Im 13 and i have been a vegetarian for a year now!! i love it..im a huge animal lover who hates the thought of eating a poor little animal that was once happy and living!!! But latley my parents have been bugging me and saying im to younge...What do i do??
2007-03-07 13:34:24 · 12 answers · asked by Siobhan C 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Vegetarian & Vegan
Omg, I had the same exact problem! If your parents are like mine, vo online and find some good reasons for people to not eat meat! Do you like peanuts? Eat lots of peanuts or peanut butter to show them that you're getting healthy oils and protein. Also, write down some of the healthy foods you eat during the day to show that you're eating foods that will substitute for the meat! Go animals!
2007-03-07 13:41:23 · answer #1 · answered by All Me 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
*DO NOT* believe any of that junk about how "humans are meant to eat meat." People will try to "prove" this by quoting the bible, saying that we are the top of the food chain, and by telling you that your teeth were made for ripping apart flesh. None of these things are proof. You have a brain capable of critical thought and you have the right to make your choice.
Your parents may be concerned that at your age, still growing and developing, you may not get the proper nutrients from a vegetarian diet.
Simply explain to them that you're old enough to make such decisions for yourself. Learn as much as you can about nutrition, especially non-meat protein sources. Beans, nuts, and seeds (including tofu and other soy products) are all nutritious sources of protein, and are very easy and usually inexpensive!
go to www.vegweb.com for LOTS of fun and delicious recipes. Volunteer to help in the kitchen to make vegetarian meals.
Your best defense is knowledge. Research the facts about factory farming, and how bad it is for animals and the environment. And again, the more you know about what foods your body needs, the better. This way, you'll be able to answer any questions or qualms they have with your choice. Be open to discussions about it, and try not to let it turn into a fight. If they have any "good" reasons why you should eat meat, or any point that you can't answer, just keep doing your research and stick to your convictions.
2007-03-07 14:22:01 · answer #2 · answered by ashl3igh 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just do what you need to do to maintain your standpoint. Don't get blown off!!
Being vegetarian is very good, I am one and I'm proud of it!! I turned vegetarian since I was 6 and now I'm 15, and I lead a very healthy lifestyle. I was always admired by school teachers, friends, and relatives for being so healthy as a vegetarian. I am growing up as normal as any kid and my health is even better than most of my friends. Since being a vegetarian, I seldom get sick, so..
Keep up the GOOD JOB!!! Being a vegetarian is a wonderful thing, and I am also an animal-lover, I just can't stand the sight seeing them slauhtered cruelly. The thought disgusts me.. YUCK!!
2007-03-11 04:11:11 · answer #3 · answered by Curious_'bout..eeEeverything 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to research a lot of factual information about being a teenage vegetarian. A lot of information is on the web. I heard a popular book is "A Teen's Guide to Going Vegetarian" by Judy Krizmanic.
From my understanding, about 20% of the population of India is vegetarian, most are vegetarian their whole lives. So that means there are hundreds of millions of vegetarians in the world, many who grew up that way.
2007-03-07 16:24:28 · answer #4 · answered by FM 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I started being a vegetarian when I was thirteen, too. My parents... were also typically the same way. Convince your parents by showing them what you intend to replace for those supplements lost by becoming a vegetarian. You will need to eat lots of cereal (iron), and others like nuts... or else you'll become sick. Research before you start. Not only will you learn a lot... you'll also keep yourself healthy and fit!
Good Luck!
2007-03-09 10:56:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel for you, I would just explain to them that it is a healthy lifestyle, one that you chose. Vegetarians live longer than carnivores anyway lol. Clearly it is working for you so that is great. My mom is a vegetarian and my dad is not, we all like vegetarian food though.
p.s,
If anyone gives you that junk that vegetaians can't get any protein, just tell them that soy (tofu, soy beans soy products), peanut butter and many other beans have significant amounts of protein.
:)
2007-03-07 14:27:29 · answer #6 · answered by ar 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do alot of research then hand out papers to you're parents and explain to them why its good. Oh and congrats on being a vegetarian for a year now :D!
2007-03-07 13:47:06 · answer #7 · answered by Dog Lover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Notice that lots of healthy, happy animals die in the 'hands' of other animals in the wild. But, stress to them that you prefer not to eat meat and would rather prefer nuts, beans and other foods for protein.
2007-03-07 13:42:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask them to go with u to the dr and get some tests on your health like a good physical and if it turns out ok and the dr says its all ok i think they will leave u alone but u have to eat healthy too take care :)
2007-03-07 13:39:10 · answer #9 · answered by raindovewmn41 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 13, you should not adopt a vegetarian diet. You are growing and need proteins. Only animal proteins can provide a full spectrum of amino acids your body needs for growth. Plant proteins do not. So it is not advisable to be a vegetarian before at least 18 years of age.
2007-03-07 15:36:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