
- Omelettes or frittatas made with vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, mushroom, sweet peppers, and onions – serve with whole grain bread or toast and a glass of milk or fortified ...
- Burritos or tacos made with kidney or black beans or refried beans
- Stir fries made with tofu, vegetables, and nuts – enjoy with whole wheat couscous or brown rice
- Salads made with leafy greens, chick peas, white or red kidney beans, nuts, vegetables, pasta, rice, couscous or barley
- Falafels and hummus made with chick peas served with whole grain pita bread and salad, sweet peppers or carrots
- Peanut or almond butter on whole wheat or multigrain bagels with banana or apple slices- with a glass of calcium fortified orange juice
- Soups made with lentils, beans, and vegetables – serve with whole grain bread or crackers
- Canned baked beans in tomato sauce with molasses served with toast, vegetables and dip
- Casseroles made with beans or lentils, rice, corn, and tomatoes
- Pizza topped with vegetables
- Vegetarian chilli served with cornbread or couscous
- Vegetarian lasagne
- Soy milk smoothies with a banana, frozen berries and a splash of orange juice
- Omelettes or frittatas made with vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, mushroom, sweet peppers, and onions – serve with whole grain bread or toast and a glass of milk or fortified soy milk.
- Burritos or tacos made with kidney beans, black beans or refried beans.
What is a healthy vegetarian diet for teenagers?
A healthy, varied vegetarian diet includes fruits, vegetables, plenty of leafy greens, whole grain products, nuts, seeds and legumes. Some vegetarians also choose to eat dairy products and/or eggs. Teenage vegetarians have nutritional needs that are the same as any other teenager.
What should a 14 year old eat as a vegetarian?
Meal Suggestions for Vegetarian Teens. Omelettes or frittatas made with vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, mushroom, sweet peppers, and onions – serve with whole grain bread or toast and a glass of milk or fortified soy milk. Burritos or tacos made with kidney or black beans or refried beans.
Why do teens become vegetarians?
Teens become vegetarians for many different reasons. Regardless of why a teen stops eating some or all animal-based foods, parents play an important role in helping make sure their child gets all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients necessary for growth and good health.
What is the best source of calcium for a vegetarian teenager?
Other Important Nutrients for Vegetarian Teenagers. Cow's milk and dairy products do contain calcium. However, there are other good sources of calcium such as tofu processed with calcium sulfate, green leafy vegetables including collard greens, mustard greens, and kale, and calcium-fortified soy milk and orange juice.

What should a vegetarian teenager eat?
Tips for creating a balanced vegetarian dietLegumes (beans, lentils, dried peas)Soy products (tofu)Meat substitutes (soy-based burgers, hot dogs)Nuts (including nut spreads such as peanut or almond butter or tahini) and seeds.Eggs and dairy products.
Is it healthy for a teenager to be a vegetarian?
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics endorses vegetarian eating, saying that "appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases."
What should I feed my vegetarian daughter?
Protein foods: such as nuts and seeds, tofu, tempeh, edamame, fortified plant-based beverages, legumes like lentils and beans. Depending on the type of vegetarian your child is, protein foods could also include eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese and fish.
What vitamins should a teenage vegetarian take?
Vegetarians must include these key nutrients into a vegetarian diet:iron.calcium.protein.vitamin D.vitamin B12.
What do vegetarians eat for breakfast?
The following ingredients are always worth having for a balanced, nutritious breakfast:Plant milks (oat, soya, coconut, almond and more!)High-fibre cereals.Peanut butter.Oats.Plant-based yogurts (soy, coconut)Avocados.Wholegrain or rye bread.Fruits (bananas, berries, kiwi fruit, oranges and more)
What should a vegetarian child eat?
A vegetarian diet can be a healthy choice for all kids, as long as it's planned well. The basics of a vegetarian diet are the same as for any healthy diet — provide a variety of foods including plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes (like beans, soy, and lentils), nuts, and seeds.
What are the negative effects of vegetarianism?
6 Ways Being a Vegetarian Could Seriously Mess You UpLow Vitamin D. Yes, you can get vitamin D from plant sources and supplements. ... Not Enough Zinc. Beef and lamb are two of the highest sources of zinc. ... Anemia. ... Anxiety. ... Depression. ... Eating Disorders.
Should 12 year olds be vegetarians?
“It's OK to be a vegetarian as long as kids choose a healthy substitute for meat and will eat enough fruits and vegetables,” Todd says. “But kids need to fully understand what's involved with being a good vegetarian. If they're not doing it well, they should see a dietitian.
What 4 nutrients might vegetarians not get in their diet?
7 Nutrients That You Can't Get from PlantsVitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that's almost exclusively found in animal-sourced foods, such as fish, meat, dairy products, and eggs ( 1 ). ... Creatine. ... Carnosine. ... Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) ... Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ... Heme iron. ... Taurine.
What protein can I eat instead of meat?
