How do I convince my parents to let me turn into a vegetarian?

Question

I keep on telling them but they keep on saying "you cannot turn into a vegetarian" but I don't know what to tell them after that.

Answer 1

Some suggestions:

1. Do your research -- a vegetarian diet can be nutritionally sound as long as you include the right foods -- so find out what you need to know to convince them it's safe;
2. Try to enlist a trusted adult to help you convince them -- your family doctor, an aunt/uncle, a school teacher (but you'll have to prove to that adult that you're going about this safely, too).
3. Cook some vegetarian meals for your parents -- really impress them!
4. Ease into it -- gradually replace meat with other protein alternatives such as nuts, cheese, or eggs;
5. Be a good example -- if they see you eating nutritionally sound meals they may try it themselves.
6. Cook for yourself -- don't expect your parents to change their eating/cooking/grocery buying habits to accommodate your new way of eating. If you really believe in this you're gonna hafta work for it.

Bottom line: they're saying no because they care about you and they don't want you harming yourself. If you do your homework and approach them rationally with some sound food science to back you up, they're much more likely to come around.

Answer 2

Help out as much as you can with the cooking, then gradually take over the responsibility. Read up on nutrition, particularly on vegetarian nutrition, published by a licenced dietitian and/or M.D. Prepare meals with all the necessary complementary proteins, etc.

Vegetarianism can be very good for you, but you have to do it right. It's a lifestyle that takes some discipline, and to maintain good health it's necessary to put a little more thought into your food.

Your parents probably just don't want the hassle of providing for a vegetarian diet... it's more work. If you take over in the kitchen somewhat, I guarantee they'll fold. Just don't try to force vegetarianism on anybody else.

Answer 3

Tell them that becomming a vegetarian helps reduce the chances of heart disease. That's especially good if you have a history of it in your family. Tell them that you will take a multivitiman everyday so you can get the vitamins you're not getting with meat. Just read up on it and explain to them how healthy it is. It is much healthier than eating meat. Good luck, hope you can convince them.

Answer 4

You need INFORMATION. Get some books(Library) look at some websites. They can help you explain why you want this. True Vegetarians are healthier than most people. By true I mean people who really eat Balanced meals ~ not the ones who eat french fries from McD's or Mac & Cheese out of a box withj lots oc candy on the side.
There is a big misconception of HOW much protien a person needs to be healthy. The protien does not have to come from animal sourses.

Answer 5

You need to know what it is that they object to. Do they think you can't get your nutritional requirements met on a vegetarian diet? if so, you need to do a little research so you can show them that you know what you need to eat to stay healthy. Do they think that it will cause more work for them by having to cook two meals? Show them that you can cook for yourself and that you are even willing to cook vegetarian dishes for the whole family. You have to address whatever it is that they have a problem with. Next time they say, "You cannot become a vegetarian," ask them simply, "Why not?" and go from there.

Answer 6

I turned Vegetarian when I was in the 4th grade! I was just sickened at the thought of eating meat at that time. At first my parents just thought it was a phase because I was so young. I kept at it and am now 23 and meat free.
They were not happy at all but just learned to accept it. Fortunately they were very open minded. I am of Filipino and Mexican descent. Both sides of my relatives thought I was weird since meat was very strong for those two cultures.
I had a lot of criticism as a kid growing up but I think it had paid off. A lot of the downside is that it is much more expensive for food!! My parents bought their regular meat for sandwiches and my tofu meat as well. It was very expensive!! During family BBQ's I would have to bring my own patties for the Burger!!

It is much harder than it seems. It was very hard for me because I couldn't really eat any fast food places when I was younger. No one had a salad back then!!

All in all, If you feel like you have a good reason to turn then go ahead with your decision.

Eventually they will learn to accept you. They may think your weird but that would probably be it.

Answer 7

tell then the bebefits of not eating meat , tell them you can still be healthy and have a well balanced eating habit being a vegetarian too!! But you better do your homework on this one !! If you don't make sure your eating is balanced and you are getting the proper protien in your diet you can get really sick. Look it up and research then you'll know what your doing , that this is the choice you want to make , and then you'll know what to say to your parents. Good luck! hope all goes well.

Answer 8

Ask permission to plant a garden in the backyard. If it thrives and you show that you can stick with it, then tell them the choice you've made and be prepared to explain why you made that choice. Better do a little research, too. Ask them to take you to a dietician or nutritionist to make sure you do it right.

First, try this test: Stand in the doorway at an Outback Steakhouse and make sure your mouth doesn't start watering. Meat is delicious. I kinda want a steak right now.

Answer 9

Go the the PETA site and have them watch a video called MEET YOUR MEAT. It totally turned me vegetarian. Not everyone will understand, but they dont have to. They should respect your decision. Myself, my brother and sister are all vegetarians and my dad gives us a hard time about it. Just do your research on all the benefits and you will feel great about your decision.

Answer 10

Read this and share the health information with them: http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/index.html

These are doctors that say it's healthier to have a vegetarian diet. Also, be willing to cook for the family and do some of the food shopping.