Gone ovo-vegetarian and nervous. . .?

Question

I am 14 and have just going ovo-vegetarian, and I have to admit that I am feeling pretty scared. No dairy food is going to be a big thing for me and my family is not going to be happy. I know that I need to get it right or I could be doing myself harm so could anyone offer me some advice?

Answer 1

Hi have a look at these 3 websites(the 2nd one is slow to link)

http://www.highlandveggies.org -

http://www.scotveg.com

http://www.vegsoc.org/network/scotland.h...

Use the website to look for help/info on a vegetarian diet, especially the veg society! :)

Answer 2

You don't need a dietitian to become a ovo-vegetarian just get a couple vegetarian cookbooks.

To replace meat in your diet eat: Beens, nuts, whole grains seeds, peanut butter, tofu, soy milk, veggie burgers, veggie hot dogs, and eggs.

Answer 3

Try not to be nervous. Much of your worry is because of the carnivores around you trying to scare you into giving up your beliefs.    I did not see a nutritionist or dietician.  If you're still eating eggs you're still getting B vits.   A good multi vitamin is never a bad idea.

There are lots of good veg nutrition sites online. Just google for it!

Just wanted to say congrats on your new lifestyle!  Don't be nervous.  Be proud.  :-)

Answer 4

I became a lacto-ovo vegetarian at your age (14) and it's only had good benefits. My doctor says I'm in good health and she's especially impressed my low cholesterol levels, since high cholesterol runs in my family.

Just try to eat a variety of foods -- fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and grains. You can easily get all of the vitamins and nutrients you need by eating a normal variety of plant foods. A diet of mostly carbs and junk food isn't healthy for anyone, whether vegetarian or meat-eater.

Also, there are plenty of non-dairy sources of calcium. They include almonds, black beans, broccoli, great northern beans, kale, kidney beans, mustard greens, navy beans, orange juice, pinto beans, sesame seeds, soybeans, soymilk, textured vegetable protein (TVP), and tofu.

Hope this helps. Don't worry, be happy that you're making such a positive change in your life! :)

Answer 5

I'm studying to be a dietitian, but I'm not a professional in the area yet. You should look for an R.D. (registered dietitian). A lot of health care programs have dietitians you can pick.

Only them can really tell you what exactly you have to eat, the options you have etc.

And remember you still can have soy milk, tofu (cheese that is not made from milk etc). You don't need too much protein as you think you do, every day, but it is good to balance everything you can eat.

Hope this helps.

Not underestimating other people's answers, cookbooks will help you with recipes, but the real doubts you have about being an ovo-vegetarian can be solved with a dietitian. It is not a reason to be scared or nervous, I agree, but you have to make sure you are not leaving important macro and micronutrients out of your diet, ESPECIALLY because you're still growing up. Your diet will affect everything in your life, how much you will grow, all the chemicals in your blood, and all that can prevent unwanted diseases in the future. I do think it's a wonderful decision, and you don't have to be nervous, but having a dietitian or nutritionist who can help you choose the right foods so nothing will be lacking in your body, especially bc you're growing up is also a good decision.

The links are below. Visit them and see if you can find a dietitian in your area (2nd link)