Animal Rights Community Online

[Hannah612]

 Going Vegan in a house full of stubborn omnivores...HELP!!!

[Lecinqblog]

reply to hannah's call for help

[panthera]

Hello Hannah! It's such a pleasure to welcome a new vegan. I wish things were easier for you, especially as you make the transition. Is there any sort of vegan or animal rights group in your area, like a meetup group or a school organization? Even a group that isn't ostensibly for vegans, but might have vegans as members. Finding other students would be extremely helpful, not just in terms of support, but also so you can approach the school dining halls about expanding their options. This is an area that is seeing some progress these days.

Don't get overwhelmed by every detail, and do what you can. If you really can't manage to stay vegan while living with your family, don't give up on yourself. When you have the chance, be the awesome vegan that you really are, inside. And realize that you do have choices. Some of us were lucky enough to have vegan options easily available when we made the change. But many of the longtime vegans went through times when veganism was some aberrant behavior that most people hadn't even heard of, when vegan eating mostly meant "not eating." So there's a range of circumstances. You choose how you'll respond to your set of circumstances.

Keep asking for help! And good luck!

[uplander]

Lecinqblog,

I'm right at the beginning of going vegan, and I just read the grocery list on your blog. I am printing it out, but there's no way I can afford to buy everything on that list in one go. Nor to I have the refrigerator/pantry space. But thanks so much, because I have felt lost and clueless for several weeks. I do realize I am more of a vegan than I realized. I've bookmarked your blog and I look forward to more. Btw, I am making the tomato olive pasta soon. it sounds excellent!

[panthera]

[Tigereye]

Congratulations. I have the same problem with my family. I've been trying to go fruitarian for a few months now, and seem to be coping alright, if it wasn't for my parents and such, who are all set dead against vegetarianism, never mind veganism or fruitarianism (and have yet to give me a valid reason as to why they think this). There are a few things I have tried which do make things easier, though.
Firstly, for quite a few years now, i have taken to the habit of taking packed lunches to school and work with me. Normally I partially clear out the fruit bowl and banana rack of things I feel like eating. My parents normally try and load me with things such as cheese, yoghurt or ham sandwiches ( ) but normally I can find someone else to relieve me of them. Anyway, as of yet, my parents have hardly noticed, having the idea that I am just eating healthily on top of an omnivorous diet (Yeah right), so it gives me a chance to follow my own diet without being bothered.
Secondly, as my family are all late-risers, I have found that being the early bird has its advantages. Eating before others wake, then being found bright and awake when others are only just getting up, generally makes people not bother too much about what you are eating for breakfast.
Thirdly, finding free, interesting clubs to join can sometimes mean that you are away and out of the house whilst the rest of the family is eating dinner. If this is the case, parents tend to be more willing to let you either take some food with you, or make your own when you return home.
Fourthly, a minifridge is your best friend! They aren't too expensive at the moment and mean you can keep your own food and always have something to return to if the family fridge has inconveniently been removed of any vegan dishes.
Finally, hog the veggies, or in my case fruit. Take the food and make your dishes before the family does (Hence the early-bird advantage). That way they might get the picture and start to buy more.

Sorry to give such a long speach, I just feel that helping out other people with this same problem as me is somewhat important to me. Anything to make the change easier.

[Geoff]

[panthera]

Wow, Tigereye! I've actually not seen these strategies before; I wonder why not, since they make a lot of sense. It's too bad that you have to rely on hiding your daily dietary choices, but if that means you're free to eat according to your ethics, then it's a great solution. Thanks for sharing! I hope it'll help anyone having to deal with less-than-helpful household members.

[Tigereye]

Thanks Panthera. Glad to be of service.

[Lecinqblog]

Hi uplander

[panthera]

I wonder if anyone has taken up Lecinqblog on this generous offer?

[teddy bear]