Vegetarianism in Teens
Vegetarianism in Teens
Do you consider yourself to be a vegetarian? If you, like many teens, do not eat meat, poultry or fish, you are! This article provides important information on why teens choose to Ïgo meatlessÓ Ò and how to be sure that if youÌre a vegetarian, youÌre getting the nutrition you need to keep you healthy today and into the future.
Types of Vegetarians
Why do teens become vegetarians?
Are there health benefits from a vegetarian diet?
Are there nutrients that vegetarians donÌt get enough of?
A Few Reminders About Good Nutrition
Types of Vegetarians
There are three different types of vegetarians within the general categor:
If you do not eat any animal products Ò including meat, fish and all milk products Ò then you can call yourself a Vegan.
Lactovegetarians do not eat meat, poultry, fish and eggs, but their diets include milk products.
A Lacto-ovovegetarian does not eat fish, poultry or meat, but does eat eggs and milk products. This is the category that most vegetarians in America fall into, and is probably the diet that most easily allows complete nutrition.
Why do teens become vegetarians?
The decision to become a vegetarian is a personal one, made for any number of reasons. Some common explanations that teens give for choosing a meatless lifestyle include the following:
Food likes and dislikes
Animal rights concerns
Religious or cultural beliefs
Diet and health concerns
Family decision
These reasons are healthy, responsible explanations for why teens choose to avoid meat. But itÌs important to note that in some cases, the decision to become a strict vegetarian or adopt an overly restrictive diet can be an early sign that a teen is developing an eating disorder such as anorexia. If you have concerns or questions about this issue, please talk to your doctor or a parent or teacher.
Are there health benefits from a vegetarian diet?
A vegetarian diet can be either helpful or harmful to your health, depending on whether you get proper nutrition (more on that below). Some of the health benefits for vegetarians who eat responsibly include decreased risk of heart disease as you grow older, lower blood pressure, decreased risk for some types of cancer, lower chance of adult onset diabetes and a lower likelihood of being overweight. (Since you are eating foods that are less likely to harden the arteries, they are less likely to cause obesity.) This assumes that you continue to be a vegetarian for most of your life, and that you donÌt just substitute potato chips or candy for meat. Many of these health benefits can be overridden if your diet is high in sugary carbohydrates and saturated or trans fat.
Are there nutrients that vegetarians donÌt get enough of?
Your vegetarian diet could be low in certain nutrients that are found in meat, poultry and fish. These include calcium, iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. You also have to be sure to eat enough protein. This can be particularly challenging if you are a vegan ...
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