How can we become?

Question

What are some steps to take if you want to become a vegetarian, but your parents and family don't take you seriously?
Also, what are some foods that can replace the nutrients we find in meats?
What's the difference between vegetarian and vegan?
Thanks, any answers will be apreciated.

Answer 1

A vegetarian eats no animals, but will eat animal products like cheese, milk, eggs. A vegan eats no animals and no animal products. The most difficult aspect is ensuring adequate protein uptake.

I was a vegetarian for a period of my life, and my sister still is. A common source of protein for vegetarians is Soy. Tofu is a type of soy cheese, that although realllllly bland on it's own, will absorb the flavor of whatever it is cooked with (mmm, fried breaded tofu cooked in onion and garlic).

It can be some work making sure you are in-taking enough whole protein just being as a vegetarian. This is why I believe vegan's are too strict. The strict vegans I've met seem weak, pale, lacking fortitude. This doesn't mean all vegans are sickly, just the ones I've met. Vegans can really only eat nuts, beans, seaweed and soy protein as protein sources.

As a vegetarian your options are wider: Eggs, Cheese, Beans, Nuts, Whey Protein, Soy Protein, Tofu, Seaweed etc... There are high protein soy powders (with balanced nutrients) that you can mix with water or fruit juice to make a shake-like protein drink. I think these are awful, but my sister drinks them daily. Powerbars are mostly whey and soy protein and they contain quite a bit of protein per serving.

With all of this you of course need to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, this is true for any diet, vegetarian or omnivore.

The steps you can take are fairly simple. First, you'd have to stop eating meat. I don't know how old you are, but your parents will have to buy some special food items for you if you are in their care, and this could be part of their resistance. Depending on their income, they may not be able to afford additional food items.

Assuming they can, go to the library and try to get a few vegetarian cookbooks and anything you see that can give you more information about being a vegetarian. I would suggest cooking your own protein at mealtimes to avoid adding extra work to the cook. Ask them to buy a few ingredients that you'll need to make a vegetarian dish or two (probably Tofu, maybe Portabella Mushrooms if you like them which some vegetarians substitute for meat in dishes, whatever other specific ingredients the cookbook recommends)

Remember that most of what you'll be eating you already have at home. Cheese, eggs, breads (whole grain), vegetables, spices and seasonings, etc..

There are "health food" stores in most towns that have a wide variety of vegetarian foods, but these stores are always a little pricey compared to the grocery store.

Good luck on your quest. Maybe you can win over your family by telling them how great vegetarianism is for your health and longevity.

Answer 2

HITLER WAS NOT A VEGETARIAN!! He was a non-red-meat-eater only, not in any way a vegetarian. Vegetarians eat eggs and dairy. I do not agree that vegans do not eat beans (an earlier answer). Vegans exclude ONLY dairy and eggs. There is a lot good advice in the previous answers. I agree with the answer that said we really do not need as much protein as we are told we need.. As far as your parents accepting your choices, just remember it is your body and your conscience, and if it comes down to it, you will just have to say NO. That is what I had to do and they finally took me seriously, and I have not eaten meat after that for 37 years. Only you know what is right for you. Good luck to you. As for the answer that said vegetarians or vegans seemed to be wan and lacking in strength, may I remind you in the Bible the story of Meschak, Shadrack and Abednago? They did not eat the King's rich foods (they refused meat or wine, and ate only vegetables and water) and they each did they work of ten men. When they were thrown in the furnace they did not get burned. A combination of faith and right eating, I would say. A lesson for us all. I do agree that if people do not eat a well balanced diet they will not be healthy, and this applies to vegetarians, also. The only supplement needed would be Vitamin B12.

Answer 3

1) Stop eating meat. Either cold turkey or cutting it off bit by bit. Whichever works. What your family thinks is irrelevant. If they keep on shoving meat in your face refuse it, also take into consdieration that you may have to cook for yourself if the situation doesnt remedy.
2)You'll have to eat a whole range of new and different fruits and vegtables to get some of the nutrients you need, and in most cases, you will need to take supplements. There are some things in meat that simply cannot be replaced by a vegetarian diet.
3)A vegetarian is simply a person who does not consume meat. A Vegan is a person who strictly does not consume meat or animal products. That means no eggs, dairy, or even Jell-o, which are all made by animal or animal by-products.

Answer 4

What do you mean by steps? It is your choice and it is like breaking a habit. Takes a little time to get adjusted to the food because your body craves certain foods. Many of my friends, especially from India, are very strict vegetarians. They eat no meat, fish, eggs , poultry, none of those. Just milk products, vegetables, fruits, grains. There are many recipes out there. I have attached a site that I thought you might like.

Answer 5

Don't forget that the average american diet includes too much protien. It is really not difficult at all to get enough protein in a vegetarian diet. Check your grociery aisles for meat substututes. They have veggie burgers, taco meats, bacon strips, deli slices, etc that can all be used to make healthier versions of all your favorite foods. Every one of these substitutes is full of protein, minus the heart clogging animal fats you get from the real thing!

Answer 6

Hope this helps :-http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZ56UAU61D&sub_cat=0

Vegetarians and vegans differ in that vegans do not eat dairy products, which are polluted, or eggs.

Answer 7

Hitler was a Vegetarian, and look how he turned out!!

Answer 8

ha vegetarian good one!

Answer 9

Listen to your family. They obviously know better than you.