I’ve just about given up. The McDonald’s, Papa John’s pizzas, Dunkin Donuts, and Taco Bell are too much for my eyes to handle. Processed foods have become a normal guest in my father’s house. And it feels like there’s nothing I can do about it.

As a recent college graduate living a vegetarian lifestyle, it’s awkward eating fresh spinach and tomatoes while your parent downs a quarter pounder. My stares and eating choices are interpreted as “high seddity,” even as I explain that my diet is a long-term investment in my health.

But caring about my health doesn’t feel like enough. As my father eats himself into an early grave, my pleas for a diet change are met slowly with processed fruit cups and applesauce instead of fresh vegetables. When I ask why, he claims that fresh food isn’t as cheap as the preserved food that he can buy at the dollar store. Mind you, this man’s financial situation isn’t destitute. He can afford a regular grocery store; this is an example of cheapness at its best.

At fifty-something years old, you’d think that a slight dollar increase on fresh vegetables would trump a minute saving on unhealthy food. But apparently, obesity, high blood pressure, gout, and prostate issues, collectively, aren’t a strong enough deterrent his bad eating habits. I’ve even offered to share my vegetarian cooking, which he rarely decides to eat.

Traditionally, the parent advises the child on health issues until the parent’s elder years. This is starting to feel like life or death, as his current diet will cause him to perish with the rest of America suffering from preventable diseases. I feel like my voice goes in one ear and out the other, so I’m reaching out for help.

How do you manage your parents’ bad eating habits? Speak on it!

around the web

4 Comments

  1. When I first changed into a a vegetarian lifestyle my parents were not too interested in what I was doing. They used to be pretty healthy but had fallen off, my dad was then battling gout. The way that I got them to come over to the plant based dark side was to cook for them. I found really delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes and prepared it and I didn’t tell them it was plant based (this is their favorite http://www.paparoxi.com/food/2011/6/29/food-eggplant-bravo.html ). They loved the food and before long (very long) they were buying this type of food for themselves.

  2. This is such a great topic and a concern that my sister and I secretly have. I’ve convinced my parents to TRY to go vegetarian with me, but I’m kind of concerned what’s going to happen once I go back to school. I better make the rest of the summer count!

  3. Help, Please let me know how to!!! Some folks don’t understand the connection between their health conditions and the food they choose. I think my mom listens, sometimes, but does not change.

  4. moderatenotchangeyolo

    was looking for something different, not a health nut article

Leave a Reply to Khaleeqa Cancel reply