Help! My Dad is still trying to convince me that being vegan is unhealthy...
My Dad just sent me this in an email, how should I respond?
Take particular note of essential amino acids where low intake is a health issue;
http://www.realtime.net/anr/aminoacd.html
Types of protein
Protein plays an essential role in building and repairing your body. But whether it helps a fingernail to grow or heals a sore muscle, for example, depends on the make-up of the protein.
Proteins consist of smaller units called amino acids, which can link together in many combinations to form chains. Some amino acid chains are created by your body, but those called essential amino acids must come from your diet. Although all animal and plant cells contain some protein, the amount and the quality of the protein varies a lot.
High biological value foods contain enough indispensable amino acids for an adult diet and are considered to be good quality protein. Meat, fish and eggs sit in this category.
Low biological value foods don't contain enough indispensable amino acids. Plant foods, such as pulses (dry legumes) , nuts and seeds, are in this group.
Advice for vegans and vegetarians
Some plant foods are low in one kind of amino acid whereas other plant foods are higher in that amino acid. By eating a well balanced diet that contains a variety of foods you can get all the amino acids you require. Previously it was thought that for vegetarians to obtain enough protein different plant foods had to be combined in the same meal in order to balance the amounts of amino acids, known as protein combining. Now it's believed that this isn't necessary and that eating a range of plant foods over the course of a day will provide all the essential amino acids the body needs.
Foods such as eggs, nuts, seeds, beans, pulses, vegetable protein foods and soya products all contain protein. There are also small amounts in grains and dairy products.
Did you know...?
Eggs contain all eight essential amino acids, making them a perfect source of protein. However, you'd have to eat at least eight eggs a day to get all the protein you need. Be sensible; include them as part of a balanced and varied diet.
How much is enough?
Health professionals recommend that protein makes up ten to 15 per cent of your diet. They suggest men eat 55.5g protein a day and women eat 45g. In real terms, eating a moderate amount of protein - in one or two meals every day - should give you all the protein you need.
The need to eat protein every day is worth emphasising, because your body can't store it - you can't stock up on it by bingeing on protein once a week, for example.
Eat organic, pasture-raised, beef and lamb - this will help you avoid residual pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics in conventionally raised cattle. Do you know that the hormones injected in cows to promote rapid weight gain have exactly the same effect on women who eat meats with steroids?…
Fun research=
Dads Misc characterisations; plagiarised
Stuff Veg*ns and Animal Rights Folk Like
* Buttons, patches, stickers and pins declaring their position on topics such as fur, animal testing, eating meat, etc. Quite often worn on either a tote bag or a messenger bag.
* Showering … haha, just kidding. They don't shower as often as their counterparts.
* Arts and crafts.
* Animals - duh. But pets, too. Cats and dogs, but weird ones especially. They might have a bunny that hops freely around their apartment, a chicken roaming their backyard, or a piglet that sleeps with them. All rescued, of course.
* Telling other people what they cooked for dinner last night.
* Fresh, local, natural foods such as fruits and vegetables.
* The color black, hooded sweatshirts, dark-rimmed glasses, and big combat-type boots. Though now there are more and more "lipstick vegans."
* Making new, cooler clothes from old ones.
* Pamphlets.
* Playing the guitar, learning to play the guitar, or at least talking about how they have always wanted to play the guitar.
* Frugality.
* Reading novels … and then telling you which ones you should read.
* Childhood nostalgia: strawberry shortcake, building snowmen, coloring books, cartoons, etc.
* Hummus.
* Meeting other vegetarians.
* Dreadlocks, uneven haircuts, and other self-styled 'dos that require little to no maintenance.
* Traveling. Economcally.
* Indie entertainment - the less popular, low-budget movies, music, and places.
More Dad stuff;
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/pyramids.html
Building a Better Pyramid
If the only goal of the Food Guide Pyramid is to give us the best possible advice for healthy eating, then it should be grounded in the evidence and be independent of business.
Instead of waiting for this to happen, nutrition experts from the Harvard School of Public Health created the Healthy Eating Pyramid. It is based on the best available scientific evidence about the links between diet and health. This new pyramid fixes fundamental flaws in the USDA pyramid and offers sound information to help people make better choices about what to eat.
