Hi, all.
My name is Ranae, and I'm new here. I have not officially changed to a vegetarian diet yet, but I'm feeling like I'm heading down that road. My reasons are many. It started out being a health issue: converting from conventional meat in the supermarket to a local grass-fed farm for our meat because I didn't want to continue putting the hormones and antibiotics into our bodies. Then, with a STRONG history of heart disease in my family, I started to think that maybe eating less meat would be beneficial. In the last few months, I've become quite an environmentalist. I just finished reading a book by Jane Goodall called, "Harvest for Hope: A Guide To Mindful Eating". Lets just say that I haven't had a book effect me this way in a very long time. Her accounts of what happens on our conventional farms was appalling to me. I am a huge animal lover, but like many in this country growing up in the last 40 years, had no relationship to how meat got onto my plate. It was something you went and bought-all packaged. Since finishing Jane's book on Sunday, I can not help but look at the meat on my plate and feel a little sickened. Even though our meat is grass-fed and I know the owner well and she is very humane to her animals, I'm still struggling a bit.

Right now, I'm trying to work out the details of how to switch over. First of all, I've been eating meat now for almost 39 years, so some of it is "getting over myself", know what I mean? Thinking about food in a different way. Secondly, my husband was brought up on a farm and loves his meat. I have been (sneakily) cutting back on EVERYBODY'S meat portions for the last few weeks, and I don't think he's noticed much. All 5 of us just tried tofu for the first time 2 nights ago. Two of my kids tried it and didn't like it; one of them almost threw up on his plate, but my husband ate it but didn't care for the texture. None of them like beans, either. So basically, I think I'm going to have to go it alone and make some bean/tofu dishes for myself.

I'm also thinking, especially after reading some of the posts here, that it would be best to take it in small steps. So I have eaten VERY VERY small portions of meat the last couple of nights, and the night I had tofu I didn't eat any. The goal for the rest of my family is to eventually get to the point where the meat is a SIDE DISH, not the main dish. I've been trying to incorperate more and different kinds of whole grains, hoping to fill the meat gap on their plates. I really think this is going to have to be a gradual process for all of us.

All I REALLY know at this point is that when I think about eating meat, there is a profound SADNESS in me that wasn't there before. My mind kind of has a "numbness" about it. The thought that we are not only destoying animals' lives to appease our own need for meat; we are destroying land and forests to make room to grow crops to feed the huge amounts of animals so we can slaughter them to eat; and the fact that producing all this meat is NOT helping the third world countries with their hunger: it's actually making the problem WORSE because THEY aren't getting the meat: they're giving up THEIR land so that WE can grow yet more mass-produced FEED. It all just makes me a little sick and REALLY sad.

SO... with all that being said, I'm hoping to get encouragement and ideas from here. Thanks for reading and being here for all of us who are still workiing out the details!

Doing my part,
Ranae

Welcome to VB! :hi:

I don't mean to criticize you or anything (I applaud you for wanting to improve your diet and health and that of the rest of your family), but I'd be interested to know just how you've been cooking the tofu so that everybody in your family including you developed a strong aversion to it. There are ways of cooking tofu so that it really does taste good, and ways of cooking WITH it so that you don't even notice it. (For example, a Chinese stir-fry with tofu instead of meat). I strongly suggest you search the tofu recipes here on VB, and also check out the New to Vegetarianism forum, especially the Tip of the Day thread. Good luck with your new diet!

Thanks for the welcome, Amy!
I actually found a recipe for a stir-fry online. I marinaded the tofu in sesame oil, soy sauce, and minced garlic; removed it from the pan, then stir-fryed carrots, onion, celery, and spinach. Threw it all together and violla..I thought it was quite good-the family wasn't crazy about it, though.

Let me just say that if I can continue to satisfy my family, introduce them to some new vegetarian dishes, and eat what I need to for myself, I'll be happy! Like I said, I know this this going to be a very gradual process!

Thanks again,
Ranae

If you like to read ,there is a book titled " Did you ever see a fat squirrel " by Ruth Adams. it is a good read.

