There’s a vast difference between seasoned plant-based boomers and eager young vegans.

The chasm lies in experience. Plant-based boomers have years, even decades, of vegan living under their belts, which they’ve earned from countless social situations and grocery store visits.

Younger vegans, on the other hand, are still finding their plant-based footing, sometimes necessitating a bit of guidance from the previous generation.

However, the vegan education is not without its recurring themes. There are certain things boomers have found themselves explaining over and over again.

Here’s a shortlist of 7 things plant-based boomers are truly fed up with explaining to their younger counterparts.

1) It’s not just about animal rights

The path to veganism isn’t always marked by activism.

For many plant-based boomers, the journey began as a personal quest for health and longevity. Their adoption of a vegan lifestyle wasn’t only a moral stance against animal cruelty – it was a well-researched decision for optimal wellness.

But somehow, this nuanced motivation often gets lost in translation when communicating with younger vegans who’ve strongly associated veganism with animal rights advocacy, often overlooking the health benefits.

They wish their younger counterparts would understand that advocating for animal rights is undeniably vital, but it cannot overshadow the importance of personal health. Boomers wish to relay that it’s not merely a diet trend, but a wholehearted lifestyle shift aiming for long-term well-being, alongside ethical considerations.

Knowing and acknowledging this multifaceted rationale makes for a more wholesome approach to veganism. But at the end of the day, they want you to know it’s not a competition—it’s a compassionate path towards health and harmony for all earthlings.

2) It’s easier than you think

I remember when I first went vegan. I was overwhelmed with the idea of eliminating an entire food group I had relied on for years.

I’ve seen that same daunting look in the eyes of many young vegans. And while it’s understandable, I always reassure them with my own experience – it’s easier than you think.

For me, the difficulty wasn’t in the act of being vegan, but in the shift of mindset. Once I truly embraced the idea of a plant-based life, everything started to fall into place. Tracks from my old habits slowly faded, replaced by new habits, new ingredients, new recipes.

Today, I no longer cook in butter. Hitting farmer’s market on weekends has become a ritual. And honestly, I have never been healthier or felt better.

So, my advice to young vegans is, don’t let the unknown deter you from the journey. With time and patience you can, and you will, find a rhythm that works for you.

3) You won’t necessarily need supplements

Supplementation is a hot topic among vegans, with the younger crowd often fretting about a potential nutritional gap. The lingering worry usually revolves around vitamin B12 – a nutrient predominantly found in animal-based foods.

However, it’s important to note that B12 deficiencies aren’t exclusive to vegans. It’s prevalent among the elderly and those with certain digestive disorders, irrespective of their dietary choices.

Furthermore, many foods – everything from plant-based milks and cereals to vegan meat substitutes – are fortified with B12 these days. So, even though supplements might sometimes be required, they aren’t necessarily a given.

There’s a lot you can achieve through a well-planned, balanced diet before having to reach for the supplement bottle. And that’s something us boomers frequently find ourselves explaining to our younger vegan friends.

4) It doesn’t have to be expensive

One common misconception that I often hear from young vegans is that maintaining a plant-based diet is expensive. However, this is not necessarily true.

Plant-based staples such as beans, lentils, rice, pasta, and oats are incredibly cost-effective and versatile. While exotic fruits, gourmet vegan cheeses, and ready-made vegan meals can spike up your grocery costs, they aren’t compulsory for a wholesome vegan diet.

Remember, a lot of traditional dishes around the world are naturally vegan or can easily be made vegan. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can prepare nutritious, satisfying meals that won’t break the bank.

Admittedly, it might take some finessing in the beginning, but with time, affordable vegan living becomes second nature – that’s a boomer truth we’d love young vegans to understand.

5) Judgement isn’t helpful

Often, I’ve found myself in situations where friends or family members couldn’t fully grasp my decision to go vegan. They’d serve me steak at family dinners or tempt me with my old favorite, tiramisu. And while it was hard, I learned to respond with understanding, instead of frustration.

The journey wasn’t smooth sailing, but it taught me one vital lesson — reacting with patience and kindness gets you further. Compelling someone to understand and accept your life choices, especially when they conflict with their own, is seldom useful.

I’ve seen this happen within the vegan community too, where newbies feel judged or discouraged due to their initial mistakes or lack of knowledge. It’s critical to remember that we’ve all been there. Being strict or judgemental doesn’t educate, it isolates.

Encouraging mutual respect and nurturing an open-minded environment is what truly cultivates the growth of this plant-based community, and that’s a lesson I hope to pass onto the younger generation.

6) Neglecting variety can lead to burnout

Many fresh converts to veganism often find a few plant-based dishes they like and stick with them. Over and over. And while there’s certainly comfort in the familiar, it’s a critical mistake that often leads to diet monotony and in time, burnout.

We boomers have learned, often the hard way, that variety is the spice of life – and diet. There are thousands of edible plant species on this planet. Limiting yourself to the same lettuce-tomato-cucumber salad or bean-chili is doing a massive disservice to yourself and the abundance of nourishment nature offers.

By varying your diet, you’re not only warding off potential nutrient deficiencies, but you’re also keeping your meals exciting and enjoyable. So go ahead, play around with different fruits, vegetables, herbs, grains, and legumes – your palate and your health will thank you for it.

7) It’s a journey, not a race

Above all else, what I’ve learned from my years of being vegan is that it’s a journey. It’s not about reaching a destination or ticking off a checklist. Instead, it’s about continuous learning and adjusting.

Throughout this journey, you may falter at times. You might accidentally consume animal products, or find yourself feeling confused by varying opinions. And that’s perfectly okay. Slip-ups are part of the process, as they guide us to where we need to learn more.

The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progression. It’s about doing the best you can with the knowledge and resources at hand, while always embracing opportunities to learn and grow.

Always remember that every effort counts, every single meal you’ve chosen plant-based over animal-based makes a difference. Celebrate those victories, be kind to yourself, and persist with compassion for yourself, the animals, and Mother Earth.

Embracing the plant-based journey

The complexities of veganism extend far beyond a simple dietary change. It’s an act of compassion, an ethos, and, for many, a calling towards a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

As older vegans, we’ve traversed this path, incurring bumps and scars along the way, accumulating a wealth of wisdom. We’ve navigated social gatherings, experimented with vegan foods, and have learned how to balance nutrients. We’ve embraced the challenges, celebrated the victories, and evolved with the journey.

Through the years, we’ve held onto one elemental truth – veganism isn’t a fad or a diet, but an ongoing commitment to a compassionate lifestyle. This commitment isn’t a test of perfection but of endurance and empathy.

For the younger generation embarking on this journey, remember to be patient with yourself. Absorb the wisdom around you but carve your own path. Appreciate the diversity offered by veganism, and enjoy every step along the way.

And above all, remember your ‘why’. Whether it’s about health, animal welfare or environmental sustainability, your ‘why’ will guide and nourish you through this enriching journey. As you walk down the path of plant-based living, know that every small step makes a world of difference.

For the animals, for the planet, for yourself – welcome to your vegan journey.