Vegans only please?

Question

Hi, my name is Kassie, and I am 13 Years old. I just read a book about what REALLY happens to animals and I am horrified. I live with a family of meat eaters, and I was wondering if you had any advice on the to avoid the meat when it's all they eat. I'm sure you all remember THAT moment when you decided not to eat meat again but your parents aren't too happy about it. And, i've had 4 hip surgeries with my 5th one on 1/08/07, so I know this is also very healthy for me.

Answer 1

Hi Kassie. Not all animals that are eaten are treated as badly as those in "slaughter farms." Many farmers who raise their own animals for food love them and treat them very well. Please don't get the idea that all meat eaters are cruel and support cruel treatment of animals....it just isn't true.

I have been a vegan three times longer than you have been on this planet and I would like to tell you three things about your changing your diet:

1. Talk to your doctor and your parents. Tell them how you feel and your reasons for wanting to change. Be understandable and understanding. Check to make sure that it is okay for your body -- especially considering the surgeries you had and are going to have -- and what kind of supplements you may need to take to ensure your continued health during those traumatic invasions to your body.

2. Both of my children decided to become vegans at different points in their lives (not just because Papa was one). My son went to a county fair with me and we saw tons of cute little piglets. On the way outside of the piggery, there was a huge stall that was roasting a pig on a spit. My son became a vegan on the spot. My daughter also did when she and her mother moved to a very liberal "artsy" community in Southern California. To make a long story short, they both are no longer vegans or vegetarians for that matter. I love them regardless of what they eat and I always shall. People grow in and out of many things and diet is one of them.

3. Veganism is more than not eating meat. Or not drinking milk. Or not eating eggs. Or refusing to wear silk. Or never buying leather. Or having compassion towards all living things. It is a philosophy, a way of being. A way of life that many people do not understand. The social pressures of being a young teenager may be rather tough. Don't give up hope. You can and may well gradually become a vegan, as one gradually becomes older. There is nothing wrong with that.

So, take your time. Be reasonable. Don't preach. You are doing this for your temple, your body, your life, your spirit -- not for anyone else's. Be a good goddess! Good luck.

Answer 2

You can be perfectly healthy and be vegan just so you know. Dont let someone who is uniformed scare you to think that you cannot. There are many more vitamins and minerals in vegetables than in meat and milk. The American Dietetic Association even said that a vegan diet may be the healthies diet that there is. But anyway try to get as much information on being a vegetarian and vegan so you can talk to your parents about it, so they understand that it is perfectly healthy and safe and find out about what foods are out there for you. The simplest thing that you can do right away is eat everything else that is made besides the meat. It is a long road and you just took your first step so go easy on yourself and others. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Hi Cassie, what a wonderful decision. I think you should just try to explain to your parents how you feel about the treatment of animals and that this is a choice that makes you happy.
If they love you, they will understand and be supportive. In order for you to be healthy with a Vegan diet, you must educate yourself. There are many websites out there but I suggest you read a book so that you have the information with you all the time and it is less time consuming than going from one website to the other.
You must do your best to have a balanced diet, take supplements if necessary..... So that you stay healthy. I know many teenagers who are vegan/vegetarian and they have no health problems whatsoever.
Try to buy or borrow this book from the library and good luck. Merry Christmas.
http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Vegan-Complete-Adopting-Plant-Based/dp/1570671036/sr=8-1/qid=1165506331/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-3576253-7320631?ie=UTF8&s=books

Answer 4

The 2 most important things would be to education and cooking.

First do a lot of web searching, type words like vegan, vegan recipies, vegan outreach, etc.. Check out vegan and vegetarian books from the library and if you can afford it Amazon.com. Some of Amazon's books can be bought for under $10.

Secondly, if you don't already help cooking with your family , start doing it. At the same time explain to your family what you want to eat and why. Gather recipies and information to show your parents/gaurdians. Offer to cooks meals not only for yourself, but for the rest of the family.

If you family becomes very difficult. I would suggest trying to talk to other adults, like doctors, guidance counselors, teachers, anyone you would feel safe with. Ask for advice and if they would speak to your parents.

Answer 5

Dear Kassie,
Tough road dearling. Prayers for your healing & recovery.
I am a "Veggie". More for health reasons than the animal thing, but I agree it is horrifing.
I'm giving you a website & name of 2 books that talk about Food as Medicine

http://www.hacres.com/home/home.asp

The China Study, by T.Colin Campbell, Thomas Campbell 11.
The Vegan Deit as a Chronic Disease Prevention by Kerrie K. Suanders

The big thing to remember..a Healthy "Veggie" is not 1 who eats junk instead of flesh. You will need to work on getting a well rounded diet that just doesn't include animals. Not McD french fries & Boxed Mac & Cheese. Real food lots of fresh veggies & fruits.

Slainté,(to your health)
Celtic Tejas

Answer 6

Well, first of all, arm yourself with knowledge. understand what you need to eat to be healthy and be able to explain this to your family, and also why you want to exclude meat from your diet. You seem awful mature for 13 years old, so I think you can do this. If you want to be vegan, you will have to start reading all the labels on everything you eat. It will be difficult at first to know what is and is not vegan. I suggest getting the book "Animal ingredients from A to Z" as this will be your best friend for months to come. you can also find this information on the internet. just search vegetarian or vegan, and find all kinds of recipes and information.
Be firm about your decision. They may think you are too young to decide on this, but stick with it and just don't eat the meat portion of the dinners. Try to understand why your parents aren't happy about your decision and then reform your argument based on addressing their concerns.
good luck.

Answer 7

My best advice for you would be to read as many Vegan books as you can get your hands on. I think you will have a very hard time unless you make your parents understand that, your serious, and that this diet won't harm you. It wont, as long as you do your reading!

Good luck to you, and good luck with the surgery

Answer 8

Look Kassie I have been a Vegetarian ALL MY LIFE and I am perfectly fine....NO MEDICAL problems.....So what jemm4pres...was saying I never heard that B.S. in my life.....her friend must have had prior problems!!!!!! I am a normal 23 year old and if you meat me you wouldn't say she's irritable she must be a Vegan.....They have plenty of meatless products buy Morning Star and Boca and you can take a Multi-Vitamin if needed!!!!

Answer 9

Hi,
I am a vegetarian (Indian) and aged about 50 years hale and healthy. Not only me but my whole family is pure vege. We have not even consumed an egg in our life.

Take too much green vege it is good for your health. I am not in agareement that only if you eat meat you will be strong.

Answer 10

It'll be tough at first, but if you stick with it you WILL grow to love it and eventually you'll be disgusted by animals. I would suggest listening to a podcast to keep you motivated. I recommend Vegan Freak =]