vegetarian diet?

Question

I just became a vegetarian (im 12) and i need some ideas on how to get the same things from meat in other stuff. help!

Answer 1

Lentils, nuts, yogurt are some places you can get protein. Some people take a supplement. If you're into trying to find substitutes for meat, try the Morningstar products (soy based veggie products) in the frozen food section.

Answer 2

Congratulations! I became a vegetarian at 11-12 and I'm almost 29 now. When I first started I couldn't even find tofu anywhere, but now they have all sorts of veggie hot dogs, hamburgers, nuggets, deli meats etc. - basically everything you can think of. If you still eat eggs and milk, don't worry so much about not getting your proteins and nutrients. Here are some suggestions of what to add to your diet (or eat more of) besides the veggie meat alternatives:

Baked beans (Heinz maple style is good), peanutbutter, whole wheat (try to switch from white bread and pasta to whole wheat, it's a LOT healthier and has protein), peas, any type of canned beans (kidney, romano, garbanzo/chick peas...), more veggies like broccoli, other nuts and seeds.

Vegetarian tacos are great - just buy the kits and make them with refried kidney beans instead of the beef, and add the seasoning and top with lettuce, salsa and cheese. I don't know if you've found this out yet or not, but most processed cheeses contain an ingredient called "rennet" which is derived from a cow's stomach, so best to stick to soy cheese. Soft cheeses like cream and cottage are usually okay.

A veggie pizza now and then is good. You can get the crusts pre-made and just top with pizza sauce, veggie pepperoni and whatever veggies you want, and soy cheese.

If you want to try plain tofu, the way I used to eat it in high school was by cutting it up into small cubes and dipping them in a batter made of flour, salt and milk or water and then deep frying them (like nuggets) -they're excellent with sweet and sour sauce.

A rice stir-fry is good too - you can add egg, or chopped up tofu to it.

If you do eat eggs there are SO many things you can do, from egg salad sandwiches, to omelettes, quiche, potato salads, etc.

It might be best to pick up some daily vitamins to be safe, and also iron pills and B12. You won't have to worry so much when you're older, but you're still growing. Chocolate Ensure or Boost actually tastes pretty good (I had to live off it when I had jaw surgery and I never got sick of it) and has everything you need. Instant breakfasts too. Vitamin fortified cereals are good for you too. You can also buy tasteless protein powders you can add to meals and drinks.

You'll probably find it easy to get enough protein, but be extra careful about iron and B vitamins especially if you don't eat eggs (or enough of them).

It's a lot to take in, but you'll learn as you go along! Good luck!

Answer 3

Eat beans, nuts, tofu, vegetables(especially the green ones), legumes, and go for the fake meats if you feel like it. Some aren't great, but you'll fin some good ones, I'm a sucker for soy chik'n nuggets. You're still quite young, and should consulte a doctor about anything you're unsure about, as there will be certain things you body requires more of in comparason to someone older. Until then, check out goveg.com or peta.com for more food choices/recipes. Peta also has a great vegetarian starter kit that you can order or download that has a ton of info, including nutrition requirements for kids and teens, recipes, etc.

Answer 4

Hi! i am vegeterian too. There are manyy ways to get the protien u need. One u can try is tofu....i and many doctors also think it is the best source of protien for vegeterians. it is soy bean to make it tast good fry it up and put a bunch of spices like u would a chiken almost it tasts a lot the same but its healthier and its not meat. Also try nuts, like almond, cashew and stuff. There are many ways u can. Certain vegtables can also help u out in this case. Glad ur a vegeterian hope this helps. and if u need more advice e-mail me or sumthin, I'd love to help!

=)

Answer 5

I'm a vegetarian, too, and I'm fourteen. I started when I was 13, and the thing is, try tofu. It wasn't that hard for me because I'm Asian, but believe me, it's really not that bad. Just add some spices that you like and add it to noodles or rice if you want. It's great! Also try veggie burgers made of peas, corn, potatoes, peppers, and tofu. It's really good! I'm so glad that so many people are becoming vegetarians!

Answer 6

Tex-Mex Salad with Chili Vinaigrette

Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients:
Salad:
1 cup long grain rice
1 15 ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen whole kernel corn
3 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup red sweet pepper, chopped
Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup corn oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 pickled jalapeño peppers, stemmed, halved and seeded
1 teaspoon chili powder (or more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Preparation:
Salad:
Cook rice in salted water as directed on the package. (The rice can be cooked ahead and chilled.)

Combine cooked rice, beans, corn, green onion, and sweet pepper in a large bowl. Toss lightly to mix.
Vinaigrette:
Combine corn oil, lime juice, vinegar, brown sugar, jalapeño pepper, chili powder, cumin and salt in a blender container or food processor bowl. Cover and blend or process until smooth.

Pour dressing over rice mixture; toss to coat. Cover and chill until serving time or up to 2 days. Serve at room temperature.

Answer 7

Go to www.peta.com and www.veganoutreach.com and request free starter kits. Don't try to go vegan yet, though. It's too hard unless you reseach it well and your parent(s) support you. Look at the food pyramid put out by the government and make sure you follow the fruit, grain and vegetable parts adding in other protein rich foods to stand in for the meat you won't be eating.

Answer 8

Why would you want to do that? The only things you can't get from meat (assuming you are still consuming dairy and eggs) is cholesterol and animal fat and I can't see why you would want those!

Take it easy. As long as you are eating a wide range of fruits, veggies, grains, and beans. Wile limiting your intake of refined or processed ingredients, with a small amount of planing this diet takes care of itself.

Answer 9

congratulations! You seem to be a wise girl! You can get protein from soy, tofu, beans, nuts, and variety of veggies and fruits! Just eat various things, experiment, and you will get everything you need! If you are a vegan, i recommend to take vitamin supplements few times a week.

Answer 10

It is a MYTH that we need animal flesh to be healthy. Do not be a McD frechFry & Mac & Cheese from a box "Veggie" . Eat real food & you'll do very well.
I am a"Veggie" that because of allergies do not do wheat, gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, some of the nuts & am super healthy at 55.
http://www.hacres.com/home/home.asp
http://www.thegardendiet.com/