Teens Can Survive Without Meat!! 
Teens Can Survive Without Meat!! It started when Ashley was 16. She was experiencing a lot of changes -- a new hair colour, getting her driver's licence and making new friends. Like many young Canadians, Ashley had been weaning meat from her diet. So trying out vegetarianism seemed like the next logical step.
A 1994 National Institute of Nutrition study found that 4% of teens age 15 and over claimed to be vegetarians and to have eliminated all meat from their diets. But the Institute believes that even these numbers really don't reflect the growing trend towards meatless meals.
"I may be ground beef, but I still have feelings."(Adbusters Winter 1996)
Simply stated a vegetarian doesn't eat animal meat. But vegetarianism is not an all or nothing proposition - there are variations on the theme. Lacto-ovo vegetarians (90-95% of all vegetarians) eat no animal flesh, but still include dairy products and eggs in their diets. A pesco-vegetarian eats no red meat or fowl, but fish and seafood are okay. Partial or semi-vegetarians eat some poultry and fish, but eliminate red meat. Vegans are the most extreme of all the types. They eliminate all foods of animal origin including eggs, dairy products, honey and gelatin (from the bones and connective tissues of animals), and don't use leather, wool or silk.
Most people aren't born vegetarians and most don't quit eating meat "cold turkey". Ashley started out semi-vegetarian and today is a lacto-ovo vegetarian. This gradual transition is the recommended way to go, as it allows time to learn about nutrition and balanced diets. This is essential as teens are at high risk for developing anemia and nutrient deficiencies.
The majority of teens make the change due to animal rights and personal ethics. Today's generation has been learning about the environment and its many problems since kindergarten. Many feel that being vegetarian is their personal solution to help the environment. Ashley explains her reasons "I first tried it because I was curious. But I've really developed strong convictions and I'm proud of my statement against violence, environmental destruction and world hunger." Other teens become vegetarians for economic, religious and health reasons.
Rosie Schwartz of Nutrition Guidance Services in Toronto cautions against becoming vegetarian to lose weight. She states that it is not meat that makes people fat. Not enough protein,which is found in meat, will actually work against the dieter by causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels. The result is often cravings for high-fat sweets and snack foods.
Registered dietitian/nutrition consultant Leslie Beck does not recommend eliminating dairy products from one's diet. Not enough calcium and vitamin D in adolescence can lead to osteoporosis later in life. You can obtain calcium from certain vegetables, but you would have to eat more than 10 cups of broccoli to meet the recommended daily intake!
So
what do I really need to know?
