How do I convince my parents for me to be a Vegetarian?

Question

How do I convince my parents for me to be a Vegetarian?

Answer 1

I have never met your parents, so I don't even know if that's possible.

All that I can tell you is never talk back or get an attitude if they take the discussion down a dark road, that will just make your parents associate vegetarianism with teenage rebellion and then it will be a sore subject until you move out.

If you do plan on talking to them, I suggest that you read up so that you don't start talking about it before you are prepared to answer real questions that your parents will most likely worry about. If they ask you one that you are prepared for, tell them to let you look it up instead of acting cornered or irritated that they made the questioning too difficult.

Bread, pasta, cereal, rice, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, fruits and veggies can easily offer everything that you need except B12.

http://www.veganhealth.org/sh

http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo

All vegetarians should take a B12 supplement regularly since most people eat meat, dairy AND fortified cereals yet still have a B12 status that is lower than recommended.

http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/b12

It may help you if you see proof that vegan people have the same potential as anyone else.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/sto...

http://www.veganbodybuilding.com/phpBB2/...

http://www.veganbodybuilding.com/phpBB2/...

http://www.macdanzig.net/bio.php

http://www.scottjurek.com/career.php

If you need meat or dairy during any stage of your life or to live any certain lifestyle, why does the American Dietetic Association say otherwise?

http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada...

Answer 2

Just refuse to eat meat. And dont eat it. Prove that your wish is to be a vegetarian. And its your body and your life. And explain to them that you know the things to eat in place of the meat in order to still be healthy.

Answer 3

nf

Answer 4

read them this:

http://michaelbluejay.com/veg/natural.ht...

it's long, but I promise it's worth it. it's really interesting and convincing.

Answer 5

Present them with ways you can still get the proper nutrition (multivitamin, different protein sources).  Alot of times parents are wary of letting their kids be vegetarians because they're worried about the nutritional changes.  Also, tell them the reasons you want to be a vegetarian (animal rights, health reasons, etc.)

Answer 6

Be mature about it, don't just refuse to eat meat. And i would agree that you should do your research and have valid reasons for being a vegetarian.

Answer 7

As others have said, do some research and educate yourself so you really KNOW what you're talking about, and understand your own nutritional needs. Your parents most likely have your best interests at heart, and will be worried about your health if you go on a strange new diet. Most people aren't that familiar with vegetarianism, and don't realize we can be completely healthy, often healthier than meat-eaters.

Here's a great book to start with, covering all the basics of vegetarian nutrition. Get it from a local bookstore or your library:

http://www.amazon.com/New-Becoming-Veget...

Make the change gradually. Cut out meat when you can. Learn to cook non-meat dishes for yourself, so you're not making your mom or dad do extra cooking at dinner time. Then talk to them calmly about your change, ask about getting more vegetables, whole grains, and some tofu or veggie burgers when shopping. Offer to come and help do the shopping if you can.

Answer 8

Explain to them your reasons for being a vegetarian, and make sure you get facts.  There's nothing more convincing than if you do research, and basically put together a proposal.  It shows them you're serious and committed, but also responsible.  Good luck!

Answer 9

Just don't eat meat?  I mean.. Do they force you to eat it?  I dont see why they would really have a problem with it unless they notice your getting pretty unhealthy.

Answer 10

Go to the grocery store and show your parents the nutritional info for protein and vitamins on; grains, beans, nuts, the frozen section for vegetarian meat alternatives such as the brands "Morningstar or Boca" for soy based burgers and chicken patties,etc. If you plan to eat eggs and some dairy like yogurt or cheese then it's easier to get the calcium and protein needed for daily requirements, although soymilk and soy cheeses work too. Iron is really important and can be obtained with daily multivitamins. Parents get pretty shaky about extreme changes in their kids diets, so it's understandable if it's not easy to convince them.