My daughter is very unhealthy! Help!?

Question

I allowed my daughter to become a vegetarian because I thought by becoming one, she would be healthier. But ever since she became a vegetarian, she has been eating fries, candy, pasta, and peanut butter. I told her that if she wants to be a vegetarian, she better start eating healthy. I even bought her meatless chicken nuggets since they were her favorite. She won't try them and she says they are disgusting. I yell at her to eat her vegetables but she just won't. I don't know what to do anymore. I'm tired, always stressed out at work because I have to work 12 hours a day. What will make my daughter eat meat again or if not that, what will make her start trying out new things to see if she actually likes them? Help!

I told her vegetarians eat vegetables but she says 'Vegetarians don't eat anything that has eyes' or something.

Thanks in Advance

Answer 1

Let the girl eat what she wants to eat.. You only get one chance to live life

Answer 2

Pasta Salad

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons olive oil

1 eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

2 cloves garlic, minced

3/4 pound penne

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions:

In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over moderate heat. Add one third of the eggplant and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is tender and brown, about 4 minutes. Remove the eggplant from the pan and put it in a large bowl. Cook the remaining eggplant in two batches, each using 2 tablespoons of the oil and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Add the garlic to the last batch of eggplant during the final minute of cooking. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the penne until just done, about 13 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly. Transfer to the bowl with the eggplant. Toss the pasta and eggplant with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt, the parsley, pepper, and lemon juice.

Vegetable Bowls

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

Pillsberry Pizza Dough

Non Frozen- Brocilli

Non Frozen- Cauliflower

Non Frozen- Chopped Carrots

Butter

Bread Crumbs

With the Pillsberry Dough make 2 medium sized balls. Then cut them into halfs. Then with the halfs, form bowls. On the outside press bread the Bread Crumbs. Then in a seprate bowl put the veggies, butter cut into squares. Enough to cover the veggies, but not too much. Put into microwave for  5 minutes or intill the butter melts. Then toss the veggies intill covered. Then put into dough bowls. Bake in oven intill the bowl is golden brown and cooked. Put a 1/4 of a tbs. of salt on top. Put 2 on each plate and it serves 2.

Answer 3

I was like that too when I was a younger vegetarian, I actually got really sick from not eating right.  It's really easy as a teenager and probably not knowing how to cook that well to get caught up in eating fast, cheap and unhealthy vegetarian foods.  It's what's available and they can afford it.  

I'm a vegan now and I'm perfectly healthy.  I think that with age and experience, you start to understand your body more and you know that you have to begin getting all the nutrients that you need.  Perhaps she just doesn't understand that yet.

My suggestion:  Start preparing foods that revolve around her diet and that you can add meat to if you're a meat eater.  Take her favorite meals and veganize them.  This will no doubt get her to start eating balanced meals that you provide and show her that you support her decision.  Another suggestion, don't buy her too much of the frozen, processed proteins that they have out there (ie. chicken nuggets, boca burgers, etc.)  Making soups with lentils, beans, greens, etc. will get her on the track to appropriate nutrients instead of junk.

Good luck and be patient. ;)

Answer 4

go through your kitchen and take out all the junk food then replace it with veggies get some quick and easy veg recipies so you dont have to worry=-)

Answer 5

Give her time, just trust me =] she will snap out of it

Answer 6

Hey!

I know this sounds crazy but this worked for my family. It is called the check mark system. We all got mini calenders and set goals. They were daily goals and if we achieved them we would get a check mark. You had to get 5 check marks a week otherwise you would be out. If you got out my mom would choose something very unpleasant for you to do. If you stayed in the whole month you got a prize. They were prizes like $10 to go pick out some exotic fruits like mangos or pineapples, $20 to buy new books, etc.

The checkmark system went great for me. (We did an exercise goal). I used to be really out of shape but now I am one of the top endurance runners in my class!

Tell her that if she continues to eat this way she could become over weight. My grandma always said "All in moderation." And she was right.

