i wanna go vegetarian, but im nervous about telling my parents, what do i do?

Answer 1

My parents were worried about me when I became vegetarian. What will help is if you know your facts. Make sure you read up on how to have a proper healthy vegetarian diet. Then your parents will see that you are dedicated and also that you know what you are doing. Also maybe you could try to make some nice vegetarian meals for your family so they can see how tasty and satisfying they can be and then they might appreciate not only your moral choice (if you are doing it for moral reasons) but also the lifestyle choice. Another thing that I do- just to keep everyone off my case, is to get blood test every few years just to prove to everyone that my iron levels are fine- and they are great, and that seems to shut people up. Anyway good luck- I know family can be challenging on this topic but my family now understand and appreciate that I am vegetarian, and they eat less meat now and enjoy lots of meals that I eat.

Answer 2

How old are you? I ask not to tell you that before age X its bad, because I don't believe that, my friend who is Indian has been veggie since age 6, and she is healthy and happy and well adjusted. However, she also lived in a place where a vegetarian diet was accommodated in much of the culture. Here it is sadly not the same. Here is much harder and the younger you are, the bigger a struggle it will be to prove to your parents that you are ready. You need to demonstrate that you are thinking about this responsibly and like an adult.

I would show your parents that you understand some of the obstacles, and how you expect to surmount them. (If you are not sure what the obstacles are, please do a little research first.) Show them the recipes that you plan to eat, offer to make these dishes for them to try (making dinner for mom and dad is ALWAYS a winning choice!) and show them the ways you plan to get your protein, your iron, etc. I would also talk to your family doctor who can help you make sure that going vegetarian is both the right choice for you and done safely, and maybe can help you talk to your parents about it.

There will undoubtedly be people on this forum who will tell you that it flat out cannot be done, they believe that being veggie young is going to do some irreversible damage. I don't believe this, but I do know that if you simply "remove" meat from your diet without replacing it with good sources of protein and iron and other nutrients, you will have problems.

Just make sure you are ready to commit to taking care of your diet and your body if you are going to make this choice, because it is going to require alot of hard work on your part (but well worth it!)

Answer 3

Do you know what is involved in becoming a vegetarian? It isn't about just stopping the eating of meat. It also involves the proper balances of proteins with carbohydrates. Do you know where to find these proteins that give you the proper balances and how much? You must know what vitamins are provided by what foods and eat them in proper proportions. If you do not keep it all balanced you can become very anemic rapidly and end up in the hospital.

Becoming a vegetarian requires a considerable amount of study and research. Read books and attend classes if available in your area. A good source of learning how to cook as a vegetarian is from the Seventh Day Adventist Church. They often hold cooking classes on vegetarian processes.

Answer 4

I first became a vegetarian in 3rd grade. My parents both opposed. I, being too young then, did not assert and tell them constantly how I really wanted to be a vegetarian. Eventually my dad shoved some steak down my throat.

I tried again in 7th or 6th grade, and when my parents both sort of retaliated, I asserted the fact that I really did want to be a vegetarian. When my dad cooked steak, I trained myself not to give in and eat it. I would eat nothing other than fruits and vegetables. It helps to tell your parents why you're going vegetarian, and to be reasonable. If they're afraid that you won't get enough nutrients, show them some proof from an online website, or tell them how you can get your nutrients. Tell them that thousands of people are vegetarian and they're okay and healthy.

Need protein? A one inch slice of tofu has about 7 grams of protein, totaling only 60 calories. Four slices of that would be 240 calories with 28 grams of protein. You can also try buying some Luna bar, which have more than 5 grams of protein per bar. On average we need to consume 45 + grams of protein each day. If you can find ways to get your nutrients, you'll be fine.

Answer 5

From reading all these entries, it all sounds very stressful... and it is, unfortunately! Maybe you could just evolve into a picky eater and tell them you don't like meat. I stopped eating meat and went vegan for a while a few years ago and I couldn't believe the ridicule I faced from members of my family, and I was almost 30. Years later when I visited, though, they asked with sincerity if I was still not eating meat so they wouldn't alienate me at the dinner table. So if you do confront them with being a vegetarian, try to remember that eventually they will respect you in the end for trying to become informed about nutrition and caring about animals, or any of the other great reasons there are to go veg.

Answer 6

When you tell your parents you want to go vegetarian you'll need to be armed with good reasons & provide plenty of information on where you're going to get calcium, iron, B12 & protein. Any green vegies (& kiwi fruit) provide iron & almonds & tahini provides calcium. In fact calcium can be found in small amounts in any red fruits & vegies. Calcium is found in many fruits, vegies, nuts & legumes. Vegetarians actually need less calcium than meat-eaters because meat actually leeches the body of calcium & as do dairy products, contrary to popular belief. A vegetarian diet is a fantastic lifestyle choice but it is important that it is well balanced. If you're serious about it, get some books/DVDs on the subject. Dr Walter J Veith is listed on the Amazing Discoveries website & his material can be ordered from there. One other thing, caffeine & alcoholic drinks leech the body of calcium & many other nutrients too. I've was born vegetarian & I'm healthier than most my age & I'm 16. But all the best with your decision. I heartily support you.

Answer 7

I recommend a gradual approach. Begin by eating more fruits, vegetables and grains. If you can, try a few soy products such as soy burgers or soy milk and see if you like them. Learn about how vegetarians can get enough protein, for example by reading Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappe. Later, decide if you are going to include eggs and dairy products or avoid them. Find some vegetarian recipes on line and ask your mom if she will help you make them, without making a big deal about them having no meat. Just take these steps slowly and easily and remain aware of how your body feels as you go along. Eventually, when you do bring it up to your parents, you will be abl e to show them what you have already done, and be able to give them reasons you want to make more changes. You can show them that you are informed. serious, and taking responsibility. I wish you success and happiness.

Answer 8

I don't know how old you are but i am 16 and i just went through the same thing. I told my parents and they said ok but i am not buying u any special vegetarian food. so now I eat what my family eats except i don't eat the meat. It was a good life style change. I have already lost 10 lbs. and i have only been a vegetarian for 11 days.

Answer 9

well, i don't know what you say to them because when you do, they will probably do what most parents do. that is, let you do it because they assume its just a phase, and they will probably think you wont last very long. then again, my "phase" has lasted seven years so my parents eventually just accepted it.
to let them know that you are serious about it, you should do research about how to replace meat in your diet, rather than just deleting it. find ways to get the protein, iron, and calcium that you would otherwise get from meat. if you put an effort in and show them that you are serious about it, and that you can do it in a HEALTHY way, they are more likely to be supportive

Answer 10

that's cool that u want to become 1--just go ahead and tell them--i did-sure at first they were"u wont last, u be eating mat again by tomorrow", or "where r u going to get all those nutrients that u get from eating meat?", of course i proved them wrong and i am 1 to this day :] just tell them why,how your going to provide the nutrients u need and some research on the Internet on the subject

good luck to u man :]