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Some Of The Wackiest Things That Have Happened Since “Coming Out” as a Non-Vegan

June 28, 2014

Hey, babes! Long time no (positive) talk. It’s been a whirlwind around here, and I don’t know about you… but I’m ready for some lightheartedness on this bloggity blog.

It’s my last week in NYC, I just came out with the news that I am no longer fully vegan, I am wrapping up last minute projects, gathering content for the app, trying to see everyone / do everything I can before I leave the city, planning for the release of the new TBV Apparel items (yay!!!!), brainstorming for a new book idea &&& a new blog name (unless I stick with The Blonde Veggie!!!), and oh yeah, trying to manage this “eating disorder” I’ve developed.

Needless to say, I’m a lil’ overwhelmed. Stressed. In over my head. Jittery. Feeling a little OCD. Can you tell???

To ease the cray-cray-ness that has been advancing over here in TBV Land, I want to share with you some of the wackiest things that have happened this week since announcing that I am no longer fully vegan. I knew the news would come as a shock to many, and I knew there would be some disappointment from my rockin’ plant-based crew. But I also knew there would be tons of support and encouragement, which WAY outweighs all of the negativity I’ve received.

Some of this is 100% related to the “coming out” announcement, and some of it isn’t…

OddThingsFromVeganism

Some of these are self-explanatory, but for the ones that are not…

#2: Have I ever mentioned how extreme my personality is? Yes, yes I have. When I get fixated on something, it becomes an all consuming, all or nothing, gotta happen right now or I’m gonna die ten times over kinda thing. That’s what was happening with the blog name issue this week. Obvi now that I’m no longer vegan I want to change the name, but I was going to give myself time to make sure I came up with something I LOVED. But, when I was receiving death threats on Facebook from crazy extremists about changing my name to “stop disgracing the vegan community” (gag me, btw), I flipped a shit and decided to change my name IMMEDIATELY.

So… The Blonde Veggie was born. Thoughts? My mom is envisioning a sprig of broccoli on a fork with blonde hair as a potential logo. Kinda cute, kinda cray, kinda love it.

#4. Well, that’s just hysterical!!! Apparently I’m no longer trustworthy at ALL. Sorry guys, I’ve been lying all this time and using fake pics of some random blonde girl and following her around and snapping selfies right up in her face while she cooks. Oh, and I force her to wear TBV Apparel shirts all the time and make her hold yoga poses on the beach, in Central Park, and on the rooftop of her building. She’s sooo sick of me. 😉

#5…

MoldWhoops

Well, that’s what I have been asking myself for the last 48 hours. UGH. I hate myself for this one. I was out of steel cut oats… or so I thought… and then I stumbled across a bag of some leftover oats in my pantry that I had taken to the Hamptons last month. Score! I poured them into a pot of boiling water and waited eagerly while they cooked. Some green foam rose to the top of the pot and I was super alarmed. But I couldn’t imagine WTF it was… oats don’t go bad!! Especially not when they are only a month old. I’ve eaten years old oats. #sorryboutit

Anyway, they tasted very weird while I was eating them. But it was early in the morning and I kept telling myself it was all in my head. Well… a few hours later I started feeling weird. Like REALLY weird. Nauseous, vomit-worthy, major stomach pains, hot flashes. Still didn’t put two and two together.

Then Katie got home and I told her about the weird green foam, the odd tasting oats and my tummy pains. She asked if the oats had been wet or damp at all. Then I remembered… my effing ice packs got everything WET in my cooler in the Hamptons and I didn’t think anything of it!!! My damn oats had been sitting with a tiny amount of water on them for a month, festering with mold, and I ate them WITHOUT EVEN REALIZING IT.

And I’ve been ill for 48 hours. I can’t get over it, especially because mold terrifies me to no end, but the mishap is a definite testament to my week. Totally out of touch with reality. And… it’s kinda funny… except I feel like I’ve been poisoned!!!

