I want to go vegan, but my mom doesn't approve?

Question

currently i'm a vegetarian. and i want to go vegan. but, my mom doesn't approve of being vegan. she said that she used to be vegan and became very unhealthy. i keep trying to tell her that that was in the 70's, and nowadays it's easier to get substitutes for things like milk and cheese. but she thinks it's unhealthy. advice?

Answer 1

My friend had a similar situation.

She was told that you can end up with serious health issues by taking out these dairy products you need during growing years.

And was told to wait until she is older.

That's all I know about it :)

Answer 2

Tell your mom that the American Dietetic Association (ADA) is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The ADA states: "Well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood and adolescence."

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

Also, show her this list of good vegan sources of protein, iron, and calcium: http://www.tryveg.com/cfi/toc/?v=08sourc...

It might help to name some celebrities who are vegan and healthy. Examples are Casey Affleck, Tobey Maguire, Joaquin Phoenix, Natalie Portman, and Alicia Silverstone.

If these things don't work, offer to meet with a nutritionist who can help you with healthy vegan meal planning. Good luck!

Answer 3

its called "your body" I became a vegetarian when i was 13, i am now 16. Before then i was a vegan for 6 months! I wasnt unhealthy! i just missed drinking chocolate milk so i became a lacto-vegetarian!

Answer 4

If you are vegetarian and she approves, I think you should stay like that for now.

I agree with the growing issue, and you have one body to take care, so that you can live healthily.

In the mean time, do your research and as you do, show it to you mom.  In time you may be able to convince her. If not, eventually you will be able to take this decision into your own hands. But not now. Respect your mom. I would, cause I really appreciate my mother's insite. I don't agree with the "It's your body" attitude. Yes, it is, but you should not cause a stress with your mom. She loves you and eventually you can convince her, and maybe than the time will be right for your body too.

Cheers.

Answer 5

hey, check this nice lady i once knew and had the oppurtunity to work with in the 70's  her name is "Anne Wigmore" just put her name in search bar - look for Homepage selection- and after you check it out - ask your Mom to take a look, tell her giving it a fresh try may help her "Heart Health" & Go Red For Women is a site by  the American Heart Assoc. - alot of good info there on dairy & heart disease.  once you collect info share with your Mom the "new fangled" more healthy & a bit easier, recipes and sites n' stuff.  since she has "Been there done that" sorta already as you said, you'll need to RE-convince her it's o.k. to do- and GOOD for both of you.  you have your work cut out for you-good luck  :)  a veggie Mom too.

Answer 6

"I tried going vegan and I just about DIED!"

Blah blah blah, I've heard that one forty thousand times.  Just ask her the following questions:

1. How many animals drink milk as adults?

2. How many animals drink the milk of another species?

3. How many animals drink the milk of another species as adults?

4. Who is a mother's milk intended for?

Answer 7

Its your choice, but at your age, don't expect your mother to support you with food that meats your special needs.  You will have to pay for your own meal needs if you want to do this

Answer 8

Hang in there with me for a minute...

Your mother is right; you are still growing and drastically changing your diet can affect your body immensely at this point in your life.  However, you are also correct when you say that times have changed; not only are there multitudes of substitutes and nutritional supplements available these days, but there are also many resources for people who need a little clarification, suggestions, etc.  

What it boils down to is how much you mind what your mother thinks of your decision.  I value my mother's opinion more than almost anyone else's in my life right now.  If my mother doesn't approve of something I usually second guess myself.  However, I'm also a big girl and my own person, and sometimes it's best to take my mother's opinion just as a way of opening my mind to other things.  Decide for yourself, or simply try out the vegan lifestyle for a few weeks.  Who knows, you may even convert Her!