Friends are scared of me going vegan?!
(I'm aware that I keep raising this whole 'vegan' issue)
The problem is, my Uni friends say that if I went vegan, I would be taking things too far.
I've read a lot about vegan nutrition. I've even spoke to my tutors about my decision (they are qualified nutritionists).
How can I assure my friends I will be okay? (I'm practically a vegan anyway- I hardly ever touch dairy anymore!!)
scottie x
Answers: Ok so after 10 years of being vegetarian, I have decided to go vegan. After a failed attempt, I'm willing to make a fresh start.
(I'm aware that I keep raising this whole 'vegan' issue)
The problem is, my Uni friends say that if I went vegan, I would be taking things too far.
I've read a lot about vegan nutrition. I've even spoke to my tutors about my decision (they are qualified nutritionists).
How can I assure my friends I will be okay? (I'm practically a vegan anyway- I hardly ever touch dairy anymore!!)
scottie x
Hi there Scottie,
I'm sure you've done lots of research and know what you're doing nutritionally. I understand the feeling that you need to justify your decisions to your friends and family. I feel like that my self some times. But, in the end it's your choice. If your friends ask you why you want to be vegan, just give them your short well reasoned personal response, and leave it at that. If they keep questioning or criticizing, perhaps you could ask them politely not to keep bringing up the topic. You shouldn't have to continually justify your lifestyle choices. I'm sure your friends will be understanding and eventually come to accept your choice.
Good luck Scottie.
((((vegan hugs))))
make a meal plan kind of thing and show them that you know what your doing with your nutrition and your body.
What do you care what other people think? You're not commiting a crime. Do what feels right for yourself.
Bottom line; it's YOUR life and YOUR decision. If YOU know that you WANT to go Vegan and think YOU would feel BETTER having done so, than do it. You can back up all the proof, and explain your case, but then, your friends need to let you make your own decisions. A lot of people are vegan and very healthy. Just make sure you are getting the amount of nutrients, vitamins and so on that you need. It CAN be done, it's not easy, but do-able! A lot of people who aren't vegetarian or vegan or meat eaters or whatever it may be, are just scared of their own eating habbits, consquences and perhaps, seeing you have this kind of self-control and dicispline within your diet forces them to look at their own diets....could be. I'm sure there is a GENERAL concern for your health and well-being given that they're your friends, but still, it's your life and you have to do what is right for you! Goodluck!
Scottie, all the evidence says that you are able to think for yourself. All of your friends aren't vegetarians, and they've learned to accept that you are.
If you want to go vegan, go. Your friends are concerned and that's great, but their concerns are unfounded and you know that. Just give them the facts. (In an unpreachy way, of course.)
I am not sure why people think vegans take things too far. My life hasn't changed at all except I buy different food, bath/body products, cleaning products etc. When I go out with friends sometimes I have to settle for green salad with vinegarette dressing and french fries, but that's okay for me. I don't feel deprived at all and none of my friend's view me differently.
Serioulsy, you're friends are making a big deal out of nothing.
I suppose that you could email, or do research on the nutritional requirements of the lifestyle that you want... and then give your friends books and/or references that you are not "taking it too far".
I mean, after 10 years of being a vegetarian, switching to vegan really wouldn't be that much of a "jolt" to your system. Unless you really like honey and dairy products. ^_^
Good luck. ^^
My advice: don't concern yourself with explaining or defending your choice. If your friends "don't get it," that's their problem. The only way to truly convince a person that you're a happy healthy vegan is to BE a happy healthy vegan.
Yum Yum. There are so many delicious, fantastic meals you can eat as a vegan. Tofu ricotta lasagne, chocolate truffles, pizza, black bean burgers, vegan BLTs, Thai Noodles with a delicious coconut creamy sauce...options options options!!!
You're not taking things too far, if anything you're extending your palette to healthier choices with amazing meals. And being animal friendly. Maybe your friends should reassess the fact that animal cruelty is being taken a little too far these days.