& here are some bat shit crazy things I’ve heard from some meanies/looney toons… (Click on the pic to enlarge it… it’s annoyingly smooshed as is.)

CraziestThingsIveHeard2

Really LOLing at most of these. (And, maybe I was never “VEGAN” by the strict and, in my opinion, out-dated definition. I was PLANT-BASED. As I clearly explained all year on the blog. Sorry that I created a blog name for FUN that accidentally turned into a business and it’s now offending the shit out of you. Except I’m not sorry.)

— On another note, something AWESOME about this wild week is that I’ve been given yet another amazing reminder about what incredible human beings I am surrounded by. These are just a few of the outrageously lovely souls that saved me this week with their love and support…

People2

OH, and while I still have your attention – there are SO many emails and comments that I am still dying to respond to, and it will happen in the next week or so. Thank you, thank you, and keep the contact comin’!!! I seriously love you all and am so thrilled and humbled to hear your stories and words of encouragement.

HAPPY WEEKEND! I never post on Saturdays, but I am just feeling all out of whack this week & I wanted to throw some happiness up in here. Love you all. What’s everyone up to this weekend?! What is the craziest thing you read in this post? (Probs my ramblings… I’m feeling out. of. it.) Xox 🙂

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42 comments

I Wanna Know what do you think?

  • Love the post!! I can attest to the fact that you really are blonde!! Always have been always will be!!! Keep focusing on the positive!! Can't wait to get you back in Cali!! So proud of you xoxo!
  • Those ridiculous comments that crazies have said to you just made my day. I think the one about discounting TBV apparel and the "Now you're just boring" one are my favorite. Oh, and the one about how it's no wonder you're so ugly. Seriously guys, the ugly thing is like everybody's last resort when it comes to disses. So lame. Jordan (aka fake blonde who used veganism to make money), I'm really glad you're making light out of all of this, because it's definitely worthy of your laughs over your tears. Love you girl!
  • Well you are awesome. Haters gonna hate and LIKERS GONNA LIKE even more!! I've also felt so frantic, insomniac, and crazed- granted I'm not moving across the country or publicly announcing a diet change lol but maybe it's just a funny game the universe is playing with our kindred spirits( please let us sleep now universe, Thanks) . Lol! Clearly I'm delusional this morning as well and rambling- whatevs as love you! Xo ;)
  • All Haters are ALL Bitter in some way or form! You do what you want! I've played with vegan, veg, and paleo... Hate me too!! LOL
  • LOL! Oh, the haters... I dealt with similar backlash when I gave up my fully vegan diet but, when push comes to shove, it's you're life and you need to do what makes you happy. So proud of you for being brave enough to make that decision. :)
  • I found your blog because of you coming out, and even though I'm (newly) vegan, I fully support you. I love the name The Blonde Veggie, because it gives off an air of health and wellness, whereas vegan is more restrictive and aimed at a group of people. When I see bloggers handle such negativity from being truthful, it makes me so sad, but it seems like you're doing your best to handle it as happily as you can. I hope the drama dies down soon. I bet in two weeks, a month, or a year none of this will matter and be blown over. Good luck with everything :) - A new follower
  • I'm very sorry you're receiving an unnecessary backlash from obsessive cults of people. Most vegans don't have anything against people who eat animal products, and you shouldn't be an exception. I wish you the best in life!
  • Oh my gosh, those comments are ridiculous lol! Hopefully everything calms down this week. Sending positive thoughts your way!! :):):)
  • Seriously, some people are way more ridiculous than you'd ever imagine anyone being. When I hear stories like that I wonder if they're like that in real life, too??! Your choice to step away from veganism actually coincides with my last post where I wrote about how I don't care about the diet or workouts of the bloggers I follow. If I like your personality, the topics you talk about, your opinions and the way you write I couldn't care less about whether you just chewed down on some beef jerky or drank a green smoothie.So if anything your decision made you even more relatable and admirable in regards of ditching the labels in favour of lisrening to your inner voice and caring for yourself. Don't let those snarky haters get you down - we should rather feel sorry for them wasting time getting upset about others' life decisions. Just keep being you!