Um....have you read these things yourself?
"Experts recommend eating a plant based diet."
"Now it's believed that this isn't necessary and that eating a range of plant foods over the course of a day will provide all the essential amino acids the body needs."
Seriously, besides the forward of jokes (which I can put a "name" to every one of those to apply from people who post here--if not entire threads dedicated to said topics), it doesn't sound bad to me. You just have to reread this stuff and pick out the useful info and call your dad out on it. It really isn't that hard. I just did this in 5 minutes.
Yes, I read it, thank you.
My Dad is convinced that animal products are neccassaery as part of a well-rounded diet. I sent him the "this is why your fat" thing as a joke, and he sent this to me in response. Obviously it is not all serious but he sent it clearly to make the point that animal products are essential. I was just looking for advice on how to respond to it.
But that isn't what these things say, so I really don't see the issue here.
"Advice for vegans and vegetarians
Some plant foods are low in one kind of amino acid whereas other plant foods are higher in that amino acid. By eating a well balanced diet that contains a variety of foods you can get all the amino acids you require. Previously it was thought that for vegetarians to obtain enough protein different plant foods had to be combined in the same meal in order to balance the amounts of amino acids, known as protein combining. Now it's believed that this isn't necessary and that eating a range of plant foods over the course of a day will provide all the essential amino acids the body needs."
yeah i dont think he's trying to tell you it's unhealthy, otherwise it wouldnt include the above paragraph that says you are capable of getting the amino acids on a vegan diet. you should thank him for the info and add to his list of 'things vegans like' something along the lines of "family members that look cross eyed at your meals of quinoa and kale" and "dads who inhale pans of vegan brownies and then say -ok i guess some vegan food is ok.."
;)
Well, I think what the issue might be is that she knows her dad is generally negative about veganism, and when he reads the stuff about essential amino acids and "quality" protein, he thinks "aha! veganism IS unhealthy!" but when we vegwebbers read it we go "yeah... and...?"
Maybe he just sent the first part to you as an FYI, in case you didn't know. Maybe HE didn't read it too well - you could reply back with all the positive aspects bolded or whatever. Or send him some links to research about vegans/vegetarians and health. I think it's pretty safe (non-judgmental seeming) to just forward along research, or hell, copy some of the wikipedia article on veganism or the fact that the ADA is convinced you can have a healthy vegan diet. If facts/etc don't help him understand why this is a healthy choice for you, and he's adamant, then oh well. Some people are just stuck in their beliefs like that...
The last part (jokes) is kind of weird. I mean, if your dad is super negative about veganism, then the jokes could be taken as offensive, and if he's friendly, not offensive. I guess the best equivalent is to show him this http://www.sbvdesigns.com/veg/reasons.html
It sounds like, from just what you copied over, that he's making some effort to understand your choice/new lifestyle/whatever, in which case I wouldn't worry too much about how to respond - sometimes it's easy to assume the defensive when announcing your veganism (I have for sure... sometimes correctly or incorrectly).
Well, I think what the issue might be is that she knows her dad is generally negative about veganism, and when he reads the stuff about essential amino acids and "quality" protein, he thinks "aha! veganism IS unhealthy!" but when we vegwebbers read it we go "yeah... and...?"
Thank you faunablues! I think you are exactly right. I don't think my Dad is trying to be offensive, I just think he really doesn't understand my choice, since it is one of the first lifestyle changes I have made without my parents' approval. My Mom understands, but my Dad just can't let go of the idea of copmlete proteins and amino acids in animal products. I don't want to be offensive or insulting to him, but I want to stand my ground.
Thanks for the link!
