My mom wont let me be a vegetarian?!
i really want to be a vegetarian!. ive done tons of research on it and am fully prepared to become one, but my mom wont let me!. my brothers a huge meat eater, and she says itll be too hard on her to make seperate meals for us!. i told her i can make some of my own food, but she still wont let me!. she says theres other reasons i shouldnt become one but she wont say what they are!. what can i do to make my mom let me be a vegetarian!?!?!?Www@FoodAQ@Com
Answers:
First off, you can't "make" your mom allow you to do anything!. Please understand that!.
I know this isn't the answer you're looking for at the moment, but I'm going to say it anyway!. One of the best things you can do to get your mom to agree to your becoming a vegetarian is to wait!. You're not going to win at all if you push the issue right now!. Be as grown-up and mature about it as you can, tell her you respect her opinion and will agree with it for now!. Then, wait at least a month or two!. Ask her at that time if she can explain what the problems might be with your becoming vegetarian!. Explain to her what you will continue to eat (milk, eggs, cheese, or whatever you will) and ask if she'll let you cook one vegetarian meal a week for everyone!. Use familiar dishes (like macaroni and cheese made from scratch, or bean and cheese burritos, or quiche) that are made with normal ingredients your mom will have on hand!. Make sure the dishes you cook are filling and have sufficient protein!. The idea is to show your mom that you have done your research and can get adequate nutrition this way, as well as to show her that vegetarianism isn't all carrot-caraway stew and other weird dishes she can't find the ingredients for!.
By waiting and being mature about it, you stand a better chance of being allowed to become vegetarian at a later time!. Don't blow all your chances now by arguing with your mom!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I know this isn't the answer you're looking for at the moment, but I'm going to say it anyway!. One of the best things you can do to get your mom to agree to your becoming a vegetarian is to wait!. You're not going to win at all if you push the issue right now!. Be as grown-up and mature about it as you can, tell her you respect her opinion and will agree with it for now!. Then, wait at least a month or two!. Ask her at that time if she can explain what the problems might be with your becoming vegetarian!. Explain to her what you will continue to eat (milk, eggs, cheese, or whatever you will) and ask if she'll let you cook one vegetarian meal a week for everyone!. Use familiar dishes (like macaroni and cheese made from scratch, or bean and cheese burritos, or quiche) that are made with normal ingredients your mom will have on hand!. Make sure the dishes you cook are filling and have sufficient protein!. The idea is to show your mom that you have done your research and can get adequate nutrition this way, as well as to show her that vegetarianism isn't all carrot-caraway stew and other weird dishes she can't find the ingredients for!.
By waiting and being mature about it, you stand a better chance of being allowed to become vegetarian at a later time!. Don't blow all your chances now by arguing with your mom!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
According to law in most countries, an adult and even an adult has the right to formulate their own views and opinions without someone 'brainwashing' you (changing your views into their own)
Although asking your mum to change the meals is alot you have the right to not eat the meat which she would provide for you!.!.!. But, if you were not to eat the meat you may offend your mum and in turn an arguement may arise causing you to loose!.!.!.
Ryza
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT!.!.!. but, with each action their is an opposite reaction :)Www@FoodAQ@Com
Although asking your mum to change the meals is alot you have the right to not eat the meat which she would provide for you!.!.!. But, if you were not to eat the meat you may offend your mum and in turn an arguement may arise causing you to loose!.!.!.
Ryza
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT!.!.!. but, with each action their is an opposite reaction :)Www@FoodAQ@Com
Keep trying!. If you've done the research properly, and are willing to help out in cooking, there really is no reason you shouldn't at least start to increase your meatless meals!.
