Help me support my DD’s effort to not eat meat

[Anonymous]

I also think it might be worth having a conversation about labels. Why can't we all eat less meat or meat that's farmed humanely and sustainably without joining some religion? I think that having to label yourself a strict vegetarian turns people off from making better choices. She is still doing the right thing even if she's not "orthodox."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 12 yo DD two weeks ago stopped eating meat, for animal welfare reasons. She is a big eater and a food lover, so I know this is really hard for her. I am so proud of her and would like to support her as much as I can. Unfortunately we still cook with meat at least once a week and even though I try to plan an appealing vegetarian/pescatarian option for her, it is often haphazard and poorly cooked. I guess because I work full-time I haven’t been able to dedicate enough attention to rethinking our grocery shopping and meal plan. Anyway, to others who have been through this, what should I be doing to support her? Any specific tips for making the shift, any books we can buy, any reward system that might help? Thanks!

I'm the only vegetarian in my house.Though, by default, my family eats less meat. I don't cook it unless we're having guests. If they want it, they plan for it and cook it.

It's really not that difficult to substitute things for meat. There are LOT of really good meat substitutes these days (crumbles, burgers and stuff). Or you can substitute hearty veggies or beans. And there are some food types (asian, mexican) where you can get away with very little meat altogether.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 12 yo DD two weeks ago stopped eating meat, for animal welfare reasons. She is a big eater and a food lover, so I know this is really hard for her. I am so proud of her and would like to support her as much as I can. Unfortunately we still cook with meat at least once a week and even though I try to plan an appealing vegetarian/pescatarian option for her, it is often haphazard and poorly cooked. I guess because I work full-time I haven’t been able to dedicate enough attention to rethinking our grocery shopping and meal plan. Anyway, to others who have been through this, what should I be doing to support her? Any specific tips for making the shift, any books we can buy, any reward system that might help? Thanks!

I'm the only vegetarian in my house.Though, by default, my family eats less meat. I don't cook it unless we're having guests. If they want it, they plan for it and cook it.

It's really not that difficult to substitute things for meat. There are LOT of really good meat substitutes these days (crumbles, burgers and stuff). Or you can substitute hearty veggies or beans. And there are some food types (asian, mexican) where you can get away with very little meat altogether.

Just my two cents, I wouldn't get her started on meat substitutes. They are super processed, often full of soy, and not healthy. Find alternatives, not fake meat. I agree hearty veggies and beans are good, but make sure she's also getting enough fat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:time for her to start cooking. Win-win.

Yep. I don’t make separate meals. If you don’t want what I made, you are on your own. I’m happy to purchase ingredients at my regular grocery run (within reason.(

[Anonymous]

I haven't read all the responses, but I wanted to pop on and post this link. I just saw this and thought of this thread.

http://www.dinneralovestory.com/when-half-the-table-goes-meatless/

At our house we do a lot of meals where you could add protein or leave it out. Soups, rice/bean/veggie bowls, etc. We generally grill several chicken breasts on sunday night, and then those are available to add to meals (or not).

[Anonymous]

No. Just no. She can eat whatever she wants when she’s independent and grown.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fish is meat, maybe explain what vegetarian means to her while you support her? Surely you don't want her to end up that one pp who posted that she has been a vegetarian for 30 years and it works great, and she has no protein issues because her vegetarian diet includes fish? You don't want people to call your DD stupid like we did here to that pp, do you?

She didn't say her daughter was eating vegetarian. In fact she even used the word pescatarian. It is obvious from the context that when she say meat she means meat other than fish, which is not an uncommon distinction to make (check out restaurant menus for an example!). I can't tell if you are a rude meat-eater who is trying to play gotcha with a tween who is eating a diet you think is stupid or a vegan who is trying your best to fulfill all the negative stereotypes, but whichever one you are, it's ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 12 yo DD two weeks ago stopped eating meat, for animal welfare reasons. She is a big eater and a food lover, so I know this is really hard for her. I am so proud of her and would like to support her as much as I can. Unfortunately we still cook with meat at least once a week and even though I try to plan an appealing vegetarian/pescatarian option for her, it is often haphazard and poorly cooked. I guess because I work full-time I haven’t been able to dedicate enough attention to rethinking our grocery shopping and meal plan. Anyway, to others who have been through this, what should I be doing to support her? Any specific tips for making the shift, any books we can buy, any reward system that might help? Thanks!

I'm the only vegetarian in my house.Though, by default, my family eats less meat. I don't cook it unless we're having guests. If they want it, they plan for it and cook it.

It's really not that difficult to substitute things for meat. There are LOT of really good meat substitutes these days (crumbles, burgers and stuff). Or you can substitute hearty veggies or beans. And there are some food types (asian, mexican) where you can get away with very little meat altogether.

Just my two cents, I wouldn't get her started on meat substitutes. They are super processed, often full of soy, and not healthy. Find alternatives, not fake meat. I agree hearty veggies and beans are good, but make sure she's also getting enough fat.

Everything in moderation is fine, imo.

[Anonymous]

A couple of years ago my DD made a similar decision (only meat is seafood) and it's actually been much easier than I thought and good for all of us.

Here's the key though - whole family must like beans and fish. We eat a good amount of lentils, cannellini beans, chickpeas, black beans, fish and shrimp because we all genuinely like them. Sometimes I'll cook ground beef for tacos for everyone but my DD but for the most part we're all fine with black beans instead of meat for tacos.

And then when she's at a sleepover, the rest of us go to Five Guys for dinner