I don't know wether to become vegetarian or vegan! And i don't know what to tell my parents!

At the moment i eat meat, but it discusts me!! I don't know how to tell my parents and grand parents i want to become vegetarian!! but the more i read and the more i think about it i actyually want to become vegan, i know ther are loads of subsitutes of meat and milk and stuff, but i'm not sure about wearing leather!! i have to wear black shooes 4 skl, but can you get non leather ones?

 I have actually realised that 90% of the time i make my own food anyway and ther would have to be stuff i can buy @ skl, my main problem would b @ the weekend my mum cooks a roast, what could i make to go on the side so i don't have to eat the meat?

How should i tell my parents coz i'm not just gonna go up to them and say i'm going to go vegan!! What should i say! I need any advice to make it easier!!

You should talk to your parents about how you feel.  Suggest not when Mum's serving the Sunday roast or that could seem like criticism or ingratitude. If you cook already, you could offer to make them a delicious vegetarian meal from ordinary ingredients..... and that could be a springboard for discussion.  Being vegetarian isn't particularly unusual these days ... it's not like you want to run off and join the Moonies or something  

Do your research before you approach the subject.  Most parents will be principally concerned that you're not just jumping on some fashionable or faddy bandwagon and they will be more likely to help you if you can show that you've thought it through.... the nutrition, especially.  Parents are also going to be worried about practicalities.  If money is tight it would be unreasonable to expect them to spend extra on special food, for example. 

Also, be ready to eat properly.  You can't stop eating meat and not replace the iron and protein (etc) with something else.  So if you aren't willing to eat a wide variety of things, including legumes and beans, then you won't be getting proper nutrition.

If your parents think you are doing this to lose weight then they may not be down with just letting you cut out meat to eat less, so be prepared to convince them you will be eating enough.

Edit:  You can find vegan 'leather' footwear.  It may be a little more pricey though.  My thoughts are, if you already have the boots now, you aren't doing more harm, and it would be a waste not to use them now that you have them.

i've gone vegetarian for years to lower cholesterol, so i am certainly not against it. vegan is a hard way to go and still get proper nutrition, especially if you are not prepared to eat a lot of legumes and grains. and if you are caucasian or asian and female, you are going to have to do something to up your calcium if you cut out dairy. there's just so much dark leafy greens you can eat, you know? and calcium supplements aren't the answer as they are poorly absorbed. 

if you are disgusted by meat b/c it is animal flesh, then i totally understand. but are you disgusted by milk? or eggs? eating animal products isn't the same as eating meat (on the "disgusting" level) and speaking as a mother and a skinny, white female (with osteoporosis in my family), i'd say that being a vegan would be very hard work and dangerous to your health if you are not superbly careful in monitoring everything you eat.  all that said, i wish you the best in whatever your decision is. 

A sudden change can be hard, for both you and your parents. Remember that vegetarian or vegan diets don't have to be all or nothing to be beneficial (for your health, the animals, and the environment!), and it may be easier for both you and your parents to start gradually. You may want to start out by telling your parents that you would like to cut down on the amount of meat you eat, and explain why, being careful to not come off as judgmental of their choice to continue eating meat. Then, do it. After spending some time just eating "less" meat, you may want to cut out red meat entirely, then poultry or fish. Or if you prefer, you could just choose a couple days a week to be "meatless days." When it comes time to tell your parents you are cutting all meat from your diet, they won't feel blindsided, and you will be better prepared to stick to your new vegetarian diet, having had some practice already.

Just as a note, getting the right nutrition can be hard, especially for young vegetarians and vegans who have less control over what options they have to eat. Make sure you are getting enough complete proteins by eating plenty of legumes and whole grains, and that you are getting enough iron and B vitamins. Also, remember that your health always needs to come first.
 

Well, I think if your going to make the switch, to maybe start out going Vegetarian at first [because it's easier] and if money is also an issue it would be better to be Vegetarian because it is quite pricey, ither way. Then to make the switch to Vegan. And I definitely reccomend you not to wear Leather or any types of other animal products... or products tested on animals. There are shoes out there that aren't made of leather, it'll take some patients and searching in the stores, trust me =] Talk to your parents about it, maybe give them some facts on Vegetarianism and that you think are really beneficial for you and remind them that everyone does have a mind of there own and want to do what you think is right for you and your body. I'm sure everything will go just fine, and hopefully they will be more open-minded and respect your wishes, because my parents really weren't. lol But hey, i made the transformation... you and anyone else can too!!

just tell them. that's how i did it. i literally went up to my mom and went, "i'm going to be vegan." and she was like, "cool." and you know what? she even made the switch with me. i guess it was easier for me, though, because me and my mom are already vegetarians and i don't really eat a whole lot of dairy or eggs anyway. so it was just a matter of reading the ingredients on everything a little more carefully.

also, you don't necessarily have to stop wearing leather. there is such thing as being a "dietary vegan", meaning that you only follow a vegan diet but have no problem with wearing leather or fur or whatever.

and people definitely make too big of a deal about protein and calcium and vitamins and whatnot. just eat a lot of whole grains and legumes and you'll be fine.

