Monday Message - Vegetarian Teens

When I was a teenager, the vegetarians I knew were French Fry and Icecream Vegetarians....hardly nutritious!  Potatoes may count as a starchy vegetable but when deep fried and eaten daily I would not exactly call them a vegetarian diet staple.  Children, Teens and Adult choose vegetarianism for different reasons: 

• To outsmart their genes that may be predisposed to heart disease based on a significant family history of heart attack, stroke and dyslipidemia.  By avoiding animal products they aim to keep their blood lipids in check.
• Animal rights!  Many believe that we should not eat beings with eyes, ears, legs or beating hearts.
• Social aspects.  Their friends are vegetarians....how many Teens and Adults jump on this bandwagon?
• Meat Aversions.  Certain animal proteins are difficult to digest and people find their own digestive tracts stay healthier without the addition of animal proteins.
• Eating Vegetables are important.  Fruits and Vegetables are loaded with natural vitamins, minerals. water, fiber and antioxidants.  Often times, our diets are overcrowded with proteins and starches and by becoming vegetarian we make the conscious effort to put those important food groups at the forefront rather than just as an after thought

Regardless of the reason behind choosing vegetarianism or any other diet choice for that matter, it is important that all nutrients are obtained in the consumption of foods and beverages which make up our "diet." Some of the major Nutrients Needed for Vegetarian Teens include Protein, Calcium and Iron.   These three important nutrients are vital for teens and are primarily found in foods from animals.  Click on the link to read more about recommendations for these nutrients.

Confused about what to feed your teen vegetarian? This menu gives you a meal plan for breakfast, lunch dinner and even a snack and dessert. Vegetarian Menu

Pizza doesn't need meat to be delicious. And this vegetarian pizza packs fiber and protein to boot! Check out the Kids Eat Right Recipe Video.