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Advice for a new Vegan member
Started
by Taty
on November 11, 2010
Hello everyone, I am new to the vegan world and have been vegan for the past month. I find it extremely difficult to follow this lifestyle because I have a husband and teenage son who are carnivores and are not extremely fond of vegetables. My young daughter, however, copies whatever I eat and is willing to go down the vegan road with me. I have two questions: can anyone share with me quick lunch ideas to pack for my daughter and secondly, any ideas on how can I change my husband and son to see that a vegan lifestyle is definitely the key to good health?
Thanks!! Tatya
P.S. Also, any advice on how to handle family settings (especially during the holidays) with family members who are less than encouraging? I've told my family that I am following this lifestyle and was told that "I am crazy." HELP!!!
Hi and welcome. I think you will find the people here quite helpful.
I live with 2 meat eaters and it can get frustrating. Just remember they are their own people and might be willing to try this lifestyle when they see the results you and your daughter get. When they see the energy you have and how healthy you are. I will say this, I do not cook meat for my family, if they want meat when I cook they have to make it themselves. I do, however, make enough portions that I can seperate what i make and they can do their own thing.
For your daughter if you can look for the book sVegan Lunchbox and Vegan Lunchbox around the world. I was able to find these at my local library to see how I liked them before I bought them.
As for family, we all have members who tease us and think we are crazy. I have one that likes to ask me how my flavorless food is. Drives me crazy! When i go to a family gathering I bring my own food. I always let whoever is hosting the gathering know. I figure its better to bring my own meal then ask them to go to the trouble to make something only I will eat. I also always bring a dessert, I add to the others and don't tell people its vegan till they ask who brought it. I LOVE the looks on their faces when they find out its from me.
Have fun with this journey and don't let others get you down. There are a lot of great recipes that you can make that can be made for your meat eating guys. I made veggie chili for mine when my journey first started and now he makes it for me at least once a week. I also use Seitan in some of my meals, it gives a meaty texture. Good luck and keep us updated!
Kelly
Taty-
Welcome. It's very hard to do in a family dynamic like yours. I found an easy way to ease them in is to make dishes that replace the meat and dairy and you can either tell them or don't tell them you have. If you don't when it tastes the same or better you can tell them it's vegan. A good start is something like chili that has a lot of spices in it and other things as well. This works well with Mexican food too.
I am starting an experiment on my blog in 2 weeks where people are switching from their SAD (standard american diet) to a vegan one for 60 days. Several of the people participating are in your exact shoes. They will be blogging on the process as they are living it. That might be helpful too - by then you might even have some suggestions to help them!
Also, try to get your husband to read The China Study. If he thoroughly understands the health implications that may help as well. I find education is best!
My blog address is: www.theplantrx.com I hoep you take a look at it. Kindest Regards, Jenna
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