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My mom + vegtarianism = bad
So, my mom seriously doesn't approve of me being a vegetarian. She believes in eating all food categories to be healthy and blah blah. Well, I've been a vegetarian for almost 5 months now and I'm well and healthy and enjoying it. Well, my mom still opposes it and views it as an unhealthy thing. I've tried to get it through her head that I can still get the nutrients I'm missing from omitting meat out of my diet. But at times, she keeps on saying stupid things about me being a veg and vegetarianism and sometimes they just want to make me cry. And she absolutely opposes me becoming a vegan in the future. She thinks that I need meat, chicken, seafood, blah blah to be healthy to keep studying hard and I really don't. I'm getting all my protein and vitamins and etc with other foods. I know that I can't change her views on this because I've tried to do that a long time ago for almost 2 years straight. I just need to know how to get over what she says and no let it effect me. I really do enjoy being a veg and look forward to being a vegan in the future. And I really need to learn how to get over my mom's words.
15/f
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This is a consequence of how she was raised.
I learned to cook BBQ when I was 7. My family used to hunt and fish a fair amount. Ive grown up on meat. I love meat. Adore it. Dont think there is anything wrong with it as long as its sanitary and well cooked.
Your mother is probably somewhat the same.
Similarly, If I get vegetarian kids its going to make me sad. Because I literally do love meat, and not being able to share that with my kids will be a blow. Not being able to teach them how to cook a steak, or prepare salmon, or even how to make sushi.
Understand that your mother doesnt understand the desire. She just doesnt get it. It doesnt really click for people like us. Just tell her that a vegetarian diet is capable of being every bit as nutritious as a diet with meat in it, and beyond that it is your personal choice in lifestyle. Ask her to respect it.
Also, dont try to convince her that meat it unnecessary. To a degree, it is for people like us. Its what we like, its what we're used to, and nothing and no one will ever convince me that just because I can survive without meat that I should ever consider doing so. Just try to convince her that neither of you is going to agree, and thats perfectly fine, and a live and let live policy is an absolutely wonderful idea.
All of this has made me hungry. Im going to go make a salad.
With ham ;-P
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If you really want to be a vegetarian you could try showing your mother these websites. The first ones show that eating meat isn't all that good for you, in fact, in some cases it can be quite unhealthy in the long term. I have also included some websites showing the benefits of a meat free diet.
These days where there is so much choice for us veggies, there is really is no need to be deficient in any of the essential nutrients needed for a healthy well balanced diet. The last sites give advice on how to ensure you manage this successfully. I have happily been a vegetarian for the last 20 years and would not dream of returning to a diet of meat or fish, so good luck with convincing your mother you will come to no harm on a sensible veggie diet.
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If you're really serious about it, try setting up a meeting for you and your mom with a dietitian or other related professional. The other columnists are right in that there's a lot of information out there that you can show your mom to help her be a little more understanding of vegetarianism, but coming from you, she'll probably get irritated and ignore it. Coming from a professional, though, she just might start to get it. Doing this would also show your mom that you are being adult about this and that you really want to do it the right, healthy way. When you set up the meeting, don't be forceful about it. Basically tell your mom that you think you could learn a lot and that it might make her feel better about what you are doing. In other words, convince her to go, don't ask her to or tell her to. Make it seem like it was her idea! Good luck! :)
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Why don't you print out information on being a vegetarian? Sites like PETA have great information that you could show to your mom. Have the facts that you can get nutriets like protein from nuts, beans, etc, and omega 3 fatty acids from supplements and vitamins instead of fish. It doesn't matter what food you eat, it's the nutrients that come from it. Show her you've done your research (in a non confronting way, like "hey mom, i found some really cool information on food from a website, maybe you want to look at it?") If she still is agaisnt it and what she says bothers you, just ask her to stop. You have to be straight forward and tell her that it's your body, your lifestyle choice, and you decide what you eat, not her. You don't bother her about eating meat, so it shouldn't happen the other way around. Things will work out, I promise.
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okay well its your body not hers. she cant exactly force the food down your throat so dont let her get to you so much. a lot of parents are just so stuck in there own ways they dont see another option. your mom has a point that those foods you are missing do contain tons ofminerals and vitamins, but what she doesnt understand is that there are other ways to get those things without hurting and torturing animals.try sitting your mom down and talking to her. tell her that you undersand where she is coming from but explain that you know how to stay healthy the way you want to. maybe do a little research before hand to find out specific foods that contain those vitamins your missing.
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