nuts gives me the runs.
I’m really sorry for all you’re going through personally, be it a result of health issues and social media. Feel better Alex! Thanks for all the thought provoking content and for always advocating for reasoning, tolerance and kindness!
I also have severe IBS and gluten intolerance (not allergy). When you convinced me to go vegan, I talked to my doctor, who referred me to a nutricianist because I already was struggling with eating healthy. After some attempts and an overall increase in some areas of my health, my nutricianist quickly asked me to compromise my veganism and switch over to a pescatarian diet: seafood and animal products, but no non-seafood animal meat. Much like you, the limits of my lifestyle and work prevent me from being around a kitchen to cook, so I often have to rely on frozen dinners, veggies and fruits. I also suffer from mental health issues, so it is much more crucial that my diet help me function daily. Ultimately, I still hope to one day become full vegan, but until then, I'm not. It kinda feels validating to see you join me, albeit in a selfish way. I wish you the best!
Fish has mercury. Not something you should eat everyday
@@tradehut2782 - If I had the money to afford fish every day, I'd be set for life, honestly. Lol
In other words, you can rest easy knowing fish is only once or twice a week, when I do eat it. I mostly stick with seafood in general.
I was a strict vegan for a long time, but now I consume some fish and pasture raised eggs, if they're certified humane. I feel weird about it sometimes, but I feel a bit healthier.
I have celiac disease too and veganism isn't a problem. Struggled with IBS-like symptoms a lot in the past. This isn't an excuse.
@@lisao6928 If you cared about health and ethics, you'd just eat bivalves. Eggs and fish are a bs cogdis you convince yourself of that you're being ethical when those are some of the most harm-causing foods out there.
I won't pretend it was not disheartening. You were possibly the main reason I went vegan. Even though I always valued your content on phylosophical matters more, the cognitive dissonance video really spoke to me.
I was angry for a moment, but I knew it wouldn be wise to write anything with emotions being the main factor driving me.
And here I am.
Where I stand now is that I am still grateful you helped me make the change. Because all your previous arguments still make sense. And I feel sorry for you having sort of explain yourself here. Must be tough. Take care Alex.
What’s more disheartening are the disgusting comments the vegans sent to Alex. They’re on the same level as the radical religious people and ironically, most vegans are atheists.
I went from vegetarian to vegan in 2020 due to Alex O'Connor. But that's ok, Alex. You may have reverted on your position but I am going strong. I am a pharmacist and pursuing medicine, I have taken graduate level biochemistry (I feel fairly knowledgeable in biochemical and physiological processes), and my partner and I are doing the same without animal products (and have been for years) - no food items, no feathers, no wool, etc. It is possible, numerous clinical studies show the benefits nutritionally, and good luck with your IBS.
What was his best argument? Cause none of them convinced me.
Such empathy. Nice to see that here 👏
"It's okay to eat fish
'Cause they don't have any feelings"
-Nirvana
I really admire your honesty Alex! I’m not a vegan but in watching your videos I have drastically cut down my consumption of animal products. I now will often times choose vegan or vegetarian options at restaurants. At home I have started experimenting with cooking tasty food that is totally vegan. You were the main influence for these changes in my lifestyle, so thank you!
Same here. I’ve cut WAY back on my animal product consumption, in large part because of his advocacy.
I’ve never heard of any of the people attacking him now. They are only hurting their cause, pushing away possible converts. That’s what fundamentalism can do.
I think it's important not to think in absolutes here. If everyone drastically reduced their consumption of meat, the total amount of animal suffering would plummet. Of course, our ultimate goal is to reduce unnecessary animal suffering to the lowest level possible, but taking meaningful steps towards that goal is admirable in and of itself.
@@mikolmisol6258 If serial killers decided to half the number of people they murder, there would be less murder in the world. Does that somehow make it ethical?
@@UraniumFractal not at all, but it would be a better world nonetheless. From a practical point of view, gradual change is the way it's going to work for most people. Patience, compassion and being welcoming: That is how to make people feel open to changing. Thinking in absolutes is how you scare them away and make us seem like a cult. You are vegan because of your compassion. It can be immensely frustrating to see people seemingly intentionally not getting the point, but I promise compassion is again your best friend.
@@agentdarkboote We don’t coddle and sympathise with serial killers than ‘only’ kill 2 or 3 people. If someone is doing something immoral, they have no justification to act offended when someone calls them out on their bullshit.
Hope your IBS improves and you feel better 💚 thanks for being so honest.
He's only honest with how much of a sob story he wanted to portray. And for most of his followers it worked. And the animals lose like always.
As a vegetarian, and on again off again, vegan for the last 25 years, I can understand where you're coming from. The times that I slip back to eating cheese or breakdown and say "OK I'll have the pancakes, even though they have eggs in them" are almost inevitably times when the rest of my life is overwhelming me. My unsolicited advice is to do the best you can to do the least harm you can. If that means falling off the wagon for a while, then don't let that stop you from climbing back on when you are ready. Be as kind to yourself and others as you can.
You're not a vegan if you're eating meat in between. I highly doubt there are many strict 20-30 yr vegans about.
@@Black-Circle But you would however be mainly plant-based. Again being vegan is a lifestyle that inherits a plant based diet.
@@Rezc0 eating eggs and fish isnt vegan. Thats the point. People claim vegan and they’ve been eating fish eggs milk for years. Long term vegans dont exist. Hence why people quit
@@Black-Circle I haven't eaten meat in 25 years. My wife hasn't eaten meat in 35 years. I stopped eating eggs and cheese regularly about 7 years ago and will occasionally will have a slice of pizza or pancakes when I am eating out and there is no vegan alternatives. I know plenty of 25year+ vegans who are far stricter than I.
@@macrumpton thats not vegan tho. I highly doubt you are strong and muscley. More likely frail and grey hair grey skin. Lying about your health as well
This was obviously a painful moment for you. Proud of your honesty and continued compassion. Whatever happens, you’re greatly appreciated by many, and it’s good that you’re staying healthy.
It was right not to give too many personal details. People won’t always treat sensitive info sensitively so that was a smart move.
You have my support Alex.
Funny how the only detail that was really only needed was did he see a medical doctor and he deliberately didn't mention it. What a cosmical joke
@@joshwarrey3728 yeah you are probably entitled to know that 🙄
@@elijahp9424 "did he consult a medical doctor, yes or no?"
If yes, then everyone would have been more understanding. If no, then he has shown how he himself is not as logical as he likes to claim.
We don't need to know who the doctor was or for what specific medical condition, just that he actually sought professional expert advice.
But sure, he doesn't share that with his audience, it sure would help his credibility in other matters.
@@joshwarrey3728 His medical history is private, and you are not entitled to it. If she wants to share his medical history, he can do that but not everybody feels comfortable doing the style.
@@palesgensler3099 we don't need to know his medical history. Knowing that he sought medical advice is not the same as knowing his medical history. Stop making strawman.
You do know that his argument for veganism was "extraordinary harm requires extraordinary justification". So far, he has no extraordinary justification presented. Convenience is not an extraordinary justification.
The entire point of understanding what we "should" do is also about understanding what we "can" do. So I hope you are able to grow and progress without being too hard on yourself. Thanks for your videos and perspectives!
This isn't about what Alex could - or could not do. He had literally a top patreon supporter that is a meal-planning expertise plant-based nutritionist. If Alex wanted to - he would. He just didn't want to. The problem is putting "practability" as a need. It wasn't a need, but a want. Alex doesn't oppose the killing, abuse and exploit of non-human animals.
He could go ask a nutritionist for help with his health issues. He is surrounded by people who would be willing to help.
It's pretty selfish for vegans who don't have health issues to speak so aggressively to a man who's so kind to them and clearly caring to as many as possible. You can't please everyone and honestly, philosophy can break the mind sometimes. It put me further into depression, when I realised that being fixed on philosophy was harming me I took a step back, I really don't understand why this is so controversial for him to do
@@veryfitting It's also pretty selfish to kill sentient beings and eat their flesh because you are too "mentally ill" to seek help for your diet problems.
@@davidgomes4383 The meal planner can’t account for IBS or IBD flare ups no matter how hard they try - they’d have to systematically go through each food type for multiple weeks at a time to test which foods triggered inflammation. Coupled with how mental health severely affects likelihood of flare ups, it’s very difficult as someone who does eat plant based and has Ulcerative Colitis to be callous to his suffering. Meal planners can help with, but by the nature of what Alex said - it screamed eating disorder to me. Restrictive diets are detrimental to people with eating disorders - inherently so. I would seriously reconsider the position you have out of empathy for people with eating disorders, Bowel Diseases and for general mental health issues
Alex, you were one of the clearer voices that helped me process my thoughts and feelings when I was deconstructing. Coming out of religion, I started to notice lots of patterns in all sorts of ideologies. I would say when I deconstructed, your content helped me deconstruct from ideology itself rather than one specific religion.
Though I’m not a vegan myself, I really felt it when you said you hoped people wouldn’t view veganism differently because of the vitriol that you have received. I felt it because for a long time, I’ve been noticing that the types of groups who advocate their righteousness the loudest, also have some of the most insidious and despicable behavior saved for the people who don’t “toe the line”. The very people who claim to be the most caring, often have the most potent venom made special for the ones who deviate in their eyes. For me, I can look past that and take the arguments for veganism on their own merit.
Im glad you have the wisdom to minimize suffering in a way that includes yourself too. To have a perfect moral compass when talking about when it’s ok to eat animal products to stay alive and healthy, we would need a perfect understanding of consciousness and nutrition. I just hope we can all stumble forward together in a more healthy way where we treat eachother with respect first, then extend that respect to every living thing. Cheers man ❤
Three quick things in response to your comment:
1) kudos on a thoughtful compassionate response to a thoughtful compassionate honest human being wrestling with the difficulty of setting positive standards for themselves and experiencing the reality that people can’t always / don’t always meet those standards
2) I think there is something quite important in the observation you make about the venom of the (often self-proclaimed) ‘morally superior’ and the patterns of human behaviour in tribes defined by religious or other ideologically purity.. it’s a dangerous and damaging pattern that needs to be observed and called out more.
