I've been vegetarian on and off for most of my life. I'm currently eating meat and fish again for various reasons, but it's a temporary thing.

It sounds like your parents are just scared as they don't know what being a vegetarian is all about or what you can eat. I would recommend you go to a book store and buy a vegetarian cookbook - I don't know what would be available where you are but there are loads of good ones. Have a look online for recipes as well.

You can still enjoy barbecues. Aside from veggie sausages and veggie burgers, you can make really yummy vegetarian kebabs with things like bell peppers, mushrooms and halloumi cheese.

Why not have a look for recipes for things like Indian or Thai curry, pasta, lasagne, risotto, soups and stews - all things they will have heard of, just not eaten without meat - and try cooking something for yourself or even your whole family?

Personally one of my favourite foods is stir fry with whatever interesting vegetables I can find, tofu and some kind of interesting sauce.

Check out websites like Vegetarian Times - Great Food, Good Health, Smart Living which has loads of good ideas, recipes, tips, etc.

Also, this might help: 12 Frequently Asked Questions About the Vegetarian Diet | Ask Dr Sears® | The Trusted Resource for Parents