[angaustinbrody]

So after announcing to some of my family at lunch yesterday that I am no longer eating meat, I was pounced on about how I am going to get my protein, blah blah blah. I told them about how I am calculating my food into fitday.com and I'm getting enough protein with the oatmeal I have with breakfast, soups I make for lunch and vegetables I eat with dinners. I was picked on pretty much. I was so proud that I had gone 10 days without eating meat. My brother got his lunch and he started picking all of the vegetables off of his hamburger and he says "I'm so proud of myself, I haven't ate vegetables in 10 days". Everyone had a good laugh. I went to my moms for dinner and felt so stupid that I ate what they had.....chicken stir fry. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> I picked the visible pieces of chicken out...but I know there were some small ones in there. WHY do people feel the need to pick on someone about their eating habits??? I don't make fun of people because they sit down to watch a movie and eat a whole bag of chips or popcorn that swims in butter.....why do people pick on others because they are making a HEALTHY choice?!?!

 

[sunshinegal]

Wow, I really feel for you. My family was somewhat supportive although they like to mention what meat they eat all the time because I think they are afraid that I will try to convert them. Funny thing is that I never try to convert anyone or even talk about it to anyone unless they ask. My brother picks on me, but he does it all in good fun. Honestly I would sit down and talk to each one at a time and tell them that what they did is not right, that they hurt your feelings and made you feel stupid over something that is to be applauded. Next time, stand your ground, don't give in and eat something like you did and show them that you are serious and that you won't be pushed around. That is not funny and family is supposed to be supportive.<br><br><br><br>
By the way, awesome job on your 10 days of being meat free! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/pibo.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="ibo:">

 

[angaustinbrody]

11 days today <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/wink3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[aotto08]

Congrats on the 11 days! Yeah, most people feel like they need to make fun of you for making healthy choices if they feel insicure about their own choices. They need to justify the way they are eating, and they do this by making fun of you and making themselves feel superior. It does get better with time though. Most of my family applauds me that I am the healthiest of them.<br><br><br><br>
Also, if you know you are going to an omni's house and there will be nothing to eat, bring your own food, or say you've already ate, then go have a Luna bar........<br><br><br><br>
Don't give in to them or make futile attempts to answer their questions. You need to be strong to show them that what you are doing is right for you.

 

[pgor72]

Stay Strong~! It get's easier...<br><br><br><br>
I have been a vegan for a little while now, when I first changed my diet there were all kinds of snarky comments from friends and family and several times, I took the bait! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/dozey.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":tired:"><br><br><br><br>
I have learned that the longer I am veg*n and the more I believe in it, the easier it is for me to overlook the comments and eye rolling and let them just look ridiculous when i don't justify their comments with a reply.<br><br><br><br>
It's not just a diet, it is a respectful way of life. You'll work it out... chin up!<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/rockon.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":rockon:">

 

[MaryC1999]

Lesson #1: Never announce you're a veg*n in a roomful of omni's. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/shy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":shy:"><br><br>
Seriously, don't bring it up over meals or in a large group of people. The whole gang mentality comes out then and it seems to put at least a few people on the defensive.<br><br>
Next time someone brings it up just change the subject. Don't let people pick on you. Also if your brother makes a joke, try laughing it off. it's not much fun to pick on someone who doesn't care about being the joke KWIM?<br><br>
Oh and since your family knows you're veg*n now and refuses to make appropriate side dishes at least for you (it's not THAT hard to add the meat AFTER in a stir fry) next time you're invited tell them you'll be more than happy to bring a dish for yourself to share so they don't have to go through the trouble of making anything special for you.<br><br>
If anyone mocks your dish, act like you can't hear them.<br><br>
Bullies HATE to be ignored.<br><br>
Congrats on your new life path!<br><br>
Mary

 

[ketivnilloc]

Lesson #2<br><br>
Most people are afraid of "healthy food"<br><br>
even as a health consious omnivore, people tried making fun of me for not consuming aspartame, "diet" foods, and white food.

