This past week I did a brief interview for Care2.com, about vegan parenting. With some of the controversy that arose with the “Vegan Is Love” book, I was asked a few questions. They posted the piece yesterday.
Today I read this comment that was posted to the article. This person said:
“What I have noticed most with all the vegans I have met or seen (including the photo of the author of this article) is their skin always looks prematurely wrinkled, extremely thin or exceedingly pale, usually with dark undereye circles, probably from iron deficiency.”
Can I speak to this, folks? I did leave a comment on the article, but really want to elaborate here. That photo was taken as part of a family photo shoot just 2 or 3 weeks after our third baby was born. 3 WEEKS! Anyone that has had children knows that 3 weeks pospartum, you look and feel like crud. And, not only was our baby up about 5 times through the night (and had reflux), I had two other children to take care of during the day – and also had in-laws visiting at the time. So, forgive me if I have dark circles under my eyes and some age-appropriate wrinkles, I had a lot on my proverbial plate. And, I was 39 at the time.
And, I had a few wrinkles. What 39 woman doesn’t? I don’t mean women in Hollywood. On that topic, when Jennifer Lopez was named “the most beautiful woman in the world” last year, I thought “wow, now 40 year old women have that standard to live up to“.
She doesn’t look 40 on this cover. I would like to see Jennifer without the special make-up and lighting and photoshop work. I know she is still beautiful, because she IS a beautiful woman. Here, however she looks more like a beautiful 28 year old than 40 year old.
I just need to say this because I’ve been “out there” for more than 10 years now. I know that being a visible spokesperson for living vegan, and being a vegan mom, I will always be judged on my appearance – because my photos are on the internet. It’s very hard, and like I said in my comment, I try to judge my health by how I feel. And most days I feel pretty damn good. Most days. I am a mom of 3 with no extended family support, that is also running her own career without much assistance. So, my days are full-on, and there are no vacations or weekends.
I work hard because I am passionate. But, alas, I am 41, so I won’t look 30. I think I look pretty good for my age, but also I feel very good for my age. (Excepting these occasional judgemental comments, that is.)
As women, we are judged FAR more on our appearance than are men. It is unfortunate that women take so much judgement for how they look – rather than being judged for what they contribute.
Finally, to address the issue of iron. It is a gross misperception that vegans are anemic. It has been shown that “iron deficiency anemia is no more common among vegetarians than among the general population“. If you are eating foods like dark leafy greens (kale, collards, bok choy), beans and nuts and seeds and other varied whole foods, it is not at all difficult to obtain the iron you need on a vegan diet.
(p.s. I write this today not to seek compliments or reassurance – we all enjoy such positive feedback, but that is not my intention. Rather, I want to speak to the unreasonable and unattainable expectations for women as they age – and the equally unfair judgements placed on vegans.)
Roxy says
Hi, I’ve been vegan now for 9 months and am loving the lifestyle but have noticed my chest and hands are getting wrinkly I don’t understand why this could be I’m only 33 and they weren’t there before going vegan. does anyone one know why this could be happening?
sha says
Because you’re missing animal proteins. Vegans dont get those proteins and it’s proven that they age much faster because of their lifestyle.
Dreena says
No. How old are you? When you reach your 40s, you notice skin changes. The anti-aging industry is not flourishing because our society is vegan. Research, please.
Bridgette says
This sounds like propaganda from the meat and dairy industry. Scare tactics!
Dreena says
Absolutely. I should write a follow-up post here, because I’m now almost 47 and people tell me all the time I look much younger. When these photos were taken, I was almost 40, nursing an infant and caring for two more young children. Not that my life isn’t busy now – but that’s an especially taxing time of life. I was brave enough to put photos online after weeks of sleepless nights. Bravo, me!
