Thinking of turning vegan- but when?

[RubyPiggie2]

I really want to turn vegan.. But I don't think I'm going to be able to. I mean, I know I'd be able to myself, but I think my family and my doctor would make me not become vegan, because I still have to grow- a lot- and since I'm not at my normal height or anything, I think that if I go vegan it might do something. I've heard that you shouldn't go vegan still you stop growing, is that true? Because of the vitamins / minerals you get from dairy products?

Just need some advice, I've only told my sisters- they don't believe me, and told me not to do it anyways, but then again they're meat eaters and don't believe in animal rights as much as I do.

[cavycalm]

As long as you get the proper vitamins and minerals from other foods and supplements you should grow just fine. Research A LOT before you do anything. Being vegan means that you really need to pay attention to everything you eat so you don't get any kind of deficiency (like anemia). And humans are the only creatures that consume dairy (apart from breast feeding), so eating dairy products from another species is actually kind of weird if you think about it. All humans are naturally lactose intolerant, but everyone has it to different degrees.
Your doctor should be able to inform you properly, don't be scared to talk to them about it.

[zariex]

Veganism is just as healthy as any other diet. If anything, I got even healthier after I became vegan, because I'm so focused on making sure I get everything I need [vitamins, minerals].

With people arguing with you, well, if you look into it a lot, you'll have the answers to a lot of questions. Think about it. Most people are really just curious about it, and if you have their answers they won't be able to disagree with you.

I suggest you wait a week. Start veganism in exactly a week and during this week inbetween, look up everything you can about nutrition and have reasons to back up your beliefs.

If you need any help or advice, you can IM me at zariex, or my email is zariex@gmail.com

Staci

[elspeth]

Are you already vegetarian? Or are you going straight from eating meat to veganism?

It will be hard going vegan...I'm looking into it & trying various foods but I have say it seems like hard work, especially when practically all foods are catered for meat & dairy eaters & especially when others around you aren't being very supportive!

Take it slowly & try vegetarianism first, then once you have got used to this, go vegan. If you take it slowly and keep to it, it'll show your family you're serious & maybe they'll be more supportive of you choices. You'll always get people challenging you though & asking why you choose not eat animal products...people are almost fascinated when they hear I don't eat meat or fish & struggle to realise that you can just survive on vegetables!!

Hope this helps a little & good luck!

[elspeth]

Sorry, forgot to post this on last message.

Visit www.vegansociety.com ...it has lots of books & information on veganism.