9 uncomfortable truths vegans realize after the first year

We all step into veganism starry-eyed—dreaming of glowing skin, boundless energy, and a guilt-free plate.

A year in, reality has a way of shaking the glitter off even the most committed herbivore.

Below are nine hard-won truths I—and just about every long-term vegan friend I know—had to face after the honeymoon phase ended.

1. Plant-based doesn’t automatically mean healthy

During my first months, I congratulated myself as I tossed vegan nuggets into the oven and smeared plant-based mayo on everything.

It tasted good, so it had to be “good for me,” right?

Then a routine blood panel told another story (hello, sky-high triglycerides). As nutrition expert Dr. Michael Greger cautions, “Just because you’re eating a vegan diet doesn’t mean you’re automatically eating healthfully.”

So yes—oreos are vegan, but your cells still know the difference between broccoli and beige ultraprocessed carbs.

2. B12 supplements aren’t optional

At the one-year mark, fatigue crept in like a slow fog.

I blamed work stress until a dietitian asked a single question: “Are you taking B12?” Many of us resist pills because they feel “unnatural,” but this vitamin is non-negotiable for nerve function and mood.

A daily spray or sublingual tablet beats pins-and-needles hands any day.

3. Social gatherings stay awkward

You’d think friends would adjust after twelve months, yet potlucks still feature nothing but cheesy casseroles.

The discomfort moves from “Why are you doing this?” to “Oh right, I forgot… again.”

Strategy helps: bring a shareable dish, laugh off the teasing, and remember that most people change slowly.

4. Convenience can cost more than carnivory

Those shiny ready-made lentil loaves add up.

The dirty secret: a basket of vegan convenience foods often outprices meat.

When I finally learned to batch-cook beans and freeze portions, my grocery bill relaxed—but only after a year of sticker shock.

5. Cravings don’t always disappear

I’m fine passing the steak aisle, yet the smell of buttered popcorn in a movie theater still makes me weak.

Sensory memory is powerful. Fighting it rarely works; I prep my own coconut-oil popcorn and move on.

Accepting that some cravings linger frees up mental space.

6. Ethics get messy once you dig deeper

I originally went vegan for animal welfare—clean, simple.

Then I read about migrant workers harmed in tomato fields and deforestation tied to cashew farming.

Philosopher Peter Singer reminds us, “We don’t usually think of what we eat as a matter of ethics.”

The uncomfortable truth: purity is impossible. The goal shifts from perfection to making the least harmful choice given the information at hand.

7. The environmental halo has cracks

Yes, ditching animal products slashes carbon emissions, but flying in fresh berries every week or chugging almond milk from drought-stricken regions muddies the waters.

I started paying more attention to seasonal produce and package-free bulk bins—because “vegan” is not a free pass to ignore footprints.

8. Relationships can feel the strain

When your identity evolves, dynamics shift. I’ve had Sunday roasts turned into debates, a romantic partner feel judged, and family worry I’m “withering away.”

Over time I learned to share reasons when asked—and zip it when not.

Boundaries plus empathy keep the peace far better than food evangelism.

9. Veganism isn’t a magic bullet for feeling amazing

Plenty of us still battle low mood, joint pain, or stubborn belly fat after a year.

A plant-exclusive plate is a tool, not a cure-all.

Movement, sleep, stress management, and yes—occasional lab work—matter just as much as kale smoothies.

Final thoughts

If some of these truths sting, that’s okay. Discomfort is often the doorway to deeper commitment.

Use the lessons, tweak your routine, and remember why you started.

A values-aligned life rarely comes without friction; the trick is learning to dance with it rather than wish it away.