3) I think the original phrase is “toe the line” - worth a quick Wikipedia look - I think it’s from being ordered to stand exactly behind a line; thought you’d like to know. I guess you maybe live near a river/lake? Funny how phrases have different meanings to people depending on experience - I was discussing more “strings to a bow” with a musician friend and he said it should be “hairs” (thinking of instrument bows) whereas I thought it was bows as in bows-and-arrows.. I haven’t looked up who’s ’right’ - both are interesting imho.
(P.s hope all well in your world, good luck with your guitar videos they deserve more views)
@@drmartinbartosHey thanks for the kind words. I did a quick search on that phrase and I think “toe” is what I meant. Guess I had some image of a bunch of people pulling on a rope really hard and one person decides not to and gets dirty looks 🤣 English is fun.
@@drmartinbartos Remind me where thoughtful compassion is in throwing another innocent living being into a hell hole slaughterhouse?
You clowns are like necrotic flesh. Like what you eat.
Thank you so much for being so open and honest. I found myself in a similar situation after three years of being vegan (and absolutely loving it) after gallbladder removal surgery. I became unable to digest fruits, vegetables, or legumes without having to rush to a bathroom. I had to give up my vegan diet and I literally hate it. I'm stuck and it sucks. I don't want to eat animal products but I can't eat much else without having issues. I miss veganism and I try from time to time and I always end up very sick (due to my inability to digest most foods and newly diagnosed IBS) I sincerely hope you find a balance that supports your gut health better ❤
Sorry to hear about your experience with that. Sounds really frustrating. Best of luck
He did make me go vegan but I gave in few months before he did
For the same reason, how ironic
Veganism kills more animals usually than eating more carnivore. If I were to only eat beef I'd be responsible for 1-2 lives a year but if I eat all plants it'd be loads more. People who operate those harvesters have shared the extent of all the animals who get killed.
First of all; I hope that your mental and physical health issues get treated well Alex. Your honesty and integrity is appreciated; you made me consider veganism and your latest update does not discourage me at all. Hope you get back on track as soon as possible, best wishes and all the support!
As someone who gave him lots of hate because he is directly causing the mass suffering of hundreds of thousands by using his platform so recklessly I stand by every characterization. Hope he decided to evolve a moral compass or concern for others outside of himself someday. Thank you for featuring my comment Alex!
@@praxisdragon Would you have him no longer be vegan and not saying anything about it? Perhaps that's the right thing to do from a utilitarian perspective but it think most vegans are more deontologists
@@praxisdragon ideologue
@@praxisdragon Commenting on TH-cam because nobody wants to talk to you in real life is praxis, right?
Fuck off, kid. Adults are talking.
That a good way to put it
I was vegetarian for 5 years before turning pescatarian for two years. I then went back to being veggie but honestly feeling a little bit jaded with the whole thing. Content like yours and earthling Ed's helped not only to renew my conviction but also to take the further step to veganism. You are young: I have no doubt that with your curiosity and conscientiousness you will continue to explore this issue and eventually find your own convictions renewed. These things can sometimes take time. I too was very strong in my views early on, and learned from this as well.
Some bodies just can't hack it. It's not about convictions. You can't judge what it's like in another person's skin.
@@themudpit621 No judgement from me. I refer to his convictions because in his community post he says this "For quite some time I have been re-evaluating my ethical position on eating animals". I know that in this video he focuses more on the health issues associated with his diet, but I think the two things are related. And he appears to give no definitive renunciation of veganism here, thus leaving the door open for a possible change again.
All the vitriol you got is messed up. Big time!
I'm vegan, I've been vegan for 5 years, also a bodybuilder which means I play nutrition on "very hard" and as you, I have gastrointestinal issues that precede veganism. I have allergies that force me from time to time to do an elimination diet of an already vegan diet, which is getting from "very hard" to "nightmare mode" but I do it, and not once did I ever though about giving up on animals. More so, I also competed and achieved great results against people with no limitations. I certanly don't see the reason in your decision, but never the less, how people tribalised on this issue is just sad. You could and still can solve whatever problem you have within the confinements of the vegan diet.
I would never abandon a cause I believe in for trivial reasons. You issue is not new, you had it before, it's not because the the vegan diet, therefore it's ilogic to come back to something that didn't work in the past.
A fodmap diet or an elimination diet is not exclusive to the carnivore diet. You can experiment within the vegan diet and win this, as I do!
Cheers mate! Hope you get better! 🤜🏼🤛🏼
He is a disingenuous person, just playing the victim card for sympathy. I'm surprised his viewers can't see through his BS.
As many have already stated, our viewpoints are very different; but I am always excited when you upload because you are so genuine. I really learn a lot from listening to your perspectives. You have my support & I hope you are able to focus on healing whatever struggles you alluded to in this video.
Alex,
Thank you for the video and explanation.
First, I want to say that I sympathize with your health issues, both physical and mental. Second, I want to reiterate what you said, that there is no excuse for extreme reactions, such as wishing you bad things. Such reactions are unfortunately not unique to vegans. If you decide to become Christian tomorrow, or support certain politicians, you'd get similar reactions. As much as we'd like to think of ourselves as rational beings, we behave emotionally.
This is exactly why I waited a few days for my anger to go away before making my video about you, where I also mentioned that I know you didn't say veganism isn't nutritionally adequate.
A perspective I'm offering here is about practicability. Practicability goes hand in hand with self-discipline and resilience and how strongly one holds on to their values. The threshold that separates practical vs not practical depends on one's commitment.
Talking about practicability, is veganism as easy as not being vegan? Of course not. Not yet. There were many instances where I went to a birthday party and the cake wasn't vegan and I had to refuse to eat. For some people this can be already too much, and impractical! Or times where I went to a nonvegan restaurants with colleagues and my options were limited. Sometimes as everyone else would just go to any restaurant and mindlessly put products obtained from harming animals in the worst imaginable ways in their mouth, I have to google and find vegan friendly restaurants. If I want to not support harming and killing animals, I have to go an extra mile. It's not fair. But I also think what animals go through is not fair!
It's definitely easier to litter and trash anywhere than to walk around and find a trash bin. The more one cares about not trashing, the more they're willing to walk to find a bin.
So I 100% agree with you. I also acknowledge that for people with conditions and diseases it might be even more challenging to be vegan.
I know people who are vegan while being allergic to nuts or soy or suffering from celiac disease. Even when we go to a vegan restaurant their options are limited. But they figured it out. It certainly take a lot more for them to be vegan than me.
So I want to be very clear, that by no means I mean your situation is easy. The perspective I'd like to offer is to compare the inconvenience with what animals go through. I don't know about you, but for me, unless someone imprisons me, takes away my freedom and bodily autonomy, and cuts my head off, things we do to all animals eventually, be it "happy" farms or factory farms, being vegan seems easier. Simply put, it's always easier (or more manageable) for us to be vegan than for an animal to get killed. We can always plan better and find a way. Animals don't get that chance. I know you know this!
The solution I kindly offer, is to talk to a plant-based dietician or physicians. One of the best gastroenterologists I know actually lives in the UK, certified in both Gastroenterology and General Internal Medicine, who did his specialist training in Oxford. He is a full-time NHS Consultant and a plant-based doctor, and a published author in the field of bowel diseases. I would be more than happy to connect you.
Rationally speaking, there is a problem here: it is very difficult for you to be vegan. Now the solution could be going back to not being vegan, or it could be to find a way to make it work, such that you can take care of your health, and live according to your values.
Like I mentioned in my last email, becoming a youtuber wasn't easy. You didn't let lack of having good equipment or any other obstacle stop you! Don't tell me it was easy to get 0.5M subscribers. In fact, I argue that for many people it's impractical! It doesn't mean it's impossible. It means that they find it too hard and they give up. You didn't.
So why not treating veganism, where your decisions literally dictate who lives and who dies, with the same seriousness and dedication? Why not at least trying to talk to a plant-based physician, take their recommendations, see how you feel, before deciding to going back to your other diet? (For those reading this who don't know, an average physician gets virtually no education on nutrition, diet, and lifestyle changes for preventing and reversing diseases, which is why one would need to talk to a physicians or registered dietician who is educated on plant based nutrition)
This might be in fact a great opportunity, because in your own words, the other diet doesn't seem healthy, and might have caused inflammation to begin with (I have actually worked on drug development for inflammatory diseases). Nonetheless, we have to make sure you are ok, and that you receive the best advice and care possible. You can count on my help if there's ever anything I can do to make your life better.
Hope that you feel better, and I hope that we find a way to make sure both you and animals are not harmed!
♥️♥️
If Alex is honest about this he should take up your offer and see a competent plant based doctor/nutritionist.
@@maomao180 basically he has to be on his death bed before he can eat animals again, why does it have to get to that stage. Utter nonsense if you ask me
I have been a vegan for nearly forty years, that said, I appreciate your honesty and candor. You remain a person I have a lot of respect for and I wish you all the best...struggle means we are living life to the fullest, I do believe.
pretty insane you think it's okay he now supports killing and torturing animals for no other reason but convenience
Vegan for nearly 40 years, lol, who believes this 💩?
as someone with food allergies and IBS who is only able to manage being vegetarian, something i always appreciated in your vegan content was your frequent acknowledgement of the existence of circumstances that could make veganism unattainable. you always exercised empathy towards people with dietary restrictions - an empathy that contrasts the vitriol i've had other vegans give me. i hope some of these people find the same empathy for you. look after yourself and thank you for your honesty.
So what's the special nutrient in cow's milk and chicken eggs that makes them necessary for you to consume?
@@joshwarrey3728 most vegans are able to get protein and iron from nuts and wheat-based sources, while i cannot. chickpeas and beans (and other legumes) are great options i enjoy frequently, but the fact of the matter is i was informed by my doctor that a vegan diet would not be sustainable for me. i also cannot get zinc, magnesium, or calcium from nut-based sources the way many vegans can. most vegan food options carry a 'may contain nuts' warning which - as someone anaphylactic - i must avoid. i wish i didn't have to eat eggs and dairy and feel immensely guilty every time i do, hence why i try to use substitutes where i can (e.g i use oat milk and eat vegan chocolate). you'll probably try to tell me otherwise, but i know from the struggles i've had transitioning to even just a vegetarian diet that veganism would harm my health greatly. attacking people like me does nothing to progress the vegan movement. i love animals just as much as you and encourage everyone to make more ethical choices
@@anka9405 The minerals you mentioned are very inexpensive to take as vegan friendly supplements if you are unable to obtain the amount you need from your day to day diet. Whether you choose to transition to a fully plant based diet or not, it is a good option to have access to.
