Hi all, 
I have recently decided to become a vegetarian.  About two years ago I read the book "Skinny Bitch" and decided it was time to cut meat from my diet.  I was a devout vegetarian (not vegan) for two and half weeks. But I was living with my parents who were not accommodating and I gave up.  However, after watching a commercial where a cow was being pushed with a tractor.... I decided I had to give up meat and animal products once and for all.  But I feel like I am wavering again.  I live in New Orleans, and I have to say this is one of the worst cities for vegetarians.  People love the meat in NOLA!!  I am also not receiving support from my family, friends, and coworkers.  I have been telling people because I felt it would make me more accountable.  However, I have been shocked by the response.  My Mom thinks it's just a "stage", my Dad thinks I'm in a cult, and my friends and coworkers just think I'm a nut.  Has anyone been through a similar situation and made it through?  What did you do?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks so much! 

the people in our lives are not always supportive of the decisions we make in life. but remember: it's your life-your decision! sometimes they don't agree on who we should love or who want to be with... or what our profession should be... or sometimes like in your case what we should eat. but if u don't speak your mind for what u believe in how will u live with your self? because the animal can't speak think of your self as it's voice. every time someone tells u a negative thing about your decision not to eat meat just remind yourself why u made that decision in the first place. by refusing to eat meat u are saving some poor animal life.and isn't that more than enough to encourage u to stick to your decision.         and u don't even have to worry about other opinions if don't talk about the subject with people about it. just eat what u are planing to eat(delicious food that does not include meat,and there's plenty of it). if they don't understand avoid  talking about what u eat (it's your business,nobody elses) and feel good about your self because you ARE doing the right thing. sleep healthy and with a kind heart and clean conscience at night. hope this helps. it's written with a great hope that u are strong enough to help the animals who can not help them self. and when ever u want to talk about anything (i get u are in a tough situation because of the city u live in) there are always vegetarians on this page if not in your city:))) please write what u will decide no matter what the decision is... night night

read this abouve when you're cracking under pressure:))) it will make even more sence every single time

I have found that the same people that make it hard on us, are the people that need compassion the most but are unable to get to that place, you should hold true to your self and that will help them in the journey to a more compassionate lifestyle, my husband makes fun of me all the time yet I know he admires my will power, heck it is not easy to take a stand like this...you should be PROUD of your self!!! As far as eating in your town, I sometimes will bring my own food and just order a salad and veggies, eat the bread or whatever starch they are serving and add my goodies from home to the plate...they never notice nor care if you are spending cash there!!!

Amanda,
I'm in a similar situation.  I've been vegetarian, vegan when possible, since Feb.  I live in the country, in East TN.  My husband has been supportive and eats what I prepare.  My parents think I'll give it up.  My nephew gave me a hard time, but I told him, if he wanted to argue about it, he needed to make an informed argument.  He still hasn't.  I don't tell people, unless they ask, just to save argument.  Remember why you are doing it and who you are doing it for.  "Stick to you guns."  (Ha.  Good Southern expression.)  The rest really doesn't matter.  Living in the South makes it more difficult.  Not as many options, so you have to plan more carefully, but it does get easier.

Kareybug

A cult?!  Haha, isn't it hilarious how we react to things we don't understand?  Questions are good bc each question brings them a little bit closer to joining the movement in whatever capacity - even if it's just talking about their "daughter's crazy fad," ya know? ;)

also - maybe it will help to remember that other people have even less options to be vegan than we do....think of the people who have to consume every available calorie simply in the hopes of surviving...maybe just say a small thx when ur reminded of ur limited options...

think of the plethora of ops u have to share - always ASK for vegan options...! also - don't be a perfectionist, just seek excellence. 

it really helps me to think about all the facts and some of the more gruesome things like pesticides and hormones in my food.  also - if i could just give u a SAMPLE of how i feel....i will tell you, i was nervous too when i began, but i can honestly and easily say that i will never go back.  i just don't see it ever being appealing again.  honestly - everything physical is almost radiant, i feel so healthy, and even my senses feel more honed and alert...i'm telling u - it's pretty crazy...i'm so much more sensitive to artificial scents - i can sniff them out automatically...same with preservatives in foods and drinks...it's crazy...i feel like i may actually be BECOMING a superhero...

in fact, if u want to try "treating" urself once a month, u'll quickly see what i'm talking about....i only did it twice (and the second was even vegan fast food), and i no longer have any desire to eat even vegan processed food, let alone animal products. 

so much of life is just habit, and all that lay between us and whoever we want to be is a matter of changing habit. 

let me know if i can do anything to help...!