I like almost everything listed in the things that Vegns like. Actually, everything. I feel like someone was stalking me!
haha! L2A! i was thinking the same thing! it's a stereotype i don't really mind fitting into. ::)
merryweather, my mom is like that too. she thinks it's really cool that i'm vegan, and will even try some of the vegan things that i cook...she even had me make a batch of breakfast bars from this site...BUT just when i thought that she was really coming around, we went to buy some "fancy" shoes for my new job (and by fancy i mean not birkenstocks, haha) anyway, she picked out a pair and they were the perfect size and style, but they were leather. i told her that i wasn't going to get them because i don't buy leather anymore, and she said. "well, fine we can just go to payless and get you some cheap shoes that aren't made of leather" i mean, she was so ill about it...she then told me that i was "taking the whole vegan thing a bit too far" i was sooooo offended! but then i found a really cute pair that were animal free! just thought i would share that with you...it is rough sometimes... :P
Tell your dad that there is this big 55 year old lumberjack up in the Rocky Mountains of Canada that has been vegan for thirty years who needs to have a little talk with him! ;)
Many vegans are indeed unhealthy eaters. Back in a day when we had the other message board before it merged with veggie boards there was a "what did you eat today" thread that made me cringe. ("Today I had a potato, a luna bar, and some spaghetti" was a typical post, but most of the posters ate very very well). That said, veganism can be the healthiest diet out there is one simply eats variety, variety and more variety.
It's irritating how non-vegans always want to focus on things like protein, calcium and amino acids. There other important things that their diet might lack by focusing on protein such as the antioxidants, phytonutrients, potassium, magnesium, and folate found in fruits and vegetables. Sigh........
The first link in your is merely an ad to get you to buy amino acids. All amino acids can be found in vegan foods if you eat a wide variety of food to include whole grains (quinoa is 100% complete), nuts, legumes (lentils are 98% complete...add some brown rice and you're set), and soy products (100% complete).
How about this for a food pryamid? http://www.veganfoodpyramid.com/vegan-pyramid-1024x768.jpg
http://www.veganfoodpyramid.com/vegan-pyramid-1024x768.jpg
Thank you everyone for your positive input!
I especially appreciate the food guide pyramid!
It's irritating how non-vegans always want to focus on things like protein, calcium and amino acids. There other important things that their diet might lack by focusing on protein such as the antioxidants, phytonutrients, potassium, magnesium, and folate found in fruits and vegetables. Sigh........
That is so true... I don't claim to be a nutrition expert, I am still learning every day, and its helpful to have these other important things pointed out to me! Its like I'm in the phase where I know what I want to do, I just can't quite explain it to people who really don't understand. At least not without getting defensive, or offensive for that matter.
My Dad (...) don't think my Dad is trying to be offensive, I just think he really doesn't understand my choice (...) how should I respond?
at age 23, having reached your majority, you probably don't really need to provide any further response than a polite 'thank you for sharing', and then simply move on.
g'luck!
My dad pretty much ignores the fact that I'm vegetarian, but my mom just doesn't know what to do with it. She was sweet enough to make a separate gravy for breakfast when I visited last year, because obviously I wouldn't eat sausage gravy. She even made mine first so it wouldn't have grease in it. That was sweet.
But then, she'd say things like "I just wish you'd eat a little fish now and then." I'd say "Why, mom?" She'd say "Because it would just make me feel better!"
???
I tried to explain that eating fish wouldn't do anything for me, and I'd just plain rather not, but it was like talking to a wall. She had an unfounded rebuttal for all of it. You know, the "I raised three kids so I know what you need to eat."
When I found out a couple of months ago that I'm anemic, well... THAT was like putting a big old bulls eye on my back. Of course she assumed it was all because of my diet. So, I sent her this:
"Mom,
Here are some articles I found that I hope will ease your brain about me not eating meat. Don't worry about me just eating cheese pizza or peanut butter & jelly sandwiches alone. I do my research. :)
Iron-Rich Vegetarian foods:
http://www.vegfamily.com/health/boost-iron-intake.htm
"Vegetables that are good sources of iron are potatoes with their skin, bok choy, spinach, kale, watercress, broccoli, savoy cabbage, peas, turnip greens, mung bean sprouts, and tomato juice."
Vegetarian Nutrition article from Mayo Clinic (includes food guide pyramid):
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetarian-diet/HQ01596
"No matter what your age or situation, a well-planned vegetarian diet can meet your nutritional needs. Even children and teenagers can do well on a plant-based diet, as can older people, and pregnant or breast-feeding women."
American Dietetic Association Position on Vegetarianism:
http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/advocacy_933_ENU_HTML.htm
"Although vegetarian diets are higher in total iron content than nonvegetarian diets, iron stores are lower in vegetarians because the iron from plant foods is more poorly absorbed (23). The clinical importance of this, if any, is unclear because iron deficiency anemia rates are similar in vegetarians and nonvegetarians (23). The higher vitamin C content of vegetarian diets may improve iron absorption."
