And, while most teens will not remain committed to a meat-free diet, some will. When teens show an interest in vegetarian diets, the best response is to provide them with the information needed to eat healthy. No doubt, vegetarian diets can be a healthy choice, but for most teens, and parents, it will mean a lesson in selecting appropriate foods and quantities. The first step is working together to ensure a healthy vegetarian diet is for them to understand what each other means when they refer to a vegetarian diet. Some teens might only wish to eliminate red meat, while others might have more selective plans in mind.
Most vegetarians rely heavily on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and avoid red meat.
But the extent to which dairy, eggs and other animal products are avoided varies considerably. When talking with a teen about their interest in vegetarianism, try to learn which foods they intend to eliminate and which foods they plan to include in their diet. Semi-Vegetarians generally eat dairy, egg products, fowl and fish, but avoid red meat. Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians eat eggs and dairy products, but avoid fowl, fish and red meat. Lacto Vegetarians consume dairy products but avoid all other animal products and eggs.