Original Post by ghastly:

also, you don't necessarily have to stop wearing leather. there is such thing as being a "dietary vegan", meaning that you only follow a vegan diet but have no problem with wearing leather or fur or whatever.

Usually, going Vegg, or Vegan implies that you have some kind of feeling for the animals then later on realize it is a better health choice, also. Have you seen how leather is actually made? 

Watch this whole video, please, to understand what i'm talking about =]
becareful, if you have a weak stomach, I suggest don't watch the fur one. But you should know and face how it's actually made.

Leather-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb8lZyRkoGg

Fur-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2pAcygP-bw

And most of the time, the animals are still alive while in the process of being skinned. 

It's not hard at all to stop wearing these items..

Original Post by mssnadia:

Original Post by ghastly:

also, you don't necessarily have to stop wearing leather. there is such thing as being a "dietary vegan", meaning that you only follow a vegan diet but have no problem with wearing leather or fur or whatever.

Usually, going Vegg, or Vegan implies that you have some kind of feeling for the animals then later on realize it is a better health choice, also.

actually, not really. i went vegan for health reasons, as did most vegans i know, and a lot of people with heart problems find that a vegetarian/vegan diet is beneficial.

what happens to these animals is horrible and disgusting, but it's unavoidable. people are always going to do it. you just kind of have to get over it.

It has been a while since I've had to worry about what my parents think of my choices but I can still remember my mom trying to sneak bacon grease into the green beans and then playing dumb... best of luck to you.  I can only suggest educating yourself. Make a list of reasons you want to make the change, find information that supports your reasoning and be prepared to share this information with your parents. This will also help you stay on track when friends and family test your commitment (they WILL test it). It takes a lot of commitment but does not have to be all or nothing. You are beginning a journey that will last the rest of your life- a slow start is nothing to worry about...

I would definitely give up leather. If you MUST have a certain type of shoe, in addition to vegan leather as an option, you may also consider buying used leather from consignment shops or thrift stores. Those poor animals have already been sacrificed and to use their hides in a thoughtful and respectful manner can bring honor to them. I personally can't stand to wear any leather but I have friends who do wear used leather and they feel that as long as they are willing to talk to people who ask about the seeming discrepancy, it is fine. Not to mention, it can be refreshing to take action against disposable consumer culture.

One more thing- it is easy to run into great expense if you start with a meat replacement mentality so keep in mind that fresh fruits and vegetables, grains and legumes are all you need- lots and lots of them!!!! If you start shopping with your parents, you may be able to show them how eliminating some meat will be good for their budget- surely a plus for them...

let me know if you want some recipes- good luck!

Original Post by ghastly:

and people definitely make too big of a deal about protein and calcium and vitamins and whatnot. just eat a lot of whole grains and legumes and you'll be fine.

protein is not an issue in the vegan diet because there's plenty in grains and legumes, but calcium is different. women really NEED to track calcium intake regardless of whether you are vegan, vegetarian or omnivore.  there's nothing pretty about breaking bones when you stumble in the yard post-menopause or developing a hump in your back when you're 65 (this stuff has happened to my immediate family members).

If you can, get the book "Becoming Vegan" by Brenda Davis.  She also has one Becoming Vegetarian.  It is considered the bible on vegan nutrition, as the cover says "the latest nutritional information for you and your family"

I HAVE to comment on this calcium issue!  The reason there is so much osteoporosis in first world countries is because people eat too much animal protein and protein (actually the amino acid sulphur) leaches calcium out of the bones NOT because there is a lack of calcium in the diet.  Eating dairy, which is a protein, is the WORST thing you can do.  Read the China Study or Eat to Live by Dr. Fuhrman.  I had my bone density tested a few years ago and I was above average for someone my age and I am 44 now and have rarely eaten dairy even when I was vegetarian (now vegan).  Most of the world does not eat dairy and funny enough, don't break their bones when they get old.  If you are really concerned, there are alternative calcium sources then dairy.