 

[MarrakeshXpress]

Meat-Eaters feel compelled to jump down the throat of anyone who mentions they are or are trying to be vegetarian because in modern western culture life oftentimes revolves around food and/or meals and meals usually revolve around meat. Omnivores are less likely to think about all this than vegetarians are, but the reason meat-free lifestyles are offensive to them is because in rewriting your life without meat, you are calling into question a huge part of their lives.<br><br>
This defensive, how-dare-you-question-us attitude tends to be worse among families because families traditionally share meals and similar lifestyles.<br><br>
My parents have always supported my vegetarianism but my extended family finds it tedious and annoying. At family gatherings, I avoid asking if things are vegetarian, if I'm not sure, I don't eat it. If I were to ask, I would be treated as if I were being fussy and whiny. Ironically, my number one goal is not to draw attention to my vegetarian diet but my aunts, uncles and cousins would probably tell you that all I do is shove it in their faces.<br><br>
As for the "but how will you get your protein?" thing. This is my number one pet peeve. I HATE when meat-eaters ask me this. I just want to scream at them: "listen, I'm the one whose spent the last half decade, not eating meat, reading vegetarian literature, how-to and cookbooks. I'm also the one in college studying nutrition, I think I know how to get my protein"<br><br>
FYI, theres a statistic that says the average american gets 3x the recommended amount of protein.

 

[Flexi]

I was 14 when I decided to give up meat; I think it was my brothers mocking me and saying that I'd never last through the Sunday roast without picking at the chicken that made me more determined to be veggie!<br><br><br><br>
If people say things about my choices now I smile sweetly and say it's just a phase I'm going through!<br><br><br><br>
(I've been a vegetarian for 23 years in September!)<br><br><br><br>
Good luck! - It gets easier! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[JacksonMIvegan]

Hey, its good you told them. Its new to them, and they don't understand it so they make fun it/you. Families are like that. I am sure they will ease up. You have to remember, that until 10 days ago they felt you agreed with them that a balanced diet was healthy.<br><br>
I am not the worlds greatest veg. I am what I am because of life's events, i did not choose this lifestyle, it choose me. Some day I may go back, i might not, that is a choice for that moment in time. But remember as long you follow the path this choice has taken you down, your no healthier, no less healthy, or better or worse off than others, that have not.<br><br>
Also I found it interesting you said they pounced on you. I am a big believer in that your perception is a reflection of what we are giving off. Could not it be, just as easy to say from their perspective the same.<br><br>
Omins often think we preach, we often say they attack and are stupid. When this is just one viewpoint stuck reflecting back and forth in an event about as enjoyable as mental masturbation.<br><br>
Turn your mirror angaustinbrody, allow it pass you by, be stronger and smarter. Be yourself. In time they will stop, see and appreciate the reasoning and beauty of your choice, and find peace with it. Just as you must right now, by letting go of your fears and negativity. Not giving up, as there is no wining or losing here. But giving up the negativity that is holding you back, from being completely comfortable with your choice.<br><br>
So try turning every would be negative in to a positive.<br><br>
example. your Brother says I am not eating veggies to be healthy with that wonderfully sharp wit only brothers can have. You respond to that with I think its great you are making choices to improve your health.<br><br>
That may not well be the reason behind his statement, but your reflection of it is positive, even if you do not agree with it or find it factual. He will find your reaction to be not his desired and go on, until eventually he begins to reflect back on to you positive energy.

 

[Slylantro]

I feel similarily when it comes to trying to closet vegetarianism at most types of family gatherings. Not so much because they'l blatently make fun of me (they know they can't get away with that), but because it's like the bloody spanish inquisition.<br><br>
How long?<br><br>
Can you eat fish?<br><br>
What if the fish comes from a can?<br><br>
What about shellfish?<br><br>
What about coral, that looks like a fish, but is technically an animal?

 

[angaustinbrody]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Also I found it interesting you said they pounced on you. I am a big believer in that your perception is a reflection of what we are giving off. Could not it be, just as easy to say from their perspective the same.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
Absolutely not. I ordered a huge salad for lunch...that is why I announced I was no longer eating meat.<br><br><br><br>
Every family meetup while discussing stories my mom and dad ALWAYS bring up the time when I was about 10. I got so angry over killing animals to eat them and I proudly announced "When i grow up i'm never eating an animal, I'm going to become a vetrinarian". Of course i meant to say vegetarian but everyone had a good chuckle.<br><br><br><br>
I shouldn't care what anyone says because my food choices have improved SO much since I stopped eating meat!! It's crazy. A regular day before would have been fruit loops or some cereal like that for breakfast. Hot dogs and macaroni and cheese for lunch. Dinner would've been a big slab of some sort of meat, potatoes and one other vegetable (usually slathered with cheese sauce or margerine) heavily salted. I would also have two snacks. Now the fruit bowl and vegetable drawer in the fridge are full on shopping day and empty by the end of the week <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[Gustagirl]