One thing I love is vegetables. I love sugar snap peas and home grown carrots. One of my personal favorites is cheese melted over brocolli. I don't know what kind of vegetarian your daughter is but I am lacto-ovo so I still eat cheese. I also love taking peanut butter or CheezWhiz and spreading it over celery.

Peanut butter and pasta are great for her, although in moderation. She can do without the fries and the candy though.

I hope I have helped. If you want more ideas, email me!

Answer 7

You said SHE JUST WON'T EAT VEGETABLES AT ALL? Then she will have much serious problem IF switch to meat eating. She will only eat meat & will not touch the veggies at all. As a mother u should give her choice, NOT freedom. Find more delicious vegetarian cuisine. Feed her with more “intellectual” and “emotional” values because kids are more conscientious & intuitionist then the adults with conditional mind.

Answer 8

COME, LORD JESUS,

=================

WHY NOT TAKE HER TO INDIA AND WHEN SHE COME BACK HOME, SHE WILL LEAD A NORMAL LIFE.

SHE COULD ALSO SPEND TWO WEEKS AT THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CONVENT IN INDIA NEAR THE TAJ MAHAL?

HOW ABOUT TAJ MAHAL?

GOD BLESS YOU.

Answer 9

Ohhh I was there at one time!! I was so unhealthy when I first became a vegetarian! All I ever ate was like fries and cake and pizza! I just realized one day that I was getting fat and had to get my eating habbits back on track! Now i'm a very healthy vegan! She will get it sonner or later (hopefully) even if it means her getting fat. Make sure she reads these comments though, to get her to understand shes a vegetarian but we can be unhealthy too!

Answer 10

It sounds like your daughter has an eating disorder and she is using the word vegetarian to mask this. I'd get her to your family doctor and or a dietitian.

Answer 11

This is not a vegetarian issue at all.  It's a poor eating habits issue.  If she ate meat along with what she eats now..it's still poor eating habits.  A healthy diet includes whole grains, a variety of veggies, fruits and legumes.  Meat can't replace any of those.

Answer 12

Haha

What a smart a$$

Im also a vegetarian...

Knowing from experience because i am also a teen,

Eat vegetarian meals with her, even if its just cheese lasagna, orJust make yummy meals everyone in your family can enjoy.

My guess (bcuz i do this sometimes) is if you make dinner she prob, just has like a large helping of potatoes, or something like that.

So just include her in your guys' meals.

Also, I cant believe she doesnt like the fake chickn' I think its SOOO good.

Have her try the chickn' patties, and put lettuce and tomatoes on it.

(if you need anymore help you can email me-)   [e-mail]

=]

Answer 13

If a veggie doesnt eat veggies that veggie isn't a veggie.

Try this for protein

North American vegetarian teens eating varied diets rarely have any difficulty getting enough protein as long as their diet contains enough energy (calories) to support growth. Cow's milk and lowfat cheese are protein sources; however, beans, breads, cereals, nuts, peanut butter, tofu, and soy milk are also some foods that are especially good sources of protein. Only fruits, fats, and alcohol do not provide much protein, and so a diet based only on these foods would have a good chance of being too low in protein.

Especially during adolescence, calcium is used to build bones. Bone density is determined in adolescence and young adulthood; so it is important to include three or more good sources of calcium in your diet every day. Cow's milk and dairy products do contain calcium. However, there are other good sources of calcium such as tofu processed with calcium sulfate, green leafy vegetables including collard greens, mustard greens, and kale, and calcium-fortified soy milk and orange juice.

Iron requirements of teenagers are relatively high. By eating a varied diet, a vegetarian can meet his or her iron needs, while avoiding the excess fat and cholesterol found in red meats such as beef or pork. To increase the amount of iron absorbed from a meal, eat a food containing vitamin C as part of the meal. Citrus fruits and juices (for example, orange juice), tomatoes, and broccoli are all good sources of vitamin C. Foods which are high in iron include broccoli, raisins, watermelon, spinach, black-eyed peas, blackstrap molasses, chickpeas, and pinto beans.

