14-pescetarian, unaccepting parents?
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Mar 11, 2011
So, I’m 14 and a few days ago, after watching a video of slaughterhouses and reading about how they cut the beaks and wings off of chickens, which I think is just horrible. I decided to become a pescetarian, because fish gives a lot of protein, and because I think the way they kill fish is a lot more ethical than the way they kill cows or chickens. I told my family that I was becoming pescetarian yesterday and they said "Okay," but tonight my mother is making barebeque chicken with rice and spaghetti and meatsauce. I asked her if I could eat the rice and have the spaghetti with TOMATO sauce and she said "I’m not going to be able to always accommodate you. Your brother eats meat, I eat meat, your father eats meat, why can’t you." I am very offended. I am not trying to make them pescetarians or vegetarians or anything. This is my personal decision, but since I am 14 years old, I don’t exactly have control of what my dining options are. How can I convince her to help me with my new diet?
Thanks. I have decided to become a lacto-ovo vegetarian, starting at the end of the month, so I will have time to prepare for the foods that I will have. I think that I could eventually switch to a lacto diet, because I do not like the way eggs are made.
Kiri
Mar 11, 2011
Oh God, my mom was the same way, haha. It’s the most frustrating thing for a while, but she may get used to it (as mine did). First of all, kudos on your maturity level; you sound more intelligent than half the 30-somethings in this community. Thanks for not being whiny or over-dramatic.
Now, onto answering your question. You’re right for not asking them to only make food that you can eat. They obviously won’t do that. But you’re not unreasonable to ask that a veggie version be made for you. You could say that she could leave the portions separate, and you can keep a marinara sauce in the fridge. Just heat up enough to cover your portion, and save the rest for the next time. She should be accepting and try to accommodate, especially since it’s reasonable.
It’ll be tough for a while, so good luck, and stay strong with your choice if it’s important to you! She should warm up in a while when she sees that if she doesn’t help you modify the meal, you won’t eat and won’t be getting enough nutrition for the day and your health might suffer.
bantam
Mar 11, 2011
You may need to develop some cooking skills, they will be useful for your entire life. The sooner you learn them, the easier it will be later!!
answerer
Mar 11, 2011
Offer to help her cook so it’s not extra work for her.
There’s also protein in vegetarian food btw. Much fish can be unhealthy with mercury and other toxins– and they are still animals.
You may be better off if you’re going to continue to eat meat to just eat what is served until you’re on your own. No sense in killing the animals they’ve already made for dinner, plus additional fish. Or consider vegetarianism, which would be a lot less work for making a second meal for someone at mealtime… They just leave a little aside of the spaghetti, give you sauce and a substitute for the meat.
Kimberly B
Mar 11, 2011
I’ve been a full vegetarian for over a year. The best thing to do at first is to cook your own meals. I would recommend buying a vegetarian cookbook, or checking one out at a library.
This one has meals that are great and easy to prepare:
http://www.amazon.com/Students-Vegetarian-Cookbook-Quick-Recipes/dp/0761508546
and most of the recipes make only one or two servings so you can make a simple meal or two without wasting a bunch of ingredients.
Your mom probably sees this as a phase. After she sees that you are serious about the change in your diet, she should support you and help you out.
Vegan4life
Mar 11, 2011
I would say get out a pot, put some sauce in it and tell your mom not to add meat to it. Then eat your dinner, and clean up everything you use. That way she has to do nothing extra, except cook less food at a time with is a little less work for her overall! Plus for everyone here!
Eldarwen
Mar 11, 2011
I didn’t have this problem at all when I became a vegetarian fortunately my parents were quite supportive though in my family there are only two vegetarians, myself and a cousin I rarely see.
I guess you need to just make her know you are serious about this diet change. If you do research on recipes, substitute foods and that sort of thing as well that’s a start.
Another thing, though I know it’s already been said is to help out with the dinner in some sort of way so that its about the same amount of work for her, or even less possibly.
You could also have extra made of your meals and have them frozen so if they do want to do something like that with the meatsauce, then all you need to do is defrost your meal and reheat.
wahoo10001
Mar 11, 2011
You explain that you are getting a job. Then you buy and cook your own meals with your money and clean up the mess after you have eaten. Then maybe your family will support you. Until then you eat what is put before you by the people that are providing for you.
ocean_737
Mar 11, 2011
My dad was the exact same way when I became a vegetarian (that was when I was 12, I’m 15 now and still a loyal vegetarian) he constantly lectured me about food and was seriously mad at me fo a year! But he did get over it and is now very accepting of my diet. In the meantime, try and learn to cook for yourself.
Marcus
Mar 11, 2011
ooo that’s a pity, i’m 18, and my mom is supportive.well, you need to learn to start cooking for yourself.i’ve been a vegetarian for about a year, but was considering switching over to a pescatarian diet.
explain to her that this is a life choice that you made for moral/personal reasons.tell that even if you are 14, you’re still capable of making such a big decision.
good luck =P
Reach New Heights
Mar 11, 2011
I became a vegetarian 3 years ago, at the age of 14 it was hard at first because like your family my family eats meat, meat, and more meat. I just had to cook for myself. Once my mom realized it wasn’t a phase she would accommodate me if the meal would allow it.
Just learn how to cook and find a way to balance your diet. Get a good vitamin that contains iron and b vitamins. And try to get complete proteins. Good luck with your new diet.