I want to go vegetarian but my family eats a lot of meat and i don't have time to cook for myself.?

Question

I'm 17 and lead a very busy life but recently I've considered going vegetarian because I don't like meat, I'm an environmental activist and I heard that i it better for you. Problem is my mom is not going to make me separate food and I am worried about not getting the necessary protein. What do I do?

Answer 1

I'm sorry, but in a few short months you will actually have to cook for yourself.  I understand that you are 17 and still at home with Mom, but you can't expect people to take care of you forever.  You need to find the time to cook.  I can make a vegan meal in less than 20 minutes.

You can get all the protein you need from non-meat sources.

There is no magic answer to this question.  Your Mom's not going to cook a separate meal for you.  You say you don't have time to cook for yourself.  I don't know what answer you are looking for...

Answer 2

Eat raw food. Most fruits and veggies can be eaten raw and they are more nutritious that way. As for worrying about your protein intake, just eat some tofu. It's very easy to make a simple stir fry and add some veggies and tofu. It only takes about 10 minutes.

Answer 3

If you are going to make a serious life change like that, especially while you are still growing, you need to set aside time to create nutritious meals for yourself. Get a good cookbook on vegitarian and vegan meals that provide a healthy balanced meal. You might want to start off slowly, as putting your body through a deprevation can take its toll (unless you hardly ever eat meat.).

Even though your mom may not make a seperate meal for you, see if you can help, or ask her to make the side dish vegetarian.

If you find some good meals that you like, try making some a week in advance and freeze them. that way you can easily reheat them.

Its just really important that you are eating a balanced meal. Talk to a dietatician as well.and again, if you are making this choice for yourself, then you need to make the time to enforce it.

Answer 4

YES! Go vegetarian. It adds an extra seven years to your life. I have a program called the "Veggie Promise" on my website that you can try if you want. http://veggieheadworld2.webs.com Your body won't miss the protein if you eat a lot of soy. I wish you good luck!

Answer 5

It is nice that you are going vegetarian for the environment. :)

Get some no cook recipes, eat more fruits, nuts and seeds, or go for raw food, which might solve your problems and also more eco-friendly.

No cook recipes, like shredded carrot/cucumber wrap with Vietnamese rice paper, tofu and strawberries, sugar, blend to make a no-cook dessert, fruity soymilk shake.

Simple recipes, like brush some oil/spices salt on king oyster mushroom/tofu and baked or toasted etc

I have some simple recipes at http://crystalbyblog.blogspot.com/

Get some convenience veggie food that you can heat up.  Are you able to request the supermarket to carry some convenienc heat up food like veggie fried rice, veggie spring roll, baked rice, read-to-eat tofu, edamame etc? We can find some over in Singapore.

Protein- many vegetables and grains contain proteins, but veg sources of protein are generally lacking in one or more amino acids, so you have to obtain from various sources like legumes, grains etc.  Soybeans are an exception as they provide full and well-balanced mixture essential amino acids. Spirulina is another good protein source.

Answer 6

get some protein bars.  Then eat the side vegetable and fruits at home.  Make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Make a bowl of cereal.  Make a frozen pizza.  Save the left overs for later.  Waffles, bagels. popcorn.  Just eat the protein bars and don't give into your mom.

Answer 7

This is what many people who want to be vegetarian go through... and it is tough because your family and friends and all the people you hang around STILL eat meat, and it makes it tempting for you to do the same.. just DONT!  its easier said that done, but if you HONESESTLY set your mind to it and dont go of course you can do it!  

I know your moms not making you seperate meals, and you are a busy person, so this is going to be difficult, if worse comes to worse you can just buy those pre-made salads if you cant make something yourself.

Answer 8

Once a week set aside time to make a vegetarian casserole, a pot of rice and beans, and some smoothies. Re-examine the aversion to grains. . .they are awesome, and if you are avoiding real enemies like sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, etc., grains and carbs will do what they are supposed to do, help your body be the best it can be, and help the environment. Even if you're a guy, "The Hip Chicks Guide to Macrobiotics" by Porter does a great job at describing benefits and recipes.