[fuzzysocks]

When I went vegetarian, I sort of pictured the meals I'd be eating to be an array of different veggies, beans/tofu for protein, and for the most part pretty natural. And I imagined making my food myself so my mom wouldn't have to deal with it and all would be right in the kitchen.

Fast foward to now, my mom insists on still cooking a seperate meal for me, and most of the time it consists of a frozen, veggie tv dinner type thing. I understand that this is quick and easy for her, but I'm a little tired of eating these processed meals every night, every day of the week. I've offered countless time to prepare my own food on the occasion (though i'd happily do it every night), but she insists she's fine doing it. She's not though, because I've heard her complain about having to make two sets of meals every night. does anyone else have a problem like this? if so, how can i convince my mom that letting me make my own food would save both of us a lot of trouble?

 

[Pirate Ferret]

My mum used to do exactly the same (except i had to read the labels too cause half werent vegetarian anyway).

Is it possible for you to eat at a different time to everyone else, so theres not as much crowding in the kitchen?

or like, make *almost* the same food but say you replace the chicken part with tofu.

Or make loads of one thing during the day, then on different nights reheat portions of it. do this with lots of things and presto your own instant meals.

Im 6 months too old to be in this forum >.> but was bored + browsing so hope that was some help, hehe.

 

[MoonJumper]

Don't ever ask if you can do something, just do it! Just get into the kitchen early, maybe before she gets home, and make something, whatever. Some ideas for things you can reheat:

RICE!!! (Not the white cr*p either, the yummy belnd of brown, wild rice) Make LOADS of it, and you can even let everyone else have some (EXTREMELY delicious and filling when I put nutritional yeast on top...lots of it)

Beans erm...ya...so, my parents are from Mexico, so needless to say I never have to make beans...they are always just there already, but very good mixed with the rice!

Pasta- I tend to not make pasta because I am obsessed about gaining weight. So, if you're not, make pasta! It's incredibally easy to make and you can change it up every night by making a different sauce or putting on different toppings (TVP anyone?)

Soup- self-explanatory. I don't ever have a recipe, I just stick random things in it and it usually ends up fine.

Tofu scrambler- Not a dinner food, per se, but if you are already maing it one day for breakfast, make a bunch and have some with dinner. There's no rule that tefu has to be had in the morning, lol

P.S. ***IMPORTANT***

When you ask your mom if you can do something and she tells you not to, that means she wants you to. Even if she insists (or threatens to beat you, lol) DO IT ANYWAY! (I'm talking about helping her out here, not like, smoking pot or anything!!!) I know from experience that mother's speak a strange language. here's an average convo:

Me: mom, do you want me to wash the dishes?

Mom: No, I can do it

Me: Are you sure?

Mom: Yes, now go away

Later

Mom: You are such a terrible daughet, you never help out around the house! You didn't even help me with the dishes earlier!

Me:

So...yeah... (BTW, I help out...A LOT...and I work and go to school...My brother plays video games all day and he's a saint. Something wrong here?

)

 

[pheniox]

I agree with Moonjumper, don't ask your mom if you can do it take the inecitive and show your mother that you can and will cook for yourself. I know it may sound mean but you have to lay down the law, it's your body and if you don't want overly processed frozen veggie dinners in it you shouldn't have to eat it.

You may have a few dissagrements with your mother, and that can be hard if you two are close, but when you look back on it in a few years you'll both be happy that you stood up to the plate and did what needed to be done.

 

[s0ad]

Haha, no. I make all of my meals ever since I changed the way I ate, not just when I became a vegetarian then vegan.

When I asked for help making food my parents yelled and called me difficult/picky.

Now I don't bother.

If I were you I'd just prepare my food before she makes dinner for the rest of the family as not to get in her way while she's cooking, leave it and wait until everyone is ready to eat... and go eat your food with them.

Keeping your food in the microwave (not on obviously) will usually keep it a little warmer than just leaving it on the counter or something. B)

 

[fuzzysocks]

that might work. thanks

she's getting used to the whole vegetarian thing though. Today she actually caved and brought me soy milk