  • Jordan, Gee...you would think you came out and told the world you were a terrorist, child molester, child abuser. People are crazy and should be upset about real issues like the 3 kidnapped boys in Israel, not what you are having for lunch. Be well Lisa
  • The sass in this post completely made my day... Btw. You're gorgeous. Haters gonna hate...
  • I applaud you for taking such a wonderful step for yourself & honoring YOUR needs. I honestly think it is crazy that people believe there is a one-diet-fits-all. Everyone is different, which is such a beautiful gift! We all need to be honoring that! What matters more than eating one particular "diet", is at the end of the day to eat whole foods, focus on local/regional, support organic/sustainably grown foods, compassionately raise animals, & eat for health. You are spreading a wonderful message, Jordan!
  • I just recently discovered you through Instagram. So I didn't really got to know you as THE vegan girl. But when I saw your Insta post about not being vegan anymore, I thought I had to go over to your blog, to read what this is all about. I absolutely love that your not hiding behind a facade but rather be true to yourself and your followers/readers/fellow health girls. I began eating 90% vegan at the end of 2012. I never talked to anyone about it except my best friend. I even told my boyfriend only that I'm trying to eat less meat and not that I wanted to transition fully. I felt that if I'd told anyone, I'd make a big fuss. Most importantly I didn't wanted to restrict myself so much. I always told myselfe that I could eat whatever I was craving. This way my transition was absolutely beautiful and just for myselfe and my body. By the time people (friends & family, colleagues) noticed that I was passing on all the animal products and they started asking me about it, I was totally comfortable telling them. So far everyone was being very respectful. So now I consider myself vegan, but if my mom bakes a beautiful cake or I'm craving some special non-vegan chocolate I'm having it. And I'd never judged myself for doing so. We're human and if we judge ourselves for the tiny "cheat" (and I don't even like to call it that) meals, we're making ourselves sick by the negativity and not by the food. So enjoy your organic eggs ;-) ...and never let yourself be judged or worse, judge yourself. xo, Elisa
  • Jordan, as someone who has been following you from what seems like the very beginning, I just wanted to let you know that I continue to admire you. Though I remain a plant-based eater myself, I am a huge advocate for eating in the best way you can for your own body, mind, and health, and you are a stunning example for anybody who cares about their well-being. For as long as you continue to share your life, energy, and awesome recipes with us, I will continue to follow you. It is so evident that you have a good head on your shoulders and rise far above anyone who has something negative to say. All the best - NYC will miss you!
  • Craziness! Girl stay strong and do what is best for you. People are filled with opinions but the only one that matters is what you think yourself. Your heart, body, mind and soly know what to do - you just keep following! Love and appreciate your honesty. Keep inspiring beauty!
  • So many exclamations!!!!!! Haha love it girl, you do you and ignore all the crazies. Good luck on your move!
  • I am Vegan 100% I do it for animal reasons, I am a HUGE PETA supporter...and I have sat back the last few weeks to see all of this unfold... First I want to say, that I have known Jordan for a long time... first off she is one of the kindest, most beautiful, smart, funny and talented oh and yes.. blonde individuals. She started this journey from her heart and every step of the way she was true!!! People are entitled to adapt and change course if they so choose. As an animal activist I have to say we do no service to our movement when we put down others who are not doing what WE think they should be. People write us off as crazy extremist and then they stop listening to the message. Be thankful this beautiful kind hearted girl is spreading the world about ethical eating! I know we say that there is nothing ethical about eating an animal and I beleive that from my heart, but the world will stop listening if you attack them with such hate. Again, this is a good person who is adjusting her life right now..maybe she will decide to go back to eating vegan but in the meantime STOP being so f'n mean to her! Support her....she still believes in the cause of veganism and yes, she was really a vegan. She is also very aware of where her food comes from.. that is more than most of the world!!! This young woman deserves our support!
