Want to be a vegetarian?

Question

my daughter is 15 years old and she wants to be a vegetarian.

do you think i should let her?

is she too young?

Answer 1

i would let her do it...it can be really good for the body.  If its not meant for her you'll know cause she'll stop soon after.  Good luck!

Answer 2

Don't stand in her way.  

Answer 3

im 15 and im a vegaterian. i drink smoothies with protien powder in them, eggs, nuts, ect. get her a couple of vegaterian cookbooks, i like them cuz then the meals are balanced already without you having to do much work

Answer 4

Let her be a vegetarian.

Protein comes in foods other than meats. I'm vegan and I get everything and more.

Soy and nuts contain a lot of protein.

During the time that I have been a vegetarian/vegan I have had more fresh foods and more of a variety of fruits and vegetables than I think I ever did before. I don't drink/eat dairy or egg products and I have cut back on processed sugar. Honestly, I have never felt better. I haven't lost much weight; what I did lose was mainly from not drinking soda anymore. I feel better and everyone says I look better, too.

Most people think vegetarians/vegans don't get what they need. Truth be told, we get everything we need and more.  

Answer 5

Let her.  Don't fight her on it.  Support her.  Here is why:

I have been vegetarian since the day I was born (culture reasons).  My parents don't eat meat, my sister doesn't, her husband and her family don't either.  Since I was little my parents told me I could eat meat if I wanted and that they are not going to force me to go either way it was my decision.  At the age of 6 I decided that I wanted to be vegetarian and if my parents ate meat I would too, obviously they never did.  I am 24 now, still vegetarian, and still healthy as a horse.  That being said, I have more respect for people who eat meat and then decide to go vegetarian, that is very tough to do.  I don't feel like I am missing out on anything because I've never tasted meat (yes, born and raised in Southern California and never tasted meat).  She WILL feel like she is missing out.  To be completely honest with you I dont see her lasting more than a couple months.  I've had friends that wanted to give up meat for lent and would just eat what I eat and then after a few weeks couldn't handle it.  They felt like they were never full, and felt low on energy.  If her body is used to high amounts of protein, it will either self-adjust or make her feel so lethargic that she will revert to eating meat.  So ...

basically allow her to do it, not only will it show that you respect her decision as an adult, it might help build rapport with her for future decisions.  Also, when she reverts back to meat don't say the dreaded I told you so's (Im not trying to tell you how to raise your kids, just telling you what annoys me)  GOOD LUCK!

Answer 6

you should talk to her and explain her that her body is still growing and she should still eat some animal stuff until a certain age. you can ask a doctor about this, maybe get him talk to her.  

Answer 7

yes! i am 13 and i became a vegetarian like 3 or 4 months ago. i feel a lot healthier and better about myself. she can get all the protien, iron, and everything else she needs by just eating healthy.

Here are nutrients that may be deficient in a vegetarian diet and how you can get these nutrients from nonmeat sources:

Protein. Your body needs protein to maintain healthy skin, bones, muscles and organs. Vegetarians who eat eggs or dairy products have convenient sources of protein. Other sources of protein include soy products, meat substitutes, legumes, lentils, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Calcium. This mineral helps build and maintain strong teeth and bones. Low-fat dairy foods and dark green vegetables, such as spinach, turnip and collard greens, kale, and broccoli, are good sources of calcium. Tofu enriched with calcium and fortified soy milk and fruit juices are other options.

Vitamin B-12. Your body needs vitamin B-12 to produce red blood cells and prevent anemia. This vitamin is found almost exclusively in animal products, including milk, eggs and cheese. Vegans can get vitamin B-12 from some enriched cereals, fortified soy products or by taking a supplement that contains this vitamin.

Iron. Like vitamin B-12, iron is a crucial component of red blood cells. Dried beans and peas, lentils, enriched cereals, whole-grain products, dark leafy green vegetables, and dried fruit are good sources of iron. To help your body absorb nonanimal sources of iron, eat foods rich in

vitamin C — such as strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cabbage and broccoli — at the same time you consume iron-containing foods.

Zinc. This mineral is an essential component of many enzymes and plays a role in cell division and in the formation of proteins. Good sources of zinc include whole grains, soy products, nuts and wheat germ.

The key to a healthy vegetarian diet — or any diet for that matter — is to enjoy a wide variety of foods. Since no single food provides all of the nutrients that your body needs, eating a wide variety helps ensure that you get the necessary nutrients and other substances that promote good health.

hope this helps! i got this from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetar...

vegetarianism is really not that difficult. she should already be eating a lot of the things listed above. all of the things you can get from meat, you can get from other sources. good luck!!! : )

Answer 8

No age is too young.  Get some books and ask her physician about the best ways to get protein on a meat-free diet.  Beans, Lentils, and Tofu are all great ways to get protein.  

Answer 9

Let her. I'm vegetarian and I get protein from beans, nuts, and various other products. She'll mostly be eating soy and that has protein and is way better for you.  

Answer 10

There's no such thing as "too young."  Some people are vegetarians from the womb.  

Answer 11

Best thing you can do is support her by educating her on how to get complete nutrition by not eating meat.

If you cook for her, then find healthy alternatives to meat for her to eat.  

Answer 12

Let her be vegetarian.

try some Indian veg recipes here

http://indian-veg-food.blogspot.com