Support would be appreciated

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Hi Everyone!

I've never been comfortable eating meat - and have considered becoming vegetarian for a few years. But I think I've made up my mind.

I'm raised as a Catholic, is this OK/religious for Catholics to do??

Also, I don't think my parents would approve of my choice, and living with them, eating what my mother makes won't make it any easier.

Since I'll probably not get any support from my parents, and I'm scared to tell them anyways...
I need something/one to help me along. I really do think that this is the right choice...but we DO live on a farm, great...


My dad's sister, my aunt is vegetarian, and my grandpa freaked out. He was not very happy, considering she was raised on a meat farm etc, too.

I'm not sure what to do...

Is this the right path for me to go? Is this the right time?
Is it healthy for a teen to go vegetarian?

I really do need some help right now...

I can't even imagine telling my friends about this...it would be so odd!!!

HELP!!

(Haha, by the way that "30 reasons to go vegetarian" sure didn't make my decision any easier!!!)

[Sammy and Peanut]

Sorry the clip didn't help! It is alright to become vegetarian if you are still a kid. I am too, but I can't say my real age. My mom always says that if I become vegetarian I will not be healthy, but I don't believe her. I mean, there is a such thing as protein shakes! Or protein bars! Good luck with becoming vegitarian!

[LucyJane]

Hmmm... this is a tough spot to be in, if you still live at home and mom cooks your meals! I have a few suggestions that might help get you started. (In the spirit of complete honestly, I should tell you that at this time I am not a strict vegetarian, although I have been before. I am working towards eating a mostly plant based diet with my family, and being educated and responsible about where our food comes from)

First, Mom and Dad are concerned about your health, as you are still growing. There is a myth that you can't meet your nutritional needs without eating meat. This is not true. (although to be fair, if you are not careful, you can miss out on needed protein. You have to learn new ways of getting it into your diet) To ease Mom and Dad's anxiety, ask for an appointment with your doctor (or even better, a veg*n friendly nutritionist) to discuss any impacts on your health.

Also, ask Mom if you can take over the cooking for one day a week. She will love the break, I'm sure, and you can show them how many yummy meatless recepies there are out there! If you find good meals that the family enjoys, make a recipie book so that Mom or others can also make them. As you can, offer to cook other days here and there as well, or have other days where you and mom cook together. Also, research some easy substitutes for the meat portion of the meal that you can set out for yourself and anyone else who wants them, so you can still share what your family is eating, but not eat the meat portion. And realize that going veg*n is a personal decision, and that you can't force anyone to do it with you. You can, however, be a quiet example, and educate your family that it can be done without sacrificing health and taste.

Give your vegitarian aunt a call and ask for her help. She might have tips for you, as she has been through it herself.

Basically, you need to be responsible to educate yourself about how to make a veg*n lifestyle work for you, and how to fit it into your family. Then, share what you learn with Mom and Dad. My advice is, when you are explaining your choice to them, lay off the shock tactics, and use calm, logical arguments as to why you think being veg*n is best for your health and the environment. As a mom, I can tell you that we *love* it when our kids are using their brains and behaving in a mature way. You'll have a much better chance of getting what you want than if you dig in your heels and say, "I don't WANNA!"

Good luck, and remember, calm and logical wins every time!

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Thanks for the advice everyone!
It was very much appreciated!!

[Newpiggiemom]

I would also suggest that maybe you could find some "meat substitutes" and make them yourself. Have them on hand to replace what your mom fixes. She might be more accepting if she sees that you're making an effort to prepare some of your own alternative choices. I am a mom of 3 and I know I would be more accepting of my child's dedication to becoming vegetarian if an effort was shown. Plus, how can you argue when the child is willing to do some of the work?

Of course, at this point I am myself working on becoming a vegetarian. This is meat free day 3 for me.

[newpiggiemommy]

Are you close to your aunt, who is a vegitarian?

If so you could confide in her and she could help up with your answers. She would know the best foods to eat and the best way to deal with your parents about the situation.

I have just switched my children's and my diet to a red meat, chicken, and pork free diet. We still eat fish, but that is all! I have a lot of learning to do as far as what will make a complete diet for them as they are 6 and 10 years old, and are still growing!

I think if you do a LOT of research and present the facts to your parents they will take you more seriously.

[Sammy and Peanut]

Yes, when mom makes the meals it's really hard. She always makes something with meat in it. But she always buys me microwaveable meals and stuff so I have something to eat for dinner. Like tonight, we had steak. I ate baked potato, corn, and bread---everything but the steak. When I have kids I will make sure they never have meat so they don't get the taste of it and think it is good. If they do, it would be hard for them to stay vegetarian. I guess I would have to show them those videos, such as the Meet your Meat one.