I'm Thinking about becoming a vegetarian but... ?

Question

I'm 13 and completely positive about becoming a vegetarian.. i can't eat meat without getting a sick feeling of how it came to be. what foods can i substitute in for my meat intake?

Answer 1

That's a great idea to be vegetarian!

Tofu, sunflower seeds, etc... are great substitutes.

this website is really cool: http://www.goveg.com/

hope i helped :)

Answer 2

There are plenty of meat substitues that taste just as good (or better) than the real thing...not to mention they are healthier. Go to a couple different local grocery stores where you live...some have bigger/better selections than others. There are a ton of different "burger" patties, chicken patties, chicken nuggets, grilled chicken patties, hot dogs, corndogs, ground beef. You should also try out different brands...some taste better than others..according to what you like. I like Quorn, Amy's, and Morningstar products the best. Don't feel like you will be missing out on anything and don't feel like all you can eat is tofu! Hopefully you will have supportive family that will make substitutions for you!

Answer 3

good for you! there are a lot of substitutes for the protein you get in meat. they are also a lot less fattening than meat. some are:

beans

broccoli

wheat bread

peanut butter

cauliflower

turnip greens

cucumbers

potatoes

tomatoes

oranges

strawberries

peanuts

almonds

any nuts

fake meats

eggs (if you still eat them)

hope this helps!!!: )

Answer 4

The best thing about meat is protein. So to compensate, try eating things loaded with proteins. Legumes for one have a large amount of protein, as does tofu (you can also find tofu products that taste like meats if you like the taste of meat). Also red beans & rice is a good, complete protein. Just make sure you get a complete protein.

Also I want to include this: http://health.rutgers.edu/factsheets/iro...

In case you're wondering why, some vegetarians get IDD (Iron Deficiency Disorder) from not getting the proper amount of Iron, if at all (Iron helps absorb oxygen in the hemoglobin). So make sure to eat dark green leafy vegetables and/or cereal (especially Raisin Bran or Total) with a glass of orange juice (or anything loaded with vitamin C).

Answer 5

There are such things as like tofu burgers and such.  But please be careful, some soy prodcuts still have the same protien meat has which is a cause of cancer. But congradulations.  if there is anything i can help you with just email me! :)

Answer 6

You don't need to substitute your meat intake, you just need to make sure you include sources of the nutrients meat provides (protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins.)  You already eat other foods with these nutrients - nobody gets all of their protein from meat, for example.

Google the vegetarian food pyramid.  It shows how many servings of fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, etc... you need to eat each day to balance your diet, which makes it really simple.  Follow it and you should be good.

Another, more in-depth, resource is "The New Becoming Vegetarian" by Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina.  Both authors are registered dietitians and they've included a chapter specifically addressing the needs of teen vegetarians.  It has a lot of great info that you should go over with your parents to help plan a good daily diet for you.

Answer 7

Sounds like you need to talk to your parents about going to the doctor and setting up an appointment to see a good dietitian/nutritionist so that they can help you to set up a good diet plan to meet your dietary needs.

Suggest the involvement of your parents since they are the ones that buy the food for your home I would think - and they are going to have to know what and how to buy, how to prepare what you need.

Good luck.

Answer 8

I'm 15 and I'm a vegetarian.

Eat beans and Legumes for protein, There are also soooo many meat substitutes out there with lots of protein in them.

Congradulations on wanting to become one, I feel awesome ever since Ive been one. Only about 2 months now, but I still feel great.

Answer 9

its your body and you don't have to listen to me but ive heard of people getting really sick and dying because of the lack of nutrients that meat provides but to answer your question tofu and peanut butter have a high protein content that's just a few things but as i said its totally up to you