Dani says
I personally think you look like a very cute 32 year old!!! Good job Mama, your doing great!! ❤️
Shirley Williams says
Hi Roxy. There are several things you should ensure that you eat. 1. A wholefood diet mainly based on fruits & vegetables, brown rice & beas & legumes. 2. Take algae based DHA capsules every day + walnuts + crushed falx seeds or chia seeds for Omega 3. 3. Eat berries daily – I make a smoothie using berries, walnut milk, coconut yogurt, soy yogurt & banana + red grape juice. 4. Vegan algae based vitmanin D capsules. 5. A glowing gree smoothie. 6. A big rainbow salad. 7. A protein based meal – either tofu or miso based or beans & rice or lentils & rice – as a base. 8. Eat either beetroot, tomatoes or pink melon for lycopene daily. 9. have a lemon in a smoothie or juice in warm water with maple syrup every morning (drink with a straw & drink water afterwards so the lemon does not affect your tooth enamel). 10. eat carrots and sweet potatoe daily. 11. Take astaxanthin or use a cruelty free SPF 15 or above sunscreen daily. You should see improvements quite rapidly if you follow this. I also suggest you look on Jason vale’s Juicemaster website for some good information.
Kyran says
Hello,
I realize this is SUCH a late comment, so I don’t know if I should hold out for a response… but, My name is Kyran, I’m a 1-year vegan, 24 male. I follow literally everything you just listed and still deal with *severe* premature wrinkles, dry skin (mostly cheeks, which is leading to cracking and icepick scars), as well as acne around the mouth and forehead. I didn’t deal with any of this before going vegan.
I’ve had extensive blood results done and everything comes back A+++. My face also feels as dry as it looks (sort of like a sunburn), but is actually unusually soft to the touch.
Thanks in advance!
(maybe?) 🙂
Dreena says
Hi Kyran, thanks for the note and welcome to my site! I’m not sure I can assist with this, if your bloodwork is very good, then it sounds like your diet is in great order. You could try supplementing with more essential fatty acids (ex: vegan DHA), but it would be worth going to a skin specialist for a consult. Good luck.
Lily says
Hi Dreena,
Thanks for such a great article. I am 42 and am considering going vegan and was hoping for some guidance. I am extremely allergic to milk and eggs and as a result, do not eat any dairy products or eggs. I do however, eat lamb, chicken, turkey and goat and some fish.
I really want to be 100% vegan as I do believe it is a healthier way of eating, but I cannot tolerate grains or nuts well and do not want to put myself at risk for any nutrient deficiencies.
My diet today consists of organic fruits, veggies and high quality grass fed meats. I stay away from beef as my dairy allergy so severe, I react to beef as well.
Any recommendations on how to start a vegan lifestyle without incorporating any grains and nuts.
Thanking you in advance.
Lily
Dreena says
Hi Lily, thanks for visiting and commenting. I think this question is best suited to a vegan dietitian. You might want to look at consulting with someone like Ginny Messina, Brenda Davis, or Julieanna Hever. I’m fairly certain they all book consultations. Good luck. 🙂
Cher says
Lily, you might try fermented foods, they are amazing for health, coconut kefir yoghurt is gorgeous and after time these will cure any allergies you have, I would be happy to help you, I love people who are willing to do what it takes to be well 🙂
Jen says
Dreena, I am utterly shocked to hear those comments would be made about you and I am so totally proud to see all the comments here. I am glad you wrote this and “defended” yourself – even though you didn’t need to at all. I know I haven’t seen you in a while, but what I have always noticed about you – in person and on your cookbook covers – is that you have a beautiful, radiant, natural glow. What I admire the most about you is that you go with the flow of what is happening now. I love the fact that you clarified that the picture in question was taken 3 weeks after the birth of your third child. As a mom, no need to say more! From what I know, you have always gone ahead with your cookbook covers when they needed to be done, not when it was the “perfect time” because there is never a perfect time in life to live your life! Every day is a gift that you demonstrate how to live to the fullest by being genuine, honest and real. Thank you, Dreena, for being you 100% through and through all the time!
Love,
Jen 🙂
Dreena says
Jen, you are so kind to leave a note on this post. I sure miss our mama times together, our great laughs and your warm energy. When are you moving back?! 😉 Thanks my friend… xo
Cher says
I agree, Dreena don’t take it to heart, this person clearly doesn’t have your knowledge, understanding or commitment to health, Power to you 🙂