   I just wanted to wish you luck.   You are not alone.    I am new to all this myself, but it sounds great for a lot of reasons.   I don't find it that hard to give up steak.   Now chicken is more of a problem.   You can do it!!!!   And if your family won't support you people here will.  

I agree.  It's always hard when you believe in something that others don't understand (and don't seem to care either).  I sometimes feel demoralized too.  Even though I KNOW I'm making good choices and AM proud of them, it still gets hard to take the flack at times.  I also tend to just go the "quiet route."  I don't say anything to anyone, just pick out what I want to eat and skip the rest.  I'm newly vegan (about a month) and so far when I am going to someone's house for dinner (just went to my parents' house Sun. for a Mother's Day dinner), I ate before I went.  Then when I got there, I could pick out the few options I felt ok eating, and not suffer with being hungry.  If someone asks me why I'm not eating _____, I'll tell them.  Or if I don't feel like going into a big thing about it I'll just say "I already ate," or something like that, which is also true.  I'm hoping my actions will speak louder than any words could.  When I'm passionate about something, and feel strongly, I tend to get upset when people challenge me.  So personally, I find it better to just avoid confrontation in such situations. 

Hi Everyone,
Just read Alicia's book last week and am flirting.  Its easiest when I can plan my own meals and do my own shopping but when I go out to restaurants with friends or coworkers thats when I trip up.  No problem with giving up meat - its the dairy - mainly cheese - that gets me at restaurants.  But there is so much support on these forums that I feel better knowing I'm not alone.  Also some great tips - like calling the restaurant in advance - that I'm gonna try.  Any other tips for how to handle a vegan diet in a social setting/restaurant?

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. 
Albert Einstein 

Love that quote, Suzy!  Thanks for sharing!!  That's a good one to remember when facing opposition. 

I've also had somewhat of a similar issue.  I live in Omaha, Nebraska, which isn't exactly veggie loving.  I am 37, my parents live in SC, and when I told mom I am now a vegetarian (gave up poultry and fish about a month ago), she sent me a preachy email about how not to change my eating habits, and we need to eat meat and fish because we are carnivors.  She also thinks it is a kick, or I am part of a cult.  I am 37, haven't lived at home since I was 18, and haven't eaten pork or beef since my 20's.  I did the research, have gone days in the past w/o animal flesh, etc...
Fortunately, my sister gives me full support and thinks it is great.  She doesn't eat meat or eat much dairy anyway.  I also have a co-worker who is a vegetarian who is supoprtive. Also, as mentioned above, forums like this help.  Can't wait to announce it when I finally give up dairy and eggs.....

Good luck Nicole!!!  While my family hasn't verbally objected to my eating choices, I know they raise their eyebrows and probably talk about me when I'm not there.  Which, I'm not sure which is better.  I also am pretty sure they just don't get it.  Why would someone give up all meat and dairy????  That's their thinking.  I have yet to "announce" anything, but am just eating how I choose to eat and figure over time they'll catch on.  Or if they ask, I might say something.  I did tell my grandma, b/c she asked me directly, if I'm on some special diet now (she knows I'm not drinking milk anymore, or eating fish...both of which I used to do just a month or so ago before going vegan).  I told her I'm following a more plant-based diet, etc.  She didn't really respond, so that leads me to believe she didn't really understand.  She asked if I was starving myself though.  Lol, I told her No, I wasn't starving! 

Amanda,

Hang in there! I'm proud of being Vegan! And it shows whenever I bring out my homemade lunch and everyone looks at what I have and ooohh, and awwws. They see that I physically look healthy, am happy and they suddenly want what I have for lunch instead of their greasy hamburger that leaves them feeling bloated, etc. So, be proud of what you're choosing to eat, not just because it saves animals, but because it's nourishing your soul and body in a way that's life changing! People will catch on after they see you're confident in your decision! I wouldn't eat meat now if someone paid me to! =)

Hey Amanda-

It gets easier. I tried so many times to cut out the meat, then finally at 41 was able to do it, now 3 + yrs later it's so easy.