Q&A for How to Become a Vegetarian

Not necessarily. Sometimes, people cut the meat and end up loading up on processed food, carbohydrates, and sugar. That can actually cause you to gain weight, so dropping the meat alone isn't necessarily enough.

It totally depends on your personal tastes, beliefs, and dietary needs. The answer to this one is going to be entirely personal to you.

Some vegetarians will point out that you can get protein from other non-meat-based foods, which is valid, but there is a concern there. With no meat, you'll need to supplement a fair bit. So, instead of just eating an apple, you'll need to eat an apple and some nuts. Instead of regular oatmeal, you may need to add some hemp seeds or peanut butter to that.

You may get some strong cravings for meat once you drop it. You might feel different, or off as your body adjusts to the change in the diet. All of this should dissipate once you get used to it. As far as nutritional side effects, make sure you increase your protein and omega-3 intake once you're off of the meat, since you probably got most of your protein and omega-3 from meat.

The problem with changing your diet dramatically and quickly is that it's often really hard to stick with it. You just aren't used to it, so you have trouble adjusting. You can go vegetarian overnight, but it's going to be pretty difficult. You may want to plan it out to start slowly and build up if you're worried about making it stick!

I really encourage folks to alternate foods. Try introducing two to four new vegetables a week. One week, you can focus on arugula and romaine. The next week, you can focus on broccoli and cabbage. It's all about creating more variety.

Being a teenage vegetarian will have its challenges, but it is not impossible if you are willing to try new foods and have support from adults in your life. Make a mindful effort to include protein sources and whole grains at each meal, as well as abundant vegetables and fruit.

It is okay to give up meat altogether as long as you are replacing it with healthy non-meat alternatives. For example, if you add in soy protein, such as tofu, to replace meat then you are on the right track; however, if you are eating junk food as a meal and claiming it to be healthy, that is not okay. While cookies, chips, and other junk foods may be vegetarian, that does not make them healthy.