Help on Vegetarianism?

Question

I want to become vegetarian, but i come from an african family & they all <3 meat. if i decided to do it my parents would not want to support me to buy more fruits,nuts,veggies,etc. I also have to take into consideration what i'll eat at christmas,thanksgiving, my WEDDING. important events like that. i think it's something i have to do bc i've done a lot of research about it & am not just making this decision out of the blue. do you think it's worth it? any vegetarians out there want to offer some help? i'd apprieciate it a lot. thnx.

Answer 1

Are you able to transition over a period of time? If so you would be able to figure out how to substitute foods, even if you have to make some yourself.

Hopefully you are capable of getting your own food and cooking for yourself, since it sounds like that is what you will need to do. I don't think this is different than any other person who was the sole vegetarian in their house. So you wouldn't be alone in that.

It is up to you to determine if it is worth it for your own personal beliefs. There are many well known African American vegetarian/vegans that did it for various reasons, health, ethical, etc... Coretta Scott King, Russel Simmons, BB King, etc...

Do you have an idea of the reasons why they won't support you? Just due to inconvenience?

Holidays would be tricky, perhaps you could offer up a dish that you could eat and provide to others to try a veggie dish. At your own wedding you should choose what is served. I was at a veggie bride wedding and only one item was non-veggie. You should have food for other people but obviously many things you could eat.

Answer 2

If you are becoming a lacto-ovo vegetarian, then holiday meals really shouldn't be a big problem. Mashed potatoes with no gravy, the veggies, there are even some vegetarian stuffings you can buy. I was a veg when I got married, but had the bad luck to hire a sub-par caterer for my brunch wedding reception. Even though I specifically said I was a vegetarian and wanted plenty of meat-free dishes, the ONLY thing I could eat at my own wedding reception was the fruit. All of the eggs had sausage mixed into them, there was a huge lunchmeat tray, etc. To me, it was a disaster, but then again I was the only veggie there. 15 years later, I can laugh about it. Just be sure to get everything in writing! :) Even with the aggravation I sometimes get from my family, I do not regret becoming a vegetarian. If you've done the research, you know what is best. Be persistent and when you only have a few dishes to choose from, smile and be happy with your veggies!

Answer 3

Yes, I do think it's totally worth it. The health benefits alone outweigh any kind of ill feelings your family may have about your decision. I went veggie and my family situation was very similar to yours. They were not trying to hear it.
Since you've already researched the sujbect, you have some good info on how to get started. My suggestion would be to work up a meal plan. Decide what you will eat for all three meals, for seven days. Even figure out what you will eat for snacks! After you have that, you can then plan where you will find the ingredients for your menu. Do this for a few weeks or until you get the hang of chaging your grocery list to a vegetarian one.
Holidays were a huge concern for me too when I first changed to a veggie lifestyle. I have been "bringing my own" for years now. My mother is finally getting over the fact that I just cannot partake in the some of the things she cooks. I eat the side dishes - sometimes - and that's about it. Just explain the reason you must bring your own. It may not sit well at first, but they will come around.
Good luck!

Answer 4

If your just becoming a vegetarian, you shouldn't meet too much resistance. You'll be able to eat plenty of things on holidays and other events (remember though, that just because it isn't made of flesh doesn't mean it doesn't contribute to animal suffering.). Make your own veg*an cuisine and share it with your family.

Show your family you are making an informed choice by showing them literature and sticking to it. If they love you they will respect your decision. If they don't, its your body and they don't get to decide what goes into it.

What your doing is most definitely worth it. Vegetarianism/veganism is not only a symbolic choice, it has very real consequences. Hundreds of animals will be spared a life of suffering and ultimately slaughter as a direct result of your actions. What better can a person do than eliminate the suffering caused by their actions?

Answer 5

I think it's really hard to do when you don't have the support of family and friends. Why not just minimize meat for now, and see how that works? Are you currently working? If so, spending $10-$15 per week on fresh vegetables would supplement your diet. Fresh food is really not that expensive.

I am transitioning to vegetarianism, but have occasionally had a piece of meat on the holidays. The less meat I eat, the less I like it now....so I think eventually I won't eat it all anymore.

Good luck! If you're looking for some good and easy vegetarian recipes, try the 'Simple Suppers' cookbook from Moosewood.

Answer 6

when was the last time you sat at a dinner table where there was no vegetarian item? theres usually vegetables, pasta, rice, salad...i became a vegetarian 4 days before christmas and i got through it alright. if you really want to support vegetarianism your family wont get in your way

Answer 7

I know its difficult but believe that you are making the dicison for yourslef and not your family. MY family is veg and i decided to quit becasue i feel like i should be eating meat. Also do not feel that being a vegatarian means you need more veggies. It doesnt, you just swap any meat for a substitute. Here are some links to decent vegatarian food.
http://www.quorn.co.uk/CMSPage.aspx
http://www.vegsoc.org/info/soya.html

Here are some links to recipes
http://www.vegsoc.org/cordonvert/recipes/

I hope you enjoy being vegatrian.

Answer 8

I DON'T THINK, ONE'S FOOD HABIT WOULD CREATE PROBLEM FOR OTHERS. NOBODY WILL FORCE TO BECOME EITHER VEGETARIAN OR NON-VEGETARIAN. PEOPLE CAN ONLY SUGGEST. ACCEPTING SUGGESTION OR NOR ACCEPTING IS UPTO US. NO SOCIETAL RULES CAN BIND INDIVIDUALS CAN BIND ON FOOD HABITS WHEN IT DOES NOT HARM OTHERS. RELIGIOUS RULES IMPOSING VEGETARIANISM IS ANOTHER THING. THIS IS ALSO NOW BECOME LAX.

Answer 9

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?! IT IS ALWAYS WORTH IT TO GO VEG!!!!! you dont need your family's support to do something YOU feel is right. and if you have to, buy your own food. they should support you in somehting they know is right as well.