How do I become a vegitarian when my family eats/cooks so much meat?

Question

also how would I tell my parents that I am vegitarian?

(trust me its not as easy, they would think its stupid)

Answer 1

Well,ask if your family could buy just as many veggies as meats,and explain to them that heart disease is the #1 killer of Americans and all that is contributed to eating large amounts of fatty meats.

We need a balanced diet of fruits,veggies,and protein,and you can get protein from beans and tofu. We don't really need meat.

Answer 2

I had the same problem, my dad loves meat and cooks it all the time.  He thinks you need it to survive and gets offended when you don't eat it.  when I went veg. I had a rough year or so.  I learned how to fend for myself and cook food on my own.  He eventually accepted it and even cooked me tofu.

I wish you the best of luck.  If you really want to be be veg. just hang in there.  Hopefully your family will accept it

Good Luck :)

Answer 3

It's not as hard as you might think, especially if you'll be eating milk and dairy. All you need to do is replace the meat portion of your meals with another type of protein. But protein is just one nutritional requirement. You will get the majority of your other nutritional requirements from vegetable sources, just like meat-eaters should... although few do. You should do your own research to get a feel for what the nutritional requirements for a woman your age is, or better yet, talk to your doctor. Also, keep an eye on your iron levels. Since most iron comes from red meat, you should go once a year to get your blood checked. I've been meat-free for about six years and my iron levels are normal.

As for the telling them part - if your family thinks that not eating meat is stupid (as if eating meat is smart...?) then you probably can't change their minds. But you can explain your own reasoning and they should respect that. That's really all you can do.

Answer 4

just tell your parents that you don't like eating meat.

and they if they want you to keep eating meat then don't eat it.

Answer 5

Tell your family that meat does not appeal to you any more and that you are going to eat healthy veggies, rice, and beans for awhile.  Do not make it out to be a big deal so they will leave you alone.

Learn to cook for yourself.  Go grocery shopping with your mom and learn your way around the store so you can pick up your own foods.

Here are some recipes to start with.  They are on the right hand side of this link:

http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Vegetarian-M...

Answer 6

yeah good luck on that.....i tried to become a vegetarian and they just about started WW3 with me.  better off to eat the way they want u to, until u move out.  thats what i did, and im actually still a meat eater.  im glad they kept me from that phase, now that i look back on it.

Answer 7

I am in the same situation. They're like "come on, be realistic and eat meat... not eating meat is so stupid."

You just have to tell them straight up. When your mom cooks dinner, don't eat the meat. Let her know you are serious.

Answer 8

I'm in your shoes right now...and i totally see what u mean when saying "trust me its not as easy", because i know that habits are hard to break when exposed to them every day. But i found that most people cook side dishes with their meat...soo i just eat the side dish...and when feeling pressured... just get up and go to ur room or somewhere else.Its been working for me... good luck

Answer 9

Hey Summer08 :)

Well if your family cooks so much meat, go to a nearby store and buy some vegetarian foods you really like :) I would talk to them about being a vegetarian, even if they think its stupid. If it's something you really want, then try showing them websites and articles on how being a vegetarian is healthy. Maybe show them some Peta videos. If they still think its stupid, just try ignoring them (on what they think of vegetarianism) and stick to YOUR decision! Being a vegetarian is a wonderful thing :)

When they ask are you on a diet just say "No I am just trying to eat healthier" :)

I'm sure they will understand

Answer 10

My family is the same way and on top of that i'm not just vegitarian i'm VEGAN!!! Just go with the flow. I learned along time ago not to care what others think of you as long as your happy!!!

Answer 11

If this is something you want, you'll have to be upfront, say exactly what you are doing, and be prepared for teasing. You'll also have to be willing to spend your own money on vegetables and supplements. If you prove that you are willing to do it on your own, maybe your family will start taking you seriously, and try to help as well, like, making a smaller tray of meat free lasagna, while they all eat the normal kind.

If you really want it, fight for it. Stand up for it. It's your decision, no one else can make it for you.

Answer 12

Maybe try listening to them, if you still wan't to be a vegetarian, then explain to them WHY. They won't accept "because". They are loving parents and want the best for you, sometimes its just best to listen.

Answer 13

cook for youre self, that way you will eat what you want and they will think is stupid but they need to know the truth, explain to them . good luck

Answer 14

Congrats on your choice to be a vegetarian! I become one at age 11 (15 now and perfectly healthy) with the help of my older sister. The way my sister and I told our parents we were becoming vegetarian was by doing research and speaking with our doctor and a nutritionist. We also invested in many veggie cookbooks and cooked our own meals. Knowledge is power, and your parents may change their minds once they see that you are so interested in that life choice. Show them you are responsible enough to do what you say. Don't give up. Tell them your reasons why you wish to change your eating habits, defend them. Make sure you know how to get a balanced diet and hopefully they will change their minds.

Good luck and happy eating!

Emilia