Latest stories and news

As reported by VegE-News, 3 percent of teens are vegetarian, up from 1 percent in 1997, according to the latest Harris poll in the US. A website for parents called Connect with Kids has the story (and video) about this growing trend. They also provide some tips for parents of new vegetarians. Also see the end of this article for links to more information.

The following are recent Veggie Challenge stories from teens:

Never too young to go vegan

Before I took the Veggie Challenge I thought I ate pretty well. I didn't eat red meat, but I ate a lot of dairy, chicken and fish. I felt that at my age (16), I would never be able to eat a vegan diet, because of the lack of options and difficulty with eating at social events. So I ruled it out as an option, and decided to revisit the possibility later on in my life. However, when I heard about the Veggie Challenge, I thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to experiment with veganism. It totally changed my outlook on vegan diets, and now I've decided to change my lifestyle for good. There were so many more options than I thought there would be, and I feel great! I also have more confidence now, because I feel like I'm doing something good for the environment and my body.

– Devon, age 16

I love animals and hate what people do to them

Well, since I am already a vegetarian, somewhat vegan, it wasn't hard at all. Eating the right foods and finding them is what I have been doing for almost 12 years now. And I am only 16! I wanted to try this Challenge because it seemed interesting and I liked the prizes. I will continue to be a vegetarian because I love animals and hate what people do them. Personally I don't like the taste of meat or the replacement "meats"... It seems weird. I don't understand why, if people want to become vegetarian (for good reasons), why do they still want to eat something that reminds them of meat? Well my story, I don't really have one. I usually have soy milk with cereal in the morning and toast with margarine. Lunch is usually a vegetable sandwich (since it's not easy eating vegetarian at school) with a juice and some fruit. At dinner my mom usually cooks, she cooks a variety of foods. Chinese is my favorite. Its all very yummy and I don't need meat to make it yummy. That's all I have to say. =)

– Jacqueline, age 16-19, Toronto

Story: Since taking the Veggie Challenge, I have the tools and knowledge I need to lead a healthy and nutritious vegan lifestyle

When I was much, much younger (in elementary school), I was so impressed with vegetarianism. It seemed much healthier and kinder to the planet (which it is). So when I was only 13, I decided to become a vegetarian.

Now, I have been a vegetarian for over 5 years, but I haven't done it properly. I simply cut meat out of my diet. I have also developed issues with food, and have been dealing with eating and emotional problems. I am not healthy, am underweight, and lack proper nutrition. But now, since taking the Veggie Challenge, I have the tools and knowledge I need to lead a healthy and nutritious vegan lifestyle (I have decided to become vegan – and I feel great about this decision)! I feel as though, even if I do not live in Toronto, I have support in my choice to be vegan – the Toronto Vegetarian Association seems like a safe haven and wonderful support network. I know that as I continue eating and living well, I will be healthier and happier.

I live in a household of meat-eaters, and it can be very difficult to find food that we all will eat. Since taking the Challenge, I have set up with my family one night a week where I will prepare a vegan dinner. It isn't easy, and my family members are hesitant to try new things, but I know that making dinner will help me separate food from emotion and connect with the most important people in my life – my family.

The Veggie Challenge has inspired me. Thank you, TVA!

– Laura, age 16-19, Kitchener, Ontario

Links to more information:

Vegetarian Kids and Teens -- Nutrition informations and more from The Vegetarian Resource Group.
http://www.vrg.org/family/kidsindex.htm

Vegetarianism – "As vegetarianism becomes more prevalent and popular, many parents may wonder if kids can safely follow a vegetarian diet and still get all the nutrients necessary for growing up healthy and strong. Avoiding meat may sound like a bad idea, but most dietary and medical experts agree that a well-planned vegetarian diet can actually be a very healthy way to eat."
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/vegetarianism.html

VegetarianTeen.com – A website for vegetarian teens.
http://www.vegetarianteen.com/

Growing Vegan Children -- Vegan nutritionists Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina provide nutritional advice for raising healthy vegan children from infancy through adolescence.
http://www.vegsource.com/parent/growing_vegans.htm