She's obviously trying to look out for your best interests, and you should respect her for that!. But you'll have to prove to her in the long term that this isn't a fad, and you're committed to it!. Don't be obnoxious about it, but gentle and persistent, and she'll come round in the end!. I guarantee it!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
She's obviously trying to look out for your best interests, and you should respect her for that!. But you'll have to prove to her in the long term that this isn't a fad, and you're committed to it!. Don't be obnoxious about it, but gentle and persistent, and she'll come round in the end!. I guarantee it!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
There are few times when it is right to do against your parents!. If you feel that you don't wanna eat something with a face, don't eat that food!. If she cooks something on the side like mashed potatoes, green beans, etc than only eat that!. She can't shove the food down your gullet!. If this makes her angry, explain that you just can't bring yourself to eat animals that where still consious when they were slaughtered for our Sunday dinner!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I'm not a vegan, but I know it can be a healthy diet if you make sure you get all the nutrients you need!.!.!. maybe you can get some info for your mom to read up on the benefits or even call your pediatrician and see if you can get a referral to a nutritionist that will help your mom understand the proper way of eating as a vegan and staying healthy!.!.!. it just might work!Www@FoodAQ@Com
There's nothing wrong with being a vegetarian, You need to educate your mom on where your will get your protein from!.
give here some recipes and print some stuff off line to explain exactly what it means to be a vegetarian vs being a vegan!. I'm not saying either is bad but some people don't know or understand the difference!.
good luck!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
give here some recipes and print some stuff off line to explain exactly what it means to be a vegetarian vs being a vegan!. I'm not saying either is bad but some people don't know or understand the difference!.
good luck!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Just don't eat the meat!. Secretly, put it in your napkin and feed it to the dog hahahah >:]
idk
Everyone is correct! Nobody can make you eat something!
I'm a Vegan!. Started Vegetarian tho!. Parents were okay about the Vegetarian thing but they did not want me vegan!. I told them I was going to eat what I want and I did! :D They just buy my soy milk and cheese and vitamins for calcium and stuff :P But I'll eat that!.
So, cool!. Just tell her to screw off and do what you want :]Www@FoodAQ@Com
idk
Everyone is correct! Nobody can make you eat something!
I'm a Vegan!. Started Vegetarian tho!. Parents were okay about the Vegetarian thing but they did not want me vegan!. I told them I was going to eat what I want and I did! :D They just buy my soy milk and cheese and vitamins for calcium and stuff :P But I'll eat that!.
So, cool!. Just tell her to screw off and do what you want :]Www@FoodAQ@Com
You're sixteen, and as one person said, she can't force-feed you!. If it really means that much to you, don't eat whatever it is that she makes at dinnertime and grab something from the pantry later, or, if you can drive, pick up some vegetarian grub and eat it in your car or room!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
How old are you and how much cooking experience do you have!? If your mom has no interest in the diet, expecting her to cook special meals for you really is a lot to ask!. If you're old enough to make the decision to be vegetarian you're old enough to cook for yourself!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Well im not a vegetarian or anything but i believe its your life and your mom should respect your what you want to become as long as you dont expect her to make meat-free meals then i dont see what the problem isWww@FoodAQ@Com
shes your mother while your living there you live by her rules!.!.!.!.!.!.i just find it funny!.!.that if a parent forces her child to become vegetarian!.!.!.!.its "mother knows best" if she refuses your request to be veggie!.!.!.its "she cant stop you"!.!.or "its your choice" hmmm bit of double standards going onWww@FoodAQ@Com
You're 16 and your mother cannot force-feed you!. Is she honestly going to stop you from eating fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes!?Www@FoodAQ@Com
find some easy to cook vegetarian mealsWww@FoodAQ@Com
i don't think she can stop u from eating whatever u don't wanna eat!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Well especially at 16 your old enough to decide for yourself however I would be much more willing to make your own meals and clean up after yourself!. She is right it is not fair for her to have to make separate meals!.
That does not mean that she needs to fix you vegetarian meals or that you have to eat the meat based ones that she fixes!.
Believe me if you stand your ground you'll be eating vegetarian starting now or whenever you chose to start!. Short of holding you down and shoving meat down your throat there is nothing she can really do, except express her displeasure!.
In light of your desire to be vegetarian I suggest you get a good vegetarian cook book and learn one new recipe a week!. Before you know it you'll be a culinary expert!. Just make cooking fun and it won't be such a chore!.
Make sure you do the research proving to her that vegetarians and vegans can be healthy!. Talk to her about what you have learned!. Show her the written research and a dietary meal plan to make sure you are not intaking an imbalance of foods!.
