I've been a born-again vegetarian for several months, and have considered veganism for quite some time. I want to do as little harm as possible, but it's difficult that my parents are typical omnivores. Our family gathers at our grandma's every Saturday for dinner, it's kind enough that she makes us vegetarian dishes on the side, I don't want her to think she has to make an extra dessert too so that it doesn't include milk or eggs. Or, most restaurants don't have vegan options. I want to support animals but I don't want to frequently inconvenience my loved ones as well. And I don't really have the means to get substitutes. Even though I'm 15 and can't drive yet, my brother is also a vegetarian so he could probably bring me to the supermarket. Yet still, I don't have a job and am also not really old enough for one yet (and I'm not very comfortable with babysitting so that's probably out of the question...) Any suggestions? Or should I just wait 'til I'm living on my own? Thanks.
2007-09-22 05:58:22 · 9 answers · asked by Sielde 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Vegetarian & Vegan
Regarding the dessert thing, for example, I don't mind cooking something for myself at all, but in a case such as this...well...my grandma is very stubborn. She'd probably ask "Why don't you ever eat dessert?", then I'd explain, and she'd feel obligated and insistent on making me something as well. I don't even care if I have a dessert or not, it's just I fear her insistence and the possibile inevitability of inconvenience...
2007-09-24 09:36:08 · update #1
One thing you might consider is offering to bring a vegan dessert to your grandma's every Saturday-- get creative & bring something different & scrumptious every time. That way ppl would have the traditional desserts they're used to & the option of something new & interesting to try. Maybe your parents would be willing to give you some cash for extra chores you do around the house.
Don't listen to anyone who tries to say you can't be healthy if your veg. Even little kids can be healthy & happy without meat-- I happen to know some ;-)
2007-09-22 08:47:34 · answer #1 · answered by Catkin 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'd definitely ease into veganism!
Your family probably has a lot of vegan staples around already - beans, pasta, etcetera. Would your parents be upset at buying you some tofu or soy milk? It would be cheaper than them buying you meat. I assume your parents use plenty of vegetables and fruit in the house already. I was vegan for a while (can't any longer - I developed a bad soy allergy), and it was a bit difficult, but I felt super healthy - no artificial sweeteners, no bone-char bleached sugar or flour, and no butter really made a difference to what I ate.
I take from your answer that you're not comfortable with the idea of getting a job yet. Once you do, that will make it easier, but until then, I'd go slowly - maybe trying to eat vegan for a certain number of days a week. Also, you're right about restaurants - you won't really be able to eat much out except salad, not unless you check your choices carefully. It might also be difficult for you to find vegan toiletries and clothing if you don't have your own money yet.
Remember, you don't have to go vegan at the snap of a finger - just try to make what you think are positive choices as often as you can until you're in a situation where you can control what you eat completely.
2007-09-22 06:52:28 · answer #2 · answered by drusillaslittleboot 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think it's great you're supporting him. A lot of kids don't have that. There are plenty of vegetarian meat analogs. Boca, quorn, tofurky, morningstar farms, yves, gardenburger, and so many more. There is really almost nothing you can't replicate in an animal friendlier way. If he likes orange chicken, try to find a local chinese restaurant that has tofu. They will deep fry it and you can get the same sauces you (he) liked as an omni. Meat is essentially just a texture. It is the spices and the preparation that makes the taste. If you can replicate the texture with tofu or soy or tempeh or seitan, you can pretty much replicate the meal. When you're making dinner and it's something like tacos, I promise if you use soy crumbles (morningstar farms has them in the freezer section) you really won't notice the difference and it'll be a good improvement for the whole family. You don't have to be vegetarian to use healthier replacements. A lot of the vegetarian "meats" were made to cater to the healthier-minded, not the vegetarian-minded, hence why so many of them still have egg and dairy products in them.
2016-05-21 00:03:23 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I honestly think that becoming vegan while you don't have any of your own income will be very difficult! I applaud your convictions, and think you are doing a great job, so far, and it's nice that your grandma supports your vegetarianism. But becoming vegan will really limit your options, and as long as you are relying on others to financially support your diet, I would stick to being a vegetarian. (which is terrific, and obviously not easy, as it is). I'm sure this isn't the perfect answer to your question, but once you have a job and/or are out on your own, it is much easier to dictate what you can eat-especially with a limited diet such as veganism. Good luck in your journey!
2007-09-22 08:03:33 · answer #4 · answered by samantha 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're really serious and committed to being vegan you can do it.
Chances are there's food in your house you can eat that's vegan, and you can make yourself food. Couldn't you ask your parents to get you stuff at the store, my mom doesn't seem to have a problem with picking up soy milk for me. You could also try to find some vegan recipes your whole family will like.
As far as your grandmothers could you just not eat dessert? Or you could offer to make dessert for her. There are TONS of delicious vegan dessert recipes, I love Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero. The recipes are easy to make and taste delicious, I always use them with people who refuse to believe that vegan food can taste good.
2007-09-22 18:24:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're worried about "inconveniencing" your loved ones, you're obviously not committed to the vegan lifestyle. Would it really be that hard for you to make your own dessert for saturday dinner?
Just because restaurants don't have an option called "LOOK!!! VEGAN!!!" doesn't mean anything. I eat out two or three times a week, like most Americans, but I simply don't eat animal products. "No sour cream" or "hold the cheese, please" are seriously not hard to say.
Soy milk is available at Wal-Mart, as are some dairy-free ice cream choices.
Congratulations on taking a stand for animals and your health!
2007-09-23 19:31:00 · answer #6 · answered by Elizabeth J 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
dont go too fast with this, make sure your body cna handle the change first
as for your family, let them know that you can take care of yourself...so if hey are serving something that you refuse to eat, let the know that you will make something for yourself
in my family, if one wants to eat something different, then that person can as long as they prepare the food for themselves and join the rest of the family at the table.
2007-09-22 06:21:24 · answer #7 · answered by noneofyurbusiness 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wait until you are living on your own. It will be a lot less stressful on you and the family in terms of relationships.
2007-09-22 17:14:58 · answer #8 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Advice: Don't be a vegetarian or a vegan. Your growing body needs the nutrients that are only found in meat prducts, like fish and beef.
2007-09-22 06:03:27 · answer #9 · answered by Zeorus 4 · 4⤊ 19⤋