how people say that a kid (I'm 14) that becomes a vegetarian is going to be unhealthy?

Question

They say to me that im growing and i need alot of protein and shouldnt become a vegetarian but u can get lots of protein without eating meat?
Any tips for me being a vegetarain at 14

Answer 1

Funny, you're told to eat the cow, but not what the cow eats? People don't generally know that green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, etc.) all have boundless amounts of protein in them as well as huge amounts of calcium and iron. If you eat enough, supplements aren't neccesary. I don't take them, and I've been able to get over mono and strep this way (that's actually what made me go less meat). I'm healthier than ever. Try making a fruit smoothie with some greens added (they have more protein per calorie than a filet mignon). Trust me, it tastes good (you taste all the fruit, not the greens), and you won't be hungry for hours. You will be able to eat more greens this way than any other way. You should probably at least have one smoothie (16 oz.) for breakfast each day. You don't need meat for protein because meat provides protein strands that your body has to rearrange after some animal has procesed it for it to be of any good. Way too much work for the end result. Greens are nature's sunshine. They have all you need, as well as complete protein meals such as rice and beans. Soy is good, too, but all I eat is veggies, fruit, and grains, and some fish (sushi is best), with a little nuts, olives, and avocadoes. All in moderation. Soy is proven to inhibit absorption of other proteins if you have too much. Just make sure you eat more greens than usual to get the same benefits. Good luck! If you have any other questions, contact me. The fact that you are growing just means you need to have enough protein, it doesn't matter where you get it from.

Answer 2

There are abundant sources of non-animal protein, as well as all the other nutrients you will need. I personally would worry that any 14 year old, veg or otherwise, was not getting enough nutirition simply because kids don't always make the best choices. But if you're informed about nutrition and you are eating a balanced, varied diet, you'll do great as a vegetarian. My sister was only 14 when we went veg (I was 16) and I even know a bunch of people who were raised veg from infancy and they are now all healthy, full-grown, strong adults (played sports in high school and everything.)

Answer 3

Most vegetarians don't take the time or do the research to be eat healthy which is why alot of them are unhealthy. It's alot of work to be a healthy vegetarian, you have a hard time getting complete proteins.

Answer 4

I myself am a vegetarian. Go to a health food store or vitamin store and ask an employee what supplements and stuff you should take. Iron and protein are what you will need the most because they are found in meat. They'll also point out stuff for you that is age appropriate.

Answer 5

I am not a vegetarian, but make sure if that's the lifestyle you decide to have, you learn to be a proper one. Talk to a nutritionist or if you have a Dr. you can talk to him or her can guide you and get the information you need to be a strong healthy vegetarian. Protein comes in alot of different forms so there are alot of choices for you.

Answer 6

I went veggie just before I was 10 and I still am now, 25 years later. I'm six feet one and don't feel very unhealthy, I did loads of heavy manual work in factories and stuff when I was at in my early twenties at university. You can get protein from milk, cheese, eggs, various different beans, etc. just look it up on a good website. You may want to combine certain foods together. Good luck.

Answer 7

You need more protein than an adult... To eat vegetarian at 14 you need to do your homework first.. read up on it and get some healthy recipes. If you're a boy it's even harder..growing bodys (and you're still growing inside even if you're as tall as you think you will get ) need fats and calories. Boys need more calories than girls.
Make sure you eat beans/legumes with a whole grain like wheat bread to get a whole protein. Peanut butter is not enough. It's not a whole protein. Peanut butter on whole grain bread is fine. Eat lots of cheese and drink plenty of milk. You really need to read up on this....

Answer 8

You can get all the nutrition you need from a vegetarian diet! Include tofu, nuts and seeds...those are good for protein. Don't listen to the people that are trying to talk you out of a WISE DECISION! Plus look at THEM, they are probably overweight!

Answer 9

I'm a vegitarian and have been for 4 years [Im 16].

It wont be unhealty as long as you eat the correct foods. If you take protein suppliments it will help.

Eat a balanced diet and substitute animal meats with soy or tofu.

Answer 10

True that you do need a lot of protein when you are growing up...not as much as you need calcium though I think which vegetables are RIPE with. Just choose your diet carefully and be conscious of eating things like nuts that are high in protein and fat and you'll be fine. Strictly speaking...I'd rather see more kids today conscious about their diet rather than guzzling down soft drinks and carmel machiatos that I see today.