I can't imagine trying to convert a family. It's going to be very difficult for you to stick with it, since no one else in your home will probably understand. Somehow you're going to have to take care of yourself and not alienate the ones you love. The only consolation I guess I can offer is that I only very recently became a vegetarian after more than two years of dating and living with a lifelong veg. I don't know how or why, but I think something was seeping in there all along.

Hi!

I started about the same way as you (and for similar reasons). It's a significant accomplishment, I feel, just to reduce meat from being a "main course" to a flavoring or side dish.

I would advise you not to try a lot of exotic vegetarian recipes and ingredients to begin with. Emphasize dishes that you already like, but that can be made without meat. (For example, I loved spaghetti. Just substitute mushrooms for meat in the sauce and voila!) There's also a product called liquid smoke that gives a meatier taste to sauces and things.

It will not be easy making the change while you are cooking for the whole family. A realistic goal at first may be to just increase the number of vegetarian meals you have each week. If family members really want the meat, you can prepare dishes that meat can be added to, so that they can have it and you don't have to.

Some of my favorite foods that can be easily made vegetarian: pizza, stirfry, enchiladas, lasagne, ravioli, fried rice, sushi, hearty soup, hashbrowns, garlic bread, pita sandwiches, tempura, (guacamole) tacos, omelettes, mac-n-cheese, pasta salads, potato salads, eggrolls, curry, stuffed peppers.

Are there no kind of beans they like? Not even in chili or other flavorful dishes?

Welcome and good luck!

Tom

All I REALLY know at this point is that when I think about eating meat, there is a profound SADNESS in me that wasn't there before. My mind kind of has a "numbness" about it. The thought that we are not only destoying animals' lives to appease our own need for meat; we are destroying land and forests to make room to grow crops to feed the huge amounts of animals so we can slaughter them to eat; and the fact that producing all this meat is NOT helping the third world countries with their hunger: it's actually making the problem WORSE because THEY aren't getting the meat: they're giving up THEIR land so that WE can grow yet more mass-produced FEED. It all just makes me a little sick and REALLY sad.





Hi Ranae, congratulations, it sounds like you've had one of those "pivotal moments" in your life. :) It's probably a bit painful now, but hopefully you can use your knowledge and awareness to be empowered by it to make better choices, for yourself, the environment, and the animals. Opening your mind to the horror is an important first step, one that most people don't make. Good luck with your transition.

Hi Ranae, and welcome! :hi: Yes, the knowledge can make a person sick at heart at first (I was deeply depressed for about a month when I first learned the real story of meat), but it does get better as you begin to make changes to make things less wrong and more right, at least in your little corner of the world.

Converting your family, if they're not open to it, is likely to be a Herculean task. If they don't want to like tofu, chances are good they never will. Anyway, tofu is something that a lot of people take time to warm up to. Maybe stick to more familiar foods for a while. Luckily, many traditional meals can be made veggie without too much fuss, and if done well, the rest of the family might not even notice.

I heartily agree with Seusomon's advice to (1) focus on meatless version of familiar meals at first, (2) make dishes where the rest of the family can easily add their small portion of meat while you have it without, and (3) focus on gradually increasing the number of veggie meals per week.

While it's good to stick with the familiar at first, don't forget that there are lots of wonderful new foods and recipes out there just waiting for you and your family to discover them-- you might consider trying out a new food once every week or two and seeing if you/they like it. And if you don't like it at first, don't give up-- try it a few different ways before you relegate it to the scrap heap.

Welcome to VB. :)


Since finishing Jane's book on Sunday, I can not help but look at the meat on my plate and feel a little sickened. Even though our meat is grass-fed and I know the owner well and she is very humane to her animals, I'm still struggling a bit.

It is not humane to kill animals for no reason. Factory farms are less humane to be sure but needless killing is never humane. That may be why you feel a little sickened.

Right now, I'm trying to work out the details of how to switch over. First of all, I've been eating meat now for almost 39 years, so some of it is "getting over myself", know what I mean? Thinking about food in a different way. Secondly, my husband was brought up on a farm and loves his meat. I have been (sneakily) cutting back on EVERYBODY'S meat portions for the last few weeks, and I don't think he's noticed much. All 5 of us just tried tofu for the first time 2 nights ago. Two of my kids tried it and didn't like it; one of them almost threw up on his plate, but my husband ate it but didn't care for the texture. None of them like beans, either. So basically, I think I'm going to have to go it alone and make some bean/tofu dishes for myself.