As for the protein, the reason I came to this site was to input my food intake to see how much fiber and protein I get everyday and I am getting alot of protein from a vegan diet.  Too much ANIMAL protein is bad for bones and for kidneys, altho this doesn't apply to plant protein even tho you would have a hard time eating the hundreds of grams of protein some people think they need, especially athletes.  There are many vegan athletes, I have always wondered why don't people figure out if they are not falling apart or dropping dead due to their diet that the average person will not either?

As for dairy and egg not being as cruel as meat, think again.  At least chickens raised for meat die young, the egg layers live for years in small cages where they cannot even turn around and are eventually killed when they are "spent" or cannot lay anymore eggs.  The males chicks are often just thrown into dumpsters to die or ground up alive.  When you eat dairy you are contributing to the veal industry.  What do you think happens to the male dairy cow that cannot give milk?  He is ripped from his mother soon after birth leaving the mother cow to grieve sometimes for weeks. Dairy cows suffer from painful udder infections due to the heavy and unnatural milking demands and given antibiotics for that and other drugs to stimulate milk production which the consumer ends up consuming. The male dairy cow is tethered by the neck to a small stall and cannot even turn around. If not sent to a veal "farm" they are put in another area and left to die. Check out youtube for videos, or even PETA.

Original Post by groovellaa:

I HAVE to comment on this calcium issue!  The reason there is so much osteoporosis in first world countries is because people eat too much animal protein and protein (actually the amino acid sulphur) leaches calcium out of the bones NOT because there is a lack of calcium in the diet.  Eating dairy, which is a protein, is the WORST thing you can do.  Read the China Study or Eat to Live by Dr. Fuhrman.  I had my bone density tested a few years ago and I was above average for someone my age and I am 44 now and have rarely eaten dairy even when I was vegetarian (now vegan).  Most of the world does not eat dairy and funny enough, don't break their bones when they get old.  If you are really concerned, there are alternative calcium sources then dairy.

As for the protein, the reason I came to this site was to input my food intake to see how much fiber and protein I get everyday and I am getting alot of protein from a vegan diet.  Too much ANIMAL protein is bad for bones and for kidneys, altho this doesn't apply to plant protein even tho you would have a hard time eating the hundreds of grams of protein some people think they need, especially athletes.  There are many vegan athletes, I have always wondered why don't people figure out if they are not falling apart or dropping dead due to their diet that the average person will not either?

AMEN. i was going to say something similar, but you beat me to it. people just eat too much damn protein.

and dark green leafy vegetables are a MUCH better source of calcium than dairy.

OMG mssnadia that is so discustingly cruel, i did not want to watch it all because it is so mean, i knew animals were treated poorly, but that is just outrageous, i know its going to be hard to cope without meat to start of with, but i'm showing my mum this!!!!! and all my friends i neva relised they were that mean, choping of there legs while ther alive is horable, well i can't describe it but i couldn't ever live wiyh wearing fur, i think i'm going to search for other things like that to truely convince myself i can't live with eating meat!!!!! Urrrrrrrrrrrrr i'm so glad i watched it but it is reslly disturbing!

I just need a bit of confidence, so i can show my mum, and tell her i'm going vegan, do u have any sugestions of good meals?

Thanks so much for everyones help!!!!!!!!!

stephannalee

Aww no problem at all!!! I'm glad I helped someone... it is extremely sad what they do for cheap leather, I couldn't watch that whole video ither, it's very disturbing... maybe I got like 7 minutes thru and I was like I get the point 

But anyways about the good meal suggestions..

for Vegetarian,

• there are Boca Burgers sold in grocery stores. They are amazing.
• Morning star sometimes has Eggs in it, so you'll have to read ALL labels.
• A restaurant has Boca Burger replacement is Denny's.
• They're ton of reciepes in the Asian Cuisines that allow no meat hardly. 
• of course, ToFu.
• Fruits are great, especially for a snack, or even get a juicer so you can drink it! such as google, Jack LaLanne Power Juicer. It's a great item =]
• Spaghetti, or tons of other types of pasta. and you can even make your own spaghetti sauce that is great.. I have my own reciepe if you want it you can message me and i'll give it to ya =]
• We have bought pop tarts that are egg and milk free.
• Don't forget that if you DONT want to eat eggs, you'll have to check the salad dressings, because most have egg.
• If your conscience about geletain also, a lot of food have that. Mostly gummy, and yogarts. (geletain is made from pork hooves)

A website I found is http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Everyday-Cookin g/Vegetarian/Main.aspx and you can even creat your own meals using other meal ideas and just make it your own =]
for Vegan, it's much more harder, and me and my boyfriend are Vegetarians. He does work at two Vegan Restaurants, and they can make things such as chic-free nuggets, and even Chicken Fajita, which is 100% soy. here's a website =] http://vegweb.com/
I hope some of this info helped ya out a bit. And remember it takes time and willpower to actually want to do this for a lifestyle. :) It took me some time so it will be easy after you get the hang of things!
About your mom I suggest also showing her the proof of if she cares about the environment, and also the economy and starving children, and adults around the world would be a good influence, because all the grains going to the animals could feed at least 70% of those who are starving. But the demand for meat is so much higher people just don't care that that food can go towards the people who need it most. 

