I'm a VERY picky eater..........?

Question

Okay,so I'm a 13 year old vegetarian and have been since January.YAY!!! Anyways.I don't eat beans,except like in spanish rice and stuff like that.But black beans and black eyed peas are gross to me.I'm kinda slow (not really) just cause I can't swallow pills,which means,I can't swallow vitamins.Now finally for the question,what are some ways that I can get enough protein in my diet since I'm SUCH a picky eater? My mom just thinks I should eat meat again,but I WON'T EVER eat meat again. Don't suggest nuts,I already know they have protein and I eat them.It gets nasty/boring after awhile.I was wondering if someone knew any recipies or different ways to get protein.

Answer 1

Do you like peanut butter? If not, try some almond butter or cashew butter-yummy. My 12 year old vegetarian daughter loves almond butter and almond milk. Both are good sources of protein. You could make a yummy smoothie with almond milk, a banana, some strawberries and a good quality yogurt-make sure it does not have gelatine in it, because gelatine is made from boiled animal skins and bones (jello) Try some quinoa (pronounced keen wa, from the health food store) Its like pasta, only it is a good source of protein and amino acids. Smoothes are a dilicious way to get extra protein. My daughter takes a liquid vitamin made by Buried Treasure.

Answer 2

Bare with me for a sec as I get technical. All protein sources, flesh or plant, are broken down by digestion into their basic components, Amino Acids. The are then rebuilt into the proteins you requre for a body, organs, hair, etc. The trick with vegetarianism is mixing a range of non-flesh sources to make complete proteins. This will require you to broaden your palate, try Quinoa in your spanish rice recipe, it's very high in amino acids. Look to dark green vegies, beans and lentils to maintain your iron levels as well.
!!P.S. I agree with foxygold though, don't underestimate the massive change you are going through at your age, seek th advice of a reputable specialist.!!

Answer 3

Try tofu. It has a bad reputation but if cooked right it can be really awesome! Its something that you can learn and your whole family can try and hopefully enjoy with you. There are lots of recipes out there as well.

Beans...ah yes, the musical protein enriched food. Try making them into a hummus. Hummus is a Greek food made from mashed chick peas, with different herbs and spices, and mixed veggies. The put it on crackers and pita bread but you can make it out of any bean! Navy beans or great northern beans work great as well.

Good luck and happy cooking!

Answer 4

I think you must do two things-consult with a registered dietician to provide you with a plan to include enough nutrients for your growing body and begin to get used to beans and legumes. They can be prepared many different ways and you need not consume large amounts, but they are an essential part of a vegetarian diet. You don't say if you eat eggs and dairy-they are good sources of protein.
I think you must sacrifice either your pickiness or your vegetarian ethic if you wish to stay healthy.

Answer 5

I am a very picky veg who doesn't like beans or pills too! For me, nuts and tofu do the trick. You just have to hide the tofu, and it doesn't have any taste. All else I can suggest is having a *variety* of nuts.

Answer 6

Eat soy products (tofu, soy milk, soy yoghurt), milk products (cheese, yoghurt,...), eggs, seeds, rice and corn, hummus, and try to mix yourself drinks and put protein powder in them (once in a while). Or get yourself a book with nutrition information for vegetarians or do research...

Answer 7

Try soy products. Also i would suggest you seek the advice of a doctor or nutritionist at your age a bad diet could ruin you reproductive organs.

Answer 8

Tofu !!!! soybeans , soybean milk they have rich in B12 (which are required for vegetarians/vegan) Get those chewable multi-vitamins. Vegetarian meat (which is made up of soybeans)

Answer 9

fruits and vegetables