Unsupportive family.

I really want to go totally veggie. I try to limit my meat intake as much as I possibly can, but I live in a family where meat is always a big portion on the table. I'll be going to college in the fall, and hopefully I'll be able to take more control of my diet there, but I'd really like to start sooner rather than later.

They refuse to change their diet and additionally refuse to spend more money so I can have a seperate meal (even though I'd be more than happy to make it myself). I don't have an income myself (despite all the jobs I've applied for, which is a rant I do NOT want to get into).

Does anyone have any suggestions for what I might do to have the diet I want while dealing with my family?

Thanks.

Well luckily you are going to college soon and most colleges if you tell them you are a vegetarian they will accommodate you. With your family it is a harder topic to deal with. I feel that education would be a good bet. Most people don't know allot about vegetarianism. I hope this helps you.

-Gary

I can only say that you need to do what your parents tell you to and anyone on this forum (or anywhere) that would say otherwise (not that anyone has!) is wrong.

What I can suggest is that you try to help educate them all the reasons to become vegetarian.  Maybe this will help them understand that they really should cut back on the meat or at least allow you that option.  Maybe go to the library and check out the books The China Study and Eat to Live (among others) and read them and ask your parents to as well.

If that doesn't work, just keep looking forward to college.

Nobody can force you to eat meat! There are always a  lot of other choices. Try to eat side salads  (a lot of them:)), ww breads, pastas, fruits, nuts, beans, seeds. I am sure you can find something of it in refrigerator. And if they see you munching on bread only, because there is nothing else for you - their hearts will melt and they will buy you some eggplant (and then you can cook it!). Dont argue, answer questions (they will be really interested once they understand you are serious), and STAY STRONG!:)

They don't have to change their diet- and it's kinda unlikely that they will BUT you can figure out a way to get some money for your own food. Is it possible that you set aside allowance money or babysitting cash or anything? Does your kitchen already have veggies and fruits? Will your parents possibly allow you to buy some rice, beans and pasta? You don't have to go as far as having your own grocery cart filled with food each time you go shopping- but you might be able to get a few things. And yes, cooking for yourself will make a huge difference. It may seem tough at first, but once your folks see that this isn't some phase and that you're actually committed to this- they'll eventually come around.

My own experience is my mother didn't always get the term "vegetarian." She assumed it meant that I would still eat fish and although called me a vegetarian- she'd offer me ham, pepperoni pizza, seafood. To her- being a vegetarian was more like a 5 days out of the week thing- rather than a lifestyle choice. But now she's FINALLY starting to understand that I'm serious about it and that there are benefits that come with it. Yes, it does help that I do my own grocery shopping and my own cooking. But seriously my mother is the most old fashioned Korean parent in the world (I love her and  my fellow Koreans but it's true) and if she can come around- your family can too lol.

beans & lentils.

verrry cheap

Don't try to change your family's diet. There is nothing more annoying than vegetarians who try to push their beliefs on the people around them. If anything, it'll make your family resist you going vegetarian even more.

That said, why don't you tag along when they go to the grocery store? You could pick out more vegetables, beans, bread etc and you won't have to pay a dime for it.

Hey you are definately not alone! I'm the only vegan in my family! However, my mother used to try to make extra veggies and salads for me so i would have something to eat while i was still in school now she doesn't even bother! Even though i do have a job so i can buy most of my own food and i do generally cook myself. I still get a lot of grief for being a vegan...well i give some grief to them too! But lately i have been making a lot of things that i think they will like and they haven't been to resist to trying them as long you don't tell them whats in it! lol! But we are doing our best to live in harmony...atleast til i move out!

Hey you are definately not alone! I'm the only vegan in my family! However, my mother used to try to make extra veggies and salads for me so i would have something to eat while i was still in school now she doesn't even bother! Even though i do have a job so i can buy most of my own food and i do generally cook myself. I still get a lot of grief for being a vegan...well i give some grief to them too! But lately i have been making a lot of things that i think they will like and they haven't been to resist to trying them as long you don't tell them whats in it! lol! But we are doing our best to live in harmony...atleast til i move out!

Hi, I'm the first vegetarian ever in my family, and my family is not so supportive of me either.  I do have one piece of advice for you: if you're new to vegetarianism, you may not know how much protein different foods have (I've been a vegetarian for 4 years and I'm still learning).  Look up how much protein different foods have.  Chances are your family already buys enough vegetarian protein sources for you.  You might end up eating rather random meals (i.e., canned beans, cottage cheese, yogurt, and peanut butter, etc.), but if it lets you eat what you want to eat in your house it's worth it!  Just make sure your total protein is adding up to as much as you need (if you use this site it's easy!).

Good luck!

Try to eat things they eat that are suitable for vegetarians. For example: if your family eats cereal get some cereals such as Cheerios or Trix. If they eat fruits and veggies be sure to get lots of those for meals and snacks. And lettuce for salads. You can get some potatoes and make fries or have baked potatoes for lunch or dinner-ask if your family would like that....etc.

There are things that vegetarian and vegans eat that meat eaters eat as well. You just have think about everything your family eats and see if there are things suitable for a vegetarian diet. I don't have a job (I'm 17) and my parents income in extremely limited but its pretty affordable. If you can, ask your parents if you can clean the house or do something for them and see if they will pay you for it that way you can buy food for yourself. I'm sure it might be difficult, but where there is a will there is a way :) Good luck!! Congrats on wanting to become a vegetarian, you can do it!!

OK, somehow I can't immagine you don't have the money for 2 cans of beans, some lentils, some chickpeas and such.

Go out with 10 $, I assure you you'll be back home with a back full of alternatives. If noone wants to cook for you, just prepare a batch of chickpea nuggets, or whatever, to heat up whenever you want.

other really cheap stuff:

humus

falaffels

1 pack of veggie burgers

ecc