Facts:

• one serving of beef requires 1200 gallons of water. 
• a serving of chicken 330 gallons of water.
• a complete Vegan meal, veggies, rice, and tofu requires 98 gallons of water.
• that one pound of beef is equal to the amount of water we use to shower(for seven minutes) for 180 times. You save more water if you stop showering for six months or if you don't eat one meal including a serving of beef.
• They're 862,000,000 starving in the world. The grain going to livestock is enough to feed 2,000,000,000 (billion) people. No one would ever starve again if we gave that to people instead of animals for food.

Its just thinking logically, ya know? It takes 17 pounds of grain to produce one pound of beef, if you just eat the grain and leave the beef out, you'll have enuff to feed the world.
it's really mind blowing you know?
I know, this is a long post, sorry!! but it's a lot of important info that you could possibly inform your mom about? and maybe throw in meat causes to clog the arteries which cause heart attacks ;)
Hope this helps!!!

Original Post by mssnadia:

stephannalee

I know, this is a long post, sorry!! but it's a lot of important info that you could possibly inform your mom about? and maybe throw in meat causes to clog the arteries which cause heart attacks ;)
Hope this helps!!!

also, you might want to throw in something about how in egg production, they grind up male chicks to use as fertilizer.
that sure convinced my mom to stop eating eggs.

Thatk you soo much to everyone who posted especially mssnadia, my parents said i could become vegetarian, but not vegan (but as i'm the best @ food shopping my mum or dad always bring me along with them, so i can be as vegan as possable untill i'm old enough to move out!!)

Niether of my parents think its a particually good idea, but they are not going to stop me going vegetarian!!!!!!!!!! My dad was trying to convince me to still eat fish, because he couldn't understand that fish are treated badly aswell!! But i'm officially vegetarian from today, and will become vegan in a few years time when i go to uni!!!!!!!!

awww your WELCOME 

I'm happy to help you!

That's very good they are 'okay' with it. and I have to say with fish for health reasons, NO!!!!!!! Most fish have high amounts of mercury which are REAllY bad for us. and think of alllll that polluted water they swim in, and then we eat it? yuck! no thanks! and yes they are pretty brutal to the fishes aswell... maybe google fish production or on youtube. any living thing has feelings ;)

and another thought to put into perspective is when I was recently pregnant, i had read SO many things that tell the pregnant woman to stay away from fish, maybe eat it once a week [if that] they also don't want pregnant woman to eat anything from hot dogs, to bolonga meat or turkey meat, considered "lunch meat" because it could harm the baby... now with this said - if it can harm the baby, and me, it kinda makes me wonder and realize no one should be eating these things frequently if it can harm the woman and her growing child.

so maybe talk to them about that situation, also! it just has bad stuff in it and isn't all the way cooked.

I suggest if they are sooo not going for the Vegan, then try your best to get ORGANiC everything from dairy. No Growth Hormones, Free Farm raised. The thing is, with that its a way better opportunity because they are raised on farms and treated with kind and respect they deserve.. until you can kinda just let them say "okay, it's your choice to be Vegan" and so they can help you out. I know, it's way expensive and tons of things have milk, egg ingredients in it. but if its what you want then they really shouldn't deny you, not like your going to die or something. lol

can i ask you, how old you are? and do you live in US? from your picture I think you live in England or something?

Yer i live in england (how could u tell from the pic?),and i'm 14.

I've just about managed to persuade my parents to not make me eat fish,  my mum said the reason she shops @ waitrose is coz they are nicer to the animals, but it is more expensive, and i'm taking her shopping to find some yummy vegetarian food tomorrow!!!!!!! (i have not eaten meat in the last two days, so far i'm doing well, i didn't like meat to much anyway!!)

that's great! Yeah.. i never liked meat much, ither. Ihope it all works out for you

&&; I have a couple of friends in England that I chat to.. and just how you say "yer" lol I know ;) it's just different from USA =P

Just to make things easier i told my dad i would eat salmon like once a month, he said he would eat some vegetarian foods with me coz its healthier!! I went food  shopping today and bought some beans, tofu, veggie burgers, loads of veggies ect.