Let's get started...
Deciding to go vegetarian can be an exciting and meaningful step. Whether you've made the choice because of animals, the environment, your health, or even curiosity, it's a lifestyle change that can make you feel proud and in control of your decisions. But what happens when the people around you especially your family don't share your choice?
For many British teenagers aged 13 to 17, becoming vegetarian might be your first major decision about your body, your beliefs, and your future. But if your family still eats meat and doesn't fully understand your reasons, it can lead to tension at the dinner table, awkward moments, and even arguments.
This article explores what it's like to be the only vegetarian in your household, shares a real-life story from a teen who made it work, and gives practical strategies to help you deal with challenges while staying true to yourself.
Why some families find it hard to accept vegetarianism
If you've ever brought up the idea of going vegetarian and been met with raised eyebrows, jokes, or a flat-out no, you're not alone. There are lots of reasons why parents and relatives might react negatively or struggle to support your choice, including:
- Worry about your health They might believe you won't get enough nutrients without meat.
- Habit and tradition Some families are used to certain meals and recipes and see meat as a normal or essential part of them.
- Lack of understanding They might not know much about vegetarianism and assume its just a phase or trend.
- Extra effort Parents might feel overwhelmed at the thought of cooking different meals for you.
Often, their reaction isn't about not caring It's about not knowing. And that means there's a chance to open up conversations, show you're serious, and prove that It's possible to be vegetarian and healthy, happy, and full of energy.
Real-life story: Daniels experience
Daniel, 15, decided to become vegetarian after watching a school presentation on climate change. I wanted to do my bit, he said. But when I told my parents, they rolled their eyes.
His dad joked about rabbit food and his mum said it would be too difficult to cook separate meals. At first, it made me doubt myself, Daniel admitted. I started eating meat again at dinner just to keep the peace.
But he didn't give up. I wrote down my reasons, looked up how to get protein and iron, and offered to cook for myself. After a few weeks, his parents saw he was serious and agreed to try some veggie meals. Now they actually enjoy a lot of what I make, and my little sisters even gone part-time vegetarian too.
It wasn't easy, Daniel said. But it was worth sticking with.
How to handle being vegetarian in a non-vegetarian family
Here are some real, practical strategies you can use to make things smoother at home while sticking to what you believe in.
1. Explain your reasons clearly
Sometimes, adults respond better when they understand that your decision is well thought out. Take time to explain why you want to be vegetarian not in a way that blames them, but in a way that shares your values.
- I've been learning about the environment, and eating less meat helps reduce climate change.
- I don't feel right eating animals anymore It's a personal thing.
- I still care about family meals, I just want to eat differently.
Stay calm and respectful. You don't have to win an argument you just have to share your point of view.
2. Learn how to build healthy vegetarian meals
One of the biggest worries parents have is that you'll miss out on nutrients. Prove them wrong by showing you've done your research. Learn about:
- Protein: from eggs, dairy, beans, tofu, nuts, lentils
- Iron: from spinach, lentils, fortified cereals, beans
- Calcium: from dairy or fortified plant milk
- Vitamin B12: from dairy, eggs, or fortified foods
You can even print out a simple list or show them NHS resources. This shows you're taking care of your body and not just following a trend.
3. Offer to help with cooking
One of the best ways to get your family on board is by helping in the kitchen. Start by learning a few easy vegetarian recipes you can make on your own or with a parent. Some ideas include:
- Vegetarian pasta with tomato sauce and cheese
- Bean chilli with rice
- Stir-fried vegetables and tofu with noodles
- Homemade veggie burgers
- Omelettes or egg fried rice
Cooking for yourself (and even for others) shows maturity and helps ease the pressure on whoever normally makes the meals.
4. Plan ahead for family meals
If your family's having roast chicken or spaghetti Bolognese, you can still be involved just adjust your plate. For example:
- Eat the vegetables and potatoes with a veggie burger
- Make your Bolognese with lentils or Quorn instead of beef
- Have a veggie sausage with mash and peas
Ask your family if they can set some things aside before adding meat like pasta or rice so you can use it with your own protein source.
5. Be patient with teasing or jokes
Unfortunately, some people might tease you even people in your own home. Comments like You'll miss bacon or Here comes the grass-eater can be annoying.
Try not to take it personally. Use humour if you can, or calmly say:
- I'm happy with my food I'm not judging yours.
- This isn't a phase. I've thought about it.
Over time, most people will get used to it and some might even become curious about trying it too.
6. Bring your own food to family events
At BBQs, holidays, or birthday dinners, it helps to come prepared. Bring something vegetarian you can enjoy alongside everyone else like veggie sausages for the grill or a pasta salad for the table. That way, you're part of the celebration without compromising your values.
7. Find support outside the home
If your family isn't supportive right now, look for encouragement elsewhere. Try:
- Online forums or vegetarian communities
- Friends who are also vegetarian or vegan
- Clubs or groups at school
- Websites like The Vegetarian Society or Veganuary
It's easier to stay confident when you know you're not alone.
What if your parents say no?
In some families, especially where money is tight or where food choices are part of tradition or culture, your parents might say no at least at first. If that happens:
- Stay calm: Don't turn it into a fight.
- Negotiate: Can you try being vegetarian just one or two days a week to start?
- Offer to help: Make your own lunches or cook one night a week.
They might come around once they see you're serious and responsible about it.
Final thoughts
Going vegetarian in a family that isn't can feel difficult at first but it's also a powerful way to learn how to stand by your beliefs, communicate with others, and take responsibility for your choices. You don't have to change your whole family just stay true to yourself and find ways to make it work within your home.
Remember, every vegetarian journey is different. Some people get support right away, and others have to build it slowly. But either way, your voice matters, your choices are valid, and your future is your own. Stick with it and don't be afraid to ask for help along the way.
How are you feeling?
It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.
If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:
- Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
- NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
- The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
- SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
- Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)
*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.