I need you help...somebody?

Question

i am 15 years old and i want to be a vegetairan,but my parents don't think it's a good idea.what do you think i should do?

Answer 1

Find out why they're upset. At 15, it's not usually a good idea to do something that your parents will freak out about.

If they're rational, they may be concerned about your nutrition, for example. Make a commitment to pay attention to your nutrition.

You need protein, but you don't have to get it from meat. Peanut butter, cream cheese, tofu, soy products, beans, and lentils are all great sources of protein too.

If you seem to know what it will take to meet your nutritional needs without eating meat, they'll be more likely to come around to the idea.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I think it's great you want to become a vegetarian! It is in fact a very healthy lifestyle, as long as you eat healthy, whole foods and make sure you're eating all the nutrients you need. I would suggest that you sit down with your parents and ask why they don't want you to become vegetarian. Then calmly explain the reasons that you want to become a veg. whether it's for moral or health reasons. Then you could suggest that you and your parents go to a nutritionist that can outline a healthy veggie diet for you that will ensure you are eating healthily and not missing out on any nutrients.
I've been vegetarian since I was 9. The best hint I can give you, is learn to love tofu! I didn't like it much at first, but now I can't get enough of the stuff!
Good luck!

p.s. for the people that say children shouldn't be veg. I converted when I was 9 and eat a balanced, healthy diet, and I have several friends that have been vegetarian since birth and they are very healthy.

Answer 3

I'm sure you've figured out from past experience that doing something that goes against your parents' wishes can end pretty badly. But this one doesn't have to.

My first suggestion would be to research vegetarianism to come up with a game plan. Figure out what your daily nutritional needs are, and what foods will help you meet those needs. Be realistic, and make sure you do some checking into how available what you'd want to eat is, as well as looking at how much it will cost you. Veggie burgers and meat/cheese substitutes are tasty, but can be a little pricey. Are you willing to offer to help pay for some of your groceries? If so, make sure you mention that.

Once you're armed with some facts on what you'd eat, really think about why you want to switch from meat to meatless. Some people do it for better health, others out of concern for the animals and the environment. Being able to approach your parents with some good reasons as to why you want to make the switch can make a world of difference.

You may find it easier to say, "I'd like to start eating LESS meat" instead of "no meat at all." See if your folks would be willing to entertain you having a salad - and a good multivitamin - in place of a full portion of whatever meat your family has for dinner. Or maybe substitute a meat-free dish on your plate [again, with that multivitamin] a couple nights a week. Offering to help prepare the meals for everyone will likely be greatly appreciated, too- what you're asking for is like special treatment, and particularly in working and/or larger families this can complicate things a great deal. Show that you're serious about it.

Answer 4

As for vegetables and fruits, eat at least 3 servings of veggies and 2 servings of fruits a day. For breads and pastas, eat as you usually do. As for meat, instead of eating meat, eat beans, nuts, seeds. If you're able to buy some food, or if your parents are willing to go along with this, get some yummy fake meats, usually made with soy.

As for protein in general, it's found in all foods, even veggies & fruits. Only 9% of our caloric intake needs to come from protein, so don't worry about whether or not you're eating enough of it. Chances are, you're getting plenty. Two servings of protein per day is plenty. Your veggie choices are many: beans/peas/lentils, nuts, seeds, tofu, soy meats, tempeh, seitan, miso, quinoa, and a mixture of beans & rice (this makes a complete protein). If you're not sure what some of these items are, just Google them, or look them up in Wiki.

Base your diet on produce, eat more servings of that than anything. They're filling and tasty. Besides, your parents will like seeing you eating some greens.

Here's a plan for you, share it with your parents:
http://www.veganfoodpyramid.com

Answer 5

get a couple books on vegetarianism to get more details about the how, why and basics of vegetarianism. I wanted to stop eating meat for a few years before I figured out how to do it and stick to it. In eigth grade I decided to gradually remove it from my diet piece by piece. I had already stopped eating ham/pork and other pig products (i'd always loved Wilbur from Charlottes web!) and so I cut out red meat in the winter. I kept eating chicken to help me get the right amount of protein, etc. Then over the summer I stopped eating chicken. I found it easier then because veggies are so much fresher and can easily make up meals! I still eat a bit of fish but not that often. I became serious about checking ingredient labels for meat products in crackers, soups, frozen items, etc over the course of the next year. If you don't do it too drastically it's easier to pay attention to your body and make sure your diet stays healthy. And its easier for your parents to see that its not just a phase and you are taking it seriously but not being rash about it. good luck!

Answer 6

I think you should become a vegetarian because your not hurting anyone, you are helping people.

It is a great thing that you wanna be one. You can get protein from nuts and beans, so your not exicuting a food group.

You should tell your parents that you have a great idea and want to try it out.

Answer 7

It depends on your health first and foremost. I had a friend who had epilepsy and tried to become a vegetarian at 14 or 15. Of course she didn't do enough research and her diet was not balanced. She ended up having a seizure after her second month. It is so important to research it and maintain a well-balanced diet. So before you just stop eating meat find out what you will have to do to supplement your diet. The other important element is why do you want to do this? My cousin is a vegetarian and has been so for years because she doesn't want to get fat. her skin is so transparent that you can see her veins in her face. Again not a well-balanced diet.

Answer 8

Eat what you want .. they can't MAKE you eat meat. It's healthier, cleaner and vegetarians live longer.

Answer 9

i think your parents doesn't agree with u cause u'r still young and u need proteins and vitamins to grow up!!! u have to take these vitamins from the food, like meat etc.. u'r in puberty time and u need to eat good food!!! eat vegetables cause they are good for health but twice a day try to eat meat, or else eat alot of nuts and pulses cause they have the same proteins as meat

Answer 10

do whatever you want to do. meat is good for you because of protein and stuff. there is nothing wrong with being a vegetarian. i suggest you try it out for a week and see if u like it.