Being a vegetarian within a family of meat-eaters can be challenging at first but, with dedication, respect, and planning we can co-exist quite happily.
Being a vegetarian in a family of meat-eaters doesn’t need to be difficult. With a foundation of respect and planning your family meals ahead, you can easily live together and thrive as a family.
Table of Contents
How Can I Be A Vegetarian If My Family Isn’t
You can be a vegetarian and thrive even if your family isn’t. There are some key components to your success.
- Respect
- No preaching or mocking
- Planning
Respect Each Other
One of the main ways to peacefully coexist in a family with both vegetarians and meat-eaters is for everyone to respect each other and our own personal choices regarding food and our lifestyle.
It sounds easy but, can be rather challenging when a new vegetarian chooses a new life based on animal cruelty and love of animal life.
Being around others that don’t have the same beliefs is something we all have had to adapt to in life.
The core of your relationship should be about respecting each other regardless.
No Preaching Or Mocking Allowed
This goes for both parties involved.
Preaching and mocking don’t do any one of us any good and can actually develop into a lot of friction between families.
A meat-eater usually doesn’t want to hear about how animals are treated and, vegetarians don’t like “funny” jokes like “I’m a member of PETA, people eating tasty animals….”.
Planning Is Your Key To Sucess
Planning with your meat-eating family members is a key component to how successful and happy you will all be.
Make it fun and try to only make minor changes if possible to make it as seamless as can be.
If your family loves pizza, put a pizza night once a week. That’s one easy meal plan figured out.
Is It Hard Being A Vegetarian In A Family Of Meat Eaters
It’s entirely up to you and your family how hard you want it to be.
It can be very easy for vegetarians and meat-eaters to live in the same home.
Make sure that everyone’s needs are met and create a plan to simplify.
Will the vegetarian be preparing meat?
Will the meat-eaters eat some non-meat meals during the week?
Will everyone make their own food?
What are everyone’s favorite meals? (can some be made without meat?)
Can A Vegetarian Be With A Meat Eater
Vegetarians and meat-eaters can be in a loving and successful relationship.
The same rules apply as they would for any other family member, you must have respect and have a good plan.
What Do Vegetarians Think Of Meat Eaters?
How Do Vegetarians Cope With Their Family Eating Meat
Vegetarians deal with their family members eating meat in many different ways.
Some people are upset or grossed out when they see others eating meat.
Many of us choose to accept that everyone is different and not everyone will feel and think as we do.
It’s ok for your family to eat meat as long as they respect your choice not to, that respect should go both ways.
Do Vegetarians Cook Meat For Their Families
Some vegetarians will choose to no longer touch or cook meat. Some may not allow meat to be cooked in their kitchen or be in their fridge.
Others will not have a problem with cooking meat on a nightly basis for their family.
Everyone will be different.
Is It Hard To Cook For Vegetarians And Meat Eaters
It is not hard to cook for both vegetarians and meat-eaters if you follow some tips.
- Cook a dish that can be a main dish for the vegetarians and a side for the meat eaters
- Serve many foods that everyone enjoys
- Switch out the protien in recipes for a vegetarian friendly option (meat substitutes, beans, tofu, tempeh)
- Prepare meals where the meat can be a seperate part or on the side
- Cook with two pans (cooking a one pot dish at the same time with the same ingredients)
- Build you own meals (tacos, hoagie sandwiches, dinner bowls, salads)
- Plan you meat heavy meals for when only the meat eaters are home
- Embrace new foods
- Cook your own foods
Vegetarian Main Dish Ideas
- Lasanga
- Soups
- Pastas
- Casseroles
- Stuffed Vegetables (peppes, zuchini, tomatos, squash)
- Stirfys
- Eggs (omletes, quiche, fried, poached)
- Salads (with hard boilded eggs, nuts, seeds, tofu)
Vegetarian Foods Everyone Enjoys
- Baked Beans
- Veggie Burgers
- Veggie Dogs
- Pizza
- Pastas
- Macaroni Salads
- Grilled Cheese or Paninis
- Quesadillas
- Burritos
- Beans and Rice
- Curry
Is It Easier Being A Meat Eater In A Vegetarian Family
Would it be easier to be the lone meat eater in a vegetarian family or the lone vegetarian in a meat-eating family?
It’s a good question to ponder.
I personally think it is still easier being a vegetarian in a meat-eating family.
I feel like it’s easier being the member of the family that doesn’t consume animal products versus being the only person that does.
Should I Try To Convince My Family To Become Vegetarians
You should never try to convince someone else to become a vegetarian.
Being a vegetarian is a lifestyle choice that can only be made by the person making that choice.
Nobody wants to be told what to do.
Should I Accomodate My Child If They Want To Be Vegetarian
It’s a completely personal choice on how you want to parent your child and how you want to approach a child that suddenly wants to become a vegetarian.
Every family and child is different. If a child wants to be a vegetarian I feel as if the request should be respected and not dismissed.
Even if assisting your child in becoming a vegetarian isn’t what’s right for your family, the most important thing is that your child feels respected, loved, and listened to.
Final Thoughts
It may be an adjustment at first when a member of the family becomes a vegetarian but, both vegetarians and meat-eaters can live happily ever after.
Mutual respect and planning are the main components of your success.
