Vegetarian? Or just plain crazy?

I recently tried to become a Vegetarian to the best of my ability (I'm very wary of certain foods because they may have some contact with non-vegetarian foods) but my family is fully convinced I'm crazy.

I do not eat things like Morning Star or Boca any more, because there is no telling if it's fully vegitarian (morning star is made with egg whites), I do not eat fish or eggs anymore because I do not want to eat fish any more and I make more money selling my chicken's unfertilised eggs than I would eating them. I've given up chicken some months ago and I've steered clear of red meat and pork for a very, very long time.

The only thing I can think of that I ate that is non vegetarian is sugarless gum, which I am ready to give up if this is not vegetarian at all.

Anywho, my problem is this, since I refuse to eat processed 'vegetarian' food and stick to my fruits and veggies (bread and grain is also a bit sketchy for me since it can be made with eggs or milk), my family is fully convinced that I'm sick and have been trying to force me to eat non-vegetarian foods like fish, cheese, milk, eggs, what have you, and think I am crazy when I swear up down and sideways that I refuse to eat that junk. They have already dealt with another vegetarian in the family (my sister is a pretty light vegetarian, and eats cheese, eggs, rice snacks, etc), but they still think this is crazy.

How do I convince my family that I'm doing this change for the good of my body? And how they can accept my change as a good thing?

Sorry for the long post, I am just exteremly frustrated now.

Sounds like you're vegan, not vegetarian.  There's a pretty big difference there.

 

I don't know what to say about this except that you have to do what you want.  If you're using this site for calorie counting, then print out a log from a week of meals and show them that you are indeed getting enough nutrients.  Just do your research and make sure you actually ARE eating right and they have no reason to be concerned.

As the first poster said, it sounds like you are trying to live a vegan lifestyle with as many whole foods only as possible (i.e. no animal products whatsoever. Many vegetarians will still eat dairy products. Vegans do not.) FYI, Bocca does make specifically vegan products (check the box to make sure it says "vegan") but I do know many vegetarians who do not like Bocca because it tastes too much like meat. Why not try tempeh, or tofu?

 

I think what may be freaking your family out is the level of fear you are expressing over foods. Truth be told, I'm a bit worried about you myself, it sounds like you are feeling very anxious. All you have to do is read the label of processed foods to find out if they contain animal products. There are many, many vegan food products on the market, including breads. ALL grains are vegan, just read the labels to make sure your pastas do not contain milk or eggs. If you have a local health food store, I am certain that you can find some whole grain vegan breads to eat.

Just do your research on proper vegan nutrition. Make certain that you are getting a good balance of grains, proteins and fruits and veggies every day (about 50% grains, 25% proteins from vegan tofu / soy products, and 25% fruits and veggies.) If your family sees that you are making the effort to be vegan the healthy way, I'm sure they'll come around. If they see you panic- well, they might have a reason to worry.

 

Hey dire! How are you doing?

Unfortunately I have to agree with mel that you're expressing unneccesarly amounts of fear over eating these things and given the history, I'd say it's another ED control thing you're suffering from. There's no reason that you can't be vegan and healthy but you have to eat a lot of food and a lot of variety of foods. This is probably why you're family is freaked out right now. Not because they woudl disagree with your ideological views but because you're using this as another wayt o restrict intake.

most breads are vegan, there are vegan soy options, and you can always make your own. It's very easy to read labels too, so there's no reason to cut grains out of your diet. And there are also many packaged vegan foods. I highly recommend vegan baking! that way you still get to treat yourself too. when I told my family I was becoming vegetarian they had me go to a nutritionist to make sure I was doing this correctly, and this way I was able to prove to them that I get more than adequate nutrtion.

you'll have to eat a lot of nuts, dried fruits, and good oils to get enough calories, make sure you have good sources of protein, beans, tofu, tempeh, and do not cut carbs!  you should enjoy being vegan because you get to eat good foods that are also good for your body and for our planet, not simply because you're afraid to eat. Please take care of yourself!

Some vegans might take issue with the fact you sell chicken eggs.  I've never heard of a vegan working at a leather store.  haha.

But, however you classify want to yourself is up to you.  I call myself "dietary vegan" because I am not a vegan for the ethics part as most are.  Feel free to join me in this classification.  I get a little lonely being the only one.  :)

Can I ask are you an adult?  The answer here would be vastly different if you are an adolescent because you might have a little less control over the situation.  And the others who posted to show them you're eating right, yadda yadda.

Where-as if you are an adult, I'd simply say your family is who they are.  Just tell them your veg and that's that.  You're not going to change them, and it's just too much fun to take cheap shots at your core beliefs and values,  They'll probably never let up on it, so don't give them the ability to control your moods.  Just laugh it off with them.

Original Post by gibbit:

Unfortunately I have to agree with mel that you're expressing unneccesarly amounts of fear over eating these things and given the history, I'd say it's another ED control thing you're suffering from.

yup...

There's a point where reasonable concern for a healthy diet tips over into an unhealthy obsession.   Listen to your family.  They know your history and I think they may have a point.

You definitely sound like you're trying to be vegan... not vegetarian. Many vegetarians eat eggs.

I do not eat things like Morning Star or Boca any more, because there is no telling if it's fully vegitarian (morning star is made with egg whites)

Also... I'm pretty sure Boca products are vegan. The "burgers" say vegan on the box.

There are different types of Boca burgers.  They do make "Grillers Vegan" which, as the name implies, is vegan.  However, I think they taste like what I imagine dog food to taste like, even when slathered with toppings.  BLEGH. 

Original Post by direwolf689:

Anywho, my problem is this, since I refuse to eat processed 'vegetarian' food and stick to my fruits and veggies (bread and grain is also a bit sketchy for me since it can be made with eggs or milk), my family is fully convinced that I'm sick and have been trying to force me to eat non-vegetarian foods like fish, cheese, milk, eggs, what have you, and think I am crazy when I swear up down and sideways that I refuse to eat that junk. They have already dealt with another vegetarian in the family (my sister is a pretty light vegetarian, and eats cheese, eggs, rice snacks, etc), but they still think this is crazy.

As others have said, there is no reason to give up grains and breads.  Experiment with baking (most bread recipes do not contain milk or eggs).  Also make sure you are eating enough legumes.  Stop by an Indian store if you have time or if there are any in your location - they have a HUUUUGE variety of legumes (7-10 different types of lentils, 2-3 different types of chickpeas, different types of beans, rice, & other grains).  Also check out buckwheat, millet, bulgur, and quinoa.  They are grains that are very high in protein and can be cooked with no animal products.    Since you are not into highly processed vegetarian foods, soy may not be such a great alternative since it's fermented and highly processed (except frozen soy beans in your supermarket, called edamame - yummmy!)...

Thank you all for your insight, I will take it to good use :)

As for being 'Vegan' I do not think it would be THAT far, because I still sell my chicken's eggs, and I wear wool and leather (Wool comes from my family's sheep, leather from stores, baad me). I guess it would be easier to make my own 'clean' bread than going through the store and looking through all the ingredients on the packages.

It may be that you are "eating a vegan diet" (not eating any animal products) versus living a vegan lifestyle, sometimes we all get a little too caught up in the terminology (sp?) - just remember once you decide which style of eating makes you comfortable, happy and leaves you feeling your best,  be sure you are getting what you need to be healthy!  (personally, I eat "mostly vegan" - but I do not live the vegan life style.  I learned pretty quickly that saying I am vegan can be pretty upsetting to someone who puts great care into their whole lifestyle of veganism though - so I just say I am vegitarian.  :)