Thanks for caring about me, Mom. I love you!
-Jeanette"
She actually REALLY liked the articles, she felt a LOT better about seeing a food guide pyramid for vegetarians (she didn't think there was one and that was one of her arguments against veg*nism). I was careful to choose sources that she would recognize as being "reputable." Since I sent that email, she thanked me, told me she really wasn't AGAINST my choice, she just worried that I wouldn't be healthy, and she has completely stopped criticizing me.
I'm not saying a well-thought-out email will end all your problems, but it certainly couldn't hurt. And the article your dad sent you really does have just as many good things to say about plant sources as animal sources.
As long as you're willing to do things "the hard way" as I'm sure he sees it, then assure him you'll be fine. And happy.
Good luck.
at age 23, having reached your majority, you probably don't really need to provide any further response than a polite 'thank you for sharing', and then simply move on.
Your absolutely right, however being an only child its hard for my Dad to let go... I think he still feels a sense of duty regarding the choices I make. But like I said, this was the first choice I've ever made that he really disagreed with. He's learning to accept it slowly but he keeps sending me these emails and links, subtly hinting.
* Arts and crafts.
* Telling other people what they cooked for dinner last night.
* Fresh, local, natural foods such as fruits and vegetables.
* Childhood nostalgia: strawberry shortcake, building snowmen, coloring books, cartoons, etc.
* Hummus.
* Meeting other vegetarians.
* Traveling. Economcally.
These ones are me! :D They forgot the flip-flops and canvas grocery bags!
Its a pretty simple soloution to this
You make the decision on your own.
If you enjoy being vegan and embrace the lifestyle you will stick with it.
Just need to educate yourself so you do not fall into the unhealthy vegetarian category
* Arts and crafts.
* Telling other people what they cooked for dinner last night.
* Fresh, local, natural foods such as fruits and vegetables.
* Childhood nostalgia: strawberry shortcake, building snowmen, coloring books, cartoons, etc.
* Hummus.
* Meeting other vegetarians.
* Traveling. Economcally.
These ones are me! :D They forgot the flip-flops and canvas grocery bags!
They also, duh, forgot all the soy products and things that start with "fake". Or common foods (even commonly vegan foods) made from alternative ingredients - e.g. corn pasta, quinoa pasta, spelt pasta, white bean hummus, pea guacamole, rice flour bread, non-white-sugar sugars, gluten-free things, etc.
I believe many of us also have canvas footwear, either because we're nerds or because it's the easiest vegan footwear to find.
:)
* Reading novels … and then telling you which ones you should read.
^me^
It's funny cuz it's true. ;D
Sorry, what a useless post.
You totally do that one! Like, every time you read anything!
>:D
Just what exactly is wrong with Buttons, patches, stickers and pins declaring their position on topics such as fur, animal testing, eating meat, etc often worn on either a tote bag or a messenger bag? Showering? Arts and crafts? Rescued Animals or a bunny that hops freely around their apartment, a chicken roaming their backyard, or a piglet? Telling other people what they cooked for dinner last night? Fresh, local, natural foods such as fruits and vegetables? The color black, hooded sweatshirts, dark-rimmed glasses, and big combat-type boots?!?! And how does that make me a "lipstick vegans"?!
Or making new, cooler clothes from old ones? Pamphlets? Playing the guitar, learning to play the guitar, or at least talking about how they have always wanted to play the guitar? Frugality? Reading novels … and then telling you which ones you should read? Childhood nostalgia: strawberry shortcake, building snowmen, coloring books, cartoons, etc?
Or more importantly Hummus?! Meeting other vegetarians? Dreadlocks, uneven haircuts, and other self-styled 'dos that require little to no maintenance? Traveling especially Economically? Indie entertainment - the less popular, low-budget movies, music, and places?
I dont see anything thats particularly bad or catering to just one group/image or huge stereotype?
Heck, I have a carnivore friend that showers less than me and another who has a pet bunny who does hop all over her home. Even LB, an involuntary vegan, fits some of this. Ok, mainly just the guitar business. But still.
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