@@thesayerofing it is a great option! i take supplements daily and was already taking prescribed iron supplements prior to going vegetarian. i take vegan friendly omega 3 tablets to enable me to function without fish in my diet too :)
@@anka9405 Hi, I'm just wondering... If you eat legumes frequently, why do you think you need to supplement iron or zinc? Is it just nuts you're struggling with? Why do you take nutrition advice from your doctor? Most doctors have no clue about nutrition, since they get little to no training on it. If all you need to avoid is wheat and nuts, you still have plenty of options.
love you man. I understand. and I'm really sorry for the people who are incapable of understanding your situation.
sorry to hear you haven't been well, sincerely wishing you good physical and mental health! I hope to see you continue to advocate for reasonable treatment of all life forms on this earth. You never know what the future holds.
- from someone whose been vegan for 10+ years
Hey Alex, your meat eaters guide to veganism video introduced me to veganism whereas I otherwise was predisposed against it. I appreciate your transparency with this video and all the content you have put out over the years. Thank you.
This is the opposite of transparency. He's willing to bring up IBS as a vague suggestion of why he "can't" be vegan, but all of a sudden it becomes "private" before he gets to actually explaining why that prevents him from being vegan, which is the only reason he supposedly brought it up in the first place? How does that seem honest or open to anyone?
@@michaelkossin2765 Being reactionary irrational clown is very positive influence on your life i'm sure of that
This is anything but transparent.
u fkn slave
@@michaelkossin2765 maybe he does not want to bring it up because it's non of your f***ing business, or mine for that matter...
As someone diagnosed with Crohn's (IBD), I can totally empathize with you. It's rare to see a big youtuber discuss their gut issues. Thank you for being so open and honest. I hope you're doing well.
Yeah, because eating corpses and dairy cow's milk full of hormones and suffering and death will make you the picture of glowing health
@@Empathy4Animals411 nice strawman.
Does having a disease excuse someone for abusing others? (Ill politely wait for the answer)
@@DiahRhiaJones what a disingenuous comparison to make
@@chromaticrain6301 You're not the person I asked, but you're free to answer it as well.
Thank you for being open about your struggles and for being brave enough to share this. It would have been easier to have just never posted about this change in the first place, but you made the hard decision to not live your life as a hypocrite. As a Christian, I often disagree with the content in your videos, but I respect you so much as a person. And you being willing to work through this publicly rather than living your life as a hypocrite makes me respect you that much more!
You are needed in this world so thank you for putting your physical and mental health first. I have nothing but respect for you.
And putting the animals’ lives a much more significant second place, which unfortunately in this analogy, happens to be an utterly unnecessary battle royale of species.
@@cornsockgabz Don't you think human health is much more important in that case?
@@amask99 👍
Alex's content has been the ONLY thing that has made me shift more toward a plant-based diet. As always, it is fact and philosophy based, without being preachy. I would love to see a poll on the channel to see how many people have experienced this type of change because of Alex. What he does for his own health won't change the mountain of information on the topic that he has given me.
Too bad it's all lies. Not that Alex is lying, I think he's a very honest person from the way he handled this, but the studies are all lies. He's repeating cleverly devised falsehoods. Plants are generally and overwhelmingly indigestible to humans. Many of the nutrients they claim to have cannot be absorbed because of insoluble fiber, oxilates and defense chemicals. Plants do not want to be eaten, and they cannot run away, unlike animals. So they have anti-nutrients which stop you from digesting them. Leafy greens are a particularly ridiculous proposition. Ruminants eat leaves. They have four stomachs. We have one. They clearly have the tracts to digest the leaves and greenery, we do not. (A huge part of the reason humans developed IBS, but since we're so conditioned against thinking plants could be the problem because we've been told countless times they're healthy, Alex cannot see this is indeed the cause of IBS, and a host of other autoimmune disorders) That's why all those nutrients they claim to have, are absorbed by the animal and then we eat the animal. This makes the nutrients extremely bioavailable to us, which they absolutely are not in plants.
And by the way, there is no environmental argument for veganism. It's all lies too. Traditional regenerative farming fixes all the problems with modern industrial animal raising. And monocrop farming for pesticide laden, phytoestrogen-filled non-human food, displaces and kills untold numbers of animals. Permanently, mind you. Regenerative farming let's wildlife live in it's natural habitat.
Veganism doesn't work for me either, but I don't think that should change anyone else's outlook on their diet if it's working for them. Not being universally applicable doesn't constitute any serious threat to the actual philosophy of veganism, imo. You do you!
@@Shadare why are there so many scientific analysis against a mass veganistic diet not really being sustainable for our planet?
@@rebelresource What are some of these scientific analysis' you are speaking of?
@@frederikkurstein3878 jumbo jumbo 123
Hey Alex, I’m glad you expounded on this and I’d like to add to the people that became vegan with your help. I’m not angry at you, though I am hopeful you’ll be able to switch back fully at some point.
I have Crohn’s disease and thankfully my plant based diet has been a benefit to my health, fitting easily enough into my lifestyle too. I know very damn well what you mean about toilet urgency and the anxiety that comes with that.
A reminder for you, that even if you’re unable to be 100% plant based yourself, your advocacy has been a massive net positive for animal justice worldwide.
I hope you are able to ignore the hateful vitriol. You’ve just made yourself a very visible target for a small, very loud, and frankly delusional minority of people.
You’ve also helped me deconstruct my toxic Christian faith, which I cannot thank you enough for. I was a big fan before, and I’ll be a big fan going forward.
Thanks Alex
I have always found the value of your channel to be the well-reasoned and supported positions you present or discuss. I think you are showing that same value here, by explaining your position and showing your work.
It also takes quite a bit of courage to publicly announce a change, in any direction, around such a contentious issue. I wish you the best and look forward to your next video!
That is a good point.
maybe I'm missing but how has he provided justification or support for his belief. In fact he obviously contradicts himself multiple times by saying that he believes one can get a perfectly nutritionally complete diet while being vegan and also acknowledging that harming animals is wrong and that they have moral worth. So hes essentially admitting he doesnt think its worth his time to figure it out. curious what your thoughts are?
(edit - typo)
He didn't provide evidence or reasoning for anything. This whole video was an exercise in contradictions and vaguery.
@@GhostCorvid20 no. he did you're just too braindead to see it
Huge respect for your authenticity. Your videos have had a great impact on my thinking and what I appreciate the most is your ability to be honest to yourself and always question everything. Most importantly, that is what I can find from this video as well. I will continue following your content and wish you all the best.
I have also suffered from ibs for most of my life, in a way that sounds very similar to you. I wouldn’t go anywhere without a toilet and was constantly suspicious of any tiny feeling in my stomach in case it was a sign of an attack coming on. My gastroenterologist described my case as ‘refractory’. In fact, long before I was vegan he made a point of recommending that I never go on a plant-based diet because it would make me feel worse. Luckily, when I did decide to go vegan almost three years ago, my symptoms decreased dramatically. It’s not completely gone, but it doesn’t rule my life in the same way. I’m so sorry that it couldn’t be the same for you, because ibs is such a painful and distressing condition when it’s severe. I hope you find a way to manage it.
I appreciate the level of understanding demonstrated here. Someone with your personal history could've just as well blamed him for not doing what you could. Thanks for showing compassion, especially in an environment where it's so easy to attack people.
Same case here, and also a huge improvement from eating a whole plant based diet, but then everyone is different and also it takes a bit of time getting adjusted to it, reading the right books and learning how to cook. I feel very compassionate about him and really hate some people being so awful about this
@@flutiyama Why the fuck do you morons keep talking about compassion? Do we have to roll some slaughterhouse footage to remind you of how absolutely clownish you look right now? What does it take to get you to keep quiet?
It decreased because you were vegan or coincidentally?
I am not disappointed, this is just life. You strive to be much better person than I could ever be and that is good enough.
He will never be a better person than you, sure, you can try but you can only be human. No more, no less. Now go be happy. Try your best to live or die trying.
I have followed you for many years. I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling physically and mentally. Please take care of yourself. Those who are bringing down the proverbial hammer on you don’t represent the majority of us who love and respect you, no matter where you come out on this issue.
Frankly, Alex was looking pretty rough. I’m glad he decided to start taking care of himself. 💜
He's hurting people because it's not easy not to. I can love and respect him while still thinking that's a messed-up thing to do. He's sick, in one way or another, and needs help, not vitriol. But he's causing others pain and suffering, knowingly and avoidably, and I simply cannot excuse that as if no-one is getting hurt.
The separation of his system of philosophy from his lived life is an indication that something has gone wrong. He seems to want to keep his philosophy while living contrary to it.
This is definitely a "let he without sin cast the first stone" situation. I bought Cheetos after deciding I would eat a vegan diet. I think most of us have realized that something we've been consuming after we became vegan had something non-vegans in it. None of us are perfect. We've all made mistakes.
The question is how best to respond. Vitriol is unlikely to help. If we look at it consequentially, what option of response ought we pick?
I'd like to propose we organize a fund to pay for the purchase and delivery of a full vegan diet to Cosmic Skeptic, to both let him know he's loved and to help him live as he would wish he could, according to the philosophy he himself has articulated. I believe this represents the best possible outcome.
Rather than knock him down, let's hold him up.
@@RandomAmbles Pretty sure he's more than fine financially. He also has nutritionists and a vegan doctor among his patreons and youtube friends. Given his incomplete and reactionary (focusing on the minority of bad vegans instead of engaging with the good ones) public statement and his more recent behavior (even just talking to someone like the Peterson daughter), chances are he's just never asked for help on this matter.
Hey Alex, I'm sorry to hear about the death threats you received from your community post. That public hanging comment is insane! Clearly, many of those people have their own issues that they need to deal with, even though it's probably near impossible for some of them to ever address their mental health challenges. Personally, I mostly align with Vegan Footsoldier's views on this matter from the video he recently made in response to your video here. I'm glad you can handle the hate though. If you're interested, I have some useful resources in the description of my intro video on my channel that I've been writing&compiling over the 10 years. Also on a different note, I'd like to recommend some of my talks on TH-cam that I did with others, which are not about veganism, but cover even more important issues that I think you'd benefit from learning about. Cheers!
Hey Alex. I want to start by saying I hope you get through whatever mental issues you're dealing with. As someone with IBD (ulcerative colitis), I understand first hand how mental issues can lead to a vicious cycle with these diseases.