It is so hard when you are trying to get your family to switch over if they are not convinced like you are about trying to avoid needlessly harming animals. You may want to try to bring up the subject here and there in very tactful and diplomatic ways. Maybe leave a tract lying out somewhere where someone might find it. But not a gross one at first. Having the family on your side will make becoming vegetarian a lot easier.

As for food you may want to try tvp instead of tofu. Make a spaghetti sauce and put in some tvp. It'll soak up a lot of fluid though so keep that in mind. A lot of people are surprised a how meaty the texture is. There are different shapes and sizes of tvp so try different ones. And maybe try different cultural foods. A lot of cultures have amazing vegetarian food ideas. Trying to replace the meat in the SAD sometimes doesn't work so well.


All I REALLY know at this point is that when I think about eating meat, there is a profound SADNESS in me that wasn't there before. My mind kind of has a "numbness" about it. The thought that we are not only destoying animals' lives to appease our own need for meat; we are destroying land and forests to make room to grow crops to feed the huge amounts of animals so we can slaughter them to eat; and the fact that producing all this meat is NOT helping the third world countries with their hunger: it's actually making the problem WORSE because THEY aren't getting the meat: they're giving up THEIR land so that WE can grow yet more mass-produced FEED. It all just makes me a little sick and REALLY sad.

A lot of us feel sickened by the needless slaughter of innocent beings and the horrible effect on the environment. Just hang in there and keep at it. For some the switch over is instantaneous and for others it may take weeks, months or years. Just stay focussed on the goal. Read. Watch videos. Visit pro-veg websites. You'll need the encouragement.

Thanks so much for all your responses and encouragement. There is nothing worse than feeling you're "alone" in something! I have always felt very strongly that everybody has a right to feel or belief whatever or however they want. It's what makes the world "colorful". That includes a person's right to eat meat or not. However, I feel that part of my obligation of being a human being on this planet is to SHARE and EDUCATE others on what I know. I couldn't NOT educate my children. But out of respect for my husband, I refuse to try and "convert" him because I respect his feelings. I don't have to agree and follow in his footsteps, but I do respect him. With my children, on the other hand, eating or not eating meat will be treated the same way we treat the subject of religion: they need to find their own way and make their own journey. We will guide and supply them with as many of the tools as we can. But ultimately, the choice will be theirs. I will ALWAYS be honest with them about the deplorable way that animals are treated; what it can do to your health; and what it does to the environment. What they do with that information will ultimately be up to them. I know, for myself, I have made my decision. I know it won't be easy, but I fully intend to cease eating all flesh. I have a hard time even looking at it now...I have eaten next to none this whole week, and quite honestly, I haven't missed it at all. I'd much rather eat grains, fruit, and veggies anyway...

Thanks again!
Peace,
Ranae

Hi Ranae! I am new to vegetarianism, but like you it was a gradual path for me. Now that I am vegetarian, I can't imagine going back.

My husband, however, is not a vegetarian. I still cook meat for him and then my vegetarian meals so it takes some coordination. I use my freezer a lot. It is easier for me because I don't have young children at home. I think with some planning and experimenting you can find things that will work with you.

Good luck!

Your post just made me think of something. Has your family ever tasted "Ranch Style Beans". They usually come in a black can and the label used to have a happy 1950's-ish cartoon husband licking his lips. Those beans are good! (Because of the seasonings.)
That used to be a quick Friday-night supper in my (omnivorous) family as a child: Ranch-Style beans, Mac 'n' Cheese, and turnip greens. (You could serve up a steak or chicken-fried steak for the hubby and kids with these and it'd go just as well.) You'd have (fairly high sodium) beans that both you and your family would probably eat. http://www.conagrafoods.com/brands/ranch_style/index.jsp
Different tofus have different textures, by the way. Try my "Omni likes it" tofu with "White Wave" extra firm tofu if you can find it. Just don't use Melissa's tofu. http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=38944