So, you're not perfect. That's OK!
- May 29
- 4 min read
The 80/90 rule
This is going to be my most controversial blog post yet. There are a lot of people who aren’t going to agree with it and be angry that I could even suggest it, but I know, despite what anyone might tell you, being 100% vegan is not only unrealistic, but it is also impossible. Enter…the 80/90 rule, which I made up, and which means being 80% vegan 90% of the time. More on that to come. But first, let’s see what being 100% vegan looks like.
Impossible, you say…
You can find many different definitions of the word “vegan” and what it means to practice a vegan lifestyle. Some definitions include moderating words like “try” and “as much as possible” or “endeavor to.” These words alone remove the expectation of 100% adherence to being vegan and recognize that it is not possible. These definitions realize that the effort that goes into living a vegan lifestyle should be the focus, not the perfect outcome.
In order to be a perfect vegan and not consume animals in any form (food, clothing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals), or support animal exploitation in any form (visiting a zoo, using medication tested on animals, etc), would be impossible. In the simple harvesting of wheat, for example, rodents and insects are routinely injured or killed. In today’s world, it is safe to assume that you can draw a straight line between any consumer product and harm done to an animal. So, why bother? All is lost, right? Wrong.
Less is more
Reduction of harm, with the end goal of eliminating most harm to animals is something that we all can do. The less animal products we consume, the fewer animals will be harmed and the less profitable those industries will become.
The more we protest the testing of medication and cosmetics on animals and not purchase products from companies* that are known to test on animals, the more likely those industries will find another way to get the information they need. Perhaps, going forward AI can play a role with predictive modeling. When we purchase products not tested on animals, over those that are tested on animals, those products become more profitable and more interesting to manufacturers. Companies will always follow the money. While it would be wonderful if it happened, it’s unlikely testing on animals will go to zero, but it can be reduced siginficantly and perhaps look quite different in the future.
And now for the 80/90 rule
Like I said…I just made this up but it’s a rule I try to follow. What it means is that I try to be 80% vegan, 90% of the time. While I am 100% committed to never eating meat again (and I’ve maintained that for 13 years now), animal products have been known to slip into things that I’ve consumed. For example, there is a little cafe I like to go to that has a great fried eggplant sandwich topped with mushrooms, peppers, and their homemade tomato sauce. I’ve eaten that sandwich more times than I can count. The last time I was in the restaurant, there was a sign up that I had never seen before that said they only use lard for frying. I asked…and yes, the sign was new. The use of lard, however, was not. In the past, I would have become consumed with guilt having eaten those sandwiches. I may have even become physically sick at the thought.
Today, using the 80/90 rule, I’m certainly not happy about having eaten that sandwich, but I know that I cannot be 100% vegan 100% of the time. Will I go back there? Not a chance. But I’m not making myself sick over it. Things like eggs, dairy (especially milk powder), gelatin, honey, and casein can easily slip into foods that appear to be vegan. And then, there are honest mistakes. I asked at a restaurant once if the soup was a vegetable or meat stock. I was told vegetable…until I was halfway through and the server corrected themself very apologetically. I didn’t finish the soup once I knew, because it became immediately unappealing, but I didn’t let it destroy me or ruin my evening.
If you aim for perfection in a plant-based diet or vegan lifestyle, you are going to fail. And anyone who tells you differently hasn’t considered every angle. Sadly, when we aim for perfection and fail, it is often human nature to just give up. By starting with the 80/90 rule, you are less likely to fail and more likely to enjoy the benefits of a vegan lifestyle without the burden of guilt when you occasionally slip up, by accident or by choice.
All you can do is do your best, and to quote Maya Angelou...
Looking for your people?
Here are two great resources to help navigate an imperfect transition to plant-based eating that are non-judgmental and super helpful. Check out…
*Get a list of cruelty-free products:
I hope this blog has helped you find your way to plant-based eating. Remember…the goal is not to be perfect. Do the best you can and enjoy the journey! Sign up for vegcurious to be delivered right to your inbox at vegcurious.ca.
Note: It is strongly recommended that you consult with your primary care physician before making any changes to your diet. This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to recommend or endorse any particular product, diet or eating plan.
Comments