  • No one should be judged based on what they eat. Period. It is just silly if you really think about it, you wouldn't judge someone if they ordered an Iced Tea opposed to let's say a lemonade, or vodka instead of beer would you? I would hope not haha. People will like and eat whatever makes them happy. Now some may be healthier than others, or have specific reasons or views for not eating certain things, etc. but people should react to others based on how they treat/love themselves and others! You keep doing what is right for you and the right people will continue on with you through your journey :) Good luck and I'll still be following you no matter what you eat! Also as a real blonde, people are jealous, don't let them crazies get to ya ;)
  • You keep being "You," and remember, "What people think of you has nothing to do with you." You could have easily "pretended" to keep being vegan for the business side of things, but you decided to be true to you and your followers, so kudos to you blondie ;)
    • Jaime, thank you SO much. Your comment means the world to me. You are so right that I could have continued being vegan for as long as possible.. but it would have been totally inauthentic. Thanks for the love and support. Xox
  • Hey lady, I just wanted to offer you continued support on your change. I still can't believe that we're on similar paths without having known about the other's. We are definitely soul sisters in some ways and we must get together when you come to CA. I've got a beach-side guest room just waiting for your awesome self. Keep doing what you're doing, you are a shining star!!! XO, Carrie
    • Carrie, I can't even believe how similar our paths have been and what similar timing we've had. I definitely think we are soul sisters, and I'm sure the universe is trying to tell us that by A) our stories/timing being the same, and B) me moving to California this week, that we must connect and continue to support one another!! I feel so grateful to have you out there, even though we haven't met yet, because it is so wonderfully comforting to have someone who understands. Where in California do you live?! I'm currently in Nor Cal and am moving back down to LA next week! Xox
  • Ughh I can't believe some of the crazy things people are saying about you being "non-vegan"! You did what was best for you, and thats what matters. I will always be a dedicated follower of yours and thank you for your honesty! I hope all is well
    • I could not agree more!! Thank you so, so much for the kind words. I love having you as a reader and am so thrilled that all this craziness hasn't deterred you! Sending you a whole lotta love. Xoxox
  • Hi Jordan! I want you to know you are SO inspiring. You could have hidden your struggles and quietly taken care of yourself. Except 1. that would have never worked 2. by sharing your difficulties you are encouraging so many others to do the same. Healing only begins where the hiding ends. Being vulnerable is not easy but it is so so so worth it. Thank you, Hayley xoxo
    • Aww, Hayley. Thank you SO much. That means the world to me. I totally agree that I could have hidden my struggles and kept the blog going, but my heart wouldn't have been in it anymore and I would have felt terrible misleading my readers. Thank you a million for understanding that and for your kind words. Sending you oh so much love! Xox, Jordan
  • I support you- I think you're great and love your recipes. I do not think the name the blonde veggie is fitting because you are not a vegetarian really either if you are eating fish. that is totally ok, I just think the name could be misleading. I like some of the previous suggestions like the balanced blonde.
    • Hi Sarah, thanks so much for the support. I am still in limbo about the name change right now but I so appreciate your opinion. The Balanced Blonde is a great option!! Definitely thinking about it!
  • Jordan, you are so brave to not only share this experience but continue on despite other people's silliness. I'm wondering if maybe you'd consider keeping TBV but giving yourself an umbrella name that was...your name? Being vegan was part of your whole life experience and it still totally applies to so much of the good work you've done so far, I don't see any issue continuing to share vegan practices under TBV while expanding your experience and sharing to cover even more as you evolve under an umbrella name. I'm sure that no matter what the name, you'll keep doing and sharing this great work and that it will be appreciated. Thank you (fellow Sactown girl)! PS: The mold was gross....and hilarious.
