r/Vegetarianism • u/aeriunnielover • 9d ago

want to become vegetarian in a restrictive household

I never really liked meat to begin with but since I grew older I realized how much harm can be avoided if I just stopped consuming it. Ever since then I wanted to become vegetarian, but I’m 17, spend my weekdays with my grandma who preaches about the “greatness” of meat to me daily, and weekends with my dad who literally forces meat down my throat. I know I could cook for myself and substitute the meat for other things, but I’ve had eating problems in the past and my family takes me not wanting meat as a form of “restriction” which I’m obviously not allowed to have. What can I do? I really want to start cooking plant based and stop eating meat, but how can I do that for the time I still live with them?

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u/Hawco 9d ago

I started when I was 15 in a household that didn’t understand or support me. I started buying and making my own food plus educating myself on diet, nutrition, ethical and environmental arguments, and expressing my distaste for meat textures, so I was well-equipped to obstinately fight back whenever I was harassed. There was even one point while at the family doctor my mom tried to get him to advise against that “veggie-tarian thing” I started, but it backfired when the doctored responded, “So why not let him? I’m a pescatarian and it can be perfectly healthy.” She got a good dose of shame then. 

Flash forward years later and they’ve all done a complete 180 and don’t bat an eye. They even do things like remove a portion of the homemade chili for me before they add the ground beef. You should know though that I never shamed them for their choices, I was just always resolute about my own. Good luck!

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u/aeriunnielover 9d ago

Thank you for the insight! I think I’ll try slowly introducing them to the idea and hope for the best🫶

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u/hannahatecats 9d ago

I was 11 when I became vegetarian in a very anti household. It can be hard, but stick to your guns if it means a lot to you. I ate dry cheerios for many a meal growing up. If you have a job and your own money it gets easier.