My dad got really mad?

Question

My dad got really mad when I told him I was vegitarian. He said he won't allow it and will not be taking me to the doctor. I'm 12 and I'm new at the vegitarian thing. What do I do and what does he mean by he won't be taking me to the doctor?

Answer 1

I've been veggie for about half a century now. I started to remove flesh at the age of 8 and went full veggie at 10. I'm now old enough to be your granpa (that means your dad could be my son you know). Get him a YA account (or let him borrow yours) and have him email me. I can set him straight on just how healthy a veggie diet can be!! At a minimum you two should sit down together and go through the links provided below to allay his fears about your health and for you to start learning about nutrition!!

If you want to 'scare' him into accepting veggie (here come the downward thumbs) point out that most food poisoning comes from meat sources and epidemiology shows that the higher the consumption of meat/dairy the greater the risk of osteoporosis. Both of you can run searches together on BSE, CWD, vCJD to learn about the risks to your brain from eating meat!

Use the web! It makes it so much easier to go green than when I was starting out at your age!!!!!!!

Answer 2

I first tried being vegetarian when I was a teenager, and I had to give it up because it left me so weak and hungry. I tried again many years later, this time aided with extensive research, and knowing that what probably left me hungry back then was that I didn't get enough protein and thought I could sustain myself with vegetables and white rice.

It seems to me that you have access to the internet, where loads of information is available on how teen vegetarians could get a well-balanced diet without meat. Educate yourself, and then educate your dad. It might be difficult because you are living in your parents' house and eating food that they like, so it is very important that you convince them your decision to become a vegetarian is AN INFORMED CHOICE and not just following some trend in school or just to lose weight.

He probably expects you to get sick from your diet, that's why he said he's not going to take you to the doctor. But being vegetarian doesn't mean you have to be malnourished.

Good luck!

Answer 3

If you are going to follow a vegetarian lifestyle, you had better educate yourself on how to get enough protein and a full complement of useable nutrients into your diet. Since you are only 12, your body is still developing and maturing, and if you don't have enough of the right nutrients you will not be healthy, and when you become ill, you will need a doctor. I don't know your reasons for wanting to be a vegetarian, and I am not expressing an opinion on your choice, but it is not a wise choice if you don't make the right food choices. I know you're only 12, but if you are going to be a vegetarian, you had better learn how to spell the word correctly.

Answer 4

Maybe your dad need to get educated on this some people really don't know just what a veggie person does. I tink if he gets on the internet and checks it out before rushing off to the Dr he may learn what it is like I'll just bet he is scares for his little girl remember he loves you and wants the best so just get a site where he can found out all he needs to know I so do wish you luck

Answer 5

listen to foodychick. your dad probably thinks you wont eat right...he doesn't seem to know a lot about being vegetarian. most people become healthier becoming one. but you need protein substitutes (not nessisarily a pill) such as fake meat. fake meat tastes very close to real meat if you buy the right brands (morningstar and boca burger) also cheese and nuts are good protein. you can get plenty of vitamins from veggies and such but taking a vitamin pill is always good. hope i could help.

Answer 6

Probably concerned that you will get sick being a vegitarian. And concerned too that you are growing up and asserting you own beliefs

Answer 7

He means that if you are not careful and make sure you get all the necessary protein and vitamins, you'll end up in the hospital (it does happen to lot of Vegetarians).
You should talk to your family doctor about it before you start this lifestyle. I would not recommend this at your age. It will cause more problems in your health and you are not knowledgeable enough to get the proper nutrient you require through puberty. Adolescence years are very important and will provide you with a healthier life as you get older. Basically, if you start off weak, you'll be forever weak.

Answer 8

It seems your dad may be abit ignorant about what being a vegetarian actually is. Try and educate him about it and make sure you know where to get extra iron, protein etc. Explain to him the reasons why you have become vegetarian too

Answer 9

Why does he need to take you to the doctor... Vegetarian means you wont be eating meat... It's a very difficult situation becuse if you become vegetarian, you will have to subtitute everything.. My dad in law is a VEGAN that means... no meat no cheese no fish no animal product at all... He even use different soap... NO ANIMALS AT ALL... NADA

Answer 10

Ask your dad what he means by "he won't be taking me to the doctor." He may not know what being a vegetarian means. He may think that you won't get enough protein, etc., and become ill because of it.