Should I become a Vegan or a Vegetarian?

Question

Please help me! I don't really like meat and I am very green, but I don't know what to do! I don't know how to ask my mom...because I've tried and she said she wasn't gonna make anything special for me...what should I do!?!?!

Answer 1

Good for you in taking the first step in widening your circle of compassion!

A vegan diet, if well-planned, is extremely healthy and is cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat. A vegan diet, if not well planned, could result in anemia and B12 deficiency. Take your vitamins! Learn about nutrition here: www.nutritiondata.com

Lots of people claim vegans are malnourished but nobody seems to claim meat as the culprit for obesity, heart attacks, colon cancer and high cholesterol.

I have been vegan for over a year and have found an endless supply of vegetables, spices, nuts, beans, etc. that I would have never eaten as a meat-eater. I have also developed a love of cooking and think that you will too!

Lots of people will criticize you for becoming veg*n - I think most of these people think that you are trying to "convert" them or might think that you think you are "better" than them for not eating meat. Don't ever try to put down meat-eaters - just make them wonderful vegan food if they are open to that!

I live with a omnivore who eats lots of meat and we both respect each other. This is very important!

As for your mom, tell her that you want to learn all you can about nutrition and do it together. Find some info about factory farming on the internet - most people arent aware of the degree of cruelty that goes on. Once she sees the inarguable facts, she'll realize your concern for animals. Once she knows how committed and compassionate you are, she will support you!

Don't expect you mom to make seperate meals for you. If you want to be veg*n, start learning to cook for yourself (you'll be doing that alot!) I think once you start making delicious vegan food for yourself, maybe you can start cooking together with mom a few nights a week! (once she sees/smells the tasty dishes, she'll want some) :)

Good luck and I applaud your effort to be a more compassionate person!

Answer 2

I really think that you should sit down with your mom and make her understand the choice that you are making. If she does not respect your choice this will be a good time for you to learn how to cook special veggie dishes for yourself. Your mom should understand if you already do not like to eat meat. I would not be able to become a vegan but a vegetarian is a bit easier for me.

Answer 3

If you're doing it for the animals, I would suggest veganism. The cows and chickens are still tortured for their eggs and milk. If you want to know how, try googling Meet your Meat. The video has some graphic images, but it is very informative and resourceful. I would also recommend goveg.com. It has more reasons to become vegan and it also has the video on it.
good luck!

Answer 4

Buy yourself an easy vegetarian cookbook for starters, you can probably put together your own meals with stuff your mom already has in the house. Veganism can be hard at first, try to go the vegetarian route and see how that goes.

Answer 5

being vegan is a bit trickier than being a vegetarian-- (vegan means you don't eat any animal products--no meat--of course--no eggs and no dairy--sometimes no honey, either)--I'd say--start with going vegetarin--so you still ahve options like eggs, milk, honey, etc..cut out teh white sugar adn flour from your diet and just try eating more veggies--try out ethnic resturnats or cook books--they will have lots of varieties of veggie foods prepared in different ways--so you can catch some meals there--and learn to make simple ones--and if you eat lots of fruits and milk and tofu--and eat veggie slices, etc--you can wean yourself off of meat--after a while--if you want, you can slowly cut out the eggs and milk and honey etc. if you want...Don't try to push your bosy too hard or too fast--make small changes so that you will stick to them...and then build on those initial changes...Congratulations on trying to lead a healthier, more conscious lifestyle..Good Luck--if you are serious and committed you will find the help and guidance you need...

Answer 6

Be a vegetarian. Vegans are hard because then you can't eat any any thing to do with animals. And your mom said she won't make anything special so go the vegetarian route.

Answer 7

Learn to cook your own meals. Work beside your mom, show her you are going to be a responsible vegetarian and share what you've made with her. Eat any food she makes that fits your diet, and do not judge those in your family who do eat meat. You're not trying to tell your parents they raised you wrong, but you're only following your own beliefs.

Talk to your mother, explain your feelings and that you would be cooking your own food, if possible. Don't expect them to change with you, it won't happen. But, maybe they will change enough to accomodate you.

Good luck!!!

Answer 8

Its simple, honey. Just dont eat meat, and eat an extra serving of the side dishes. It doesnt have to be complicated and there is no mystery to it. Eat extra bread and grains, and try to eat as many fresh fruits fruits and veggies as you can. Surely your mom wont mind buying you some fresh apples, pears, bananas and grapes if you ask her. I recommend while you are young, and living with your parents, to just go vegetarian and still eat eggs for protein.(people will tell you that eggs are meat-they are not! they are unfertilized eggs) When you are grown up, you can make your own choices. For now, just do the easier vegetarian thing. My 12 year old is a veggie and she loves it. Email us if you want to

Answer 9

Vegetarian... You will need some protein, so you might have to eat some dairy and nuts.

As for your mom, I would learn how to cook your own food first, to show how serious you are about it. However at the same time don't be judgemental on them for still eating meat.

Answer 10

Vegans tend to have all kinds of health problems because it is so hard for them to get the nutrition they need.

Not that you can't do it, but it's extremely difficult, and you have to be worried about your food all the time.

There are a ton of vegetarian dishes out there you can make for yourself, or give to your mother to try out (or do together). If she's a meat-eater, than it might be easier for her to deal with other non-vegan types of dishes.

You could become a lacto-ovo vegetarian and just eat yogurts, cheeses and eggs. It's a lot easier and you get more protein in your diet that way. Plus, cheese is too yummy to give up!!!