I've decided to go to back to being a vegetarian: questions needing answers please!?!
but i want to return to being a vegetarian(ovo-lacto) but like everyone else, were on a tight budget so we can't spend a whole lot on vegetarian meat.
is their any veggie meat(burgers, veggie meat mix, hotdogs, tofu, ect) thats sold at most Walmarts AND at a good price.
also,
how to i tell my mother that a vegetarian diet is healthy!
she has this thing about vegetarianism that its unhealthy, dangerious and unnatural. ive given her so much information about vegetarianism but she still hates it. she grew up on a farm so she believes meat, whole milk, and veggies cooked in meat fat is the meal of everyday.
help?
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
Seriously? That's what's getting in the way? Not being able to afford vegetarian mock meats? How about you... don't buy them? You don't need them. Most of them are high in sodium and have little nutritional benefit. Just eat a variety of vegetables, grains, beans... you know what just look at this website and it will tell you everything you need to know;
http://veganhealth.org/
If you're constantly relying on fake meat for meals I'm not surprised your mother thinks vegetarianism is unnatural...
HI :), (cute name, by the way)
I can understand your Mother's concerns if she grew up on a farm. However, that fact should work to your benefit. She should already know the benefits of vegetables.
One of my questions would be, "Who does the cooking . . . you or her?"
If she does much of the cooking, she may feel that is a drastic change to the things she has been used to. My wife has cooked for years and her green beans with bacon tastes great to me. I suspect that's one of the ways your Mother may feel too. She may be so used to the taste of the mixed diet, that she doesn't realize there are many ways to make vegan cooking appetizing too.
My son, Brian, has some food allergies which have required him to search for recipes that make food interesting instead of the bland ideas so many people have about vegan cooking. In his search, he found there are a lot of people who have food sensitivities which require a different cooking style than your Mother is used to.
You might look at his website for a cookbook by Vlada Divine who provides ideas that don't require some of the expensive kitchen appliances others do. The title of her cookbook is "Healthy & Sexy Vegan Recipes".
Try this . . . get a cookbook and the both of you work together to try some of the recipes. If you do this together and she understands your interest in the vegan lifestyle, she MAY show the interest you are looking for. Remember, you're not trying to convert her, but wanting her to understand your decision. (Link #1 below)
The best way I know of doing this is working together.
Brian also offers a newsletter to help people with food sensitivities. You and your Mother may learn some from his research as well. (Link #2 below)
In an effort for simple health, I'm also including a link that helps people understand the importance of fiber in their diet and a way to be healthy as well. (Link #3 below)
Hope this helps.
Larry
Link #1: http://www.allergy-freecookbooks.com/vegan.html
Link #2: http://www.allergy-freecookbooks.com/home.html
Link #3: http://www.ideaworthsharing.com/23696
Tofu is way less expensive than meat. You can get an 8 oz box at most supermarkets for around two dollars. For two people that's probably about two meals of tofu. You can also try tempeh. Its like tofu, but less processed with more protien. I don't know if you can get it at wallmart, but you can at most super markets. Try to make some tasty, cheap meals for your mom to win her over.
Maybe show her a video or two from peta.com of the harsh conditions that the animals are put under.
Or just ask her to write down all of her complaints about vegetarianism, and you can research her false claims and prove her wrong.
You gave her information and that's about all you can do. You could make her a vegetarian dish sometime or point out all of the things she eats that a vegetarian eats. Most people are surprised by what a vegetarian can eat. Imagine if you were vegan. Make your own food. You can make your own veggie burgers for a LOT cheaper than you buy them for. Batches can be frozen and heated. Whole foods is the way to go and only use processed meat replacement when necessary. There are many ways to get protein without using the fake meats. Tofu is less expensive in it's plain form than it is prepackaged. Get yourself a really good cookbook and you will find that it is far less expensive than most people think.
I am a 29yo vegetarian, been one since 15. I am healthier than my twin sister by far who is not a vegetarian. Its quite common to be a vegetarian and alot of meat substitutes can help with the protein youwould not be absorbing by not eating meat. Eating plenty of beans, peanut butter any food item with protein works, Boca burger and Garden burgers are pretty good. I dont really eat those alot though. I dont really use alot of substitues I just dont eat them. I eat whole wheat noodles. alot of veggie wraps.. you can fry some tofu. I eat hummus.. yum yum! Just stick ith it. My family thought I was weird at first too.. but dont give up. If its something you believe in if your family loves you they will accept your opinions! Period!