Remember you'll need variety, fresh fruits and veggies, very little processed foods, brown and whole wheats in instead of white rice and bread!. You'll need plenty of nuts, beans, broccoli, quinoa, peanut butter, etc and other high protein foods!. Don't forget the fats as well!. Avocados, olives, and oils like coconut are all excellent sources of what you need!.
Best of wishes : )Www@FoodAQ@Com
That does not mean that she needs to fix you vegetarian meals or that you have to eat the meat based ones that she fixes!.
Believe me if you stand your ground you'll be eating vegetarian starting now or whenever you chose to start!. Short of holding you down and shoving meat down your throat there is nothing she can really do, except express her displeasure!.
In light of your desire to be vegetarian I suggest you get a good vegetarian cook book and learn one new recipe a week!. Before you know it you'll be a culinary expert!. Just make cooking fun and it won't be such a chore!.
Make sure you do the research proving to her that vegetarians and vegans can be healthy!. Talk to her about what you have learned!. Show her the written research and a dietary meal plan to make sure you are not intaking an imbalance of foods!.
Remember you'll need variety, fresh fruits and veggies, very little processed foods, brown and whole wheats in instead of white rice and bread!. You'll need plenty of nuts, beans, broccoli, quinoa, peanut butter, etc and other high protein foods!. Don't forget the fats as well!. Avocados, olives, and oils like coconut are all excellent sources of what you need!.
Best of wishes : )Www@FoodAQ@Com
Hmm, if your mom won't even let you cook your own food, you have a problem there!. And it's really not fair that she won't say why she doesn't want you to become veg!.
You could offer to cook one or two meals a week and make them vegetarian (check out www!.vegweb!.com for recipes and "The Vegetarian Meat and Potatoes Cookbook" for hearty recipes)!. Hopefully, they won't notice the missing meat!.
Unless you can convince her, you're going to have to gradually reduce your meat consumption (eat vegetarian outside the house and as little meat as you can get away with at home) and when you are old enough to move out, go fully vegetarian then!. Once you're 18, she can't force you to eat meat!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
You could offer to cook one or two meals a week and make them vegetarian (check out www!.vegweb!.com for recipes and "The Vegetarian Meat and Potatoes Cookbook" for hearty recipes)!. Hopefully, they won't notice the missing meat!.
Unless you can convince her, you're going to have to gradually reduce your meat consumption (eat vegetarian outside the house and as little meat as you can get away with at home) and when you are old enough to move out, go fully vegetarian then!. Once you're 18, she can't force you to eat meat!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
If you really want to be a vegetarian, you will step up to the plate and totally take care of ALL of your meals and be fine on your own with that, and honestly, she won't even have to know about that!. But otherwise, if you are not positive about being a veggie, then just put it off for a couple more years!. I am also 16 and have been a veggie since I was 9 and I now have all organic food!. I would absolutely NEVER eat any type of animal based products/meat ever again, being a vegetarian is a great, empowering feeling for me! You just have to take responsibility of yourself a little more, but you'll get used to it after a couple of weeks!Www@FoodAQ@Com
In some ways this is more of a relationship question!. It has to do with respect for your mother, her beliefs, and family harmony, even more than your own beliefs sometimes!. The phrase "what can I do to make my mom!.!.!." is my main concern!. You cannot 'make her do anything!. Some other answers have pointed this out too!.
Your mother may be concerned that your will lack nutrition: despite what many will say on here, vegetarianism is a different eating paradigm that needs to be researched!. You have done this, but you will need to convince her with respect and reason in order to win here!.
Being militant, as many here espouse, wins no friends, causes offence and is often impotent!. You are 16, and NOT legally an adult, despite what some here may believe, and many parents find it hard to see their children taking personal responsibility!. They often see what you are going through now as just another teenage phase, and the onus is on you to demonstrate your seriousness about this issue!. It is still her house, and her rules, right up until you move out!.
You do not give reasons for your conversion, but I can almost guarantee that preaching about animal rights and the "superior ethics" of vegetarians will win few friends!. I am not saying that you are doing this, but it is something that is common in new converts!.
Encouraging your mother to do some research, or look at the research you have done will help here!. Make sure the information is quality information!.