These (mostly) vegetarian foods are high in protein and heart-healthy too....How to get protein without the meatPulses. Pulses are an inexpensive protein choice, are high in fibre and a source of iron. ... Soya beans. ... Quinoa. ... Nuts. ... Seeds. ... Cereals and grains. ... Quorn™ ... Dairy.More items...
What is the best multivitamin for a teenage girl?
Best Multivitamins For Teen Girls 2022Ritual Multivitamin For Teens – Editor's choice.Performance Lab NutriGenesis® Multi – Best Multivitamin for Teenage Growth.Future Kind + Essential for Vegans – Best for Vegans.Persona Daily Vitamins Pack – Best Gummy Multivitamin.Olly Teen Girl Multi – Best Teen Girl Gummy.More items...•
How do vegetarians get iron?
For vegetarians, sources of iron include:tofu;legumes (lentils, dried peas and beans);wholegrain cereals (in particular, iron-fortified breakfast cereals);green vegetables such as broccoli or Asian greens;nuts, especially cashews;dried fruits such as apricots;eggs; and.More items...•
Is it healthy for a 14 year old to go vegan?
A vegan diet can offer complete nutrition for anyone at any age and can be easy to follow. As a growing teen it is safe to switch from a vegetarian to a vegan diet. To stay healthy, it is important that you eat a variety of foods daily and focus on specific nutrients that help teens grow.
What are the negative effects of vegetarianism?
6 Ways Being a Vegetarian Could Seriously Mess You UpLow Vitamin D. Yes, you can get vitamin D from plant sources and supplements. ... Not Enough Zinc. Beef and lamb are two of the highest sources of zinc. ... Anemia. ... Anxiety. ... Depression. ... Eating Disorders.
What are disadvantages of being a vegetarian?
Eight Potential Disadvantages of Being a VegetarianIt's Difficult to Eat Enough Protein. ... Vegetarian's Meal Choices Can Seem Limited. ... Eating Out Can Be a Challenge. ... Dinner Engagements Require Explaining Your Eating Preferences. ... Family and Friends Will Have Different Eating Habits. ... Traditions for Holidays May Need to Change.More items...
Do vegetarians grow taller?
The results indicate that vegetarian children and adolescents on a balanced diet grow at least as tall as children who consume meat.
How to help a teen become a vegetarian?
To support your teen's food choice, you may need to find new ways to prepare some family meals. Involving your teen in making his or her own meals can help them learn how to cook and prepare a nutritionally balanced meal. Teens need to know there's more to being a vegetarian than simply eliminating meat! And yes – they do need to eat their vegetables!!
What foods can you eat to get iron?
Protein needs can easily be satisfied by eating a variety of beans, peas, lentils, soy products, nuts, seeds, as well as milk products and eggs. Iron - choose whole grain breads and cereal, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruit, eggs, beans, lentils, and nuts. To increase absorption of iron from plant foods eat vitamin C rich foods at ...
What are some good recipes for kidney beans?
Burritos or tacos made with kidney or black beans or refried beans. Stir fries made with tofu, vegetables, and nuts – enjoy with whole wheat couscous or brown rice. Salads made with leafy greens, chick peas, white or red kidney beans, nuts, vegetables, pasta, rice, couscous or barley.
How to satisfy hunger associated with growth spurts?
In order to satisfy hunger associated with growth spurts, high activity levels, or for taller people, choose more whole grains and vegetables and fruits to satisfy your higher energy needs. Vegetables and Fruit: 8 servings per day for males; 7 servings per day for females.
Do teens need to eat vegetables?
Involving your teen in making his or her own meals can help them learn how to cook and prepare a nutritionally balanced meal. Teens need to know there's more to being a vegetarian than simply eliminating meat! And yes – they do need to eat their vegetables!!

What Is A Vegetarian?
What Nutrients Should Vegetarian Teens Be Concerned About?
- All vegetarians, especially those who don't eat any animal products (like vegans), need to be sure they get enough iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and zinc. Protein needs can easily be satisfied by eating a variety of beans, peas, lentils, soy products, nuts, seeds and whole grains (as well as milk products and eggs if they include those in their diet). Iron - choose whole grain brea…
Meal Suggestions For Vegetarian Teens
- Omelettes or frittatas made with vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, mushroom, sweet peppers, and onions – serve with whole grain bread or toast and a glass of milk or fortified soy milk
- Burritos or tacos made with kidney beans, black beans or refried beans
- Stir friesmade with tofu, vegetables, and nuts – enjoy with whole wheat couscous or brown ri…
- Omelettes or frittatas made with vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, mushroom, sweet peppers, and onions – serve with whole grain bread or toast and a glass of milk or fortified soy milk
- Burritos or tacos made with kidney beans, black beans or refried beans
- Stir friesmade with tofu, vegetables, and nuts – enjoy with whole wheat couscous or brown rice
- Salads made with leafy greens, chickpeas, white or red kidney beans, nuts, vegetables, pasta, rice, quinoa or barley
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Last Update – June 20, 2022