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Hello everyone!
I am a meat-eater that used to be a vegetarian. Why did I quit? My friends and family were so worried about me and my health. My mother outright disaproved of my choice said I was being ridiculous. Also, I worried about the stigma that comes with being vegetarian and vegan. Others look at you differently, as if you might fall apart at any moment from malnutrition! Without support, from the people I care about and even from myself, I quit. I thought it would be a load off of my mind, but its not.
I want to try being a "flirt" and test the waters, but I fear what others will think. I can't tell my parents, and I would rather not tell my friends. I'm too scared to let others know how I feel about animal rights and the environment. It makes me different than them in some way.
I didn't think this would be so hard, but I can't get myself to even buy some vegan butter! It's an irrational fear, I know. I need to just grow a backbone! Does anyone have any advice on just going for it, and doing what you believe is right, even if others around you don't support your decision?
Christina...
The choice is yours and yours alone. If you feel that vegetarianism or veganism is the way you want to feed your body, then do so. There's words of wisdom that say..."what other people think of you is none of your business". The other that I like to live by is, "other people don't think what you think they think" That said...are these other people taking care of you in some significant way? Do they buy the food you eat? Are they paying for your health insurance/health care? YOU, my dear, are the ONLY one responsible (truly) for that unless you are unable to care for yourself.
THAT said, I have endured TWO different cancer diagnoses within 6 months time and am currently on crutches because of a melanoma removal. Don't wait for something like that to happen to you before you make your health choices.
Start small...Meatless Monday, rice milk, soy smoothies...JOIN A VEGAN GROUP...where there are other like-minded people! Get people around you who DO support your decision! It's very empowering...you would NOT be alone! GO FOR IT!!
Hi Christina,I new to this too and I haven't told anyone what I am doing. It may not be the best choice because I'm sure support from my husband would be nice. But I also don't want the " you're trying what?" "i don't think you can do it" so i am going to make two flirting meals a week and make meat for the rest of my family the rest of the nights. I will gradually make it so all meals are vegetarian and my husband can add meat if he likes. If he asks what I am trying I will defiantly tell him, but it is something I want to do for myself. Good Luck!!Natalie
Amy,
Thank you for your inspiring words. You're right, of course, I am the only one in charge of my health! It's a little ridiculous to think that I am letting others dictate how to treat my own body. Thank you for helping me to see that.
I am going to try some milk substitutes today. I'll see how it goes!
Thank you so much again,
Christina
Natalie,
That's really brave what you are doing, but I'm proud that you're doing what you think is best for yourself! Who knows, maybe your husband will really enjoy the meals from Alicia's book? I hope everything goes well for you, and good luck!
Wow... I thought I was the only one who felt like that!
I had posted on facebook that I made meatless dinner for myself last night and some of my coworkers asked if I was "going to be a vegetarian"... in a less than "positive" tone... I almost felt guilty for it!
I did discuss it with my fiance last night and he was very supportive, but I'm sure he probably thinks its a fad.... I actually have been lurking on this site for about a week, and just bought Alicia's book last night.. (and read it cover to cover) :)
I think all of the advice is great. One thing I'd like to add is if you're really not comfortable and by telling people it might make you regress you don't have to tell everyone until you are comfortable. Some people know I'm vegan and some don't. I don't lie about it by any means and to be honest I don't think anyone really cares, but I don't go out of my way to mention it if it's not relevant to conversation. Mainly, I don't want them to think I'm judging them or trying to convert them. If it's really going to make you uncomfortable, be as vegan as you can be without calling attention to yourself (e.g., order a soup that looks vegetarian but don't make a big deal about what other ingredients are in it if you're not sure) and just be "more" vegan when you're alone. I know everyone might not agree with this attitude but what matters most is you being able to make your changes to your lifestyle in the most comfortable way for you.
And Natalie, I love what you're doing....one day your husband is going to go wow, I'm a vegetarian and didn't even realize it! lol
Oh, also, if you're cooking for others, do what Alicia recommends in the book. Make the most decadent dishes possible. Now might not be the time to introduce them to a superhero dish. You can be a vegan and still eat some really decadant food. I make a curry soups that I can't imagine a carnivore wouldn't love (assuming they like curry! lol)
Good luck!!
Love the advice, I'm 100% going to try it out. I am so nervous though
You guys all rock! To be truthful....I used to be a smokin', drinkin', steak/pork/poultry/fat lovin' fool! I am now payin' the piper. My changes were gradual and as I started feeling better, I thought "Hey! There's something to this!" The point is, I didn't know how BAD I felt until I really started feeling good! We ARE what we eat.
If you don't want to tell anyone, don't. Just prepare yourself if you are going to be in joint company. Eat first on what you want to feed yourself, then make up a little white lie like "you know, I just have had too much meat this week...I'm going to go lighter!". What will happen is that people will notice that you are happier (ever met someone who felt crummy who acted happy?), your skin will shine, you will lose weight effortlessly, and they will say something. Live by example...you don't need to make it public if you don't want to.
As an update...my friends noticed a huge change in my appearance and demeanor. They say that I am calmer and look so healthy. So...one of them is now a vegan and the other is "flirting"! I'm really glad that I had the courage to tell them. My advice: Go for it! Tell others and if they disagree, you are still the one who has to take care of yourself. So do what you feel is best : )
As an update...my friends noticed a huge change in my appearance and demeanor. They say that I am calmer and look so healthy. So...one of them is now a vegan and the other is "flirting"! I'm really glad that I had the courage to tell them. My advice: Go for it! Tell others and if they disagree, you are still the one who has to take care of yourself. So do what you feel is best : )
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