Veg*n New to the vegetarian section

[i love piggies]

This is the first time I have read this section, I was too afraid and ashamed. I have always eaten meat as my family brought me up this way. I feel really bad about it too. I have told my family I don't want to eat meat but they say" don't be stupid your an aussie and we eat meat".
When I was about ten years old I refused to eat burgers for 1 year.
Anyway I have friends who are vegatarian and I enjoy eating at thier house.
So I have been thinking about slowly cutting out meat. But it has to be gradual or my mum will notice and say something.
I am so sorry I eat meat but I can't help it.

It's not that I dont want to cut meat out either, becasue I love vegies, pasta, soups etc. I am always snacking on olives, carrots, cellery and fruit.

does anyone else have the same problem with thier family?

 

[Fluffball]

I had the same problem with my family and im an aussie too!
My mum was dead set against it and has only partially accepted it since now I am 18 and she cant really tell me what to eat and what not to eat.
I had to basically educate her and make her understand why I dont eat meat... but she still seems to think that meat has some ''magical'' things in it that cant be suibstitued with other foods. Which is completely un true.

I told her I dont want to suport an industry that inhumanely kills animals. By not eating meat I said and this is a fact: The avergage vegetarian saves approximately 90 animal lives per year. I said I can eat what I want, and if you loved me you would support me instead of forcing me to go against what I believe is right.

Maybe tell your family this and just cause your Australian doesnt always mean you have to follow society and be like everyone else. Maybe tell them that one person can make a difference and you want to be that person.
Instead of badgering you to go against what you believe they should support you and be there for you, afterall isnt that what a family is there for?? As a support network?

I know it can be frustrating when your family doesnt understand, but prehaps you could also get some good vegetarian recipes like veggie burgers and when they are all eating meat at the BBQ you could cook your food and maybe they would try some and not think its so bad. And here In Australia most meats are pumped full of hormones and meat is the number one cause of food poisoning. Tell them some facts and information, and maybe they will at least try to not annoy you about it anymore.

I think that you should be proud of yourself for standing up for what you believe in and always remember you have a great support network here!

Goodluck with everything and I do hope your family comes round.

 

[mlissa09]

www.goveg.com and (broken link removed) are two great sites which will give you a whole bunch of information on vegetarianism, and it just provides you with a whole lot of resources for your health and for reasons why vegetarianism is an ideal diet. (broken link removed) is also a great site that will hopefully help you to respond to your parents' and family's criticism.

Good luck! =)