Is it bad to be a vegetarian at a young age?

Parents may wonder if kids can follow a vegetarian diet and still get all nutrition they need to grow up healthy and strong. Experts agree that a well-planned vegetarian diet can be a very healthy way to eat for people of all ages.

At what age do people become vegetarian?

How many young adults are vegetarian? Vegetarianism is something that people tend to pick up on when they’re young, and it’s especially popular among millennials. Around 42\% of those who adhere to a vegetarian diet are between the ages of 18 to 34.

Can a 12 year old go vegetarian?

A vegetarian diet can be healthy at any age, and doesn’thave to be complex. One could choose to eat the many different types of available meat analogs on the market such as veggie sausage, chicken, or bacon.

Can a 14 year old be vegetarian?

Being vegetarian is common among teenage girls these days. According to the 1997 National Nutrition Survey, about 13\% of girls aged 15-18 years call themselves vegetarian. Although not as common as the girls, teenage boys and men aged 15-24 years were the most likely among males to eat some type of vegetarian diet.

What should a 12 year old vegetarian eat?

1. Meat provides protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12. If your children do not eat meat, it’s important to find alternatives for these nutrients:

• Breast milk or formula for babies.
• Soy products – tofu, TVP (textured vegetable protein), veggie burgers.
• Milk, cheese, yogurt.
• Fortified soy beverages.
• Eggs.
• Legumes.
• Nuts and seeds.

Is it safe to be a vegetarian?

“It can be one of the healthiest ways to eat, because we know plant foods are loaded with nutrients to protect our health.” According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, an evidence-based review showed that a vegetarian diet is associated with a lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease.

How do you tell my parents I want to be vegetarian?

Send them websites on vegetarianism, such as The Vegetarian Resource Group’s forum for parents of vegetarian children. If they’re still unsure about your decision, bring in outside help. If you know a vegetarian adult, ask him or her to reassure your parents that vegetarianism is safe and healthy.

Why do teens go vegetarian?

Teens become vegetarians for many different reasons. Regardless of why a teen stops eating some or all animal-based foods, parents play an important role in helping make sure their child gets all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients necessary for growth and good health.

Is it healthy for teens to be vegetarian?

Besides vitamins and minerals, vegetarians need to keep an eye on calories and fat. Vegetarian diets tend to be high in fiber and low in fat and calories. That may be good for people who need to lose weight or lower their cholesterol, but it can be a problem for kids and teens who are still growing.