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Lack of support
Started
by Kimi Kim
on July 31, 2012
Hi everyone,
I've been a vegetarian for a little over a year now and I would like to eventually turn vegan. I feel like there's a lack of support from my friends and family who think that vegan is unhealthy. Some of my friends still think that being vegetarian means lacking protein and iron. I'm really frustrated because I don't want to push them to change their diet (that's their personal choice) but to encourage me. The only support I get is from my dad who enjoys trying some of the recipes I make. I understand the worries over the vegetarianism and veganism, if those diets are poorly planned it can have an impact on your health but I've done my research on it. I look at how some of my friends and family eat and it's not even healthy yet they criticize the way I eat. It's so frustrating seeing the double standard and I'm not sure how to react to it anymore, it's like talking to a wall.
Anyone went through a similar situation and have ideas on how to deal with this? I would really appreciate it!!
-Kimi
By the way, I'm sorry if there are mistakes, English is my second language :)
Hi Kimi! I totally understand where you are coming from...My family doesn't understand completley either and more times than not I am getting laughed at or made fun of...it can be hard but just stay strong in the reasons you made this choice in the first place...health...animal cruelty...and/or helping the enviroment...and that you are in fact making healthy choices...one thing that has helped me is to let the ones closest to me read some of my books like Why We Eat Pigs Wear Cows and Love Dogs...The Kind Life...Crazy Sexy Diet...and tell them that you aren't trying to change them but just trying to help them better understand you...Hope this helps!!! Peace...Sherry :)
Hi Kimi! I know what you are going through! It is a constant battle with me and my family. I'm from the southern US, so greasy unhealthy food is a way of life here. It is very frustrating to try to explain why something like milk is bad for you, when most everyone has heard the opposite their whole life. They just won't believe you at first. In my experience, time is on your side. Once family sees that this is not a phase, and that you aren't getting sick, and that you are happy living this lifestyle, they will eventually be more open to it. I got my dad and brother (big meat eaters) to watch Forks over Knives. After FOUR years, they are finally starting to listen. They aren't acting on it, they don't eat healthy yet, but they are starting to listen to me. It takes baby steps sometimes. And, reading Veg friendly books helps me feel like I'm not alone. I recently read Vegan Freak by Bob and Jenna Torres, and recommend it!
It gets easier!
Thanks for the suggestions :)
I will try them, it's nice to know that I'm not the only one who is facing that kind of situation.
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