i am 15 and my parents will not accept my decision on becoming vegetarian. i don't like to eat eggs or drink milk so instead i drink soymilk and find various ways of including protein into my diet. i don't believe i am malnourished because i carefully plan out my meals during the day so i get all of the vitamins and minerals i need for a growing teen. my mom likes to use threats that we will never go anywhere anymore because i am "changing her lifestyle" just because i won't eat meat. i tried confronting them about this but they just will not listen until i change my eating habits. help?
2007-03-04 12:32:35 · 13 answers · asked by oreo_cream_76 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Vegetarian & Vegan
I was very young when I stopped eating meat and my mom used to try to guilt me because I didn't eat what she was cooking. now I'm 31 and I am a vegan. the diet has been enormously helpful to me as I am very alergic to dairy. I didn't know that until I turned 30. So, the other day she told me that if she had ever known that that listening to my body instead of society was better for me she would have totally been for it.
I guess what I'm saying is eat what you want to eat and keep the faith. They're just going to have to get used to you being a grown-up. Give them time though, growing pains are hard on everyone.
2007-03-04 14:59:03 · answer #1 · answered by dredangel3 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You need to find out why they won't let you be a vegetarian, is it becasue of nutrition issues or other issues? If it's nutrition issues, having a nutritionist to back you up is good because people usually listen to authority.
They may think you are still young now and think your choices are just part of growing up, but they are just trying to help you choose the best in life (although they can be wrong sometimes). Don't be too hard on them.
Try to show them in your actions that you are making a mature decision. You can offer to help your mum out in preparing a couple of vegetarian dishes for dinner. You can also show them a list where you can get certain vitamins, minerals, fatty acids etc. on a vegetarian diet if that helps alleviate their fears. If you know of any vegetarian friends (particularly adults) maybe inviting them over for a meal and having a friendly chat (that mentions the topic on a veg diet) can help.
When I wanted to be a veg, my mum was not very accepting of the idea as well, she say "you can just eat less meat". But I was stubborn and I stick to my decision, and she gave in. But I made her upset, I must agree. She is very concern about me not getting enough nutrients in my diet, but I do my own reading up and show her what nutrients I need and where I can get them and let her know about the meat industry, and it helps.
2007-03-05 08:21:25 · answer #2 · answered by rujoon 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You haven't done anything wrong. In fact, you have just saved your own heart. Having a little, very lean meat (grilled) can help keep your iron level up, so have some now and then. Otherwise, you sound like you have done the homework. Again, if you begin to feel a bit run down, have some lean meat and remember to also include lots of dark, dark green leafy salad veggies, these are wonderful for your body and help give you iron and calcium. Broccoli is a good veggie too. Because you are giving up milk, you will need to replace the calcium, so consider yogurt, and Soy products. Some orange juices now come with calcium added, and that helps too. You will be fine. There are tons of veggies and fruits and so many great recipes out there, enjoy!
2007-03-04 20:49:45 · answer #3 · answered by teacupn 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Parents are like that about this issue.
They do not understand and most will not ever get it.
Make sure you see a nutritionist to be sure you are getting a balanced diet and enjoy yourself.
My parents got over it a long time ago.
I just do not eat the meat but will eat most other things when we go out.
2007-03-04 20:40:44 · answer #4 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, you do not need to 'wait until your on your own.' You made an excellent choice! As long as you find ways to incorporate enough protein into your diet you should be completely fine. Eat lots of soy and beans! And you aren't completely "changing her lifestyle" because most places have entrees that are both vegetarian and nonveg. Talk to them calmy, rationally, and as adult-like as possible. You can do it!
2007-03-04 20:43:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
The suggestions for going to a doctor or nutritionist for backup are good ones. Also, maybe you could cook something really delicious, healthy, and veg-friendly that your mom would enjoy eating, to prove to her that vegetarians still know how to eat!
2007-03-05 00:06:39 · answer #6 · answered by Ammy W 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Re. teenage rebellion: that's a good point.
I'm not saying you're going through a phase or something or doing it to actually be rebellious -- it's just that it might be useful to say "Okay, then. If you don't like me experimenting with my diet, I'll go experiment with drugs" to give them a little perspective.
"Changing her lifestyle"?!? WTF? Your mother eats at some funny restaurants if none of them serve salads.*
In lieu of pointing out nutritional benefits, maybe you could point out all the parenting advice that says making a big deal out of something tends to make it worse?
Hmm. Googling for advice for parents who _object_ to their kid going veg brings up, well, a pile of advice on reading up on it and supporting the kid -- and that's from very mainstream sites, not pro-vegetarian ones.
* Not that you're restricted to salads; just thinking of the easy option in almost any restaurant for a vegan.
2007-03-04 21:37:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
it does not matter she is your mother and she should accept you for changing your diet into a healthy 1. i am glad that you r doing this cause most teens dont realize that they are eating junk and u took control of that. if youre mother threats you SO WHAT just cause she cant change her own diet doesnt mean she needs to tell you she doesnt accept you. hope this helps and i am glad for your decision U GO GIRL!!!!!!!
2007-03-04 20:40:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Can you get your doctor on your side? Also you need hair & nail vitaimins. My son is seven and is a vegetarian and we are not but we just let him be. Let your mom know how you feel and tell her it is not a weight thing it is a no meat thing. Go to www,postpunkkitchen.com They have great food!
2007-03-04 22:59:29 · answer #9 · answered by Barbara 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I believe in time they will turn around some parent's worry more than others and you are not in conflict with there way of life there just worried about your choices be grateful you have parent's that care. be patient and try understanding them if tha'ts not enough pray for them and if that's not enough have some patients and on and on
2007-03-04 20:46:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