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.)
Christine Magiera says
You are one strong lady and I love you for that. As you said, not only are you raising your 3 girls, being a loving wife, managing the household, cooking the meals, and managing your business on your own, but you also must look perfect at every angle at every part of the day. Yikes! That’s some pressure! And it’s not practical nor is it possible…for anyone. And that’s okay. You are a beautiful woman inside and out and I can imagine it’s stressful being in the public eye and in a sense being a face of veganism. As we all, know some people (a lot of people) have a difficult time with our way of eating. It goes against everything we’ve been taught as a child (to eat enough protein and follow the food pyramid including meat, dairy, and eggs for optimal health). Some can get a bit defensive and try to find fault at something, just to make themselves feel better. Unfortunately they have to try to hit below the belt and go for what really hurts, our appearance. Not fair. Nor do they have any basis for those comments…you look fantastic in that picture!
You know I’m struggling with a few pounds. I’m a healthy gal now, I’ve never felt better. I’ve always been anemic and haven’t had my blood tested recently, but I know how I feel when my iron is low and I haven’t felt that way since I was pregnant over 3 years ago, prior to giving up dairy and eggs. Even though I’m healthier than I’ve ever been, I still feel that pressure to look a certain way because I’m vegan. It’s that double standard that is should not exist, but does.
We can only hope that these situations bring us closer and helps to educate those who need more education.
Lauren M says
It was indeed an unfair comment and I see them whenever I read articles about plant-based diets. I think some people search out these articles just to post opposing views, which is fine; but it’s not fine to be judgemental or nasty. I’m going to put myself out there and confess that I am iron deficient. I had my bloodwork done and am low in a few other vitamins as well. This cannot and should not be blamed on my mostly vegan diet because I had this issue before transitioning from a SAD way of eating. Fatigue, severe reflux, joint pain and digestive issues prompted me to transition to a plant-based diet which helped me overcome most of those health issues. If I don’t take my supplements I still feel tired. But I’m not hungry, nor do I look too pale or have dark circles under my eyes. Sometimes undereye circles or bags are just genetic! I prefer seeing photos and videos of “regular” beautiful people like Dreena Burton, Kris Carr, and Kristin Suzanne of Kristin’s Raw. I’m 30 and I’m proud of my crow’s feet and I’m trying to accept my three lip wrikles (again, genetics!). It’s crazy to compare ourselves or anyone to photoshopped pictures of people or to celebrities who get regular cosmetic “touch-ups.” http://youtu.be/hibyAJOSW8U
Lauren M says
I’d like to add, I purposefully don’t tell my most people about my iron deficiency because they’ll blame it on my diet and tell me to go eat a steak. As Dreena said, the numbers are not higher for vegans than mainstream dieters and it’s a common issue for menstruating women.
Lauren says
Eek! I meant didn’t look that good! Opps!
Lauren says
You look gorgeous in that pic! I did look that good, 9 months after giving birth! Lol!
Lauren says
I meant I didn’t look that good! Sorry!
Ashlee Crozier says
Dreena, I know you said you don’t need a compliments or reassurance. BUT, I just wanted to say that I have watched your “how-to” videos on brownies and hummus salad dressing, and I think you look fabulous! I really mean that. You look bright, your skin glows, you have positive energy and vivacity.
I believe that this comes from your healthy eating.
Our bodies are programmed to die, so no matter how healthy we eat, we are still going to age. It’s a part of life.
Ashlee