"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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Vegetarian Nutrition for Teenagers

More and more teenagers are choosing not to eat meat, poultry or fish. They are becoming vegetarians. Teenage vegetarians are often faced with pressures - pressures from parents concerned about their health, and pressures from within to continue on the path they have chosen.

Variety is the Key to a Healthy Vegetarian Diet

Probably the most frequent questions for teenage vegetarians are about the nutritional adequacy of their food choices. A vegetarian diet can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The key to a healthy vegetarian diet is variety. Just as your parents should be concerned if you only eat hamburgers, they should also worry if you only eat potato chips and salad. A healthy, varied vegetarian diet includes fruits, vegetables, plenty of leafy greens, whole grain products, nuts, seeds and legumes. Some vegetarians also choose to eat dairy products and/or eggs.

Teenage vegetarians have nutritional needs that are the same as any other teenager. The years between 13 and 19 are times of especially rapid growth and change. Nutritional needs are high during these years. The nutrients you will probably be asked about the most are protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12.

Find out what should be the vegetarian nutrition for teenagers.

Vegetarianism and Osteoporosis: The Truth Revealed

You know that eating a vegetarian diet can decrease the incidence of heart disease and certain types of cancers. You also know that it can make you leaner and healthier. But so many of the health studies are done on men. What about women and the impact of a vegetarian diet on their health as they age?

Diets that are high in protein, especially animal protein, tend to cause the body to excrete more calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. These three substances are the main components of urinary tract stones. British researchers have advised that persons with a tendency to form kidney stones should follow a vegetarian diet. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that high animal protein intake is largely responsible for the high prevalence of kidney stones in the United States and other developed countries and recommends protein restriction for the prevention of recurrent kidney stones.

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