    • Kristi, thank you SO much for this comment. I can't tell you how much it means to me to hear you say that about keeping the name TBV. I connect so much with the name, and I consider it a second name/nickname for myself at this point, so getting rid of it entirely has been a really difficult thought. I have been thinking lately about something like The Blonde Former Vegan, The Blonde Semi Vegan, The Blonde Ex Vegan, The Not So Vegan Blonde, etc... do any of those speak to you?! Would really love to hear your thoughts. And wow, so thrilling to hear from a fellow Sactown girl!! I am home for the week and it has been absolutely incredible to be here and spend some time unwinding (or trying to). And the mold-- OMG. Still can't get over it. Sending you lots of love!!
  • follow your heart ♥
    • Could not agree more, Lucy!! So much love to you!
  • Aww, Zoe, THANK YOU. That seriously means the world to me. I shared my story above all else because I wanted to connect with others who had gone through something similar, so the fact that you have dealt with restrictive eating and have found some comfort in my story is so, so wonderful to me. Sending you so much love, and know that we are in this together!! I love having you reading along, and I will continue posting about my recovery, my challenges, and orthorexia in general. Thank you, thank you for your sweet words. Xox
  • You have nothing to be sorry for. In fact, I would venture to say that you set a fabulous example in what you do. You recognized that your body was telling you something, and you listened and you made a change. And then you were nice enough to share your experience with others and explain why you did what you did so that other people would know they aren't alone if they're feeling a certain way about their diet. And you were brave enough to discuss a topic such as eating disorders to raise awareness there too. As far as I'm concerned, you're pretty damn awesome no matter what kind of food you eat.
  • Wow... what an inspiration you are! Found you when you showed up in my newsfeed via HelloGiggles. Good for you for doing what is right for YOU! Whatever that may be! :D By the way- is there a lifestyle/diet where there is always a stray cat hair in the food? No? Hot Dang! I'm finally original... I'm not technically a crazy cat lady because I am married- so THAT's not it. ;) Keep on keepin' on!
  • I don't know you and i'm neither vegan nor vegetarian but have my respect for showing good character! I wish you the possibly best :)
    • Thank you so much, Wolf! I really appreciate the kind words. Means so much to me. Xox
  • Welcome to the winning team! Congratulations on taking a more balanced approach and include some healthful animal products in your diet.
  • I actually just found this blog, and I gotta say: Listening to your body and making the healthiest choice for YOU is more admirable than sticking yourself into all the restrictive boxes on some ideas of health. I totally believe veganism can be healthy, but it isn't always. People need to get off their smug horses about what YOU put in YOUR body. Good job listening to yourself and getting on the path of recovery for your eating disorder.
  • I think Vegans are GAY so its good you stopped doing it. Grats on being normal.
  • Vegans are for the most part crazy extremist hipsters. anyone who takes anything they say seriously isn't gonna be someone with any status in society.
  • I just heard an interview with you on CBC and figured I should come see your blog. I think it is pretty wild what people will say when you make a huge life change, however, it is not surprising to me. It does not seem to matter what it is, there are always folks who will go out of their way to be ignorant, cruel, or take any number of actions to make themselves feel powerful. While I have never been vegan or vegetarian, I do respect those that take this path in a logical and healthy manner. Back to the crazies, I have had similar experiences in regards to the fact that I am a hunter. from people who buy meat on a regular basis in a super market. I see no need to get into the details of abattoirs and if they are ethical or not, we see this often enough on the news. It just feel a lot better to go out and earn my food, rather than masking the reality of what it takes to get that meat on your plate at home. For me, it is a matter of utmost respect to the animals by doing this yourself. Anyhow, I hope the above is not appalling to you, it was not my intention. Perhaps I will see some hate because of this, maybe I will be told I am not blonde (I'm not). Either way, good for you to make that choice, I cannot see it being a simple thing. Stay healthy and happy!
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