A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:Basically I converted to veganism 2 months ago because i nolonger want to contribute to the violence towards animals, with the bonus of improving my health and being one step closer to saving the planet.Now i've keep this a secret from everyone because i didn't want to declare it only for me to fail. I thought it was going to be hard to live this lifestyle but actually its proved easy and i'm not missing out on anything. I love it. It is my nature and food/life has come alive to me. I also feel so much better. My health is amazing.The issue is telling people. Everyone sort of assume i had gone on a diet as i started eatting fresher, more natural homemade stuff. I'm a little wary of what they might say especially my family as they are meat eatters and they might assume i'm putting my health at risk when the opposite is true. I've really researched the topic and i know how to maintain a good natural balance getting everything i need from plant based foods. But they may think i'm naive, stupid, reckless. I stand by my choice to be vegan and i'm proud of it but i fear their lack of understanding on the point may be used to try to force me back into a "normal" diet rather respecting my choice as a worldly adult to know for myself what i am doing. I won't be daft. My eyes are wide open.What i want from you is how you would react if your child, parent, friend, lover became a vegan? What would you think and honestly what do you know about veganism? How would you prefer to be told? Should i prepare information, dvd or just break the news and let them do the research?In case anyone doesn't knowA vegan is someone who choose not to eat meat, milk, cheese, honey, eggs etc. Of course that is merely from a food stand point as there are other lifestyle alterations one can make too such as if you don't eat meat then you may not want to wear meat (shoes) or wash hair with something derived from animals fats (shampoos) etc.Thank you
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female
reader, So_Very_Confused  +, writes (23 December 2013):
 As a vegan your best bet when invited to a meal at a home is to just say "I've got dietary restrictions now that make it really hard to feed me so I'd love to attend but I'll bring my own food"
It's one thing to be a vegetarian that does dairy... but to be a VEGAN is going to be very hard since most folks do not understand the restrictions of veganism and think vegetarianism instead. They may use milk or butter to cook thinking NON meat is ok...
As a parent of adult children, if my child came to me and said "I'm vegan now" I'd say "fine" I would NOT alter my meal plans to accommodate him, although I would make sure that some of the items offered met his guidelines to the best of my ability. but then I'm well aware of the limitations of veganism vs. a more robust vegetarian diet.
we have friends that are vegans and it's never an issue for us.
A
male
reader, JustHelpinAgain  +, writes (23 December 2013):
Why do you need to tell people? The only people you need to tell are the ones that cook food for you, and that's if they don't know you. Maybe reversing your motives would make it easier to explain? I am very happy cooking vegan food because it's good to eat, but not for any other reason. And also there is human suffering involved with many of the dried food items we consume.
Eating a vegetable based diet is very very healthy, but it's probably even more healthy with small quantities of dare I say, fish and meat? Our bodies are made that way. Unless we grow all you own vegetables we are unfortunately at risk of getting quite a lot of unhealthy substances with our vegetables. Also, particularly for a woman, you need to be very aware of your calcium intake, and other vital nutrients. You won't notice the lack of them foe 20 or 30 years, but then it's too late. Also, it's bizarre, but our modern industrial world uses animal producs nearly everywhere!
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A
female
reader, person12345 +, writes (23 December 2013):
 If they cook for you, you tell them. Otherwise keep it to yourself. It's kind of like religion, people have been lectured to so much by vegetarians and vegans about their own eating habits, people are often a bit wary around vegans and vegetarians that if they eat meat in front of them they will get lectured. I like Sageoldguy's suggestion that you ask if they can accommodate you or if you need to bring your own food.
My boyfriend is a vegetarian and he keeps it to himself unless invited over for dinner or directly asked and that works very well for him, whereas one of my friends talks about it constantly and no one ever invites her to dinner anymore.
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (23 December 2013): I'm glad you're not banging on about it like most do. Just mention it if you're invited to dinner somewhere or going on a group trip where there'll be group food provided so your needs are catered for.
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A
female
reader, Atsweet1 +, writes (23 December 2013):
 You should mention it so people can prepare you non meat dishes. I tried vegan on numerous occasions cause of health issues. It was good for me. Then I researched it and studied it to the Bible all the to Cain and Able to better understand. The bible speaks of no judging those who do chose or dont choose to eat meat or vegatable. Also like Micheal Jackson mentions to in a song you a vegatable. All veggies grow from the ground terrestrial. I guess people with the intent of saving the terrestrial plan do make it easy on the enviorment.
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A
female
reader, YouWish +, writes (23 December 2013):
 The only way I wouldn't want to be informed that a friend of mine has become a vegan is on the day I invited him or her over and made a huge meal. Otherwise, I wouldn't care! What someone else eats is their own business, and as I like different kinds of foods, it's all good.
You simply inform your friends and family by saying "I've made a decision to adopt a vegan diet". If they have questions, just answer them, and remain respectful of those who haven't made that decision for themselves.
This may not seem fair, but to many friends and family of people who have become vegetarians/vegans, there is a fine line between communication of your choice and proselytizing. I'm not saying that this is you, and given that you're writing here for advice, I don't think this is you, but many people who have become vegetarians/vegans take it a step farther by making those around them feel badly for their own life's choices.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (22 December 2013):
 YOou don't need to inform anyone officially, but I DO think it's a good idea to let people know if they invite you for dinner/lunch that you are a vegan (and you will bring your own food, because let's face it, it's YOUR choice to go Vegan.)
It's not really that hard to bring a couple of containers with food you like and can eat without everyone else feel like they have to eat Vegan.
You can "educate" people of they ask about it, but other then that I would not go into great details and speeches.
It's a choice.
I have a friend who eats a raw diet (no meats) and she always makes amazing dishes that she brings so we can taste it, but she doesn't make a big deal out of the burgers, roast or steaks the rest of us eat. I have even learned a few that I usually prepare when she comes round. Kids love them too so that is a bonus.
And don't expect everyone to feel the same way about Vegan-ism. I would make it a non-issue. They made/make their choice, you have made yours.
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A
female
reader, Ciar +, writes (22 December 2013):
 You don't need to make a grand declaration. The next time someone invites you to dinner, you could simply tell them you don't eat meat but you'll be happy with the rest.
Stick to the facts, say only what you have to, don't volunteer any explanations and let them have their opinions. Be upbeat, confident and firm. If you act like it's no big deal, chances are others will treat it the same way.
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A
male
reader, Sageoldguy1465 +, writes (22 December 2013):
 I think it's nobody else's business if you've decided to live your life as vegan, or Jewish, or lesbian.... so, why struggle - yourself - with it....
The only time I'd guess it needs to come in to play is if you are going to dinner at someone's home.... at which time you might tell them that you are living with a vegan diet, and "... can you accomodate that? ... or, should I bring my own food?"....
Good luck.....
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