Mom Going Vegetarian With Teen Daughter

Question For Savvy Vegetarian

My 13 year old daughter (14 in July) has announced that she wants to be a vegetarian. She watched a very disturbing video showing the horrible treatment of animals and was brought to tears. I fully understand and agree with her feelings. I want to do my best to support her decision and help ease her into this new lifestyle.

I know absolutely nothing about how to live a healthy vegetarian life. I've watched my niece, over the past year, change to vegetarian and she lost a significant amount of weight very quickly and became very moody. I expect definite changes with my daughter, but I am hoping to have them be as positive as possible. I'm even considering joining her in this admirable, healthy choice. What is the best way to get started as a vegetarian? For safety's sake, I am open and thankful to any and all advice that you can give me. Thank you very much. - L.R.

Savvy Veg Advice

Dear L.R.,

Thanks for writing. I just sent you the free report, Ten Tips for Beginning Vegetarians, and I've attached another on Vegetarian Nutrition. Between them, you should get a pretty good idea how best to proceed.

I'm glad you're considering joining your daughter in becoming vegetarian - that would make both your lives so much easier.

One thing to keep in mind is that your daughter is growing and developing, and that makes her more vulnerable to dietary changes. The best advice I can give you, and I can't say it enough, is to go slowly and gradually. A human body can no more become vegetarian overnight than it can become a concert violinist overnight.

Happy Birthday to your daughter!

Judy Kingsbury, Savvy Vegetarian

Health Disclaimer:

Savvy Vegetarian provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or improve their diet. We don't advocate any particular vegetarian diet. We don't claim to be health care professionals, or nutritionists, nor do we treat any illness. Any changes that you make to your diet, or results of those changes, are your decision and responsibility. For your protection, we ask you to be completely open with us about your health, and we may recommend a medical exam before changing your diet. We reserve the right to refuse or to end a client relationship if we believe the client's actions may endanger his or her health.

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