Vegetarian Problem...?!
I used to be the smartest kid in my class but now I feel like I am having more and more trouble in school.
I talked to some people and they said that I might not be as smart as I used to be because I am not getting enough protein which is one of the things needed to develop intelligence (I am only 15)
also, can a lack of protein affect you in sports, like running or soccer?
Answers: I haven't eaten any meat since the 4th grade
I used to be the smartest kid in my class but now I feel like I am having more and more trouble in school.
I talked to some people and they said that I might not be as smart as I used to be because I am not getting enough protein which is one of the things needed to develop intelligence (I am only 15)
also, can a lack of protein affect you in sports, like running or soccer?
Lack of protein CAN cause those problems, but being a vegetarian doesn't mean that you don't get any or enough protein. A lot of people will say that because they don't know anything about vegetarianism and they think that you can't get any nutrients without meat (hint: they're wrong).
If you substitute meat for soy in your diet you'll be a-okay. Look at products by Boca, Morningstar Farms, and Gardenburger in the frozen section at the store (the Yves stuff in the produce section tastes like crap). Or, use tofu. It absorbs the flavor of whatever you're cooking.
I'm 6'2, 220 lbs, muscular, lift weights and run at least three miles a day and people always think I'm joking when I say I'm a vegetarian. I've been a vegetarian for the last seven years. I had MORE energy and felt WAY better after I quit eating meat... you just need to make sure that your diet is balanced no matter what you eat.
If you eat well balanced meals even if there is no meat your protein levels should be normal. Soy is one of the best sources of protein for vegans. check out this site
http://www.happycow.net/vegetarian_prote...
get balance like fresh food cheese kind of fat but okay drink pineapple intelligent and really smart concentrate of the concept of eating diet any way your still vegitarn you still proitens ( vegtables)
When you're vegetarian, you do have to put more effort into your diet. It's just a fact. Really though, how well do most teenagers eat? Do some research and start incorporating a little more protein and omegas (3, 6 and 9) into your diet if you really think you're lacking (which I don't think most us are). A few simple additions every day and you can easily make up for what you're not getting from meat. It wouldn't hurt to pop a good daily multivitamin as well. It's just a simple thing you can do as a little insurance policy. As for sports like soccer- those would be more dependent upon energy than protein.
Now, about the intelligence thing let me tell you this- my daughter who is now 13 used to be one of the brightest kids in her class, and now it's anyone's guess what kind of mark she will bring home on her tests. I just discovered a pile of tests from this year in her room and I was not too impressed with her grades! She's a meat eater and has been except for the 8 months she joined me in vegetarianism.
I, myself, went through periods of good and bad grades throughout school. Try studying, I hear it helps. :P You may have to devote more energy to studying than you used to.
Like I said, a few little changes and you'll be on top of your game in no time...and if you're not it's not the end of the world. We all can't be geniuses- doesn't mean we all can't have a great fulfilling life. :)
Here's a link if you want to do a little reading about protein requirements:
http://www.innvista.com/HEALTH/nutrition...
If you eat three meals a day and don't live off of junk food, protein is not the problem.
You should make sure that you are getting enough essential fatty acids.
http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/fat
http://www.veganhealth.org/sh
At age 15 your body is still developing. Yes, you have a high need for protein.
Being vegetarian can cause issues ONLY if your diet is not adequate and in fairness to whomever your primary caregivers are, if they have condoned your way of eating and are not vegetarians themselves they may lack the nutrition knowledge essential for your development and wellbeing. I highly recommend that you and your family attend a highly qualified nutritionist, and have your diet assessed.
You may be lacking in vital nutrients generally.
Your best bet would be to have your whole diet assessed and maybe even have a blood test to check for anemia.
There are lots of natural food products that can be added to your diet to boost your energy and immune system.
Iron levels, B12 levels and too much in the way of processed foods could all be contributing to your health issue.
Before worrying about 'lack of protein" affecting your sporting ability, go to a nutritionist. Also with the information from a blood test, you would be able to add the necessary elements to your diet.
I am 40, and have been vegetarian for 16 yrs, and have never been healthier. I rarely get sick, and I have very quick recovery time.
Stick with your personal dietary lifestyle.
Being vegetarian is a very personal choice and it is not for everyone.
Good luck.
Brain health is related to lots of different things but Omega-3 is a major factor. As a vegetarian your main sources of omega-3 are from ground flaxseed oil and flaxseed meal (don't eat the whole seeds as they don't get digested) - you can also get it from canola, soy and walnuts.
Lack of protein could be a problem
but being Vegetarian is not
I suggest you eat lots of Nuts , they are excellent for protein.
The problem is that you are vegetarian instead of vegan. Vegetarians don't have a grasp on their bodily needs that true vegans do. To them all it is is some kind of diet rather than a spiritual path and lifestyle.
It would be nice if I could say in honesty to be a true vegan and then you won't have any problems, but at your age, eat a balanced diet.
Meanwhile study the vegan philosophy and lifestyle. Prepare yourself to live a true vegan lifestyle when you are out on your own. Use this period as a period of preparation for an insightful and wonderful life as a true vegan.
I have a question for you (and all).
Currently, are you last in the class and sports?
Then how to validate those saying by your colleagues anyway?
You are smart enough to surf on line and get nutritional fact. There are varieties of vegan protein sources everywhere. But, fyi excessive protein do harm to the body. And protein NOTHING to do with brain / intelligence, but "trace elements" will do. Almost all brain / memory boosters derived from herbal products!
There is nothing wrong being a vegetarian, but the great challenge is live among the meat-eaters. The major obstacles are those with zero experience in vegetarianism.