Vitamin B12 is a vitamin which only vegans (vegetarians eating no dairy, eggs, meat, fish, and birds) need to add to their diet. Some cereals and fortified soy milks have vitamin B12 (check the label). Red Star T-6635 nutritional yeast flakes (Vegetarian Support Formula) also supply vitamin B12.

Entrees



AMERICAN

  Baked Beans

  Chili Black Bean, Lentil, Pinto Bean, Soy, Tempeh

  Veggie Burgers Burger King BK Veggie, Boca Burger, Gardenburger, Morningstar Farms, Yves Black Bean

  Meatless Hot Dogs

  Casserole Loaves Lentil, Potato, Red Bean, Rice-Mushroom, Soy

  Sloppy Joes Lentil, Tofu

CHINESE & ASIAN

  Chop Suey

  Chow Mein

  Dim Sum

  Mu Shu Vegetables

  Pad Thai

  Ramen

  Szechuan Eggplant

  Spring Rolls

  Sushi

  Sweet & Sour Vegetables

  Won Ton Soup

INDIAN

  Aloo Gobhi

  Aloo Paratha

  Bombay Pav Bhaji

  Chana Masala

  Curried Vegetables

  Dahl

  Gobhi Muslam

  Potato Curry

  Tandoori Casserole

ITALIAN

  Eggplant Casserole

  Pasta Linguini, Macaroni, Rigatoni, Spaghetti

  Pizza

  Lasagna

  Manicotti

  Ravioli

  Stuffed Bell Peppers

MEDITERRANEAN

  Falafel

  Moroccan Vegetables

  Spanikopita

  Tabouleh

MEXICAN

  Burritos Bean, Potato, Tofu

  Chapatis & Beans

  Enchiladas Spinach Mushroom

  Seitan Fajitas

  Tacos Bean, Potato, Tofu

  Tamales

  Tamale Pie

OTHER

  Marinated Tofu

  Mushroom Stroganoff

  Roasted Vegetables

  Sandwiches Hummus, Cashew Butter, Peanut Butter, Meat Substitutes, Roasted Eggplant, Vegetables

  Shish Kebabs

  Soups

  Stews

  Stuffed Squash

  Vegetable Quiche



Fruits



Apples

Golden Delicious

Red Delicious

Granny Smith

McIntosh

Pink Lady

Apricots

Bananas

Blackberries

Blueberries

Canteloupe

Cherries

Coconuts

Cranberries

Dates

Figs

Grapefruit

Grapes

Honeydew   Melons

Kiwi Fruit

Lemons

Limes

Mangos

Nectarines

Oranges

Papaya

Peaches

Pears

Pineapple

Plums

Prunes

Raisins

Raspberries

Strawberries

Tangerines

Watermelon



Dairy Substitutes



MILK

Almond Milk

Rice Milk

Soy Milk

Above available in: Nonfat, 2%, Regular, Carob, Chocolate, Vanilla

Soy Yogurt

CHEESE

Almond Cheese

Rice Cheese

Soy Cheese

American, Cheddar, Mozarella, Swiss



Sandwich Fillings



Apple Butter

Cashew Baba Ganouj

Butter

Guacamole

Falafel

Hummus

Jams & Jellies Blueberry, Boysenberry, Cranberry, Grape, Raspberry, Strawberry

Marmalade

Peanut butter

Seitan

Tofu, Baked

Tofu "Egg" Salad

Veggie Burger Mix

Wheat Roast



Grain Dishes



Couscous

Dolmas

Falafel

Grits

Macaroni

Oatmeal

Pasta

Pilaf

Polenta

Porridge

Ramen Buckwheat, Carrot, Curry, Miso, Mushroom, Onion, SchezhuanSeawood, Spinach

Spanish Rice

Tabouleh

Wild Rice



Breakfast Foods



Bagels Banana Nut, Blueberry, Cinnamon Raisin, Cranberry, Garlic, Onion, Poppy Seed, Pumpernickel, Sesame Seed, Sun-Dried Tomato, Whole Wheat

