I'm thinking of becoming a vegetarian. Can anybody give me some help?

Question

I'm fifteen, male. What are the pros AND cons of going vegetarian?

Are there any tips, or things I must keep in mind, nutrition-wise when I start a vegetarian diet?

Answer 1

Research on the internet, check to make sure your getting enough protein at first (chances are you will be) a few things can be of concern, zinc, iron, vit b12.  Mainly as long as you don't eat exactly the same as before without meat you'll be fine, just eat a few high protein foods where you would have eaten meat before, and don't worry about peoples crazy concerns, there is a lot of misinformation about it around with people, you're not going to get anemic or shrivel and die:P so if you get any concerns research them as well as talking to people and maybe you could help get rid of some of the myths.

I'd say a pro is a sense of well being and I don't know some kind of satisfaction from valuing life. the cons are mainly that in many ways the lifestyle is different than other people so it can at times be more difficult to eat out, and you may have to explain yourself a lot of times. Also noticing and being repulsed by some of the things people do without rationalising or closing your eyes to it.

Answer 2

don't think you can live on french fries, pizza and pancakes..  if you want to be a vegetarian you need to learn about nutrition and learn about cooking..  otherwise you will be eating meat products without even knowing it..  if your high school offers a nutrition class I suggest you take it..

Answer 3

youu need to quit meat straight up. no slowly quitting. it is SO much easier if you dont draw it out.

pros- you will be healthier

         you will be saving the lives of animals

          you will smell (and "taste") better. its true.

cons- some people might think you are weird

Answer 4

ive been veggie most of my life and ive never had any major problems.... though ull miss out on alot of protien so nuts and seeds are good.... good luck :)

Answer 5

well all you really need to know if that you must replace your meat intake with other foods that contain fat and vitamins. protein is another area of concern if you are a vegetarian. yogurt, cheese, and pasta have lots of protein so you dont need to worry about that. =]

Answer 6

the pros;

you'll stop supporting animal cruelty :D

you'll be healthier (as long as you still include your proteins, etc)

you won't be digesting a dead carcus

most vegetarians actually live longer than meat eaters

most vegetarians have a lot less risk of heart problems

you won't have to hurt animals just to fill your belly :]

cons;

sometimes it's not as convenient if you live with meat eaters.

things you might want to keep in mind are that theres meat in a lot of things such as skittles, jello, etc. just read the labels!

gelatin in animal cartlidge, so i suggest you don't eat it if you go veg! D:

there's also a few restaurants like mcdonalds who season their fries with real beef flavouring, so it's not really vegetarian.

go on peta2.org and it gives you TONNES of tips for becoming vegetarian, and they'll even send you a free vegetarian starter kit if you ask for one. their really helpful.

good luck on becoming vegetarian!