My name is Ameerah(abaric for princess)and Im new to being vegetarian. I live here in Canada and just had a baby 3month's ago today, I do have a question, I'm going home to Texas to see my family. How do i tell them Im vegetarian. Because in the South all they eat is meat other pork products. Because before when i tried going veggie they were no help always trying to shove meat in my face. What things do you tell your family when asked why dont you eat meat.

Educate yourself. Have some SHORT, SIMPLE answers ready. Have a sense of humor. Don't back down.

What ARE your reasons? Health, animal compassion, wanting to raise your child healthfully? Know what YOUR own personal reasons are for sure.

It's never easy to suddenly present a whole new way of life to people who don't understand it. They may feel guilty, or like you're "preaching" to them - they may truely be concerned for your health - and the baby's as well... learn as much as you can about good vegetarian nutrition so you have answers for their questions, but don't try to convince or convert anyone - that won't work... just smile, answer short, sweet and simple, and keep doing what you need to do...

Are you breastfeeding the baby? Be prepared - You'll get lots of concerned comments "How can you provide adequate nutrition for the baby if you're not getting it?" and the best response there is to use a "Doctor" quote... "My Doctor (the baby's Doctor) knows and says it's perfectly fine..." or whatever... that usually shuts 'em up...

Have a good supply of veggie options that you can eat when they have their meat dinners... this is a good time to use those Veggie Burgers or something else thats quick and easy.

Others here will have plenty of intellegent suggestions, I'm sure. (I can sympathize - My parents are vegetarian and they STILL don't "get" my choice to go vegan... they're always asking me "Are you SURE you're getting enough to eat?")

Well, why are you a vegetarian? People will be more accepting and less defensive if you focus on the nutritional/health benefits of being a vegetarian. So you could go that route.

Ask your doctor about your new diet. This will be a powerful endorsement to carry around with you in your own mind.

Then you can reply with confidence to any "concerns" about your diet.

Another thing to keep in mind - it is not your responsibility to convince them. You are an adult (at least I'm assuming you are since you have a baby) and can make your own decisions. If they choose not to respect that and act like grade school bullies then that's their problem, not yours.

i find that the best thing to say when offered something that i dont' want is 'no, thank you.'

I would tell them in advance so that they don't go crazy with the grocery shopping only to be disappointed that you won't be sharing anything with them. Obviously offer to take care of your own meals, or let them know what sides they generally eat will be okay for you to eat so that they don't feel helpless or inhospitable.

As far as why you went veg, you're under no obligation to tell them unless you want to. Since it's family, I wouldn't make it an issue of being defensive -- if you feel like it would lead that direction, just say you're careful about being healthy and I came here to visit you guys, not talk about food... or something. The focus doesn't need to be on your new diet unless you let the conversation dwell there.

Besides, I'm sure they'll be much more preoccupied playing with your new baby. :)