My mom is trying to get me back to eating meat, its getting annoying, what should I do?

Question

im 15!!! but what does that have to do w/ it?

Answer 1

be frank, after all she's your mom. just explain to her your reasons for being a veggie. tell her that u could get your proteins from pulses or soy beans, even milk and milk products have a lot of protein. so she should'nt compel u into something u r against.

its healthier being a veggie and u feel a lot more better when u know that u r not being a part of the cruel murder of animals and that u r not eating a dead animal. u r all for animal rights. u are almost an adult and u have every right to follow your own principles.

just make her sit down and very calmy and maturedly explain the whole stuff to her, and she is sure to respect your mature approach. she's sure to realise, "O God, my boy is grown up into a real man now !!!" just give it a try. i'm sure it'll work. good luck and happy veggeism...........

Answer 2

I am a young veggie, too... Try to get out for dinner as much as possible. When she says that you have to stay home for dinner, say you will if you can not eat meat. It's your choice. Show her all of the answers that you got here, maybe that'll shake her. Make a record of what you eat for a day or a few days and the nutritional values to show that you're getting enough nutrition. Remember that it's your choice, 15 is old enough to make your own choices about eating.

Answer 3

You're only 15 and your age does matter. I am a vegetarian and have been for 4 years however I wanted to adopt a vegetarian way of eating in my teens. I was still at school and living under my mother's roof and she would not let me stick to a vegetarian diet. Her reasoning for this was the lack of nutrients and this was fair enough as I had an infection of the blood when I was a baby. Whilst you may not have any health issues, the scenario is the same - your Mum sees it as her responsibility to raise you as a healthy and happy person right up until you are 18. Having said that, obviously the desire to be vegetarian is quite strong and so in this respect I agree with LuciaLaLa - having targeted the fact that your mother's fears will be due to health reasons, the best way to combat this to see a nutritionist or doctor with her to allay her fears about missed nutrients and to educate you about what diet choices and food substitutions you needs to make as a vegetarian. Good Luck

Answer 4

Mom here with vegetarian son. He was 6 years old when he made the decision. It is hard for me still. (he's 20 now) I'm not a vegetarian and have no idea what made him decide to be one. He is VERY HEALTHY, very tall, has good vision, all in all, he has probably only benefited from his decision.

My advice is, have a heart to heart talk with mom and say, "This is what I choose. I know you're worried about my health (or whatever) but I WANT to do this!" You must be responsible though. Talk with your family doc and make sure that you are eating enough proteins, etc... You might also learn to cook your own meals. It's a Pain in the butt when I have to make Real chili and Veg chili, or Reg Spaghetti sauce and Veg sauce, when I make a pot roast with veggies, I have to cook veggies separately. It is NOT easy when there is only one Veg in the house. I totally see her frustration! But she needs to respect your wishes too. you are 15 and old enough to make that decision.

Also, if this is a new thing for you, realize that not all people do well as vegetarians. A friend of a friend told me that their daughter tried this and stopped gaining weight, and was getting sick all of the time. Her diet was not right for her body. Does that make sense? Just be sure to check with your doctor and be ready to take responsibility for your actions.

Boca burgers are pretty good! Good luck!

Answer 5

You need to share your reasons with her. If you feel that it's a moral issue, explain to her how important it is to you to take this moral stand. As a mother, she should feel proud of you for standing behind something you believe in. If you're doing it for health reasons, share with her what you've learned about the health advantages of vegetarianism and reassure her that you're knowledgeable enough to deal with the potential pitfalls (meat-eaters are just sure that we veggies can't get enough protein... show her how that's just not true.) You may be only 15, but you're starting to grow into the independent adult you will soon be; if you deal with this maturely, your mom is bound to see that and (hopefully, anyway) back off the meat-pushing. Good luck!

Answer 6

I am personally not a vegetarian, but you should tell her the moral consequences of eating meat, especially in 1st world countries. Tell her how 99% of cattle in America are fed a MEAT mix daily, and this mix usually contains beef products (from cow), meaning that the beef you eat is canibalistic. Also, until 1999 they were using human urea in this meat mix, and there are reports of some facilities still following this practice. Do you want to eat your own urine? didn't think so. Also, the process of bringing the meat to market is disgusting. Some cows have their throats slit and are hung upside down and chickens are thrown in a machine that neatly slices off their beaks. Who wants to be thinking about this while they're eating?? Probably not you. And that's why you shouldn't be forced to eat meat. I would reccommend picking up a copy of Eric Schlosser's "Fast Food Nation" for other details about the food industry today.

Answer 7

your mom is afraid that at 15, you are still growing. you need to first be sure you've chosen vegetrianism for the right reasons. it is not a diet. it will not help you lose weight. it is a way of life. you don't wear leather or eat steaks. if you have accepted vegetarianism as your way of living, then you need to show your mom how a vegetarian makes complete proteins- show her. illustrate for her how being vegetarian is more than not eating meat. if you have a leg to stand on, and show her so she understands, you can't go wrong.

Answer 8

See if you can find some literature for her and you guys "share" the knowledge on foods that replace the meat protein. She is probably worried about your food intake. I am not a vegetarian, but I do know it takes work and knowledge to have a good diet and follow the veggie diet. Knowledge will work for her as a mom, I'm sure. We mean well as moms, but we are overwhelming alot of the time also.

Answer 9

Just make sure you are doing all your own cooking so that it doesn't affect her in any way. Don't ask her to foot the grocery bill for a bunch of weird stuff no one else in the family can eat. This type of decision is an adult one, so be prepared to take on the adult responsibilities that come with it. If you aren't ready to do this, you aren't ready to make this decision. Sorry.

And also talk to her about what her concerns are - is it health? Do your research, act on it, and share it with her.

Answer 10

You don't say how old you are. If you are old enough to move out, or at least buy your own groceries and do your own cooking, do it, otherwise you aren't the boss, you don't own the house, so you either negotiate carefully, or eat what the rest of the family eats. Do not put down the choise of the rest of the family or you risk alienating people you have no choice but to live with. Good luck.