I used to be anorexic. I stress the word used. I no longer feel the effects of that state of mind and I am back to my old healthy weight. My parents do not see this. To them, I will never gain enough weight. I cannot keep pleasing them, though. I know I am healthy in mind and body. I can feel the difference and I cannot believe how much happier I am.
Recently, I made the desicion to be a vegetarian. I have wanted to do this years before my eating disorder but the problem is my parents. I have not told them about this perosnal desicion. They grew up in families that were strong meat eaters and every meal involves meat. I do not want to upset them, but I would like their support. What should I do?
Any advise and/or concerns are welcome.
2007-06-26 14:59:44 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Vegetarian & Vegan
I have a very healthy diet with plenty of whole grains, vegetables, fruit, rice, beans, etc. I hardly ever eat junk food, and I never drink soda, or eat fast food... Nutrition is not a problem, and I do not obsess about it or dwell on it.
I am not an adult and I live with my parents.
I just do not want them to worry about me. How can I make them comfortable with my choice?
2007-06-26 15:35:26 · update #1
Becoming a vegetarian is the healthiest thing you can do for your diet and for lifelong nutrition. I would ask your mom and dad if you could see a nutritionist and explain to them that you would like to go veg. Explain your reasons and make sure they know you are really proud of yourself for getting healthy and you want to KEEP being healthy. it makes sense to me that someone who had poor nutrition before might go to the other extreme which is VERY GOOD nutrition and being vegetarian fits the bill. Just know tht if you decide to go veg you will really need to be dedicated to make sure you are getting enough calories in a day or you could very well lose weight. It's not hard, you just need to educate yourself about proper nutrition and keep track of where your nutrients are coming from until you get the hang of it. A nutritionist can help you with that.
I also think you should read two books that I recommend to everyone but I don't care because they are SO GOOD:
Becoming Vegetarian (or Becoming Vegan, whichever you want) - has so much information about what you need to be sure and watch out for, meal planning tips, tells where we get different nutrients. it's not preachy at all. it's a very no-nonsense guide to making the transition.
The China Study - the most in-depth study of its kind goes over decades long studies that prove without a doubt that animal products are not good for your health. This is a good one for people who might be skeptical (like your parents) because the man who wrote it has very esteemed credentials and a ton of background in the field of research and he lists all his resources. You can preview the book here - http://www.thechinastudy.com/PDFs/ChinaStudy_Excerpt.pdf
Good luck and congrats on getting healthy and wanting to stay healthy!
2007-06-26 16:22:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you truly want to be vegetarian then I suggest you don't just eliminate meat. Eat vegetables. What parent wouldn't love to see their kids asking for veggies and filling up on nutritious food!
If they happen to notice that you are skipping the meat...just tell them that you prefer other foods.
Be sure and eat rice (brown is best) and plenty of beans and peanut butter. Also, some dairy is good too for calcium.
If you fail to eat nutritious food you may find yourself sick because you will probably fill up on junk food (bad habit).
It's great that you don't want to upset your family, but maybe you can find a time to express to them your need to be your own self, without stepping on their toes.
2007-06-26 15:18:26 · answer #2 · answered by J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a vegetarian also.I have been sence I was 2 but now I am 12 and I know what its like to have your parents not like your eating habbits.I dont have anorexia or bullimia but I was 120 pounds at 5"6 and I lost 40 pounds not long ago.I have a bleeding ulsure and a stomach disfunchion called SMA disorder.I think you should explain to your parents that you can get healthy fats and proteins from other foods than meat like avocado,proteinbars,nuts,peanutbutter,and,cheese.Please e-mail me back on why you wanted to become a vegatarian before your eating disorder and why you want to be one now because if its not because you dont like the thought of eating animals or because you dont like any meat then you may need to rethink if you USED to have anorexia.
2007-06-26 15:22:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Food and eating and such should not cause you so much stress. Your parents are focussing too much on what you eat/don't eat if they would be upset by your diet decisions; if you are an adult, then it is none of their business. I have struggled with eating disorders too. My mom focusses on food and what I eat and don't eat, and how much I weigh... and I know it's not healthy. So the best solution I have found is what she doesn't know can't hurt her. She is on a need to know basis only. I don't tell her if I am following a specific diet. If she notices and comments that I am not eating much meat, for example, I just downplay it and say I am saving room for dessert so she knows I am eating enough and then I change the subject. Ughhh... Parents ;-)
2007-06-26 15:13:33 · answer #4 · answered by emallia 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You will have to take an interest in cooking your own food. Do some research and let them know this is what you want to do and that it is safe and healthy. Suggest a test trial and get involved in grocery shopping. They may be more supportive than you think.
2007-06-26 16:13:28 · answer #5 · answered by al l 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best way for them to understand and feel comfortable with your decision is to see it. Offer to cook for them. Show them that you can make a great meal that doesn't have meat in it, like vegetarian lasagne, chili, even goulash (I make a great vegan goulash).
If you can show them that your nutritional intake on a vegetarian diet is still a healthy balance, they will be more open to it.
2007-06-26 15:12:12 · answer #6 · answered by Zyrilia 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
do you live at home if not nothing to say eat your way but if you live at home you should eat whatever they serve dont rock the boat you are looking for problems that are too minor to think about eat out and dont discuss your meals too boring life has too much more to dwell on food should be the least of your worries.
2007-06-26 15:05:58 · answer #7 · answered by vanessa 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
it would be a blend of each, i believe lose the bf, he seems like he's making the problem worse. see a councellor to support variety it out, identification say such a lot of it's lasting results of your earlier consuming disease
2016-09-05 09:14:23 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