Weight Problems!!!?

Question

I became a vegetarian about 3 months ago because I feel bad for animals after seeing this documenary on HBO called fast food nation about a slaughter house, but anyways... I dropped 15 pounds during that 3 months really fast. I'm 5'7 and 14 years old and I used to be thin and weigh 130 but now i weigh like 114 and I'm too skinny. You can see some of my ribs and my hip bone has always stuck out but now its stickin out even more! My mom is worried about me because I used to have an eating disorder (bulemia) and she thinks I'm doing it again but I'm not! Also I've been more tired lately. Cross Country starts August 16th and I want to be ready for it! But I'm scared I might pass out or vomit from feeling all tired from the weight loss. Also I've been eating like 1-2 things a day because my stomach feels full soooo quickly and it can't hold much food which is making me lose a lot more weight! Any help?

Answer 1

If you're a new vegetarian and you have lost 15 lb in 3 mos., listen to me. EVEN WITHOUT MEAT, YOU HAVE TO EAT HEALTHY. Eat meat alternatives (ex.: tofurkey) and things with lots of fiber and protein (i.e. beans, berries, mushrooms...). You might even want to consult a physician, who can write up a new, meatless but healthy, diet for you. Also, if you don't like eggs, you should look at some other egg recipes--it may be an... acquired taste... but you should still give it a chance. If your problem is that the rest of your family isn't vegetarian, so you don't get a lot of vegetarian meals and end up eating less or not getting enough protein, you can always cook yourself some healthy alternatives--or maybe it's time to have a heart-to-heart with your parents (or at least your mom). However it works out, good luck!! :-)

Answer 2

eat meat love if ever 1 was 2 stop eating meat there would b no animals

Answer 3

If you and your mother are this concerned, I suggest you visit a dietitian or nutritionist.

There could be a lot going on here: previous eating disorders, potential lack of proper nutrition information, or even potential for your weight loss to be attributed to something completely different- even serious.

There will probably be plenty of helpflu advice here, however, when it comes to true concern for your well-being, I suggest seeing the *appropriate* health care practitioner.

Answer 4

darling you need to start back eating meats just eat something like fish to make a start and make yourself a diet plan like you know the food pyramid base your diet upon that im 6 ft. and i weigh 98 lbs. rite now b/c i was in your same situation but my dad took me to a hospital and they told me that i need to start eating meats b/c if not i will be underweight and i will not have much of an apperance so im eating meats now but its taking me a while to get adjusted

Answer 5

You're probably not taking in any protein.  You need to up your protein consumption with soy, beans, etc.  You're young and need all the nutrients you can get from food esp. because you run.  Look up teenage appropriate vegetarian eating plans.  Your dietary requirements are different from adults and you don't want to harm your body by not feeding it properly.

Answer 6

Hiya!

- Are you in the states? I'm not sure but it seems to me there are way more options in the states for cruelty-free animal products. If you really don't want to eat meat good for you  - meantime, with so much demand for organic food (which is often also cruelty-free) and stuff over there, surely there would be some companies who sell cheese & milk products that you can feel good about, using natural farming methods? Try some more vegetarian forums or ask people in your area, they may know what you can buy that has no sad animals involved??

And keep looking on vegetarian/vegan internet sites and yeah you will find ways you can get more protein and fat to bring your weight up. For your sports, I'm sure there are protein bars/protein shakes that are made from soy protein... Even in australia we have heaps of that kinda stuff. Just check the ingredients and labels carefully to find out. and since you feel so full, maybe try to get lots of protein-filled foods into you in a lot of small meals during the day? Try eating something every couple of hours even if not really hungry.

It's great that you are doing something you believe in. But please don't turn into one of these rude antsy vegans that I've been running into. They don't accept that other people have their own views on whether they can eat meat or animal products or not and don't help people find the products they are comfortable with, at the level of cruelty-free or veganisim each individual is at. They don't make people want to turn more vegan, they just turn people off it. argh!

Go girl!

Answer 7

Honey, it sounds like you still have an eating disorder. Please get some help with this. If your losing 5 pounds a month you can't be following a balanced vegan diet.

vegan food pyramid

http://www.chooseveg.com/vegan-food-pyra...

Answer 8

if you are eating healthy then you can't be too skinny.  it is hard to gain weight as a vegetarian bc animal fat causes your body to store fat.  animal fat is main to store fat. if you are tired start eating more protien and carbs that will give you energy. also make sure that you are getting enough iron.  i am vegetarian and run 5 miles in 30 minutes 2-4 times a week.  so don't think it is being vegetarian that is hurting you it is just an un even diet.

Answer 9

I think it is best to get on a healthy diet and consult a doctor. For your health, you might have to start eating meat again.

Answer 10

eat a variety...snack a lil bit all day

Answer 11

If you feel bad for animals then don't eat meat. But at least still eat eggs, drink milk and FISH. fish isn't mistreated. It's practically a vegetable that swims.

Answer 12

This has nothing to do with being a vegetarian.  You are not eating enough FOOD, period.  Eat more.

Answer 13

It's ok just increase your carbs and fat intake. Bread, pasta. DOUGHNUTS. If you allow yourself milk ICE-CREAM it's not that that hard. Go enjoy yourself!

Answer 14

You probably need to eat more hon. That's a problem alot of us have. We eat the same amount of food we did when we were eating meat but we can't do that since vegetarian and vegan foods normally have fewer calories! We have to eat more than we use to, to maintain our weights! Which I don't see as a bad thing, but that's cause I luv eating!!

Answer 15

u need to get more carbs in ur diet. start eating more breads and pastas. if ur outta energy then eat more stuff with protein. boca burgers are great and morning star has a bunch of great fake meat products full of protein.

Answer 16

First off, don't believe the people who are saying you HAVE to start eating meat again.  No way.  Just eat more protein.  Even if you can't eat a lot at a time, keeping bag of trail mix (nuts have lots of proteins AND good fats in them!) with you all the time. When you start to to feel a little tired, that is a great pick me up.  Any kind of soy product is good too, Morningstar farms has a new teriyaki veggie rice patty that is amazing. Edamame is good but has no fat.  Granola bars are also good.  Also you can find  smoothies and some juices with protein added.   Make sure you're getting carbs too, and a good variety of food...not just salads every day.  It's good too if you make sure to eat 3 or 4 small meals and have lots of snacks in between.  And make sure you eat even more when cross country starts because your body will lose a LOT from the training (bananas are one of the best things for athletes)