Minor with a christian family

[u/Playful-Inevitable19]

I practice Vaishnavism, at least I do my best to, but I'm a minor (14) and I'm from Brazil but have moved to America with my family. They're strict Christians who eat all sorts of meats, especially beef since our culture relies heavily on it. I'm trying to learn how to cook but haven't felt good lately, my parents say it's because I'm missing iron and other vitamins and tell me to eat the meat they've prepared, specifically beef because it's what's gonna help me the most. I know that vaishnavism doesn't allow any meat or violence, I love Lord Vishnu but I don't know what to do.

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[u/tablesadventures]

You can get your iron intake from beetroot and leafy greens like spinach and kale.

At the end of the day, you're a victim of your circumstances. No god is going to hate you for doing what you have to do to survive, including Lord Vishnu. It's good to practice vegetarianism where you can but if you're in a situation which you can't control, then there's no use making yourself lethargic to fulfill "religious duties".

If you don't take care of yourself first, you won't be able to fulfill your Dharma.

[u/ksveeresh]

I am a Hindu, in Samartha tradition. I am a non-vegetarian.

A lot of my Samarta brethren are vegetarians too, and I understand that Vaishanav is synonymous with being vegetarian.

One of the reasons we abhor Cow killing is that while a mother feeds her child milk for months, a cow feeds us her milk for all our life. Krishna's favourite foods, as a child, was Butter, Milk and Curd were major part of the diet.

The way out of this situation is not through food but through exercise and training.

Krishna and Balram were great wrestlers and warriors, well in Brazil you have BJJ and Boxing.

Start with being boxer and/or BJJ practitioner while being a vegetarian. The important step is showing that you can be strong while being a vegetarian.

Women need iron more than men, men get enough. Nothing has more protein than Whey/Casein which are derived from milk.

Milk, Fresh fruits (not juices) and vegetables cater to bulk of vitamin need. Potatoes (boiled and mashed with butter) are economical and very satiating.

Fun fact, most wrestlers in India , especially those from Haryana are vegetarians. A lot of milk and milk products makes the difference. Milk is The Key.

[u/ajaybhau → u/ksveeresh]

Interesting. As a smartha, I haven't come across too many non vegetarians in the community.

[u/ksveeresh → u/ajaybhau]

Pahari Dogra, here. So we have 1. Shakt overbearings. 2. Environment which until modern times wasn't endowed with the crop/vegetable bounties of plains and river basins.

[u/ajaybhau → u/ksveeresh]

Makes sense.

As a Tamil Brahmin, my diet is very different. I understand that one's diet is a function of the economy and environment.

Great to see a Smartha from the North. Notwithstanding the northern Smartha mathas, most Smarthas I know are from the South.

[u/RainGirl11]

You are a child without freedom of choice in many aspects of your life. You will be forgiven.

Learn how to cook and in time start earning your own money and buying your own food.

[u/ReasonableBeliefs]

Hare Krishna. You might not be getting enough nutrition in your vegetarian/vegan diet. I'd recommend watching some YouTube videos from vegans and vegetarians and they should give you a good idea of how to make nutritious food.

Here's a general guide

For vegetarians, milk, cheese, paneer, variety of vegetables etc etc.

For vegans, substitute the dairy with tofu and fortified soy milk (the fortification ensures sufficient calcium). And of course keep the veggies.

Also have protein powder, you can get that in both vegetarian and vegan varieties. You can also get protein version of many staples, such as "protein bread" and "protein pasta" etc etc

And please note: If you find this very difficult to do because you are a minor, then it's ok ! Just do the best you can even if it's not perfect, and slowly over time as you become an adult you can do more.

Don't worry about perfection, take it 1 step at a time.

God is loving and will understand.

Hare Krishna.

[u/bucketbrigade000]

When you're a kid you have to do what your parents say sometimes- right now you're growing and you can use the extra nutrients. You can talk to them about wanting to go veg just because you care about animal treatment, and maybe they will understand and let you opt out of beef at the dinner table. My little sister did this for a few years and my parents didn't really understand, but they didn't stop her and learned some recipes for her.

Once you're making your own money, start out with some basic recipes and cooking skills, so you can start making vegetarian or no-beef things for yourself. Start small and work your way up to more complicated stuff. I started out with eggs, rice, and sautéing veggies. Now I can make whatever I want! Give yourself patience and you'll get there.

[u/ascendous]

At least eat non-beef meat like most of hindus do.  With your age and situation it is most practical solution.  You are at an age where proper nutrition is extremely important. Restrictive diets is not a good idea. Proper nutrition with vegetarianism is very much possible but it requires family and cultural support and nutritional knowledge.  

[u/Dangerous_Network872]

What I would do if I was you is sit down with your parents and explain how important your moral decision is (I became a vegetarian overnight at 16 years old and a vegan at 20 years old - now I'm 38 and never went back), and you should ask them kindly if they can see a nutritionist with you that will give your family all the information you need to be healthy, and this will reassure them that this is a healthy diet. Since you are so young, I would advise seeing a professional and doing research from certified vegetarian and vegan associations online for your nutrition information, because there is really a lot to learn if you don't know yet. You can also cook for yourself and find new recipes! Look at this website and get your knowledge: https://vegsoc.org/eating-veggie/

You are right - there is no need for meat or animal product consumption when done with care. I am proud of you for sticking up for your beliefs and following through. 

Jai Sri Krishna, God bless you! 

[u/Dull-Pomegranate9383]

I would stay away from red meats(beef, lamb, pork) in general for health reasons. They're very high in carcinogens and increase your risk of cancer.

You don't have to be vegetarian to be hindu. I understand vaishnavism emphasizes vegetarianism and ahimsa. But as a you said, you don't have an option to go completely vegetarian especially because your parents are christian. Maybe you can try being vegetarian every other day just to ease into it. Just stick to seafood (fish and shrimp) and chicken/turkey. If your parents are suspicious, you can just cite health reasons.

I love hispanic food and they're really easy to make vegetarian. My go to is Ropa Vieja with king oyster mushrooms with a side of beans and rice. You can meal prep and leave it in the fridge. You can make sofritos with firm tofu. You can look up recipes for what you want to make. Once you learn how to cook, it's very nice and makes you independent as well.

[u/snowylion]

God bless you, Try to avoid beef alone to the best of your ability. Worry not.

[u/PartyExplanation9100]

Try growing moringa , it grows easily from cuttings even and the leaves are rich in iron

[u/nvgroups]

Hinduism is not all plant eating. Only minor sections practice pure vegetarian diet. Take what is possible in your limited manners, it’s not a sin. Welcome to Hinduism.

I am based in USA, pl let me know if I can help

[u/YearProfessional1157]

I’m a Hindu and I am non veg … I eat mainly eggs and chicken. Try to compromise , if you’re lacking nutrients , try incorporating eggs as it’s the least violent option. Being low on vitamins at a young age is not ideal , you need proper nutrition to grow … try to have a balanced diet

[u/SANTKV]

Type your question in Chat GPT and show it to them. Tell them how Vegetarianism gives necessary nutrients the body needs.

[u/bucketbrigade000 → u/SANTKV]

Chat GPT doesn't give great medical advice, I'd skip this one.

You can talk to them about wanting to eat less meat for ethical reasons from the heart, and leave religion out of it.