I really want to become a Vegetarian. Help?

Question

Okay, so my parents are really not that supportive of this because my mom doesn't want to change any of our meals up and she doesn't want to cater to my needs (such as not eating meat) Also, what are good meals for Vegs? I don't really like seafood. Or squash. Yuck. So anyway, what do I do about my parents and what meals? Oh yea, any suggestions on how to become one. See, the problem is, I like meat. And it will be really hard for me to totally stop eating it. So, any suggestions on ways to stop? yea, I know this is a long question, So, I'll thank all of you for answering in advance!

Answer 1

Congrats! I am a vegan, and was lucky to be brought up in a vegan household. I have never tasted meat and I never intend to. I have a friend that turned vegetarian when she was 8 years old. She realised that animals were her friends, and she didn't want to eat her friends. Her parents accepted, and she became one.
So, below are some steps to help you become one.

TEN IMPORTANT STEPS:
1 - Tell you parents that this is what you really want
2 - Get recipes off the net and show them to your mother. Tell her that it is not hard after all.
3 - Help your parents cook the meals, and encourage them to taste it.
4 - Tell them how you feel after not eating meat. Most people say how they feel more energitic.
5 - If you cant get them to buy the food, ask them to give it a one week trial, and see how it goes. Afterwards you can tell them any improvements that have happened, and get them to allow you one more week.
6 - Change is invetible. It happens whether or not we like it. We cannot stop change. Change will happen forever and always. Tell your parents about change, and how it is good to have a change.
7 - Find articles and books that you can show your parents, so they can learn about the advantages of not eating meat.
8 - Tell them about all the famous vegetarians there are in the world (you can find a list on the net).
9 - My mum ate meat, but then she changed. She liked it, but she felt it was wrong to do so. Just like she did, you can change. I have no idea what your motivation is, but if it is strong enough, you will change. Perservere, and you will do it.
10 - Most of all, take it slowly. Some people can stop straight away, but if you want, just reduce you meat to once every few days, then once a week, and so on. Or, you can stop eating different types of meat. Cow, one week, then sheep the next.

Ps. There are millions of meals that you can eat. If you have any trouble search the net, and you can also ask PETA if you live in the USA, or ask a similar organization that is in your country.

Good luck, and remember: the animals are depending on you!

Answer 2

Maybe your not going to be a strict vegetarian-- there is nothing wrong with that.
The rules you follow should be yours not what other people think a vegetarian is.
If you still live at home where your mom is cooking you need to be flexible about eating some meat but you can take a small portion. Maybe you should make a extra vegetable yourself and share that with your family.
Not every vegetarian or person likes every vegetable so don't be concerned about not liking Squash. NOTE- you may be surprised some day about how your tastes may change and you learn to like squash!!!

Answer 3

First of all, Seafood as in fish, shrimp, etc, is NOT vegetarian. Vegetarian = no animal flesh.

Check out the source vegweb.com for a lot of good information, recipes, etc. I could type here all day to answer your questions, but you're best to read up on all that.

As for your parents, mine were like that too. Everyone thought they had to cater to me, blah blah blah. but they never ever had too. All I did was just not eat the meat foods...it's amazing how people seem to think EVERYTHING has meat in it and don't consider salads, pizza, burritos....many dishes made with meat can be made without meat too. Also, prove to your parents that you did your research on vitamins you'll need, the proper nutrition, etc, and they will eventually warm up to the idea.

Answer 4

Good for you for being so considerate of your mom, and for being very detailed. There are many different shades of vegetarianism. You could start out by dedicating just one day a week to eating ovo-lacto (includes eggs and dairy) vegetarian as a start. Tell your mom that you want to be the person who makes the salads that day? Set aside some time to look up recipes online, to shop for what you need and to actually help with the food prep.... I'll bet your Mom will be a whole lot more supportive when she sees your conscientious efforts. Start slow. Enjoy new ways of eating vegs and fruit... try new vegs... learn to make salads, dips, and smoothies for the whole family to try.

All the best!

Answer 5

Becoming vegetarian is a step that you should do it because you want to. It takes time and reponsibility to be a healthy vegetarian and sadly, if you are the only one in your family making this change with no support, you are on your own when it comes to prepare your meals. I used to love meat but I was very sick and I had to make that sacrifice to change my life and reach a healthy state. After four years as a vegetarian, my family has seen the positive changes in my health and now when I visit my mom she knows how important it is for her to preapre vegetarian dishes for all the family plus one meat dish for those who desiere it. I have a sister and she said I was crazy for eating this way and now, after me teaching her different ways to preare vegetables in a yummy way, she tells everybody how her arthritis and gallbladder problems have improved due to her new life style. Because being vegetarian in not a Diet; this is a Life style that you have to embrace with love and passion.
I became vegetarian following the rule of the "six elements" in every meal. This is that you make sure that in every meal you have all the elements (roots, stems, leafs, flowers, fruits, seeds/grains). This makes your meals balanced and healthy, pecially if you focus on whole, fresh vegetables instead of canned or processed foods. This rule makes doing your groceries easy too. If you want more info contact me.

Answer 6

Okay, I had the same problem. And I quit eating meat (excuse the pun) cold turkey. Every time you eat a piece of meat, think about the animal it is that you're eating.. I did that the last time I ate a piece of steak, which was my favourite at the time, and I actually got sick. Just think about the animals you're saving. And the animals that you're eating now have been tortured to death.. Go to peta's website, they have videos about the animals, and tips on becoming vegetarian, that will help a lot!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Answer 7

yeah i'm a veghead.
i love it.
i wasn't a huge fan of meat, but didn't hate it.
not read fond of seafood either, but i eat it sometimes.
i add tofu to my meals.
or like when u'r having hamburgers gardenburgers or boca burgers are good.
pasta with a pesto sauce is a good veggie meal too cause you get the protein.
if you put protein powder in spaghetti sauce for example when you make it, it also works.
i also drink protien shakes.
my parents are meat eaters and my mom doesn't cater to my needs either. there are a lot of things you can eat, just makes sure there is something in the house.

Answer 8

i think that u and ur parents will slowly get the idea of u seriously becoming a vegatarian if u SERIOUSLY stop eating meat. make them belive you that u r not kidding when u say that u want to become a vegatarian...by the way im also a vegatarian and thats what i did so that myparents would be ok with it.

Answer 9

Cut meat out of your diet gradually. Also, take a veg. cooking class and cook for yourself.

Answer 10

If you like meat, why become vegetarian? If you're interested in just improving your health, then cut down on meat, don't omit it all together. We are omnivores, meaning, we are built to eat meat and vegetables. Please post why you are interested in becoming a vegetarian.