Vegetarian (OL) with non-veggie family

June 21, 2005

Hey guys, you always have great suggestions and advice, I thought

I'd run this one by you to see what experiences or suggestions you

have! I know at least a few people are vegetarians/vegas in non-V

families.

I'm 23 years old and have lived away from my parents since I was 18.

However in a couple of months I am moving back in with them for a

year (living rent free sounds nice) to earn some money for grad

school. I wasnt a vegetarian when I lived with them before but I am

now. I plan on eating meals (generally dinners, sometimes

breakfasts) with them on a daily or near-daily basis. So how do you

guys manage it or what suggestions do you have?

I love to cook my own meals but don't want to have to cook something

different every meal we eat together but at the same time I don't

think my parents are very interested in trying vegetarian meals of

any type. Not to mention the fact that my mom loves southern cooking

where everything is fried and high in butter and sugar (yech). Also

how understanding are your families? Do you have to defend yourself

everytime you eat with them (I'm worried my parents won't understand

or think it's 'just a phase')? Thanks in advance!

June 21, 2005

My family definitely thought it was a phase. I would get back to

school and open my suitcase to find cans of chicken noodle soup.

*lol* But they do get used to it! It's been more than 10 years now

for me.

First, remember that whatever they do or say, it's out of concern for

you, and likely based on mis-information about vegetarianism, so don't

take it personally! Give them facts, but don't make it a " I'm right

you're wrong " thing (so easy to do!).

Cook for the family sometimes (field peas and cornbread is a good

southern dish, that doesn't require meat - especially if you add a

little smoke seasoning to the peas). When they cook, offer to help.

Try to make some of the veggies without meat in them, and don't fry

them. Try tomake sure you have a protein source - tofu is quick and

easy and can be done while they're cooking the rest of the meal. Then

have the tofu/beans/legumes/nuts for your protein, and eat the

non-meat veggies from their meal. You could even just dice the tofu,

saute, and stir into your veggie portion - they'd see a " veg " , you'd

have a main dish.

I'm a yankee... but my DH is AL-born-and-bred, and his family doesn't

understand how I eat... but they are sweet and buy soymilk when I

visit, and always look on restaurant menus for " something Amy can eat " .

June 21, 2005

wow thanks. glad to hear from someone who's been there. i've seen a

few brochures and things that a person can order online about

vegetarinism so i may try to order some of those to have on hand.

and thanks for the ideas about the field peas and cornbread-i hadn't

thought of that! sounds sweet about your family. i have a friend who

i'm visiting (who i havent seen since ive become vegetarian) and she

keeps saying 'i'll have to remember you're a vegetarian' for when we

will go out to eat and I keep trying to reassure her that where she

lives it's not hard to find something to eat.

, " Amy "

<sandpiperhiker> wrote:

> My family definitely thought it was a phase. I would get back to

> school and open my suitcase to find cans of chicken noodle soup.

> *lol* But they do get used to it! It's been more than 10 years

now

> for me.

>

> First, remember that whatever they do or say, it's out of concern

for

> you, and likely based on mis-information about vegetarianism, so

don't

> take it personally! Give them facts, but don't make it a " I'm

right

> you're wrong " thing (so easy to do!).

>

> Cook for the family sometimes (field peas and cornbread is a good

> southern dish, that doesn't require meat - especially if you add a

> little smoke seasoning to the peas). When they cook, offer to

help.

> Try to make some of the veggies without meat in them, and don't fry

> them. Try tomake sure you have a protein source - tofu is quick

and

> easy and can be done while they're cooking the rest of the meal.

Then

> have the tofu/beans/legumes/nuts for your protein, and eat the

> non-meat veggies from their meal. You could even just dice the

tofu,

> saute, and stir into your veggie portion - they'd see a " veg " ,

you'd

> have a main dish.

>

> I'm a yankee... but my DH is AL-born-and-bred, and his family

doesn't

> understand how I eat... but they are sweet and buy soymilk when I

> visit, and always look on restaurant menus for " something Amy can

eat " .

June 21, 2005

Most people are accepting and kind about our lifestyle. If you go thru the

files and make a few good dishes for you family, I'll bet they will see you are

eating a lot of good healthy food. I think most of them have the concept we eat

a few lettuce leaves and have run down health. You have a good chance to open

their eyes and fill them up with some delicious treats now.

That's kind of your girlfriend and I'll bet she takes a bite off your plate of

food wanting to try your meat-free meal out. I wouldn't be surprised if she

decides to order the same thing..............Donna

budgiegirl2003 <budgiegirl2003 wrote: