How To Convince Your Parents To Let You Become a Vegetarian or Vegan

Point out the health advantages of vegetarians: lower body mass, cholesterol, blood pressure, and rates of heart disease, type two diabetes and certain cancers.

Argue that antibiotics used for growth in animals can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections in humans.

Reference environmental data, such as habitat loss, ecosystem damage, soil erosion, and the greenhouse gas production involved in growing animal feed.

Tell them that much of the arable land worldwide is being used to grow grain to feed animals rather than people. Many people are starving while animals are being force-fed. Cruelty to animals is also implicit in producing meat, dairy, and eggs.

Give them a who’s who of notable vegetarians, including the Greek mathematician Pythagoras, Leonardo da Vinci, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sir Paul McCartney.

Ask your parents for their support and listen to their concerns and suggestions. They’ll be more open to the idea if you get them involved.

Invite them to help you plan sample meals with alternate protein sources. Be willing to compromise.

Offer to cook some of the meals. This will take the pressure off Mom or Dad trying to juggle one menu for you and one for the rest of the family. It’ll also show you’re serious about your decision and willing to put in the work.