Angaustinbrody: Keep it up <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> I think you're doing great....LOL my family keeps reliving an incident when I was younger I threw a fit cause I didn't wanna let my folks cook lobster.I wanted to keep it as a pet lol...Guess we showed our intrest in being vegeterians at an early age heheh.I think it's always hard at first when you first announce your decision to be a vegeterian.I know I have been working on my family for months telling them how I really don't care for meat etc. My parents are fairly supportive people, but when it came to my decision to being a vegeterian they are struggling a little. God love em but it seems they forget that I no longer eat meat and will put it on my plate or save me leftovers. Yet they will announce to other family members that I"m vegeterian and explain on my decision to be vegeterian (in a very supportive manner) It's an adjustment period for them. I'm just greatful for all the support that I do get. The best bf in the world, friends,family and VB <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> it will get easier..

 

[Seb_0810]

Omnis pick on veggies because they feel guilty eating meat and try covering the guilt up. I know I felt guilty eating meat when I was an omni. I looked up to vegetarians, however, and always wanted to be one, so I did not pick on them.<br><br><br><br>
I find the best way to avoid having people pick on you is to not mention it. If you try to pretend to be omni (but not eat omni foods, of course) people may not notice. Announce that you stopped veg*nism. Try eating veggie meats without telling people that they are veggie meat. Better yet, serve it to them! They will think it's very good if they don't know it's veggie meat.<br><br><br><br>
Or, you can let them get used to it. They will pick on you less as time goes by.

 

[spectrum42]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>angaustinbrody</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
So after announcing to some of my family at lunch yesterday that I am no longer eating meat, I was pounced on about how I am going to get my protein, blah blah blah.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
Sorry to hear it didn't go so well. I hate when it comes up at meal time because people get really defensive about what's on their plates. Thicker skin... that's something that will come and it all gets easier.<br><br><br><br>
As for the protein question, it does get tiring, doesn't it? If I feel that someone really wants to know, I'll explain what I'm eating in order to meet nutritional requirements. Otherwise, I'm starting to answer if this way: "I've done quite a bit of studying and found that getting the necessary protein isn't difficult at all. If you're interested in non-meat protein sources, I can email you some information later or direct you to a good website." Usually the conversation ends there. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[ketivnilloc]

as for the protein question, i usually tell people that protein is in every plant food you can eat.

 

[Linda7852]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Gustagirl</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
....when I was younger I threw a fit cause I didn't wanna let my folks cook lobster.I wanted to keep it as a pet ..</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
Aww... that's so cute.. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/hamster.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":hamster:">

 

[enigma]

I guess I am lucky to live where I do (Vancouver), where there are lots of vegetarians. Most people don't even notice when I order something without meat, and if they do find out that I don't eat it, I usually get a "That's cool" and little other commentary.<br><br><br><br>
When I was a young teen and just becoming veg, I did get a lot of hassles from family and from acquaintances my own age, but I kind of liked the attention and the opportunity to get on my soapbox.<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br><br><br>
Even now, family is funny - when I eat with my extended family, they always ask "Are you eating meat these days? What about chicken?" as if they're still wondering when this "phase" (12 years and counting) will end.<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/thinking.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":think:">

 

[FlexibleMatthew]

You certainly won't make everyone happy by telling them that you won't be eating meat anymore. I found a few people in my circle to take offense to it as if I was saying that they were now all of the sudden wrong for eating it (although I eat fish and I never push my life choice on anyone).<br><br><br><br>
It was shocking to me how the reactions were similar to the ones I recieved from smokers when I quit smoking 5 years ago...<br><br><br><br>
The only person important in your food choices is you so instead of getting a thick skin, tell yourself how proud your are that you are growing and evloving from a great person to an even greater one by living the best life you can.<br><br><br><br>
Leave the negative to the other people, you be responsible for the postive <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/wink3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[sallyomally]

I felt guilty when I was an omni. Truth can make one feel<br><br>
uncomfortable .