Why Some Vegans Quit—And What You Should Know First
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Going vegan can feel like a superpower. You’re helping animals, the planet, and (hopefully) your health—all at once. But here’s the truth: not everyone sticks with it.
In fact, studies suggest that about 70% of people who try veganism stop within the first few months.
We’re a vegan-ish family with kids and we’ve learned a lot over the years—mostly the hard way. If you’re thinking about going vegan, or if you already are and wondering why it feels so hard some days, read this first.
Let’s talk about why some people quit—and how you can avoid those traps.
1. They Jump In Too Fast
Quitting meat, dairy, and eggs overnight might sound heroic, but it’s a lot. Many new vegans ditch everything at once and find themselves staring at a sad salad wondering what’s left to eat.
Tip: Start slow. Swap out one meal at a time. Get comfy with plant-based swaps like oat milk, vegan butter, and tofu nuggets before going full force.
2. They Miss Their Favorite Foods
Pizza. Ice cream. Chicken nuggets. These foods are comfort, and saying goodbye cold-turkey is tough.
But the truth? There are incredible vegan versions of all your favorites now. (Our kids are obsessed with vegan mac and cheese. No one misses the dairy.)
Tip: Explore the frozen aisle, try new brands, and check vegan blogs for copycat recipes. It’s not about giving up—it’s about trading up.
3. They Feel Tired or Hungry All the Time
This is a big one. If you’re constantly drained or hungry, something’s off. Often, it’s not eating enough calories or protein. Plants are lower in calories than animal products, so you need more volume.
We’ve made this mistake too—especially during busy weeks with picky eaters.
Tip: Add protein to every meal (tofu, lentils, beans, nuts), snack often, and don’t fear healthy carbs like quinoa and potatoes.
4. They Get Overwhelmed with Labels and Rules
Is honey vegan? What about that “natural flavor” in your snack bar? Is your wine filtered with fish guts?
Reading every label can feel like detective work, and that’s exhausting.
Tip: Do your best, but don’t aim for perfection. Focus on the big wins—cutting out meat and dairy. The little things can come later. Progress > perfection.
5. Their Social Life Gets Awkward
Birthday parties, BBQs, even dinner at Grandma’s can get tricky fast. People might question your choices or forget you don’t eat cheese.
We’ve had family dinners where we basically ate side salad and bread. Not fun.
Tip: Bring a dish to share. Let friends know in advance. And find one or two go-to replies for awkward questions (“I just feel better eating this way!” works great.)
6. They Don’t Have Support
Going vegan alone can feel isolating. If no one around you gets it, it’s easy to give up.
Tip: Join vegan Facebook groups, follow plant-based creators, or buddy up with a friend doing it too. Community helps a LOT when you feel like quitting.
7. They’re Not Sure Why They’re Doing It
Without a strong why, it’s hard to keep going when things get tough. Some folks go vegan just for weight loss or a trend—then stop when the motivation fades.
Tip: Learn more. Watch a few documentaries (Game Changers, What the Health, Cowspiracy), read up on animal welfare, or think about your kids’ future. Your why matters.
8. They Think It Has to Be “All or Nothing”
Here’s the big one: all-or-nothing thinking kills progress. One slip-up (hello, cheese pizza) doesn’t mean you failed. It just means you’re human.
We’ve had “oops” moments. Everyone does. What matters is what you do next.
Tip: Drop the guilt and keep going. Even being vegan-ish most of the time makes a difference.
Final Thoughts
Veganism isn’t about being perfect. It’s about doing better—for animals, for your health, for the planet, and yep, even for your kids watching your choices.
If you’ve been struggling or worried you’ll “mess it up,” just remember: it’s a journey. And you don’t have to do it alone.
