I'm coming out!

‘Coming out’ is a tricky business!
Explaining to a family of meat eaters that you no longer eat meat is a bit tricky, ‘but it is only chicken,’ seems to be the normal response, as if chicken isn‘t meat. Actually, the thought of a parsons nose (that pointed bit by the chickens bum) is what put me off meat in the first place. I had a sudden thought, along the lines of, ‘yuck, that is a chickens bum, what am I doing?’ and have attempted to avoid eating meat ever since.

It was hard enough for me, I am thirty five and my Mum still thinks I am going through a phase! For teenagers, and younger, it must be even harder, however, the Vegetarian Society offer excellent advice on their website, suggesting that, ‘If you decide to go veggie it is important to get your parents on your side.’ Even saying that if your mum has to cook a different meal for you, you should do the washing up, hear, hear! Visit http://www.vegsoc.org/youth/packs/student-parents.html for more information.

They also offer a ‘Parent and Teenager guide to Vegetarianism,’ booklet, which is full of practical suggestions to support young people and their parents. It is packed with information on vegetarian nutrition, recipes, frequently asked questions, as well as common sense practical advice on day to day issues around living with a vegetarian.
It is available online or as a hard copy free from the Vegetarian Society. Visit http://www.vegsoc.org/youth/youngveggies.html to download a pdf or call The Vegetarian Society for a free paper copy.