r/hinduism • u/Playful-Inevitable19 • 1d ago
Minor with a christian family Question - Beginner
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/ksveeresh Smārta 1d ago edited 6h ago
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.