With that out of the way I want to thank you for all the engaging entertainment you've brought me over the last year. You've made me think about things I had never thought about before. I believe it was your "The Absolute Worst of Cognitive Dissonance" video that first got me to reconsider vegansim. Truly since watching that video, I've been heavily considering the possibility of veganism and often have felt a moral obligation to do so. This discussion has further challenged me. The next time I visit my GI doctor, I'm going to ask him about swapping to a plant based or at least plant focused diet. In particular I would like to cut off the major factory farmed products, namely beef, pork, poultry, and dairy.
I hope you will continue to discuss veganism and your relationship with it in the future, but I understand if you wish to remain silent about it given the threats made against you.
Either way I'll be looking forward to whatever comes next. Best wishes.
Update: Don't know if anyone will actually read this, but as of April 2024 I've been vegan for 1 month. Nothing crazy, and I put it off a lot longer than I planned initially, but thats me. Anyway, I was just going to try it for a month but after seeing how easy it was to go vegan, I'm thinking of sticking with it long term. I definitely get cravings now and then, but after learning about what vegan options I had and giving them a try, it was pretty easy to just keep choosing those options. Big thanks to reddit and the internet in general as I know literally 0 vegetarians or vegans so figuring out what I could and couldn't eat was a bit of a challenge at first.
I really wish I had been more aware of the many things that contributed to flare ups from ulcerative colitis. Doctors would just tell me to simply stop using ibuprofen. My condition only got worse resulting in the removal of my entire large intestine. For years I've felt alone in my struggles and to see Alex speak about himself having a similar condition and reading your comment I am crying. Thank you and Alex
@Tionna Williams You're not alone in the slightest 💗 I've got problems with my small intestine.
@ShayShitsInTheBag is a great person to follow for content relating to GI issues. They are definitely is great for feeling less alone.
I have Crohn’s and, if I’m being honest, I would advise against a vegan diet. It’s not healthy for you long-term (or more specifically, it isn’t conducive to brain health). Although, for short and medium term intervals it can actually significantly improve and reverse certain ailments like heart disease and diabetes.
That being said, many of the nutrients you will need to consume are often foods that will likely irritate your illness and the sheer QUANTITY you will have to consume every day is just really dangerous for someone with intestinal issues. I used to be vegan years ago and was told by my doctor that it could kill me and I had to stop. But then again, Crohn’s is pretty severe compared to IBS so you may not have the same obstacles. Just remember your health comes first.
@@tionnawilliams1593 Oh G-d I can relate to that. Took so much experimenting for me to realize that greens, nuts, and oils are the BIGGEST causes of flare ups for me. Certain things will cause severe bloating as well.
@Emmett DonkeyDoodle Thanks for the advice. I actually have Ulcerative Colitis which presents and has symptoms very similar to Crohn's (just a different part of the intestines being inflamed). I would like to limit my involvement with the wider meat industry mainly so if I so still need to eat meat or diary I would try to source it more ethically.
Compassion and acceptance are some of the keys to moving forward in some things, and granting yourself some compassion is key to moving forward as a human.
No compassion for the animals he is going to eat though right? Hehe
@@karambadodox I am sure you are so compassionate. How much slave labor and abuse of the global south do you partake in every day?
Thanks for your honesty and integrity Alex. I truly hope you're getting the help and support for your mental health issues. Don't be alone on that journey.
Honesty would also mean telling us what he has been eating exactly.
Integrity would mean for him to contact a plant based doctor and make simple adjustments.
Integrity would also mean to address the constructive feedback he has received instead of focusing on the insults.
@@benh6737 Honestly it's not anyone's business what he eats, which doctor he sees, or what he focuses on in the comments.
Everyone here uses animal products needlessly.
No point in having a witch trial just because he is doing what is right for him.
@@janieswanson2549 If it isn’t your business, then stop commenting. Alex knows better
@@benh6737 Good to see you have nothing to refute what I typed and are reduced to wanting me silenced.
I accept your concession.
@@janieswanson2549 The only argument you keep on pushing by leaving THOUSANDS of comments on vegan related content, (needless harm) has already been refuted countless times. So, you can cope with whatever narrative fits you the most, i don't really care...
Oh damn, I don't really know what I expected, but this cut close to home for me. I think this is the first time I've ever heard a public facing person describe the same quite embarrassing issues I've dealt with my whole life with IBS. It's only a few years ago that I started being comfortable enough to even talk about it with my closest friends and only then I noticed how insane some of it is - that I've just internalized that it's normal for me to simply go hungry if I'm going to be outdoors with friends cause I don't dare to eat anything if I don't have safe access to a toilet. All of the "oh, it's ok, I'm not hungry" while trying to hide my stomach rumbling. I've learned to breathe through the most horrific of stomach aches while trying to look unfaced cause my social anxiety is not really friends with my IBS...
I relate very hard! And I know it's just a comment among others, another profile pic in the crowd, but trying to reach out a virtual hand at least to say thank you for sharing this!
Well, thank YOU for sharing THIS as well, then!!
Was not expecting such understanding towards Alex, especially after the initial backlash. Happy to see people acting like this❤️
Just wondering if you are vegan?
@@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094 Struggled with that too, was vegan for 2 years a while back, then ran into bunch of unrelated mental health issues including eating disorder. With the mentality of "all or nothing", I kinda gave up on veganism, thinking that if I can't commit to it 100% (and seeing similar reactions like cosmic skeptic has gotten) it doesn't matter and I'm just a bad person so why even bother. Today, I have a more relaxed relationship to it, and would estimate that my diet is ~80% vegan and increasing, which works way better for me. The IBS is pretty much unchanged though, it gets extremely worse with certain foods, but I've never experienced what it's like not to have stomach ache after basically every meal.
@@skabbmask as a fellow IBS sufferer I fully relate. My issue with Alex advocating veganism was because of health problems some people have and they could be made to feel guilty for no fault of their own. I have never been vegan but my diet has always been “almost” vegetarian with a lot of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately some years ago my condition worsened and I developed intolerance to dairy products and most fruits and vegetables. Just eating an orange makes me go to the bathroom. I have tried all sorts of adjustments, but no lasting improvements. Only giving up fruits and vegs (and several other things) seems to work.
@@pansepot1490 I have no issue with advocating veganism, and was actually convinced of the morality of it by Alex (which hasn't changed, and from what I understand, hasn't changed for him either). I feel Rationality Rules (see his video on "why veganism will win in the end" or something like that) have a stronger case for the pragmatic there, but ultimately I can't defend not being vegan on a moral basis. However, I don't see anyone living a 100% consistent ultimate moral life in 100% of all of their aspects of living, it's mainly this that has made me more relaxed with it all - and what I really despise with these vocal aggressive vegans is that they're also doing and supporting immoral things like the rest of us but don't seem to be aware of it, strutting around on their high horses sniffing their own farts spitting in the face of people with real problems. So, you should definitely not feel bad for not being able to live like a ridiculous fantasy-saint :) We're all human! Pick your battles, do what you can, help others, be kind to those who deserve it (and even kinder to those who don't deserve it, it pisses them off so nicely >=)), and stand your ground against the assholes ^^ Really just satanism, haha x)
I suffer from IBD and get the difficulty it causes, especially as it can be so unpredictble. In my case, I've been vegan for 5 years now (vegetarian 10 years before that) and adopting a vegan diet significantly helped reduce the frequency of flare-ups - stress is by far the biggest antagonist for me and studying at uni put my flare-ups into overdrive. I would really suggest seeking professional advice before deciding what a healthly diet for you should look like. We are very fortunate in the UK to have access to a plethora of vegan foods and suppliments, there likely is a way forwad here. No doubt you know this, so best of luck - I genuinely hope you can get the stress levels down.
As a someone who became vegan and realized I have a problem with eating legumes I can sympathize. Luckily in my case its not as bad, it consists mostly of bloating gassiness, tiredness and in extreme cases I even got hives on my whole body (symptoms proportional to how much I eat). I am not eating out much so I was able to circumvent the issue by eating seitan as my main substitute and the occasional slip is not too bad. I hope you still experiment with vegan food and find something that works for you, you might need to avoid certain foods or food groups like me but it still better than the alternative. Of course if that does not work I understand your decision even though I regret the situation is at it is, by no fault of your own if I may add. The truth is life is not perfect and we do the best we can and that means different things for different people.
For me, it's been a matter of going very slowly and my tolerance slowly increased alongside. But the real game changer was starting to take in sauerkraut. I had to start that really slowly as well, but now I'm much more capable of digesting just about anything without having bad symptoms. This leads me to think it was a microbiome issue in my case. It could be worth exploring for yourself as well! It needs to be live culture stuff - expensive from the grocery store but dirt cheap if you make it yourself, and easy to do! Seriously changed my quality of life in my case, so I thought I'd share!
(Tim Ferris has a sauerkraut recipe, Google will find that, that's what I use with a few modifications to make it simpler, and at the beginning start with just a forkful per day and slowly increase over the next couple of months. I have heard that 2/3 of a cup per day is the end goal, but I started seeing benefits well before that. Note: I had suspected this for a while, I tried probiotic capsules as well, back before I went vegan I had also tried kefir, but only sauerkraut has had a noticeable positive effect)
As a veggie, I have had problems with bloating (and gas), constipation and fatigue. On the recommendation of a Vegan friend, I have incorporated Kefir Yoghurt, Kimchi and Tempeh in my diet, and this has helped.
The trick to not having gas/bloating after eating legumes is to regularly eat (thoroughly cooked) legumes. The gut microbiome can adjust to diet changes in a matter of ~3 weeks.
Thats why the first 2-3 weeks on a proper plant-based diet are always the hardest on your gut because a lot of the micro-organisms in your stomach that break down nutrients are suddenly obsolete, die, and are replaced.
if you remain vegan after all that you're just a religious idiot
@@agentdarkboote thanks for the reply. I tried fermented foods for a while, maybe ill try again in the future.
I also tried eating soy/tofu (and other legumes) for a year and my energy levels were really poor which clearly showed on my running performance.
I can explain away all the symptoms to the microbiome/digestion but I can't explain the hives I got that way. I really think its not an issue with getting used to the food but genetic, maybe I'm wrong.
Edit: added "(and other legumes)"
honestly youre so cool for the honesty. Your content has always been awesome to watch, keep it up!
