Do your research. Two of my daughters are vegetarian (not vegan though) and it's not the dairy I'm worried about anyway, its protein. If you are getting protein from soy and fiber and calcium from supplements or some other source, you'll be fine. Namaste...good luck on your journey
Ditto the reasearch, there are some really good websites and books on the subject. Approach it in a mature intelligent way and address any specific concerns (again more reasearch) Good luck
From my understanding, westerners don't generally suffer from a lack of protein, infact, I've even heard it argued that anemia isn't massively common in veggies either. Probably your main problem would be the B-vitamins (eggs are a good source) Why don't you come to a compromise and say you'll try it for a month and if your health starts to suffer you'll go back to dairy? Also, you could point out that some people can't eat dairy due to severe allergic reactions, and that's from a medical point of view. As others have said, keep yourself well informed, if you do go vegan it'll also mean that you really understand what you're doing and how you should be eating! Good luck
I like the idea of the trying it out way. But if I do fine then I'll most likely stick with it, or for at least a long time.
Present her with a hypothetical menu for one week. Include a the nutritional elements found in that menu and compare it to National Institute of Health guidelines. I am curious, if you are living on your own, does it realy matter much if she is convinced. After a few years of not dying, she will belieive that you can survive vegan. If you are living at home and she is doing some of the cooking for you, your problem is not convincing her of your health, but to get her to change her cooking habits.
do your research and compare and contrast how being a vegan is healthier thatn eiting red meat. it will take some time but it will work. i mean seriously dig deep into this just in case your mom will ask where are you going to get your protein, or your calcium. i was a vegan for 7 years then i gradually started to eat chicken and fish. but when i told my mom that i was going to be a vegan at age 10 she was upset. and i did my research and showed her how i will get the nutrients that i needed. also if your mom isnt too keen on the idea you should make a vegan dinner and show her what food gives you what nutrient. so good luck hope my ranting was helpful.
My mom is fine with me being veggie and I have been for about 5 months or something, she just is afraid I won't grow right being vegan.
research, faith in self and decision, and a nonthreatening manner. sometimes it is easier for families to adjust if they don't feel your lifestyle change is a threat to their way of life. be prepared to cook for yourself. show her you appreciation for vegetables and trying new ones. there are tons of books and websites. see if there is a local group nearby too. enjoy.
Don't compare to the US NIH because many poloticians are in the pocket of the animal food industries the US nutritional requirments for protien and calcium are WAY above the World Health Organization standards.
becoming a vegan is a big step up from a vegetarian, be prepared, and work out how you will get your iron and protein??
