How can I convince my parents I should be able to become a vegetarian?

I think that's unfair too. I became a vegetarian when I was 14 too, I think. Yeah, three years ago. I think what you should do is first make sure that your parents know that you are being a vegetarian for legitimate reasons. Hopefully not to lose weight or anything like that. Then, maybe you can show them what you would substitute instead of meat and don't be an idiot and eat too many carbs or sweets like some beginning vegetarians too. Make sure you get all your nutrients, especially B12 and protein, so they can't hold it against you if you become sick. My family does that sometimes, they go, "Oh, you got sick because you're a vegetarian." Look at other cuisines to find different foods. I find this helps me from just making soup or salad every night. As long as you have your nutrients all taken care of and you have recipes and you feel good, you should be fine and your parents shouldn't hold anything against you. If people argue with you about being a vegetarian, you don't have to respond. I found this out the hard way after arguing several times and only making people angry because they thought I was being elitist or something. I hope it goes well for you. There are lots of websites and free recipes you can find.

Your mother is right, when you are 18 and moved out of there home, and living on your own, you will be able to do whatever you want... Until, have a hamburger...  

First I would point out to them that people who come to be vegetarians on their own terms tend to be geniuses. Second (if the first doesn't work), refuse to eat meat. Third, when you are old enough to get a job, get one then buy your own food.

As has been suggested, do your research so you can answer any questions or arguments your parents may bring up about it. It will show your commitment and seriousness regarding vegetarianism. If your parents say anything, try not to be confrontational ( for example "I don't eat meat because I love animals, UNLIKE YOU!"), as that just turns people off, makes them defensive, and might make them more resistant to your actions. I wish you the best of luck on your early steps to vegetarianism!

As others have said you need to do research on vegetarian life style and show your parents that you are serious about the choice. Your parents could just be worried about health, etc. Many people are misinformed about vegetarianism. They rely on prejudeces and wrong info that they have heard. You need to sit down with you mom and ask her what the issue is with being vegetarian. Tell her you understand her side, but you need to be able to make your own decision about your diet, and she need not worry as you have done the proper reseach on where to get protien, vitamins, etc. Offer to see a nutritionist and discuss proper vegetarian diet with a trained professional in order to ease her mind. What worked with my mother(altough I don't recommend guilt tripping, I actually felt this way) was telling her she should be proud that she raised me to be compassionate, and caring, and confident enough to go against the grain and do what I felt was right. The point is, you are growing up and becomming an adult. You need the oportunity to discover things for yourself and make your own decision. Your mother may not be ready for this. What is comes down to is that your mother cannot force you to eat meat, but the support of your family help make thing easier. I would tell her that you have made your choice and if she supports you that is great, and if not... well thats ok also.

maybe they are worried about the protein part of it and show them which foods you will sub for the meat they want you to eat. I'm a parent, If you explain it to them with all guns blazing and have an answer for all there questions, you will have a better chance. And as all kids do they probably think this is just a phase.

save the animals save the world lol well i m a vegetarian and don't regret it.. my family is too so it's just how we were brought up.. try and put them in a dilemma tell them u won't eat ANYTHING if u can't be a vegetarian.. that's what i'd do!

I would do a lot of research. Show her all the reasons why you want to become a veggie and what it will do for you and for the environment. If that doesn't work, you can ask if you can make your own food at home. If that doesn't work, you might be stuck. You are in their home and you are really young. Ask them if you can limit your meat consumption then. Try to work with them, instead of against them.

Vegetarianism is not a life style choice, it is a mental illness. Did you know that Hitler was a vegetarian? If you become a vegetarian you will be shunned by the general populace and end up marrying someone like Jim McGreevey. Give life a chance.