Much support to you Alex. The human body is a complex machine and lifestyles are more complex still. I think the key takeaway is empathy towards our fellow man in understanding the difference between the championing of moral causes and self care.
Alex get yourself tested for celiac disease if you haven’t already, often IBS is misdiagnosed and gluten is actually the problem!
Shhhh stop making sense you might jeopardize his tasty animal products 😂😂
@@whataboutb12 ableism and belittling peoples health issues is still a thing in 2023 i see -_-
@What About B12? It seems like you’re finding it hard to stand in Alex’s shoes, which I guess makes sense because you’re so used to comically large shoes (and rainbow wigs)
Good luck!
@@heypeopleitsmatt is speaking with a nutritionist hard? no? that's what i thought.
@@synscient7446 cute story. Do you also harm animals like Alex?
Really appreciate you and your honesty, I hope the hatred doesn't get to you too much and you keep providing the amazing and introspective thoughts 😊
I had IBS most of my life as well. Livable on a standard diet. Unbearable during my 18 months vegan. I nearly had to quit my job. Debilitating. Went back to livable after quitting, but worse than previous. The only think that cured it for me is an animal based diet. I've been symptom free for 4 months now. I am amazed how great life can be when your entire brain isn't consumed with where the bathroom is, or whether I can hold in gas when around other people.
Thank you, Alex. Take care of yourself.
While I'm a meat eater, I have become aware of the vegan perspective to animal farming and suffering through this recent announcement. It informs me and allows me to participate in social/political discussions with empathy.
I subscribe to you for your rational discussion on religion and philosophy. I look forward to your continued thoughtful and fair evaluation of these topics, as on the issues raised by vegans.
Hey Alex, I´m a vegan for over a year now, partly because of your philosophical videos and talks about veganism. I have a great deal of respect for you and i think that i know you enough from watching your videos to know that this wasnt a "just dont wanna anymore" decision. I am a little sad that veganism is not a possible option for you anymore, but i do think that you did (and still do) a great service for veganism. Mental health is so so important, as someone who studies humans physical health, i cant understand how (even med-people) dont grasp the significance of mental health and the according problems.
The best wishes from me, to deal with, and eventually overcome your mental and physical health problems. Will still enjoy your content and still recommend it to my friends. Vegans and Non-Vegans alike.
❤
Eating a plant-based diet is not a "possible option" for Alex only because it's too inconvenient, something he complained about a year ago. He was never vegan, not once did he mention the animals in all his excuses.
@@harveyplantharvester1502 Just because his complaint a year ago was that it was inconvenient doesn't mean that this video is complaining the same things. A human being should prioritize their overall health first and foremost before prioritizing the health of animals. Alex was really struggling getting enough to eat at all and his mental health as well as his medical conditions were causing that. That's not a matter of inconvenience.
@@miketunney69420 I do not think it's murder if animals are killed for food, so you're not really getting through to me with that argument.
@@miketunney69420 Plus, millions of animals are murdered from industrial farming of plants. 🤷♀️ It's how the world works, man. Animals kill and eat each other for food, even omnivores.
Stay strong Alex. You've been a major influence in my transition to a plant based diet, so even if couldn't continue with it yourself, I still want to thank you for this wonderful change you've made in my life. I wish you the best
Thank you, truly
Do you tell the animals in the torture and murder factories to "stay strong" as well?
@@DiahRhiaJones go troll somewhere else
@@Ashclayton1994 The universal euphemism for "I cant come up with a response so im just going to throw around false accusations of trolling and run away!!!"
BTW love the profile pic you use as you defend enslaving those who don't look like you. You're definitely not a clown or anything.
@@DiahRhiaJones do you care about the animals that are indirectly killed due to pest control, habitat loss, being caught up in harvesting machinery and the people in 3rd world countries forced into slave labor to pick the avocados, quinoa and other crops that sustain your vegan diet, or do you only pretend to care about animals as long as the end result of the exploitation is on your plate? There's no such thing as a cruelty free diet under capitalism get of your high horse and stop pretending your own shit dosen't stink
@@Ashclayton1994 Nice level zero anti-vegan tropes.
1. Where are the overwhelming vast majority of crops that are being grown going to again?
2. Theres nothing ethically wrong with protecting food needed for survival, even if it has to be done violently.
3. Since when does avocado = vegan?
4. "There is no such thing as a cruelty free diet" is another meaningless throwaway garbage catchphrase like "there no such thing as ethical consumption". Throwing around that garbage doesn't absolve you of responsibility for tossing a baby cow into a slaughterhouse to have her neck slashed or a pig into a gas chamber because you're a manbaby that can't give up "bacon."
5. Im a vegan, I dont ride horses, dipsht. Though I am an infinitely better person than you are because I dont abuse animals like you do. Thats for sure.
Who's trolling again?
Damn man, those were some venomous comments directed at you.
Wish you the best of luck moving forward
Focusing on mean comments and not caring about his murderous ways? Yep, he easily manipulated you. Sad you fell for it.
@@nosnawseinaj he doesn’t kill people? That would be a crime and illegal, something like that would put him in prison.
@@nosnawseinaj But he himself cares about his 'murderous ways'. He views it as morally wrong to kill animals - he just gets ill from not being able to practicably follow a diet that is vegan and healthy. He is not saying it isn't possible for most, nor that he hasn't made changes he still keeps.
@@nosnawseinaj Interesting how showing the vile comments he has received is manipulative
I've been watching you since before you were vegan and was over the moon when you started your vegan journey. You've done so much to progress the movement and I've always found your videos insightful and meaningful.
I'm definitely sad and disappointed to see it hasn't worked for you and truly embarrassed on behalf of the people who have had such a violent response - what a bad look. Talk about compassion!
I hope you're doing alright and I look forward to your next project. ❤️
I don't agree with the name calling and personal insults but if you're vegan that does not entail compassion. It's just about respecting basic rights through empathy.
@@henrywalton5967 what?
"Talk about a bad look!"
Here, let me roll some slaughterhouse footage and we'll all be reminded what we're talking about here while you claim that insults are the "bad look" here.
CLOWN!
@@DiahRhiaJones ok
Frustrating to hear about this experience, man. I saw your post and thought it was honorable of you to be honest in a situation where you didn't necessarily have to be. I think it's good to recognize your own challenges and be up front about them. I think even from a philosophical angle, once you're further away from this experience, it might be worth examining these kind of challenges from a philosophical angle.
You're correct that from an outsider's perspective, the response looks rough, and doesn't exactly inspire others to get involved. You've done a lot for the vegan community, and that contribution getting met with such venom when you, as you admit, falter from your own standards, is ridiculous. I hope you keeping yourself safe mentally and physically. I've lately been very appreciative of your argumentation and your personal challenges don't invalidate that argumentation nor your advocacy against factory farming. Be well, I hope this storm is short-lived and that your new content does well.
From an insider perspective, which Alex pushed untill recently, a lot of vitrol is deserved.
Alex goes from condemning [deeply immoral act] to partaking in [deeply immoral act] for reasons that may not be a strict necessity.
@@bdnnijs192 The most ironic thing is that everyone watching his videos or commenting partake [supposed immoral act] in using animal products just like he does.
Why is it okay for you to do it while calling it an immoral act while it isn't okay for others?
@@janieswanson2549
I don't think eating meat is wrong.
Alex did and shared that opinion freely. From that position vitrol is deserved.
@@bdnnijs192 Thanks for agreeing with me that everyone here upset about him making a positive change doesn't practice what they preach therefore absolving Alex of doing the same thing.
I accept your concession.
Veganism is a moral obligation, i see it now
Alex, thanks for being so vulnerable and transparent. Everything you said is exactly what I deal with emotionally, mentally, socially, etc. regarding my IBS. I could relate to everything you said and I’m with you in your struggle. Stay strong and do what’s best for your health! Nobody else should have any say in regards to that. It’s your body and your life! Thanks again for this video.
I'm just now learning about this... I didn't know that you are no longer vegan. I'm sorry you were going through a rough time mentally and physically and I hope that you're in a better place now and I wish you all the best man and I admire the fact that you were truthful about it. Take care.
Bro… I’ve learned much from you and once again I find myself stepping back and thinking “here’s an example of someone genuinely trying to figure things out in an intellectually honest way”.
It seems unfair but your struggle with this situation means that, yet again, we get to watch a brain sort through ideas and arguments in a healthy, decisive way. I can’t be the only one who has benefited from this.
You push and navigate your way through these things and we get to reap the benefits.
Many thanks, my guy. To so many of us, you are worth your weight in gold.
Damn, that's a wise post. You clearly have a rational thought process
Very well said.
I don't want to throw any hate at cosmic skeptic at all, I am just curious at how he talks about how 'not easy' it is to be vegan. He lives in the UK right? I live in Denmark but have family in the UK and it always feels like a complete haven of almost infinite options of plantbased foods compared to Denmark. I guess, from my perspective, UK seems to be such an easy place to be vegan and eat healthily.
@@Easy.Stocks.arabic.english wrong
Skimming through some of the replies to your community post, I’m starting to realise that the online vegan community may not be the nicest group…
Seriously, it’s really putting me off being vegan
I have learned there are quite a few vegans that are simply not worth having in your life. I suppose this is not unlike some other groups. They are not helping the cause for sure.
I can understand that but ideally you’d still decide off the arguments, not a few bad eggs
Nicer than working in a slaughterhouse that's for sure.
@@earthysophie Speaking for myself, I’ll decide my own choices based on what is important to me and my understanding of the issues. It is another question entirely whether I want to associate with a group of people or not, even if our decisions on certain topics are similar.
Thank you Alex for your thoughtful explanation and honesty, and I'm very sorry you're experiencing issues with your mental and physical health. Many ex-vegans will say "I found it hard/inconvenient to eat a vegan diet, therefore veganism no longer has any ethical basis." People most likely do this because they feel the need to justify their decisions and maintain their moral superiority. This is a very pathetic behavior in my opinion. Thank you for making the distinction between the moral/practical, and using logic and nuance in your statements. You've been such a valuable contributor to the animal rights movement and that is not lost! I hope you get well soon.
30+year vegetarian here with IBS and an eating disorder called ARFID. I completely relate. I am fifty, and I have opted to live the way you described where I avoid situations and food because of my conditions and dietary choices. I am still a relatively strict vegetarian but it's NOT EASY. And beyond not being easy, it's VERY difficult. ((hugs)) good luck on your journey, I'm on it, too.
