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Wanna be vegan but...
Started
by Thea
on August 14, 2012
I am 14 years old, almost 15. I have been vegetarian for about three years now, and I feel amazing! I am also a level 10 gymnast who works out 30+ hours a week. I recently read The Kind Diet. It was really amazing. I have been thinking about going vegan for a while now. The couple of days that I have tried it, I felt soooooo great! But, there are a couple of problems. First off, my parents don't want me to go vegan. They are worried about me not getting enough nutrition, the grocery bill, and they have found every excuse possible. I understand what they are saying, but I know that if I really, try, I can be a healthy vegan. A couple months ago I had a blood test, and all of my vitamin/nutrition levels were right where they should be. I am the only vegetarian in my family. I cook for myself, and occasionally for the rest of my family. My parents know I want to be vegan, but they want me to be "flexible" with what I eat, so when we go different places, then I am not too picky. I understand that, but this has never been a problem in the past. Usually I bring a snack or just eat side dishes or whatever. I really don't want this to cause grief to anyone in my family, but I also really want to be vegan. I am also a little concerned with getting the nutrition I need. Mainly for vitamin B12 and my omega 3's. I heard that certain omega 3's can only be taken from animal products...how can I be a healthy vegan then? Should I take supplements? Can anyone recommend a good one or have any advice for me? Thanks a lot!
I was just reading up about omega 3's again on this site ... http://www.vegancoach.com/vegan-nutrition.html .... if it helps. I think just do your best while you are living at home. It would be hard being 14 and going against your parents wishes but maybe don't necessarily annouce anything, just start incorporating more and more vegan dishes into your diet and read as much as you can on the topic so you have the answers ready and also to make sure you're getting what you need. Don't let it cuase too much friction though, in a few years you'll be able to follow your own path more and more but maybe in the meantime you can show them when you can that it's not such a big change or hard for them to incorporate or live with, if that's what they're worried about?? Good luck!
This really helps! Thanks!
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