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My initial attempt at vegetarianism was short-lived—only lasting a week during my teenage years. When I told my mom about my decision, she was supportive but made it clear she wouldn’t be preparing special meals. Unsurprisingly, I soon reverted back to enjoying whatever she cooked.
If you had asked me years later if I would ever try vegetarianism again, I would have likely declined (I was quite the cheeseburger fan in college). However, about four years ago, I decided to eliminate meat and poultry from my diet. My choice to become a pescatarian—eventually leaning towards 99% vegetarian—was influenced by my concerns about the environment, but I quickly discovered I genuinely enjoyed the plant-based lifestyle, a sentiment echoed by my husband. Adopting a mostly vegetarian diet has ensured we get our daily servings of vegetables, leading to an overall healthier lifestyle. Plus, I’ve expanded my cooking repertoire, exploring delicious cuisines like Indian, Thai, and Japanese. And I no longer find myself regretting a greasy burger after a barbecue. However, my son has always been an enthusiastic meat-lover.
When I went vegetarian, I felt it was unfair to deny him something he enjoyed. Yet, like my mother years ago, I didn’t want to end up cooking two separate meals every night! Here’s how I strike a balance.
Meal Planning
In our home, breakfast and dinner are strictly vegetarian. For lunch, my son is usually at school, where he often eats meals that include meat three to four days a week. I also prepare packed lunches with meat, opting for items like frozen chicken nuggets that won’t spoil quickly, and I prefer sustainable options, such as turkey meatballs instead of beef. I generally avoid raw meat since I no longer cook it.
Dining Out
When we go out to eat or get takeout, my son can order anything he desires—steak, burgers, chicken fingers—so long as we don’t waste half of it. When visiting family or friends, he can indulge in all the bacon he wants. At restaurants where we share dishes, like our favorite Indian or Thai spots, we typically choose vegetarian options for the family, but if he craves chicken tikka masala, I’ll order it and save leftovers for lunch the next day.
Open Conversations
When my son asks why I don’t consume meat, I explain it in a way that fosters understanding (like how raising cattle uses a lot of land and resources, which I want to avoid wasting!) while ensuring he doesn’t feel guilty about his choice. We have friends who are vegetarians for religious reasons, so we’ve discussed that too, emphasizing that everyone has the freedom to choose what they eat.
Social Situations
The most challenging aspect has been integrating my dietary choices into our social life. My mother initially expressed her frustration at adjusting her meal preparations, particularly when my sister and her husband also became vegetarians, but she has since adapted by planning plant-based meals. When dining at others’ homes, I always offer to bring a dish, so the host doesn’t have to alter their plans.
Interestingly, allowing my son to eat meat has likely made him more conscious about his food choices than if we had mandated vegetarianism. He now views meat as a treat, which is the mindset I hope he maintains as he grows and makes more independent choices about his diet.
Additional Resources
If you’re interested in more about this topic, check out our post on home insemination methods for useful insights. Additionally, for expert guidance, refer to Make a Mom for fertility journeys and Johns Hopkins Medicine for exceptional resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Balancing a vegetarian diet with a child’s meat preferences can be tricky, but it’s manageable. This article discusses how to navigate meal planning, dining out, and social situations while fostering open conversations about food choices without guilt.
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