Hopefully, Alex can find a way to slowly get back into a vegan or vegetarian diet. Whilst it's not ideal to be consuming animal products, we should meet people at their current point and if Alex needs to consume animal products for a period of time in order to rethink and strategies a new approach then we need to support him. He clearly still believes in the movement and it's great to see people in similar situations being empathetic and supportive.
@@Moontic935 Alex never said he needed to. In fact, he has explicitedly stated that it wasn't a possibility case, but a practability one. It was not about if he could - or could not. It was a case of wanting not to do it. He just wanted to go out to eat some sushi, that's the reality of it.
@montyollie You're an adult who is still being breastfed by cows? Sicko.
@@davidgomes4383 Stop acting like an English teacher, it's a TH-cam comment. All I was saying was he thought it was best for him to go back to eating animal products and I got the implication this isn't a permanent situation ass he still believes others should be vegan and repeatable defends the vegan diet. We just need to give him some time, especially given he's not in the best place mentally.
No one is perfect and sometimes we fall back to old habits when times are difficult, we're far better off being understanding than angry. If the video was renouncing the movement then I'd understand being angry, but as he said, he still wants to advocate veganism and pushing him away from that prevents others from hearing our side. Given Alex's history on the topic, it's really bad faith to just say he wants to eat sushi, he's done more for the movement than most of his audience combined.
@@davidgomes4383 you either dont understand what certain words mean or you just want to slate a man for any old reason, alas whatever.
he mentioned that it is completely POSSIBLE to have a balanced diet and live perfectly fine as a vegan, but its practicability is hindered by several different factors. he most definitely COULD stay a vegan, but you would be missing the point of the video entirely. as someones whos struggling with mental health rn, i cant even go to my lectures and supervisions. its absolutely possible for me to go to them, my legs are fine, the weathers decent, etc. but its practicability is hindered by factors relationg to my mental health. to just brush it away as some moral weakness is disgusting and i hope you realise that.
in that same sense, it is clear from what alex is saying, and if we are to trust him, which i have little reason to not believe him, that there are health and mental health reasons which hinder his general ability to function normally and as an extension hinders his diet. saying its "a case of not wanting to" jesus. like mate go do one please, pathetic. peoples tribalistic dogma creates such deep hate its just religion written all over. you can hardly blame the misanthrope, were all so pathetic.
when a person struggles with a certain "simple" thing for unexpected health reasons, and particularly mental ones, its not just a matter of perservering. a lot of the time its about stepping back, reverting to something basic and working forward to enable yourself to head back in the direction you once were headed. with that, we work from simpler principles and hopefully, for alex, that means becoming vegan again in some future date. do better.
Please don‘t let the hate discourage you from speaking up for the animals in the future. Wishing you all the best and thanks for the update!
He just said he had IBS b4 going vegan and he still has it as vegan. Doesn't sound like a good reason to go back to eating animals. Can you be a NAZI AND PUSH JEWS TO DEATH CHAMBERS and STILL CARE FOR THE JEWS? HE just said inconveniences isn't worth it and thereby telling everyone to continue shoving fkesh into their mouths since changing what you eat will ALWAYS entail SOME inconvenience
It is unbelievable to me that people like you exist. What the fuck?
I also have a condition, that comes with extreme gastrointestinal issues, which severely restricts my caloric intake. This makes it very hard to even maintain my weight and it is even worse, if I restrict my diet. I’m vegetarian and I try to eat as little animal products as possible, but as hard as I try, I can‘t always be perfect and that‘s ok. Many angry people here claim to care for the suffering of all living beings, but ignore, that you can suffer too. You were and will continue to be a big inspiration for me and my life. You always make me rethink my positions and helped me with my mental struggles and I hope, that there will be better times for you.
I subscribed just to show you support from the sane side of the aisle. You eat whatever you need to stay healthy.
I wish you well. I hope your health issues resolve soon.
Alex, I hope you can give yourself a bit of a break, dust yourself off, and continue your journey. You do a lot of good in this world. That counts for a lot.
After some serious health issues of my own I switched to a plant-based diet. I lost weight, reduced my blood cholesterol, and reduced my blood-pressure, resting heart rate, and halted progression of other concerns. I agree with the ethical and environmental reasons around plant-based, whole food eating as well. That being said, after years of eating this way (in the Mid-west of the U.S.) I continue to struggle with it as challenges about convenience, craving, and culture constantly arise.
I falter, I fail, I cheat, and sometimes I follow the ethical principles just to feast on vegan "junk food" fake meats and processed carbs. It's very difficult on many levels. It helps to be surrounded by family, friends, a community and a society that shares your values and provides options and innovations to make it easier. Few of us actually live under those conditions. I've settled on the philosophy that "it's a practice, not a perfect."
I will endeavor to keep up the effort for my health, for our planet, and for the animals and I realize at times I will falter, I will fail, I will "cheat." Now, those times are fewer and farther between and I don't obsess over moments of exception, I simply attempt to learn from them and move forward.
whats the good? the only thing i seee in his channel is basically going against christianity. wish u guys were instantly teleported in islamic nations and live the rest of your lives there
Wait “fake meats” are a bad thing? aren’t they plant based and kinda useful to people trying to switch to a plant based diet? What does that have to do with cheating on your diet? Please tell me I just misunderstood what you said.
@hermes7526 Yes, going against Christianity is subjectively good. Either it makes you think and consider beliefs from more angles or it can change your mind if you held positions for poor reasons.
@@landonmoore5077 sure there are benefits to fake meats especially ethically and environmentally however they are highly processed, fatty and generally not as healthy as whole food. I agree it helps bridge the gap for people switching over their diet or herbivores craving a burger or a brat.
@@hermes7526 if you are concerned about the fundamentalist theocracies of an Islamist nation, one should also be concerned with the U.S. becoming a fundamentalist Christian nation. Consider the power abuses during the Holy Christian Roman Empire, the blood shed of the crusades how the Nazis weaponized Christianity and white supremacist. Teaching critical thinking and challenging fundamentalist thinking is a collective good that keeps all of us on guard against abuse of power so common in religious organizations. Watch V for Vendetta or A Handmaid’s Tale and you can see those abuses happening now in western countries.
Thanks for bringing this up. You were one of the most important inspirations for me deciding to become a Vegan and I've been one ever since. I want to thank you for that. I'm disappointed, but I understand. I hope everything gets better for you. Hopefully a plant based diet becomes feasible for you to maintain one of these days
Really sorry to hear about all the issues you've been going through and I hope they improve.
Unfortunately not everyone is the same and health conditions can play a factor in your lifestyle.
Personally I've been vegan for about 7 years and have only felt better with time, but everyone is different.
It must have been tough to make this video as the vegan community definitely can be ruthless, but I'm sure you also understand that it comes from providing a voice for the animals and the amount of pain and suffering that they go through.
It's not an ideal situation for anyone but hopefully your health will improve and we'll welcome you back one day brother 🤝🏼
IBS doesn't make it impossible to be vegan. Any decent nutritionist can work out a diet plan with you if you put in some effort. Alex has easy access to professionals in his patreons (among them a vegan doctor) and among his youtube friends. All it takes is one message.
I know vegans who suffer from IBS and have stayed vegan after reaching out for support.
I myself have alot of allergies (essentially can't eat half of all fruits and veggies including soy) and also managed with some help.
If he had just said that he has mental health issues, I'd find that more convincing than implying IBS = no vegan diet, "practicability" (whatever that means) and focusing on 0.5% of mad vegans.
Sorry, but that makes it kinda hard to look past.
@@Luftgitarrenprofi Stop acting like cult members please.
@@Luftgitarrenprofi he explicitly explained this applies to himself. Not that veganism isn’t practical for anyone with IBS. The whole thing about IBS is it’s not an adequate diagnosis in the first place. There isn’t much understood about it. You often get diagnosed with it when doctors can’t find anything else physically wrong, which makes treating it and managing it complicated and not a one size fits all. In fact A LOT of people don’t have luck with dieticians and doctor’s guidance on IBS because it’s such a vague diagnosis. I’m glad you seem to know people with success stories. But that isn’t the case for everyone. He still advocates a vegan or plant based diet, just does not find it practical for himself. Additionally. No one owes you an explanation. He could very well have mental health factors playing into this decision. We don’t know. But he does not owe an explanation of potential mental health factors to you.
@@mkaylagomez1959 Alex does owe his audience an explanation if he wants to be taken seriously as a public advocate. And his explanation is lacking. I've already unsubbed two years back when he gave WLC way too much leeway, so this inconsistency doesn't really come at a surprise.
Alex has expert nutritionists and a vegan doctor among his patreons. Give me one reason why he would leave the information out that he tried everything he could with professionals who know more than he does if he did indeed do it? Instead, he focused on some vague "practicability", some undefined mad vegans and a diagnosis you just admitted is so vague that it doesn't mean much.
That's not enough of an out to start supporting animal suffering and death again after his aggressive ethical vegan content (remember the cognitive dissonance video)?
At this point I'm really just waiting for the no longer an atheist "my road back to theism" video. Lol
@@enterthevoidIi I don't watch any vegan youtubers aside from an occasional Ed video. I just have an alllegiance with the truth. Sorry if that doesn't fit in your otherization view of people you don't like.
Thanks for making this video. I hope you'll get better.
I would have one question. A hypothetical.
What if you new that a "Lion Diet" would cure your mental health problems and completely cure your IBS?
Would you switch to Lion Diet? What would be your thought process at that point? How would you weigh that out?
I'm not saying here that it would happen or that you should eat only meat or anything like that(you've convinced m, over the year,s of the moral argument about veganism), but am wondering what would happen.
On one hand you have your well-being maximized which is definitely not nothing. Like you would be able to live your life in the truest meaning. To go with friends and not think about all of those things. You would feel happier and maybe you'd achieve even more. You'd be calmer for all these reasons. Imagine even never having a brain-fog.
I'm not sure where would I put human brainpower of the scale compared to animal suffering.
Human brain power is the thing that can radically change anything almost.
I'm not telling you to do a Lion Diet, or that this would happen, this is just a hypothetical that I'm quite curious to hear your answer to.
I don't think that you operating on 80% of your brain capacity is worth not killing animals. There I said it.
