I have tried many times to become a vegan, I am already a vegetarian. My family and friends are constantly trying to tempt me to eat foods with milk/egg products, although I try to refuse it is difficult. Any suggestions as to what I can do to make it not so difficult? My family doesn't want me to become a vegan so they don't support me in any way. What should I do?
2007-07-27 18:20:37 · 16 answers · asked by De_San_Dan 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Vegetarian & Vegan
Find some vegan friends! If you live in a place without any vegans, podcasts are really great to help you feel like you actually know some real live vegans. If you're a listener of podcasts, here are my favourites:
Vegan Freak Radio- It has an "explicit" rating from the hosts' use of profanity. The topics are sometimes controversial, since these people are abolitionist-marxist-anarchist young college professors, but they're totally awesome. They recommend you stay away from this until you're 18 but if you go to school or have friends, I really don't see how you could lose any innocence or be offended. These guys are like my cool older best friends.
Compassionate Cooks- This one is very eloquently presented. It's definitely a really great one to listen to because the host has some good advice, and really good perspective.
Animal Voices- They have some awesome interviews.
I quit animals and animal products overnight in a family that eats animals in literally every meal.
If you're prone to cravings of cheese, chocolate, eggs, whatever, I'd say quit it completely. No gradual weaning off of things- "being good" and then allowing yourself a treat- say a slice of cheese, or a spoonful of ice cream- that will only give those foods power over you and you'll find yourself craving them constantly and eventually giving up.
When people tried to share, I stuck to my convictions and simply refused anything with animal products- nicely, but firmly.
I didn't explain the reasons behind my change to veganism. I don't think my family would have accepted it if I had begun preaching as soon as I'd made the decision. I think deep down they knew I could take care of my health; they were afraid that I would try to change the family traditions.
Making my own meals was very helpful. I still ate with my family, but I'd make something separate. It's very important to clean up all the dishes, though. Leaving a mess will get you in trouble in no time.
I think what I'm saying is you have to pick your battles. Your family is concerned about you, and chances are they're going to be watching you like a hawk to find a reason to force you to quit your veganism. Remember what is important- your attempt to reduce suffering- and quietly go about your own business. Your family and friends love you and they're just worried. The worry will go away in a while. Just keep yourself healthy and happy, and make sure to get your B12.
2007-07-27 21:23:45 · answer #1 · answered by vegetable 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gradually ease off milk then once your comfortable with that... get rid off eggs and so on... my family didnt support my desicision to become a vegan either... I say just do what your heart says. If you want to go full out vegan... or just remain a vegetarian. Our house is constantly stocked with MILO which is extremely tempting... but I can't eat it because you have to put milk with it so I just make another snack... and if your family eats animal products (obviously) make another healthier snack like fruit or anything... there are tons of things healthier than normal food that people can eat and just dont think about what foods your family and friends are eating... just be happy with your desicision.
2007-07-28 02:57:42 · answer #2 · answered by Mimi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's really hard to stick to something when you don't have people around you to support you. The first thing I would do, if you haven't already, is explain to your family how important to you being a vegan is and what it means to you, as well as valid points as to why you feel this way. Even if they decide not to support you, as you stated in you question, stick with it because that it what you want for yourself and that it what is going to make you happy. I was the same way, you just have to stick to your guns, even if you are the only one. Don't let anyone break you for what you believe in. Eventually, things will work out and your family will learn to accept it. Even if they don't you will find people who will accept it and support you. As a point of advice, don't let anyone compromise your happiness or beliefes, be your own person. Good luck!
2007-07-28 01:29:04 · answer #3 · answered by She-Ra 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try joining vegan support forums and communities such as:
http://www.peta2.com/boards
http://www.vegpeople.com
http://www.veganmyspace.com
http://www.vegspace.com
Look for recipes on:
http://www.cookveg.com
http://www.vegan-food.net
http://www.vegweb.com
http://www.vegrecipes.com
http://www.vegancooking.com
http://www.veganchef.com
http://www.vegcooking.com
You can pretty much always find vegan recipes for things you've been craving. If you can't find it on these sites, then just do a google search. The longer you've been a vegan, the easier it gets. Good luck!
2007-07-28 01:40:26 · answer #4 · answered by Misty 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
first be very firm with your friends and family.
My friend was having the same issue as you. Her famz felt she was starving herself to prove something to them. Her advice is to see if you can attend a clinic or visit a nutritionist who specalizes or will be understanding when you say you want to be a vegan. Once you get the information you need to have a healthy lifestyle as a vegan, than you can prove to those who care that you are not starving yourself.
Also ask why they are against it. Have a calm and rational talk with them, prehaps there is something they dont understand about your lifestyle and want to try to protect you. See the argument from their prespective and it will be much easier to convince them that everything is and will be ok.
2007-07-28 01:28:29 · answer #5 · answered by blue_rose1786 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I too found it difficult at first what with pressure from family and friends. Try to remind yourself of why you are doing this. Is it right for you? Do you want to do it? Does it matter what others think? If you truly want it, it will come to you.
2007-07-28 01:23:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
well that is because being a vegan is not natural and requires research to insure you get the proper nutrition. You would be better off not listening to peta and other about the evilness of eating meat and just enjoy what you like to eat and have a good life, instead of worrying about the latest fad in the world of animal loving.
2007-07-28 01:54:33 · answer #7 · answered by rome 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Drink soy milk and use soy products like tofu - there are a million ways you can use tofu and tvp (textured vegetable protein - it comes in a dry form but you use it like hamburger). Also nuts and beans are good sources of protein. Make sure you are getting enough iron, which is important for women and difficult without eating red meat.
2007-07-28 01:22:59 · answer #8 · answered by megalomaniac 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
if you want to become a vegan do it. if not then don't. I don't like the idea of people starving themselves but hey, it's your choice.
If you go vegan you will completely stress yourself out beyond anything and it's way too hard. I would stay veggie if I were you.
2007-07-28 01:24:12 · answer #9 · answered by leslie 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Well, first of all...ask your family to respect your decision. Second, there are many resources out there to help you (google "vegan foods). Best of luck!
2007-07-28 01:24:06 · answer #10 · answered by MsKitty 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