Should I become vegan?

Question

Right now I'm a vegetarian. I'll drink milk and I'll eat eggs if they are in something (like a cake) but not by themselves (because that grosses me out). I'm thinking of becoming vegan because I know its better for the animals and its healthier. But I'm not sure if I can. I'm only 13, so I cant go buy my own things. And my mom is really weird about me being even a vegetarian, and sometimes complains that it's a hassle to cook for a vegetarian too. So I don't know how it would go over with her if I told her I was being a vegan (she thinks even vegetarianism is ridiculous). Should I become a vegan or not?

Answer 1

Go for it, but make sure you take a multivitamin with B12 every day. Load up on information about healthy vegan diets, and be sure to share the information with your mom so she doesn't worry. You might also want to get some books from the library for her to check out so she can understand where you're coming from. Learning to cook will also help take some of the burden off your mom.  Here's a good website to get the conversation going with your mom: http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/teennutriti...

P.S. ou can also tell her that FrancieS on yahoo has been vegan for 22 years, and she's super healthy!  

Answer 2

Over the years I've tried being vegan and it simply requires way more self-discipline than I am capable of. Not only does being vegan require a major change in diet, but also you should prepare for an entirely different lifestyle. First off, unless you have some incredibly cooperative restaurants in your area, you're probably never going to eat out (no pizza, ice cream, or pretty much any vegetarian friendly fast-food fare). Second, it is incredibly expensive, buying fresh fruits, vegetables, and boca burgers result in a huge grocery bill.  

You must also note that while a vegetarian diet you can pride yourself that you aren't killing any animals. However, because vegans don't consume any animal products they are actually decreasing the demand for animals. This means that with every new vegan, the dairy industry loses a customer. The fewer customers they have, the fewer cows they need and these cows will rather be killed or released into the wild(where they will most likely die). So in a sense vegans may be actually be responsible for the deaths of thousands of livestock.

However, I don't mean to discourage you. If the thought of consuming the product of an animal disgusts you and you are passionate for animal rights by all means go through with it. Remember, if you find that the vegan life isn't for you, you can always revert back to vegetarianism.

Good Luck!!

Answer 3

there is nothing ridiculous about being either vegetarian or vegan

thats just like sayin bein christian is ridiculous! and we all no ther are lots of christians around the world who would get very angry if we said that!

ive been a vegetarian since i was ur age im 16 now my mum complained at the start too bt she got used to it

being a vegan is very hard tho i tryed it myself and it didnt work out

im thinking of doin it myself again when i move out but while im at home with my meat loving parents it to hard

until you can do ur own shoppin i reckonmend u wait your still helpin the animals as they arent beein killed

its also very hard wen your still growin as there are lots of things in dairy that are hard to get from other things

but if you really want to be a vegan im sure ull find away around it whatever you do be healthy you could go see a doctor or a dietian they should be able to help

Answer 4

Definitely not at 13, 'cause you're going to need a lot of supplements and you're going to need a very specific diet.  It's going to be almost impossible for you to get the nutrients you need while you're still growing.  You should wait until you're at the age where you don't need all the things a growing body needs, and it would be good for you to wait until you can cook for yourself and buy all the things it's going to take for you to be truly vegan.  You probably have no idea how hard it is to get good vegan food.  Depending on where you live, you may even have to order food from online vegan sites.  It's going to be expensive and take a lot of dedication.  You should wait until you're physically, financially, and mentally able to make this kind of commitment.

Answer 5

Don't Listen to the people who say you are too young. i've been a vegetarian for a year and i am going to become vegan sometime this year. I'm 14 btw. and if you have the willpower to do it, then do it! its so much better for your health, the enviroment, and the animals. but just make sure your doing it healthy. Because if you dont you could get really sick. my mom is a lot like yours, and that's half the reason i'm not vegan right now.

My advice to you is to wait til your ready to become vegan. Dont Rush it.  

Answer 6

continue being a vegetarian and if its still what you want when your old enough to work and buy your own clothes and food and things then YES go for it but until then just continue doing what your doing and if you want to say start off small and start cutting out the things you know you can now like eggs completely and milk then do it! but because your still young and growing make sure you take calcium and things like that so you can still get the vitamins you need right now while your young! good luck sweetie and your mom will someday understand hopefully its just weird to some people. my mom was the same way thats why when i was around your age i caved in to what she wanted and now im 20 and have realized thats not what i want i will be who i am and i love it!!!!

Answer 7

you know being a vegan means there can be like nothing in any of your clothing from animals and all that

stick to being a vegeterian, even tho none of  its that healthy, your not getting all your proteins without meat

even tho i find it ridiculos like your mother

Answer 8

don't listen to people who say you can't do it because of your age. plenty of people have been raised vegan. you need to do A LOT of research/reading before you take that plunge. in fact, don't even take a plunge, do it slowl.y and don't worry about following labels and having to do everything 'by the book' because there is no book. just make sure you're healthy and YOU think what your doing is right. maybe learn to do some cooking of your own to show your mom you're responsible enough to take on something like that. you should also take a multi-vitamin just to be on the safe side. i'm sixteen and i'm a vegetarian :)

and as for the guy who said this:

"You must also note that while a vegetarian diet you can pride yourself that you aren't killing any animals. However, because vegans don't consume any animal products they are actually decreasing the demand for animals. This means that with every new vegan, the dairy industry loses a customer. The fewer customers they have, the fewer cows they need and these cows will rather be killed or released into the wild(where they will most likely die). So in a sense vegans may be actually be responsible for the deaths of thousands of livestock."

that is totally false :) i'm not sure how impressionable you are but i don't want you to believe that or ever be ashamed about doing something good for yourself and your planet :)

Answer 9

Yay, this is RIGHT up my alley. I'm a 13 year old vegan I haven't regretted my choice ever.

My parents were the opposite of supporting. Both of my parents will make snide comments about my diet and it is quite irritating.

I've learned i cannot expect my mom to accommodate me in the meals she makes for the family, so i end up making my own meals every night. The thing I have realized helps when worrying about having to buy and make your own meals is offer to your mom that you will cook the meal tonight, you most likely she will except. Usually when i cook for my family, i make something like vegan Lasagna or Polenta. Just make sure your house is stocked up with veggies, fruits, nuts, and soy products.

Also, if they order pizza, or make pasta, you can always take off the cheese and meat products, or for pasta, you could ask for the dry pasta and put tomato sauce or olive oil on it.

It isn't the easiest thing to tell your parents about you diet choice, most likely they will sigh and be like, "of course... just a fad" but if you are determined, sooner or later they will realize you really do care about what you are doing.

Telling others, there are mixed reactions. My BEST friend is a strong catholic and believes that animals are here for our consumption. If they tell you animals are still dying, no matter what you eat, tell them every year a vegan saves 100 animals. Read more at peta to respond there difficult questions.

Good luck, i TOTALLY support your choice. If you need advice or ANYTHING, feel free to contact me.

Have fun, i wish you luck, you rock

cheers