I sincerely believe that you are a Nikola Tesla of philosophy and I mean it. You have that potential. You are absolutely the most logical person I've ever came across both in person and on the internet. By far. And I'm not saying this lightly.
This is a philosophical question, that's why I'm writing it.
I hope everything ends well for you. Greetings from Serbia. :)
I think if anyone’s operating 80% of their max with plant based that i morally wouldn’t recommend it either. However, I think research is pretty clear that most people can not only survive but THRiVE with at least mostly plant based diet(if not exclusive). I’m not vegan, just mostly plant based
@@SuperAwesomedude20 I'm saying this because Alex himself said in the video that - Yes in principle it is possible, but it so much more difficult that most people are going to operate on lower percentages of their brainpower simply due to unattainable level of nutrition science you have to know and then use everyday to obtain optimal health.
People are mostly unhealthy in terms of nutrition even when they're not vegans. And expecting everyone to be diligently committed to know about every single nutrient and then get every single one of it is ridiculous.
Alex is a Philosopher who graduated at Oxford and even he himself has problems "planning it out". Can I really expect an *average person* be better than Alex?
For example, I'm a Linux enthusiast, but I am completely aware that even if Windows is mostly a spyware, people won't just magically start using Linux since *it is more difficult* to set up usual things that people use.
In principle it is possible to set everything up. I have. My friends have. But for an average person... I really cannot expect him use Free Software even if that will have an impact on human rights.
@@GospodinStanoje yeah but it seems like Alex did have extraordinary health issues. What I'm trying to say is plant-predominant whole-food diet is easier to plan than other diets no? I literally follow the "eat food, not too much, mostly plants" motto. it seems a lot less restrictive than Keto or Carnivore?
ofc first thing is first, health comes first. I recommend the diet it takes to maintain health weight and energy first
Thank you for being transparent, and also thank you for not being dishonest.
When Miley Cyrus became an ex-vegan she went on Joe Rogan and said a lot of factually incorrect bullshit, and it caused a lot of damage to the animal rights movement and veganism. You are much more in point and nuanced in your reflection, and for that I respect you.
I hope you jump on the vegan wagon again sometimes in the not too distant future.
Thank you for all you've done for veganism!
Your just as bad as the trolls sending him death threats
@@Ashclayton1994 Thank you for your lovely comment. You seem to be a really nice guy. I bet your love life is going splendid!
@@Ashclayton1994 "Thank you for being transparent" is as bad as a death threat? The fuck?
I can see you have really struggled with this descision. I developed IBS in my teens. It wrecked my education as I was unable to sit in class. I found a high fibre diet helped in my case but so did relaxing and just explaining to people that I might have to leave meetings. I am sure you'll be exploring counselling. Take care of your self.
Your health has to come first! Good on you for listening to your body.
As a vegan, I’ll say this, follow your heart.
I’ve been plant-based for over 5 years and I feel better than ever. I do bodybuilding and ultramarathons.
You were eating 0-700 calories a day? That’s crazy. Try eating calorie dense plant-based foods like; pb&j, avocado toast, cereal with soy milk, oatmeal and so on.
Good luck, mate! Love your videos!
Really hope you just get back to a state of health, your content is very valuable, and very much appreciated in my opinion. I really wish people didn’t just assume malice with your community post because quite frankly some of the things I’ve seen directed towards you on this subject have been truly untethered and shocking! Anyway, hope you feel better as soon as possible Alex!
If you do manage to get back to a vegan diet despite these problems, please make a video about how you did it so you can help people in a similar situation that want to go vegan. Hoping this happens one day, you made me go vegan. Cheers
Edit: Since there seems to be a war going on on the replies I'm gonna say this here: His mental health problems that he doesn't want to go into details are probably related to an eating disorder, which are extremely hard to mentally recover from while in a 100% plant based diet. I knew someone who was vegetarian for 10 years, vegan for 5 and had to eat a not vegan diet for more than 6 months as I remember to deal with it, she got back into a plant based diet after that. I think that's what Alex is going trough and this is the way he found to not starve himself. Even if I'm wrong about the ED aspect I think people should be a little less ablaze from this situation.
Even tho I disagree with some of his personal actions and the way he communicated some aspects of this situation I'm at least glad he's not joining on the "the plants caused this" bandwagon.
@Chris S It's quite possible that is the case, but even so, he is being entirely honest about his struggles and about the fact that he is not a great representation of the efficacy of a vegan diet.
Even if he has strayed outside of strictly necessary foods (a very hard line to draw) he is struggling in ways that can't necessary be made better by a good diet alone.
I am fortunate enough to not be affected by serious mental health issues, but attempting to deal with my physical health issues while being vegan is still very mentally and emotionally taxing.
@Chris S Let's keep in mind he didn't have to expose himself for any of this. He could have been a completely closeted meat eater.
@@bornkinggamer3347 @BornKingGamer Well that doesn't necessarily depict integrity on his part. It's probably easier to admit to not being vegan than to continue to lie about it and there have been 'vegans' such as Yovana Mendoza who did try to hide it and were caught which would be a really bad look.
And to Connor*, I find it exasperating that people want to give credit to ex-vegans for their transparency about how they allegedly suffered on their vegan diet forgetting there was no transparency at all before they decided to pack it all in. They never reach out to anyone before somehow deciding that fish or eggs is the solution to whatever problem they perceive they were experiencing due to their poorly planned diet. If your standards for effort and honesty are so low that you commend Alex's behaviour that's really just unfortunate.
@@puffybuf If he were being that disingenuous, he would have done what many other click thirsty TH-cam former plant based content creators have done, and throw a fully plant based diet under the bus by claiming that it isn't sustainable for anyone. Often, they then reap all the extra clicks and subs from the vast majority of viewers who eat animals.
@Jonah Whale 3 comments on this video alone, and only on this video. If you aren't baiting and are actual vegan white knight, stop. You are giving vegans a bad name. No one wants to follow someone who acts like how you're acting. All the best
I admire your honesty and openness. Walk your line with pride.
So I don't usually comment on videos but kudos to you on how you decided to handle this. I wish you the best and keep yourself healthy. (that should be your 1st priority but you already know this)
And yes I will stick around and look forward for what you have in store for us.
Vegan or not... I love your willingness to be free thinking and carefully articulate your thoughts. All the best! Keep making the great content!
Veganism is a battle, and Alex is a speartip even though he struggles with it himself. He has made many people go vegan, including myself. We should support people, and be caring for the ones who struggle ❤
I hear wut ur sayin but... have you ever had baked salmon with melted butter and dill seasoning ??!?!?!?!?
@@ubuu7 yes I have, it was pretty good. Looking foreward to eating that when cultivated meat hits the shelves :)
@sebben13 Then I will direct more resources to lab grown meat to free you and all vegan kind.
"Go vegan" how trendy
@@champboehm7863 ?
I doubt that you'll see this comment but I just want to thank you for your openness on this topic. I went vegan after watching your discussions with Earthling Ed and Rationality Rules on this topic and have been happy and healthy. My girlfriend on the other hand has IBS and we've had several difficult discussions because she has trouble eating just plant based foods. It took me longer than it should have to realize how difficult this was for her and how unrealistic my expectations were at times. Seeing this video is helping put the pieces together and will help me act more with empathy in the future. I'm sorry you are dealing with this and I feel for you! That said, I hope some day you might make more videos about veganism and or animal rights, as I think your "veganism from a meat eaters perspective" is a really effective format, and you are such an eloquent communicator. No matter what I hope you are able to make the changes required to be happier and healthier and I really appreciate your honesty and empathy. 💜
Humans evolved to be omnivores. Terrible of you to force your gf to go through that type of diet if you didn't give her an option.
@@Shijaru64 so I have gotten confused about this. I had learnt that humans are omnivores, as u say. I became aware of veganism from videos suggested by youtube algorithm. The few I watched claimed humans are herbivores. I thought, ok may be I was wrong. My country has a large number of vegetarians (due to religious reasons) but they are not vegans. And dairy products are a core part of the vegetarian diet. Jains have the strictest diet, coz "ahimsa" is the core principle of Jainism. They don't eat underground vegetables like potatoes, onion, garlic etc coz pulling them up kills micro organisms in the soil. But they eat dairy products - for whatever reason Jainism does not consider taking milk from a cow as violence or torture. I guess interpretations vary with culture.
Man, I really feel for you Alex. The inner turmoil must be excruciating. Not to mention the additional physical issues you mentioned. This must be an exceptionally challenging time to navigate. All love and support here! ❤️
What an intellectual wimp for someone who loves to claim he's logical
This sounds like a very difficult period. Wishing you all the best.
Thank you for your transparency. You only get one body. Do what you need to take care of it.
The animals only have one body too. I suppose what's best for me is killing and eating dogs as well! But wait, that would be objectionable. What to do, what to do.
As someone who gave him lots of hate because he is directly causing the mass suffering of hundreds of thousands by using his platform so recklessly I stand by every characterization. Hope he decides to evolve a moral compass or concern for others outside of himself someday. Thank you for featuring my comment Alex!
@FyreWanderer You’re absolutely right. To add to what you said, it’s pretty bold of people to be jumping to such severe accusations. I think it’s especially careless when no one knows what he’s dealing with metal health wise (and righty so. It’s none of our business if he doesn’t feel comfortable sharing). Ironically, Alex, who is no longer a vegan I suppose, does a better job advocating for the community than some of its own members.
@FyreWanderer It appears more like he just wants to eat fish. If he really cared about animal rights he would have gone to a nutritionist to work with him on fixing his health issues. You can tell he doesn't care about ending animal exploitation because all he ever talks about is wanting factory farms abolished.
@@LorcaLoca jesus, zealots. the man explicitly said he is going through physical and mental health troubles. as someone whos going through a mental shutdown atm, ik how hard it is to do things that are so simple, that are in my best interest, and that *should* be done. saying he should have just seen a nutritionist as if its as simple as that when someone is going through mental health troubles demonstrates your ignorance. im sure he really wants to, the same way i really want to go to my lectures but fucking cant overcome this mountain that is depression. using dogma to slam this man is pathetic, you care about these animals so much and yet arent able to understand the nuances of mental health. do better.
I’ve been a vegan for over 10 years, just thought I’d put that out there lol.