Cereal Cheerios, Cornflakes, Frosted Flakes, Grape Nuts, Kashi, Multigrain Flakes, Nutri-Grain, Puffed Corn, Puffed Millet, Puffed Rice, Puffed Wheat, Raisin Bran, Rice Flakes, Shredded Wheat, Wheetabix

Cinnamon Buns

Danish

Donuts

French Toast

Granola

Grits

Muffins

Oatmeal

Pancakes

Blueberry, Buckwheat, Wheat

Pastries

Polenta

Porridge

Potato Patties

Scrambled Tofu

Toast

Waffles



Grains



Amaranth

Barley

Buckwheat

Bulgur Wheat

Corn

Millet

Oats

Rice

Rye

Quinoa

Wheat



Tubers



Red Potatoes

Russet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Yams



Beans



Adzuki Beans

Black Beans

Black Eyed Peas

Garbanzo Beans

Great Northern Beans

Green Lentils

Green Split Peas

Kidney Beans

Mung Beans

Navy Beans

Pinto Beans

Red Beans

Red Lentils

Soybeans

Yellow Split Peas



Meat Substitutes



Seitan

Soy Ground Beef

Soy Hot Dogs

Soy Pepperoni

Tempeh

Tofu

TVP

Veggie Burgers Mix, Packaged

Veggie BBQ

Wheat Roast



Bean Dishes



Baked Beans

Bean Burgers Black Bean, Kidney Bean, Pinto Bean, Lentil, Red Bean, Tofu

Bean Casserole Black Bean, Kidney Bean, Pinto Bean, Lentil, Red Bean, Tofu

Black Bean Dip

Chili Black Bean, Kidney Bean, Pinto Bean, Red Bean, Tofu

Dahl

Hummus

Lentil Sloppy Joes

Marinated Tofu

Refried Beans

Tofu Sloppy Joes



Vegetable Dishes



Baked Potatoes

Butternut Squash

Carrots & Parsley

Coleslaw

Corn on the Cob

Curried Vegetables

Eggplant Casserole

Grilled Vegetables

Hash Browns

Mashed Potatoes

Mixed Vegetables

Moroccan Vegetables

Mushroom Gravy

Potato Burgers

Potato Curry

Roasted Vegetables

Soups Alphabet, Asparagus, Black Bean, Borscht, Corn Chowder, Cream of Broccoli, Cream of Celery, Curry Lentil, Gazpacho, Lentil-Tomato, Minestrone, Miso, Mushroom, Okra Gumbo, Onion, Potato-Leek, Red Bean, Split Pea, Sweet Squash, Tomato, Vegetable

Stews Black-Eyed Pea, Garbanzo, Potato, Ratatouille, Squash & Tomato, Yam

Steamed Artichokes

Steamed Greens

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Sweet & Sour Vegetables



Leafy Vegetables



Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Celery

Collard Greens

Dandelion Greens

Green Chard

Green Leaf Lettuce

Iceberg Lettuce

Kale

Mustard Greens

Red Chard

Red Leaf Lettuce

Spinach



Nuts



Almonds

Brazil Nuts

Cashews

Chestnuts Filberts

Peanuts

Peanut Butter

Pecans

Pistachios

Walnuts



Snacks



Applesauce

Carrot Sticks

Crackers Brown Rice, Matzo,Saltines, Whole Wheat Thins

Fruit Cocktail

Fruit Leather

Fruit Salad

Nuts

Pickles

Popcorn

Pretzels

Rice Cakes Apple, Caramel, Millet, Buckwheat, Italian Spice, Mochi Sweet, Teriyaki Smoothies

Sunflower Seeds

Tortilla Chips



Desserts



Bread Pudding

Brownies

Cakes Angelfood, Boston Cream Pie, Chocolate, Coffee Cake, Cupcakes, Flan, Fruitcake, Gingerbread, Pound Cake, Sponge Cake, Tofu Cheesecake

