Vegetarian Help!!??

Question

I really want to become a vegetarian, because I love animals. I have gone 1 day so far without eating meat and hopefully plan on going more. I don't eat animal flesh so that means meat and fish. I am only 12 and need lots of protein so what are some foods you think a 12 year old girl would like that don't have animal flesh in it? Mark with a * if it has lots of protein.

Also how does tofu taste? Is it good? What are some advantages and disadvantages of being vegetarian?

Answer 1

Some alternatives, for a lacto-ovo vegetarian are

cheese*

yogurt

eggs*

nuts*

tofu*

beans*

legumes*

vegetarian versions of classics (veggie burgers, chick'n burgers, facon (fake bacon = facon) etc.

A lot of people claim to dislike the taste of tofu, however it is all in the way that it is prepared...just like anything else. I would research recipes for tofu preparation and see what appeals to you.

The advantages and disadvantages should be clear, I can't tell you whether or not it's right for you. You have to decide that on your own.

Answer 2

there is this tofu chocolate pudding that rawks girl! soy is great too. soy yogurt w/granola, soy milk, soy ice cream. nuts are a good way to get some vitamins. kale, dark greens and so are peanut butter are a great way to get protein. of course veggies are good when you are a vegetarian. you might want to google vegan web sites or vegetarian web sites.

i hope you have some luck at this. im 38 and just starting at this vegetarianism.

Answer 3

okay, here is what you do.

Avoid empty foods that are high in fats and make you feel hungry so quickly. Instead eat more grains and beans. - solid wholesome food. make your fav. foods that have grians.

1) this will fill you up

2) easy to take to school

3) lots of protein

4) easy to make

5) cheap

6) its super healthy

Ask your parents to help you cook foods easy recipes. - http://www.vegetariantimes.com

get started with beans - kidney, black, navy, -- chilie, black bean with nachos

Answer 4

tofu tastes like whatever you cook it with.

like if you cook it with onions, it will taste like onions.

Eggs and Dairy

Egg, large - 6 grams protein

Milk, 1 cup - 8 grams

Cottage cheese, ½ cup - 15 grams

Yogurt, 1 cup – usually 8-12 grams, check label

Soft cheeses (Mozzarella, Brie, Camembert) – 6 grams per oz

Medium cheeses (Cheddar, Swiss) – 7 or 8 grams per oz

Hard cheeses (Parmesan) – 10 grams per oz

Beans (including soy)

Tofu, ½ cup 20 grams protein

Tofu, 1 oz, 2.3 grams

Soy milk, 1 cup - 6 -10 grams

Most beans (black, pinto, lentils, etc) about 7-10 grams protein per half cup of cooked beans

Soy beans, ½ cup cooked – 14 grams protein

Split peas, ½ cup cooked – 8 grams

Nuts and Seeds

Peanut butter, 2 Tablespoons - 8 grams protein

Almonds, ¼ cup – 8 grams

Peanuts, ¼ cup – 9 grams

Cashews, ¼ cup – 5 grams

Pecans, ¼ cup – 2.5 grams

Sunflower seeds, ¼ cup – 6 grams

Pumpkin seeds, ¼ cup – 19 grams

Flax seeds – ¼ cup – 8 grams

Answer 5

I'm pescetarian, somewhat a similar case as you.

When I was 13, I decided to stop eating meat because I was horrified by the way people killed the animal. My family eats seafood a lot, so I couldn't really get away from that.

As a beginning pescetarian, it was really difficult to control what you ate. I eat eggs and seafood, and that's basically the only meat I eat.

Remember, if you want to become a vegetarian, keep away from eating items containing gelatin such as jello, marshmallows, some jams/jellies, just read the ingredient labels.

I'm from an Asian descent, and I am familiar with many Asian Vegetarian Restaurants. In Asia, many skilled people find ways to take tofu, soy, and bean curd and transform it into a delicious meal. The imitation meat is really delicious, it tastes, smells, and even has similar textures of meat. I buy it a lot from Asian supermarkets, but they tend to be a bit pricey.

Nevertheless, it's good for you, tastes great, and is meat-free.

Answer 6

Good for you for wanting to stop eating animals! Here is an article on easy ways to add protein to your diet:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2298983_add-prot...

Another thing that you need to make sure you have enough of is vitamin B-12, which is found mainly in animal products. Here is an article on an easy way to add it to your diet:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2298990_add-vita...

Answer 7

Protein is very important, particularly since you are so young. try tofu, definitely eggs. another great source are legumes and lentils -- middle eastern and Indian food use alot of lentils. Plus, indian food has an incredible variety of vegetarian dishes that healthy and absolutely delicious.

Vegetarianism can be fun!

Answer 8

Most foods contain at least some protein. Good sources of protein for vegetarians include nuts* and seeds*, pulses*, soya products* (tofu*, soya milk* and textured soya protein such as soya mince*), soy milk such as silk soymilk*, cereals* (wheat, oats, and rice), free-range eggs* and some dairy products* (milk, cheese and yogurt).

Vegetarians and vegans eating a well-balanced diet based on grains*, pulses*, seeds*, nuts* and vegetables* will be consuming a mixture of proteins that complement one another naturally without requiring any planning. Beans* on toast, cheese* or peanut butter* sandwich, muesli with milk* (soya or cow's), and rice* with peas* or beans* are all common examples of protein complementing. Also, meatless products such as a brand called Boca is very tasty and has a lot of protein in it.

Tofu is very bland so you have to make it in a way that gives it a lot of flavor. I eat a tofu soybean wrap by a vegetarian/vegan brand called Amy's and it is very, very tasty and has a lot of protein in it.

Answer 9

Congratulations on becoming a vegetarian.  The previous answers show great examples of sources of protein.  One thing to note, you may want to go for  cage-free eggs produced by natural, humanely-raised hens.  Typical grocery store eggs come from hens kept in tiny cages that are being treated inhumanely.  Look for local farmer's markets or co-ops to get your eggs so that you can feel good about the food you eat.

Answer 10

Mexican food is super easy and can be very filling!

quesidilla's with salsa or tomatos (cheese has lots of protien)

Bean Burritos with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa and what every else you may like!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwhiches

Avocado and cheese sandwiches (yummy!)

Bread is also a good for you when your first starting out... like making grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches.

You can try tofu but you'll want to cook it.  One of my favorite is Scramble Tofu:  Extra firm tofu crumbled and cooked in olive oil for ~10minutes.  Add soy sauce (not too much just enough to color it) add taco seasoning, garlic powder, (what every you have) add some tomatos and cheese.  Wrap up in a tortilla or with rice :)    

Its Important to get a good mix of veggies, fruit, nuts, grains... dont avoid fats and carbs because those are very important as well.

Answer 11

I am 14, and I became a vegetarian when I was 13. I eat a lot of eggs, nuts, vegetable (especially greens), fruits, beans and tofu. I love tofu. Personally I think it tastes great. Try it, and decide for yourself. Goodluck with becoming a vegetarian.