What to eat as a vegeterian? ?!

I don't mean to be a grammar nazi, but if your eat seafood your not actually a vegetarian, you what is called a "pescatarian". If you do eat fish, eat very little of it. DO NOT use it as a complete substitute for meat. I just turned vegetarian on the 8th, and I LOVED fish. Heck, I still love fish (though ate meat too). But, while fish is low in fat, it is high in cholesterol, and very high in protein. If you eat to much protein, your body has to secrete calcium from the bones in order to deal with it. That is why the "standard" calcium intake "needed" is about 5-6 times higher then strictly needed for strong bones.

As for foods;

Obviously fish, about three times a week (that is really all you eat and be healthy, fish can have Mercury).

Nuts, seeds and legumes for protein and fat.
Grains, mostly for carbohydrates.

Leafy greens, for calcium.

Fruit and Vegetable, for vitamines and minerals.

And, if you eat them, dairy products, for calcium and calories.

Eggs, if you eat them, for protein.

You may need a vitamin B12 supplement, since you only get that in meat, dairy products and eggs. Without it, you could get neurological damage.

Things to eat:
Almost anything. Milk, eggs, cheese, beans, bread, protein shakes, nuts/peanut butter,etc; once you start looking for things that have protein in them you'd be surprised what actually does. You also start getting used to knowing what foods you can eat.

How to convince your mom:
Just let her know why you want to become vegetarian, let her know that it's a really healthy lifestyle when it's carried out correctly, etc. Offer to go to the doctor and get some advice; that's what my mom made me do. I became vegetarian when I was 13, so obviously I don't think 16 is too young.

Being vegetarian for over two years

Good that you are thinking about your health. First don't go to extreme do it step by step. First cut red meat, then chicken and then sea food. You can have lots of alternatives believe me. Tofu is the best substitute for meat and you get proteins. Lentil soup is another tasty alternative.
Tell mom that being vegetarian is giving less stress to digestion system and make it healthier, there is neither religious nor any other intension behind it. And if even if you can't manage it don't blame yourself, eating non-vegetarian is not a something bad, it’s just by your choice you are adopting the different style.

All fruits and veggies, pasta, mac and cheese, veggie or cheese omelet, Greek salads or any other kind w/o chicken and bacon, french toast, pancakes, waffles, potatoes (mashed, bakes, hash browns), tomato/basil/mozzarella sandwich, veggie burgers, the list can be endless...

Tell your mom it's not a matter of maturity when it comes to making healthier choices for your life style. You are just educated and made the choice to keep fit, like you will do when you are older, too. Maybe she just is worried because she might have to cook 2 separate meals!

I forgot to add you can still eat pizza!...no meat of course!

Hi Amy, i think that if you are set on becoming a vegetarian, you will need to do a little more research especially to impress or convince your mom. Becoming vegetarian, in more than avoiding foods that once had a face. It is all about having a healthy and balanced diet and lifestyle. below is one among thousands of websites you could research,just beware of what I call Militant sites where it's not so much about the diet. Contact the Vegetarian Society online for more information. When you go to your mom you will be then in a better position to argue your case in a rational manner. I hope this helps,all the best. Rab

http://www.safekids.co.uk/VegetarianKids…

I am a Chef.

Go to your local hospital or clinic and set up an appointment with a dietitian so he/she can make you a meal plan and/or give you professional advice.

A consultation is usually free and they will be happy to help you.

If you don't want to go to all that "trouble" just focus on trying new things. (Tofu, spices, vegetables, yogurt, etc)

Vegetarian.

Vegetarians don't eat fish, so if you want to be a pescatarian you can eat anything that vegetarians eat plus fish.

Some healthy foods are whole grains, fruit, vegetables, beans and nuts.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/31526-…

Help convincing your mom http://www.eatright.org/about/content.as…

anything that is made without harming animals.. I dont eat eggs as well but you dont need to be too perfect as I know it will be a bit difficult to change into a vegetarian suddenly...

So good luck honey!!!!

You can eat vegetables.

You will find your self eating lots of beans and nuts as well as a variety of salads

In terms of your mom, there are TONS of studies out there showing how a vegetarian lifestyle is really healthy and prolongs life and so on. Find those and give it to her in a packet. If that doesn't work, it's not like she can force feed you. My dad doesn't like it that I'm a vegetarian, but there's not much he can do about it! Also, don't feel bad about eating seafood when you're a vegetarian. Fish are full of nutrients (just avoid breaded when you can) and a lot of vegetarians eat fish and eggs.

In terms of food, here's some food I eat:
1. Bean cassadillas and burritos (rinsed black beans, low-fat or no-fat refried beans, cheese, whole wheat tortillas)
2. Whole wheat pizza (this is if you have a bread maker)
3. Spaghetti, pasta, and so on...
4. Green/fruit smoothies (hopefully you have a blender!)
5. Fruits and vegetables, of course.
6. Whole-wheat pizza bagels made with pizza quick (for a fast meal)
7. Yogurt (try to find a healthy brand you like)

That's all I can think of right now. Good luck!