My mom won't let me become a vegetarian?

Question

my mom won't let me become a vegetarian because she says its not good for you. Does anyone know of anyway fo me to persuade her to let me be a vegetarian?

Answer 1

I had a difficult time becoming a vegetarian too, mainly because no one takes you seriously at seven.
Just do your research. Learn about nutrition until you can pretty much tell anyone anything about the human diet. Load yourself with knowledge. If your parents will let you, buy a vegetarian cookbook or neutral vegetarian booklet (That means, nothing that won't be honest with you. If it says that vegetarianism can't be bad for you or if it says that vegetarianism takes absolutely no effort and planning, keep looking.) Do plenty of reading, learn about the "secret" non-vegetarian ingredients, and cut out the not-meat-but-not-vegetarian-either foods, such as marshmallows.
Since you'll be set with your knowledge, you can have a serious, informed discussion about vegetarianism with your mom. Maybe discussing it with your doctor could help--bring it up at a physical exam or something. Most doctors will agree that a vegetarian diet is equal or superior to an omnivorous diet if it's well planned. Oh, but if you're sure your doctor is against vegetarianism, don't mention it to him or her :)
You are responsible for learning about your diet. If you did happen to go vegetarian and then you became anemic, it would just prove to your mom that vegetarians can't be healthy. But, if you go vegetarian, get sick less than everyone else, develop more energy, lose any excess weight, and become a much healthier person (this was my case), you can prove that vegetarianism is good for you! Maybe ask your mom if you can go vegetarian for a week or two after you've done your research. At the end of that time, ask if you can go to the doctor and have a blood test. The doctor can tell you if you need to make any dietary changes or if you're eating a balanced diet.
If your mom still doesn't agree, don't let go of your beliefs. Respect her wishes when you're in her house, but never choose meat over better foods when you're dining out or cooking for yourself. If you always choose a vegetarian meal over meat when you can, you can prove that this isn't just a phase that you're going through. Many people drop it after a few weeks, but the most dedicated people will take a "no" and come back even stronger in time. Wait until you move out if you have to. If you're still interested in vegetarianism at that time, it'll be even sweeter.

Answer 2

I'm unsure of your age, but your Mum will have her reasons.. I was in the same position for a while when I was younger but if you are really serious about being a vegetarian keep working at convincing your Mum with all the great benefits of becoming vege. You have one of the most powerful sources of information at your finger tips! Do the research to support your reasons for wanting to become a vegetarian and show these to your Mum, it may even make her rethink her eating habits. Start to make, small gradual changes to your eating, every little change counts!

Just remember, becoming vegetarian is wonderful, but it needs to be done properly, do your research into what you need to be eating to get sufficient nutrients and you will be on the right track!

Answer 3

Girst, congratluations for a)deciding to go vegy and b) not giving up
You must show her that you are determined. My mum didnt really believe me when i told her i wanted to stop eating meat!
Go out and buy some quorn products, or just leave the meat /cut down when she gives it to you. She may get angry, but its the only way...
show her some websites you may have found (www.viva.com the best vegy website ever) and say that you do understand what you are doing.
Tell her you can replace meat with vegys and quorn and cheese, and dont be afraid, tell her that loas of people have done it, and that this is your decsion, you are old enough now,
good luck. sorry i couldnt help more. Please post another q if she still wont let you.
ps crying always helps!!! lol
pps oh and remind her that the more she tries to stop you doing it, the more determined you will be to prove her wrong.

Answer 4

I had the same problem. Print out these pages and show them to your mom.

http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/vegetar... (a guide for teens)
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetar... (an actual hospitals websites advice on eating vegetarian)
http://www.jtcwd.com/vegie/ (information on all subjects)
http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/teennutriti... (another page just for teens)
http://www.goveg.com/lettuce.asp...
http://www.goveg.com/healthconcerns.asp...

Dont just suddenly become a vegetarian. First try doing a Meatout Mondays. Then every week or so elimate another day.

You can order free vegetarian starter kits from Peta!!

Answer 5

It can be good for you if you know how to get all the amino acids from other proteins. Animal meats and proteins have all the essential amino acids (proteins required for life) and plants with proteins only have some of the amino acids. YOu have to make sure to eat a mixture of plant protein sources that include complementary amino acids in order to get them all. Since you mom has to provide for you (i'm assuming, since she "wont let" you become vegetarian) she would have to deal with making sure you had all this food while she is busy making the cheap and easy meat meals.

Answer 6

Learn about nutrition and cook your own food. There are complementary proteins, such as beans and rice, etc.

Know your nutrition and take responsability for your own nourishment, and I promise you, the issue will resolve itself.

People can live on a vegetarian diet but you must be careful to get sublingual vitimin B12 supplements, and to not become deficient in iron, riboflavin or calcium.

Protein intake is essential to support a healthy immune system, and keeps your body (which is maintained through the proper interaction between amino acids and protein.

Vegetarianism is a lifestyle choice and it can be done but it takes work and thought.

Answer 7

sorry but my son tried this on me. For a growing child this can be a problem (He is over 6 feet in height now) you do need protein when you are growing. It is how our bodies were designed. However if you are still determined and have done your study and continue to do so you could offer to cook some veg meals. I think your mother would be thankful to have a break from routine occasionally so good luck

Answer 8

make your own meals with the vegetarian foods around the house and she can't stop you. you can also try reasoning with her by explaining why you want to convert

Answer 9

ignorance is bliss.

mom should try to be more intellectual and open minded.

i've been a vegetarian for 30 years now.

i am doing great.

rumors have it that you don't get protein... what a scam that is said by meat eaters.

http://www.vegan.org/

there is no such thing as a protein defecit in vegetables... vegetables are jam packed with minerals, vitamins, protein, nutrients... i don't know where the rumors started. don't listen to them.

every time i have a blood panel done up to check my blood chemistry (and i'm on meds) my bood work comes up excellent!

Answer 10

Depends on your age for your mother to approve I think. Your Mom probably needs to be reassured that you are aware of the ramifications of a diet lacking in protein and iron. You would have to enlighten her as to your knowledge of the vegetarian diet.

Try researching on the Internet for alternative foods that will replace the lack of meat and/or fish in your diet.

I would ensure that I include all legumes, pulses and protein alternatives eg: soya bean curd (Tofu), also ensure that you eat a range of fresh fruit and vegetables. That should convince her!!! Good luck! :)