How do I tell my parents that I want to become a Vegetarian?

Question

I am 16 years old and have decided to make (or attempt to make) this very important and life changing step. I would LOVE to have my parents support but my family is a group of avid meat eaters. Awhile back I casually brought up how I could see why some would choose to become vegetarians (this was even before my decision) and my dad went ranting on about how people were meant to eat meat...etc. To add to this ever growing dilemma my mother feels that PETA is a radicle group who will do and say anything to get what they want. (Which may or may not be true but I clearly can't bring PETA into the discussion when I finally decide to tell them of my choice.) So I guess what I am really asking is how do I go about starting this discussion and what are some good points that I can bring up to back my decision and allow them to see the good things that go along with becoming a vegetarian? (I want them to understand that it is not just some fad I decided to go along with)

Answer 1

You will have better luck presenting your case logically with out mentioning “animal rights”. Your parents will not jeopardize your health for meat purchased clinically at a grocery store. You will also need to assure them you don’t have an eating disorder (anorexia).

The case for a vegetarian diet being healthier should be easy to make. During the Viet Nam war, autopsies performed on American soldiers showed that many suffered from clogged arteries and heart disease in their teens and 20’s. The young are not immune from the ill effects of meat. Studies just published in the British Medical Journal documents vegetarians have a higher I.Q!

Offer reasonable substitutions for meat that will not inconvenience your family. Vegidogs and Vegiburgers are inexpensive and easily cooked.

You may enjoy many meals eating just the side dishes. Never, ever make an issue at family gathering of your vegetarian diet. If you embarrass your family they will make it difficult for you to continue.

Once you reach the age of majority recommend continuing the practice of tactfully avoiding meat. I can go into any restaurant and order off the menu. It is nobodies business what I choose to eat and would not want my diet to be a detriment to my career.

If asked why I’m so healthy – then proudly state I’m a vegetarian. (THEY ASKED!)

Strongly recommend you begin by removing just red meat from your diet. After about a month take away chicken. You will notice an improvement in your skin, along with unexpected improvements.

If you choose to continue – fish would be the last meat removed from your diet. Fish can be very healthy (Omega 3 & 6) and you will need to insure adequate protean replacement.

Don’t be surprised if family members enjoy meatless meals after being exposed to the benefits of a vegetarian diet.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

I am speaking as a failed vegetarian but I clearly remember when I attempted this. Forget peta, forget politics all together. Do your research on the health benefits of a vegetarian diet. Your parents want to make sure that you are taking in all the nutrients you need. Especially be sure that you find some recipes and take care of all the logistics. Now that I'm a mother, if my daughter said she wanted to be a vegetarian, the first thing I would think is that it would make more work for me figuring out what to feed her. Take care of the menu planning and you're halfway there. Then just do it, quietly and let them accept that you have not lost your mind or become some sort of radical that no longer loves or respects them. Who knows, maybe you'll make some converts. Good Luck

Answer 3

I just want to say "Good Luck!"
I don't have this problem, because I've been raised vegetarian but I have a friend who went absolutley "vegan" and his family still eats meat. It was no big deal for them, I think you'll be just fine. Try getting some vegetarian friends, your parents will see how healthy and normal they are and they won't mind. I don't have a clue what PETA is but I'd say stear clear of that issue they sound crazy.

God Bless!

Answer 4

tell your dad to read the jungle, by upton sinclair. tell him to pay special attention to the bits about the meat packing industry. cook a vegetarian meal for them, maybe beans and rice, or somehting like that. nothing 'wierd', like with tofu or anything. also, be prepared to make concessions, at least until you're out of the house. say, you'll eat fish and fowl, but no red meat. or something like that. tell them that it's just a healthy, if not healthier, with a veg diet. do some research into what foods will combine to make proteins... such as legumes and grains, or dairy and... whatever it was... I forget. do your homework, show them that you know what you're doing. don't just stop eating meat... you will need to replace the proteins with something else, or you'll get sick. show them you're serious, it's not just following a fad, and let that be that. be prepared to wait until you're out of the house. it'll be easier if/when you go to college, as you can make your own decisions. you could also request use of the kitchen, so you could make your own small portions, while the rest of the family eats meat. I'm dealing with the same thing, except my family's more open to it. good luck!

Answer 5

Most People think Vegetarians are living unhealthy but thats not true. There are alot of recipes exclusive for vegetarians, so you can live with all the vitamines and other stuffs that you need !! Its important that you eat the right things example tofu is a nice meat alternative. A big Recipes Book for Vegetarians is on the sorce that i added.

Answer 6

Well your mother is right about PETA being a radical group so just make sure you do not get involved with them they are a bit crazy. Besides that just say that you can't deal with killing an animal just to eat it. Dont get carried away with your little speech justtell your parents you are old enough to start making decisions for yourself.

Answer 7

first off - congratulations for going vege! it's a great desicion, and you are saving many many lives by changing your diet! i do agree with your mom about PETA, they are insane. but vegetarianism does not have to agree with PETA.

http://www.godsdirectcontact.org/eng/booklet/vegetarian.html

this website brings up some great facts that you can sit down and discus with your family.

also, though the video is made by PETA, it is true and shows where meat really comes from, and the facts Americans choose to ignore. Beware, it is very graphic.

http://www.goveg.com/factoryFarming.asp

Good luck!!

Answer 8

I like Sharon's advice & I would also let them know why you want to be a vegetarian. Maybe even start the conversation with how you feel about it, before telling them that is what you want to do. I love meat...but more & more I feel sorry for the animals. I am glad my husband doesn't hunt, even though I like wild game. Killing just seems cruel.

Answer 9

There is no easy way to do it, you just have to come out and tell them. I became a vegetarian when I was 15 and they did not support me at all, they still don't and it has been 3 years. All I can say is good luck.

Answer 10

faucking dam just say no im not eating meat what the hell is peta??? just say how would u like it if the last image you see is your loved ones ha nging upside down while a guy with a blade chops them up to drain the blood out just for some person to enjoy 5 minutes to eat the poor thing......if they let the animals die off naturaly in controlled envirements it would b less cruel just sAY THAT AND THEY WILL THINK ABOUT IT!! ANIMALS WERENT PUT ON THIS EARTH TO BE SLAUGHTERED BY MASS JUST TO B EAT AND THE REST THROWN AWAY