My parents keep forcing me to eat meat?

Question

I've been vegetarian for a few months now and I guess I've lost the enzymes? I'm not sure but every time I at meat, I get sick and puke my brains out. How can I make them stop???

My parents are just weird I guess.
But what else do you want to know?

I've spoken with the doctor and he recommended a multi-vitamin and for me to eat meat-substitutes like soy and tofu. So yes, I'm getting the nutrients I need. Also, they raised me as a vegetarian until I was 6.. I have no clue why though

Answer 1

I'm a 15-year-old vegan and although my mom isn't great with it, she accepts it because I've conveyed to her how important it is to me. Therefore, have you actually sat down and had a polite discussion with them (as in, not yelling at them and actually presenting them with facts about health and moral benefits of vegetarianism.)?
If you have, try going to the doctor and getting some sort of blood sample that shows if you have the proper nutrients. I did that a few weeks ago and it turned out I was doing really well, even in areas like iron!
If it's not health that your parents are concerned about (for instance, they may think it's too hard to accommodate your eating preferences and do not want to go out of the way to buy non-meat products), you may want to accompany them in shopping, help prepare meals, or something along those lines.
Good luck!

Answer 2

I am currently a sort-of vegetarian (by budget... not by choice) and I have found that on the rare occasions I am able to eat meat, I sometimes get a stomach ache.

I think half of your sickness is your own objection to it, and the other half is the fact that you haven't been eating it.

Try talking to them first. If they won't budge, you're just going to have to deal with it. Even if you get sick... sorry kiddo, they are you parents and while they're paying for your food, you have to eat what they say.

Pursue your vegetarian dreams when you turn 18.

And try some pepto in the meantime.

Answer 3

Hopefully your parents are just acting out of love, misguided as it is. Actually the doctor's appointment is probably the best thing you can have happen. Just arm yourself with some facts about your imminent vegetarian diet (it is imminent, because you are on the verge of it!) - use the veganoutreach site mentioned in another answer to get you started. Speak calmly and confidently to the doctor and let him/her know that you have made a conscious decision as an almost-young-adult. And you can speak confidently, because a vegetarian diet is something to be confident about. It is a valid, more healthy choice. Lay it on that you're sick of eating junk food and you know how to take care of yourself diet-wise if given the chance. So remember, go in there and play your winning hand of cards, keep yourself bold and confident but also keep yourself dignified and mature. Go for it!

Answer 4

You just need to tell them it makes you sick,(but you really can't puke your brains out) you have to substitute some sort of protein in your diet or you will really get sick especially if your under 18 and still growing. However, I knew a gal who lived with vegetarian parents and as soon as she hit 18 she started eating meat and loves the stuff. Much to the chagrin of her parents ;-)

Answer 5

I don't know why they should have a problem with it IF you are still getting a substitute for protein, like tofu or whatever. You do need protein, but as long as you are getting it in someother way, I don't see a problem with it. The only thing is that it could be inconvient/expensive if they are having to buy seperate food for you. I could understand why they make you then. But, as a solution if that's the issue, just get a job and pay for it/prepare meals for yourself.

Answer 6

Aren't your parents going to go along with what the doctor says? Did you say anything to the doctor about your parents making you eat meat when you don't want to? Maybe they could report them and send somebody from Social Services. I'm not sure if they will do that in this situation, but they might. If nothing else, it might prove to your parents that you really mean it and maybe they will respect your wishes.

Answer 7

Explain to them that you're serious about being a vegetarian.

You could also have them speak with your family doctor or a nutritionist. A lot of doctors (especially on the cardiac unit) are suggesting vegetarianism.

Answer 8

No one can force you to eat anything, that would be assault.

assault=illegal

Every time you give in and eat meat like they want you to, you have proven to them that you are not serious about being vegetarian. If you are vegetarian, you will refuse all dead animals as food(beef, pork, chicken, fish, shrimp, ants). If not, you can start calling yourself vegetarian when you stand up for yourself.

Answer 9

Your parents sound like @ssholes! I would complain to Child Protection Services. This is bordering on physical and mental abuse.

Answer 10

You don't need much meat. Once a week is fine, but you do need it. I know vegies say you don't, but a developing girl does absolutely need it occasionally.
Come to a compromise with your parents about the quantity.