Teen Wants Vegetarian Diet, Dad Won't Change

My son is 2 months shy of turning 13. He recently decided to become a vegetarian. I know people have different issues on what you can and cant eat. He wants to know what he can eat...Can he eat fish or fowl or are they a no no also??? I want to support him in this BUT I am not changing my diet - R.T.

Savvy Veg Advice

Dear R.T.,

The attached report should help answer your questions. Basically, my advice to your son is that he convert to being vegetarian very gradually, and maybe not go completely vegetarian until he's able to do his own cooking and clean up, and contribute to the food budget. I'd say he should aim for a five year plan. That would accomplish a few things:

• It wouldn't put him at risk of malnutrition, which is what usually happens when young teens who are still growing suddenly go totally vegan.
• It wouldn't put you under a huge amount of stress with regard to his diet.
• It would give him time to learn about veggie nutrition, cooking, social adaptation and so on.
• It would give his body time to adjust to a different diet. Bodies don't do well with dietary 180's.

I don't blame you for not wanting to change your diet, but if you keep an open mind, you could learn a lot about nutrition in general, and perhaps find your diet improving, which couldn't do any harm - right?

Let me know how it goes.

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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