Your mother makes a valid point about the extra work (and cost!?) of making different meals for you and your brother, and making your own meals at the same time could well be inconvenient!.
I wish you all the best with this, and remember to be patient: you have correctly recognised that this issue is not just about you: the rest of your family do have a say in what affects you and they do have youir best interests at heart!.!.
EDIT
Looks like the veg-nazi's have taken offence at common sense!. Don't listen to the militant idiots: that burns relationship bridges!.
Hey, I am up to four: looks like commonsense is even less common than I thought!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Your mother may be concerned that your will lack nutrition: despite what many will say on here, vegetarianism is a different eating paradigm that needs to be researched!. You have done this, but you will need to convince her with respect and reason in order to win here!.
Being militant, as many here espouse, wins no friends, causes offence and is often impotent!. You are 16, and NOT legally an adult, despite what some here may believe, and many parents find it hard to see their children taking personal responsibility!. They often see what you are going through now as just another teenage phase, and the onus is on you to demonstrate your seriousness about this issue!. It is still her house, and her rules, right up until you move out!.
You do not give reasons for your conversion, but I can almost guarantee that preaching about animal rights and the "superior ethics" of vegetarians will win few friends!. I am not saying that you are doing this, but it is something that is common in new converts!.
Encouraging your mother to do some research, or look at the research you have done will help here!. Make sure the information is quality information!.
Your mother makes a valid point about the extra work (and cost!?) of making different meals for you and your brother, and making your own meals at the same time could well be inconvenient!.
I wish you all the best with this, and remember to be patient: you have correctly recognised that this issue is not just about you: the rest of your family do have a say in what affects you and they do have youir best interests at heart!.!.
EDIT
Looks like the veg-nazi's have taken offence at common sense!. Don't listen to the militant idiots: that burns relationship bridges!.
Hey, I am up to four: looks like commonsense is even less common than I thought!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Oh my!. Let the ignorance shine through!.
Vegetarians are not all twigs!. And comparing becoming a vegetarian to doing drugs is absolute crap!.
Okay, that being said, on with my answer!.!.!.
Research!. That's awesome!. Show your mom your findings!. Explain that you are not wanting to do something that is going to jeopardize your health!. Let them know that you are not trying to change them, this is just something that you feel very strongly about!.
Look up some veg recipes on line that sound good as well as being more mainstream (stir fry, spinach lasagna, black bean enchiladas)!. Ask your mom if the family could try one veg meal a week!. Or cook one a week for the family!.
Don't be preachy!!! Nobody likes an in your face know it all!. But do stick to your convictions!. Eventually you will be taken more seriously and this won't be seen as just a phase!.
I wish you all the luck!.
And now some words from some famous guy:
"Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet!."
-Albert EinsteinWww@FoodAQ@Com
Vegetarians are not all twigs!. And comparing becoming a vegetarian to doing drugs is absolute crap!.
Okay, that being said, on with my answer!.!.!.
Research!. That's awesome!. Show your mom your findings!. Explain that you are not wanting to do something that is going to jeopardize your health!. Let them know that you are not trying to change them, this is just something that you feel very strongly about!.
Look up some veg recipes on line that sound good as well as being more mainstream (stir fry, spinach lasagna, black bean enchiladas)!. Ask your mom if the family could try one veg meal a week!. Or cook one a week for the family!.
Don't be preachy!!! Nobody likes an in your face know it all!. But do stick to your convictions!. Eventually you will be taken more seriously and this won't be seen as just a phase!.
I wish you all the luck!.
And now some words from some famous guy:
"Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet!."
-Albert EinsteinWww@FoodAQ@Com
How about you wait until you grow up!.
You'll say the same thing to your kids when you have a hard choice of food!.
Besides, whats so good about being a twig!?Www@FoodAQ@Com
You'll say the same thing to your kids when you have a hard choice of food!.
Besides, whats so good about being a twig!?Www@FoodAQ@Com
why dont you like meat!. you need protean!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Bet she won't let you drink or do drugs either!. One day you'll be thankful someone was there who knew better than you to protect you from yourself and your teenage whims!.Www@FoodAQ@Com