Love ALL your content and I’m looking forward to more - - thanks for sharing and take care of yourself :-)
not really something to brag about. LOL
Definitely something to brag about. You’re the kind of thoughtful person I would like to know
Thanks for that ill make sure i consume more animal products just to spite you. Just putting that out there!!!!
I couldn't tell but are you a vegan by any chance?
@@Sid00077 I am. Thanks for asking (;
Hi Alex, thank you for speaking up about the challenges of eating vegan while struggling with chronic illness/mental health. I myself was diagnosed with coeliacs disease meaning I have to avoid any traces of gluten at all costs. Therefore I can't go anywhere without planning in advance where and when to eat (I live in Germany and it's a lot harder to eat gluten free over here...). Oftentimes I'll either have to cancel or not eat when I'm out with friends and it's SO hard to be spontaneous. Going vegan definitely made all of this a lot harder and I will make exceptions every now and then. It's a constant struggle and it does impact one's mental health. Thank your for raising awareness on these important issues. Take care :)
A lot harder than where, exactly? I also live in Germany and it's the country with the most gluten-free products by far out of all the places I've been to. Almost all restaurants offer fries, a salad or a mixed vegetable plate. It's not ideal but it's all vegan and gluten-free and things you can go for from time to time when you're eating outside.
You wanna know about hard? Try becoming vegan back in the '80s. And I've been eating a plain bake potatoe for decades in restaurants where I have to meet family members, and you'll make "exceptions"? How about raising awareness about the ANIMALS you're making exceptions to eat? You think of the animal victims, not yourself.
@@kadirm.4047 In my experience (& I've been gluten free for 10+ years) it's harder than in most countries I've been to but especially compared to the UK. It's definitely getting easier but "gluten free options" doesn't mean "safe to eat" because of cross contamination. However, I can only speak for myself. If you're coeliac yourself and you experience it differently - good for you!
Shut. Up. You fucking clown.
@@harveyplantharvester1502 Back in my day We ate rocks and he liked it. People like you make normal people from for the very concept of veganism like it causes aids.
Thanks for sharing this with us. I Hope you're doing alright! I love your content, hope to see your health (mental and physical) improve soon!
Stay healthy and take care of yourself, Alex. You're an inspiration.
...an inspiration to the animals in the torture/murder factories?
You words on ibs have been a great comfort to me. I have been accepting that I suffer from the same, and have appointments coming up. Thanks for talking about it. I am a young student and worry that I wont achieve what I want to and think I can intellectually, because of my ibs. You've inspired me quite a bit :)
You’re a great person Alex and have helped so many people including me with your insight and intelligence. It must be a tough time for you and a difficult decision but you must prioritise your own health. Both physical and mental.
It must be hard when you’re a public voice but try not to let the judgment of others affect your well-being too much. ❤
Almost as hard as what the animals must be going through now because of him...
@@NoInjusticeLastsForever cry harder
@@Assassin99584 Found the coping anti-vegan cultist
@@NoInjusticeLastsForever still crying I see
more coping from the cope master
Hi Alex I just wanted to say that you were one of those instrumental people in my going vegan last year and I want to thank you and express my hope that you can recover one day from this condition, and that things get better for you generally in the future.
I suffered from debilitationg IBS for about five years, and despite the fact I could speculate I honestly have no idea what caused my symptoms to go away. I only know that I was very lucky. During this time, I could not eat any form of seed or nut, except for almonds. I could not eat any kind of grain except white rice, or any kind of legume including peanuts. Dairy and meat were just about the only safe proteins that I could consume. I felt forced at that time to, as you say, evaluate my stance on animals in light of what I was going through. I do not know what your exact sensitivies and triggers all are, and I can only say to anyone who wants to comment on what your diet should be when they have no damn clue either.. they should all just bugger off.
I can't stand this backlash and all the people who are perpetuating it. I am strongly considering unsubscribing from every one of these low-life losers who cannot conceive of a reality other than their own.
I categorically reject any idea that you should be excluded from this movement, just because of your dietary choices-- however justified they may or may not be.
You are a valuable ally and continue to be an asset to the online community and the world. I applaud your incredible honestly -- you had little to gain from being this honest, and the fact you have been, depite everything, does not go unnoticed.
I want to wish you every success in finding a diet that can support you through this time in reconnecting with your friends and with all the things that make you happy.
Thank you! I am disappointed Alex has lost status in the vegan community, but I respect his philosophical arguments and hold to them still. I also suffer from IBS, and if it ever got worse or as bad as yours, I would seriously consider reverting my diet to include meat again. It seems like the prevalence of IBS and gluten-intolerance in the west is rising rapidly, so I expect many people will have trouble going vegan for these reasons.
Thank you for sharing Alex; I admire your authenticity. You are my hero :)! Love and good vibes to you!!
Hope you are doing better. Praying for you!
I really appreciate your openness and honesty regarding all this. I feel the central message people should take away from your experience is, veganism js a good, ethical thing to do but it’s not always the best for everyone. Each person needs to take a call based on their own circumstances and variables. And they shouldn’t be vilified for whichever choice they make.
Whilst I don't necessarily agree with all your views/opinions, I do think that you are a force for good and are an honest and decent person with integrity, who has inspired me a lot and makes me question a lot of things I had previously not considered. I wish you all the best!
Alex is definitely not being honest/integral here. He cannot just admit he's a dumbass who doesn't know how to eat food and also doesn't want to be inconvenienced/embarrassed (IBS, lack of vegan restaurants). I recommend you steer clear of him at least when it comes to veganism, as he has an extremely unpopular conception of veganism (welfarism).
Became vegan in part thanks to you. Not disappointed, your health comes first. Stay strong
@@miketunney69420 if his health is on the line then it stops being needless.
@@pepz6431 so having poor health or disease justifies the barbaric exploitation of others?
I'm a vegan at heart, but a pescovegetarian in practice. I'm a catholic theologian, but also now an atheist. I was disappointed when I heard that you stopped being vegan, but after watching this video and reading your post, I want to thank you for your honesty. I find beauty in your way of thinking and communicating with such a precision, especially in this video that must have been so hard to record. I hope you're better now.
Sometimes people forget, that TH-camrs are human beings. With bodies, baggage and broken bits. You did your best....and are still doing your best. And that's all you owe anyone. I still admire the shit out of you for all that you do. But I respect your humanity as well as I'm sure many, many, many of your viewers do. Hang in there buddy. You got this. One day at a time. ❤️
Wholesome
Boy these comments are so dumb! He's exposed himself as a liar and hypocrite. If this was a pro-religious Christian philosopher/writer these SAME people would be laughing at THAT person. But with Alex everyone seems to be oh I feel so sorry... meanwhile the dead tortured animals. WELL ... lets concentrate on his positive virtues... lmao A bit biased aren't we? LOL
@@examiningkubrickphilosofia1530 Because of your comment, I’ve decided to purchase a pound of steak from Costco. Thought you should be aware that you are directly responsible for the death of an animal, as are a couple other people who have posted disgusting comments like this. For every reply you make to me or anyone else that attempts to insult, I’ll buy another pound
Sometimes people forget that animals are raped into existence just to be exploited and killed for their own selfishness, I'm assuming like yourself. You want to offer sympathies, look who is on your plate/coat/bathroom product and apologize to them. Better yet, stop paying for it and go vegan.
Hes not doing his best, he acknowledges that he could eat a healthy and nutritionally adequate diet given his health issues. He just doesnt want to put in the effort
I read a quote in my college cafeteria. "We do not need a handful of people doing zero-waste perfectly. We need everyone doing zero-waste imperfectly." This is how I view all activism. Calling for purity is not the best way of reaching your goal. I am a "vegan purist" in my own lifestyle but I ask those around me to minimize the consumption of animal products, not demand that they shun them altogether. That is something I hope you will endeavour to do as well
Thank you for the update - I hope you’ll get better soon. As a vegan for many years myself I’m sorry for the rage that you experience from some in the community. People are lashing out with the hurt of someone let down by a star player leaving their favourite sports team. Others claw in despair feeling the animals suffer the loss of a brilliant advocate. I very much relate to this sadness but understand that the link between our food and how we feel is different for people and you might not experience the satiety, fullness or energy from restricted meals that are perfectly satisfying for someone else. I also know that tasty vegan meals sadly are not everywhere (yet) and that homecooking them nutritionally packed, Ibs friendly AND great tasting is not always the same thing. It can absolutely be time consuming (but enjoyable if you like cooking) and devoting the time and interest in researching, planning, shopping, preparing, cooking multiple items, storing, cleaning - that can be overwhelming for anyone with passions elsewhere. Or problems elsewhere. And when you’re away from home the quality and taste of what you get can sometimes be awful. I have had many bland vegan meals served - even terrible ones. I quite soon go into low energy stand-by mode if I don’t get a real meal (a banana and some nuts are not enough).
I try to help people around me by sharing vegan food I cook or help them cook to show how to make meals tastier and richer. Some just need a boost of practical inspiration sometimes. I don’t doubt that you are doing the best you can, in a time of struggle and with hopefully better times ahead you might one day be energized again to navigate any challenges of a vegan lifestyle. Once the food part is solved in the practical sense, it really is a lot easier and joyful. I wish you the best.
Have you heard of huel, it’s a vegan shake that you can take with you anywhere that is meant SPECIFICALLY for people with ibs and hyper busy lifestyles. Like the reason why people are justified in being upset is because Alex completely abandoned the philosophical principles he said he holds so easily. If killing and eating animals was wrong to him he would find another way. if you haven’t seen his interview with mikalah Peterson you really should it was obvious he was eating animal products then as well. The point I’m trying to make is that Alex hasn’t provided sufficient justification for his objective mistreatment. If you actually wanna be vegan there is no health reason to not vegan, as stated by the American and British dietitecs Association after 117 peer reviewed studies came in concluding the same thing.
Imagine telling people you will be vegan till the day you die, and then while your in France you ask Joey Carbstrong if it’s okay to eat meat because you don’t know how to look up what’s vegan around you. (True story) he doesn’t care. If he would be real I wouldn’t care but he wants to act like he does.
You described my symptoms many years ago. It “may” be an allergic reaction to certain foods. For me it was chicken, lamb, wheat, rice, and corn. I had no idea until I was tested. Once I removed those things the insomnia, fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, and stomach issues went away. You are a super smart person and probably have great health care so you may have already checked for this possibility. I love your content and your respect for others. I hope you find the solution for you and too bad about the vitriol from others. You are amazing.