{"id":2778,"date":"2010-09-30T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2010-09-30T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.metrokids.com\/index.php\/2010\/09\/30\/mom-i-want-to-be-a-vegetarian\/"},"modified":"2023-08-16T19:43:21","modified_gmt":"2023-08-16T19:43:21","slug":"mom-i-want-to-be-a-vegetarian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.metrokids.com\/mom-i-want-to-be-a-vegetarian\/","title":{"rendered":"Mom, I Want To Be a Vegetarian!"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\tWhat if your teenager tells you that she wants to be a vegetarian? You may be unfamiliar with the vegetarian diet and concerned that she will not get enough nutrition. Be assured, your child can eat a vegetarian diet and still get enough nutrients.<\/p>\n
\n\tIt is important that your teen feels that you are taking the time to hear her reasons and that you will support the decision. Ask your child any questions you have and listen to the answers. There are many types of vegetarian diets, so clarify what type of vegetarian lifestyle she wants to adopt.<\/p>\n
\n\tA vegan<\/em> abstains from all animal products including eggs and dairy while an ovo-lacto vegetarian<\/em> eats eggs and dairy, but no meat. Other teens may want to simply cut out red meat from their diet.<\/p>\n \n\tAs you discuss your teen’s plans, you could suggest a gradual approach — first giving up red meat, then chicken, and eventually fish. This gradual method gives parents time to become used to preparing vegetarian meals and to learn about proper nutrition to support the diet.<\/p>\n\n\tHow To Get Enough Nutrition<\/h3>\n