I want to become a vegetarian...?

Question

Ok I'm 13 and want to become a vegetarian. I told my mom this a while ago and told her how I thought eating innocent animals was wrong she said I still wouldn't save the animal and it would die anyway. This made me so mad! Anyway, I *sadly* went back to eating meat because my mom wouldn't help me. So basically...

How do you get started?

Thanks!

Answer 1

First of all, do lots of research. You have to be able to answer all of her health related questions or she will think you have no idea what you are talking about. Get ready for lots of questions about B-vitamins, protein, calcium, etc.

There is a site that deals with this issue quite a bit. I think it is vegetarianteen.com or .net .

Honestly, I think most people don't want you to become a vegetarian because it makes them feel morally inferior.

I know you're a teen, but don't get into an argument over this or you'll never win. Remember to keep your cool and explain to your mom how it makes you feel when you're forced to eat meat. Keep at it and eventually she will understand.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Well, if fewer people are eating animals, that means fewer animals dying, right? If you go vegetarian, you'll save roughly 93 lives every year.

You need to ask your mom what her concerns are with you going vegetarian and then do the research to address those concerns. If she's worried about cooking separate meals, ask her if she can make the veggies and sides vegetarian (no meat stock), cook the meat for the family, and you will make your analogue to go with the vegetables. At the age of 13, you should be able to use a toaster oven, an indoor grill (such as a George Foreman), and a frying pan.

Your mom can also make chili for the family by using tempeh or veggie crumbles instead of meat. There are tons of vegetarian casserole recipes out there, or she could make half with meat and half with a veggie analogue in separate dishes. Make sure she knows you're willing to help with the cooking to make things easier.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Your mom probably just doesn't know how healthy a vegetarian diet is. Do some research and present her with facts about health. Some good websites that you can print stuff off of are peta.com and newstarget.com. Other than that, just show her you are serious by simply not eating the meat on your plate. She might punish you for a little while, but eventually she will relent. You are doing the right thing for animals, the planet, and your health!

Answer 4

Well, I'd read up on the basic vegetarian diet. What it consists of, and how to become a vegetarian HEALTHILY. So that you're not just completely blowing off the nutrients you're not going to be getting from meat.

If this helps, I'd visit this link, and see what you should eat daily:
http://www.chooseveg.com/vegan-food-pyramid.asp

And, here is a huge list of alternate meat subsitute products you can consume:
http://www.chooseveg.com/vegan-substitutes.asp

I hope this helps.
Basically, you should buy a week's worth of food, and make sure you follow the pyramid...and you should basically be good to go. =]

Answer 5

Go to your neighborhood bookstore, look at the books available on vegetarian diets, inform yourself about it, ask your family doctor if it is recommended for your age and if everything is safe for your age and health just follow the book.

Good luck

Answer 6

I think one of the main reasons parents are reluctant to have their kid go vegetarian is because they think it is unhealthy,so this may help you...

“It is the position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada that appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.”

“Well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood and adolescence. Vegetarian diets offer a number of nutritional benefits, including lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, and animal protein as well as higher levels of carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, folate, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and phytochemicals. Vegetarians have been reported to have lower body mass indices than nonvegetarians, as well as lower rates of death from ischemic heart disease; vegetarians also show lower blood cholesterol levels; lower blood pressure; and lower rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and prostate and colon cancer.“

-ADA’s and Dietitians of Canada position on Vegetarian and Vegan diets

You can also order a free vegetraian starter kit..just click on my profile,the starter kit has basic info and tips,etc.

Feel free to send me a message if you need any more help.

Answer 7

Why? Meat is an important part of your diet. It's undertood and accepted that some people choose to eliminate meat from their diet but a growing person should include a healthy portion of protein from meat in their diet. If you decide to not eat meat, then please find an acceptable substitute. You are still growing and need to provide yourself with adequate nutrition. Talk to your parents again about the foods you are eating. It's your choice to be a vegetarian, but it's very important to also maintain a balanced diet.

Answer 8

Eat no more meat, just simply replace the meat with legumes, seeds, nuts, mushrooms, and herbs. Also, start eating more vegetables and fruit.

Answer 9

just stop eating meat.
isn't it just that simple...i mean if you care about the animals...

or

look up vegetarian recipes you and your mom can cook, and maybe she end up liking the idea as much as you do.


good luck with that

Answer 10

take it slowly, dont just STOP. u hav 2 gradually become a vegetarian. ok. good.