Teen Vegan Concern About Fat and Nutrition

Question for Savvy Vegetarian

Hi! I'm a 16-year-old vegan and have been vegan for almost 2 years. Pretty recently I've been focusing on diet and nutrition more so than usual. I've been running for 20 minutes a day, doing a yoga/pilates workout for 20 minutes a day after that, and also doing some separate ab exercises. I make sure to drink the recommended amount of water, I take a multivitamin every morning, I only allow myself whole grains (no white breads, etc.), I don't drink pop, I don't eat candy, I don't take in alcohol or caffene, I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, I combine whole grains with healthy veggie oils, and I've just recently sworn off table salt. I also won't touch hydrogenated oils, junk food, or high fructose corn syrup.

I feel like I'm making great health choices, but I'm frustrated with my body. I'm about 5'3 and 120 lbs, but I seem to have extra fat on my face, under my chin, on my stomach, and on my back. I think it may be my body preparing for womanhood because I didn't have this problem a year ago. It just makes me self-conscious, which is frustrating because I shouldn't feel that way with a healthy lifestyle.

I'm concerned I may be deficient in something, which would indicate my body doesn't handle veganism well. I'm afraid I may be stunting my growth or damaging my bones, because I've noticed that when I run, my knees and hips get sore very quickly. Do you have any suggestions? -S.Z.

Savvy Veg Advice

Dear S.Z.,

Thanks for writing! Your letter gave me the impression that you are going a little overboard and taking your diet just a bit too seriously. I'd suggest being a lot more relaxed about it, eating what you feel like eating more than what you think you should be eating, and enjoying your food more.

Your height/weight ratio seem fine. It's normal to have a layer of fat on your body - and nothing to be self-conscious about. The ideal image of female beauty is not just false, but very unhealthy. Your body is your body, completely unique in the universe, and ideal for you.

If running makes your knees and hips sore, it means you're overdoing it - back off. You could do permanent damage to your joints if you force yourself to run through pain - walk or swim or do yoga instead. Yoga would do a lot to develop a positive attitude toward your body.

You are making great health choices, but these seem to be fairly recent. It's possible you haven't been getting the best vegan nutrition in the last two years, although I doubt you've done any serious damage. If you think you may have dietary deficiencies, go to a doctor and have some blood tests, and find out!

Follow the general guidelines in the attached report on vegetarian nutrition, give it time, and don't beat yourself up, straining after unattainable perfection. Aim for balance, instead. Check out Vegetarian Life Coaching. And have much more fun!

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions

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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