Do you hate the thought of eating animals, but Mom and Dad are die-hard carnivores? Use cold hard facts to let them know that going veggie is the way to go.

You Will Need

Health facts

Environmental data

Humanitarian reasons

A list of famous vegetarians and vegans

A willingness to cook

Steps

Never change your diet without first consulting your physician.

STEP 1 Discuss vegetarian pros

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

STEP 2 Argue meat cons

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

STEP 3 Reference environmental data

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

Fossil fuels are also a main component of animal farming, and industrial fishing damages lake and ocean ecosystems.

STEP 4 Use humanitarian reasons

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.

STEP 5 Name famous vegetarians

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

STEP 6 Ask for their support and input

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.

STEP 7 Plan sample meals

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

Some good non-meat sources of protein are nuts, seeds, beans and lentils, tofu, soy products, dairy, and eggs.

STEP 8 Offer to cook

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.

Did you know? Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday was named World Vegetarian Day.

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