Candy Bars

Cobbler Apple, Apricot, Peach, Plum

Cookies Animal Crackers, Apple Spice, Chocolate, Coconut Bars, Fig Bars, Gingersnaps, Graham Crackers, Ladyfingers, Macaroons, Oatmeal, Peanut Butter, Raisin, Shortbread, Sugar, Vanilla

Crepes Eclairs Frozen Fruit Bars

Canteloupe, Cherry, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Pineapple, Raspberry, Strawberry

Nondairy Ice Cream Almond Pecan, Chai, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Espresso, Green Tea, Peppermint, Pistachio Almond, Raspberry, Vanilla

Pies Apple, Banana Custard, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Chocolate Chiffon, Coconut Cream, Fried, Lemon, Pecan, Pumpkin, Rhubarb, Sweet Potato

Puddings Chocolate, Rice, Tapioca, Vanilla

Sorbets



Baking



Arrowroot

Baking Powder

Baking Soda

Corn Starch

Egg Replacer

Yeast



Sweeteners



Barley Malt

Brown Rice Syrup

Brown Sugar

Maple Syrup

Molasses

Sugar

Turbinado Sugar



Other Vegetables



Artichokes

Asparagus

Avocados

Bamboo Shoots

Beets

Bell Peppers Green, Red, Yellow

Butternut Squash

Carrots

Corn

Cucumbers

Eggplant

Garlic

Ginger

Green Onions

Leeks

Mushrooms Shiitake, White Button

Okra

Olives

Onions

Peas

Pumpkin

Radishes

Sprouts

Squash

Tomatoes

Turnips

Zucchini



Breads



Bagels

Biscuits

Cornbread

Dinner Rolls

Focaccia

French Bread

Muffins Apple, Banana, Carrot, Corn, Oat

Loaves Banana, Multigrain, Raisin, Rye, Wheat, Zucchini

Pita

Tortillas

Wheat Loaf



Condiments



Catsup

Chutney

Corn Butter

Eggless Mayonnaise

Horseradish

Mushroom Gravy

Mustard

Nutritional Yeast

Pasta Sauces

Pepper

Pesto

Pico de Gallo

Salad Dressings Cucumber, French, Honey Mustard, Italian, Thousand Island, Tomato, Vinaigrette

Salsa

Salt

Sesame Seeds

Soy Sauce

Tahini

Tamari



Herbs & Spices



Allspice

Cinnamon

Basil

Bay Leaves

Celery Seed

Chili Powder

Cilantro

Coriander

Cumin

Curry Powder

Dill

Dry Mustard

Garlic

Ginger

Lemon Juice

Mace

Marjoram

Nutmeg

Oregano

Paprika

Parsley

Pepper, Black

Pepper, Red

Rosemary

Sage

Salt

Soy Sauce

Spike

Tarragon

Thyme

Turmeric



Beverages



Beer

Cocoa

Coffee

Fruit Juices

  Apple, Grape, Grapefruit, Orange

Lemonade

Limeade

Root Beer

Soft Drinks

Sports Drinks

Teas

Tomato Juice

Wine

HOPE THAT HELPS

Answer 14

Whenever my mom makes chicken or whatever she makes rice or mashed potatoes and then makes a saucey thing which i then put over some fake meat and they put on their real stuff. As long as you include her in the meal it should be fine.  Also try different brands of stuff.  I have certain brands of fake lunch meat (for ex.) that i prefer over others.  

My sister is a vegetarian and she is the pickiest eater on the planet.  She has slowly introduced foods other than mashed potates, rice, bread, and fries to her diet.  It will happen eventually.  ( i sneak veggies into her mac and cheese and stuff :-D)

peanut butter and pasta... has she ever had Pad Thai noodles? (chilled pasta with a peanut butter sauce.. its my favourite. Plenty of protein too!)

now i'm hungry..... :(

Answer 15

It's pretty clear that she's using the whole vegetarian thing as an excuse to not eat the foods she doesn't want.

You're the parent.  You can set the rules.  Tell her that she has to start eating healthy.

And show her the definition of "vegetarian" because I'm pretty sure that "vegetarians" eat "vegetables." =]