"Look Ma, NO Meat!"

Many people think that it is weird for a kid to be vegetarian. Many parents worry that a vegetarian lifestyle is unhealthy for kids. They argue that at their age, kids should be eating meat for growth and development. They say things like, "It's unhealthy for kids to go on vegetarian diet because they will most likely not get essential nutrients such as proteins, iron, zinc, folate, vitamin B complex, calcium, and essential fatty acids." It is hard to get these nutrients from other sources except meat and dairy products.

Nutritional studies conducted recently found out that vegetarian and semi-vegetarian (those who eat chicken and fish but not red meat) kids and teens tend to consume more fruits and vegetables and less fat, hence, eat healthier than their meat-eating peers. American Dietetic Association attests to the fact that well-planned vegetarian diets of infants, children, and adolescents can be nutritionally sound.

Kids and teens go through remarkable physical changes so their food intake is a critical aspect during this stage of rapid growth and development. A diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and non-animal protein sources should meet most children's nutritional needs.

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