I think teenagers have the "realisation" if that makes sense. My younger SIL went through similar stuff when she was a teen, but it didn't last. Whereas my kids godfather had the realisation as a teen and is still a strict vegetarian and animal rights activist to this day. So it really depends on the person.
Just make sure whatever you do that everyone respects her for her decision, vegie angst as... when vegetarians/vegans are mocked for their choices can lead to the assumption that all meat eaters are this obnoxious or naive. And it creates an unnecessary division. I know for my kids godfather he suffered a lot of flack for his choices from friends and family and it kind of tainted his view of those who ate meat. But he's fine now and I guess it is a lot more socially respected than it was 20 odd years ago.
I'd say this is a great opportunity for her to learn about personal ethics. It's all fine and well to hold a value to be true, but if we really want to 'live it', it takes effort, education and personal accountability. I'd tell her that if she wants to live by this value then she needs to research and understand how to keep a healthy, balanced veg diet and know about the impact on her body if she doesn't keep up iron, protein etc.. And she'll need to learn to cook some basic veg meals as you shouldn't be expected to cook different meals for different members of the family. If she's really serious about it, she'll put in the work. If it's just a phase, she'll revert back to what's easiest - having you cook the standard family meals for her!
Awesome. My daughter did the same...I think Lamb kicked it off for her. I did get a supplement (can't remember which) and explained to her that being veg isn't just about cutting out meat, that she had to increase her nuts, legumes etc.
She went on and off for a few years (ok with me) and now at 18 she eats minimal meat (sometimes she craves it a little), no dairy and is very aware of how foods affect her body.
I eat little to no meat at all myself for the same reasons as Nai.
There's a vegetarian chatter thread - https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...ml#post2114440 that has some great recipes and very knowledgable gals posting. My sis is vegan and has been for about 12 years now, we were raised vegetarian and my dad still is vegetarian. I intend to raise my children vegetarian as well but also to give them the choice as they get older and can make the decision for themselves.
Vegetarian diet is really simple and if she likes the 'fake meats' that will make it even easier for her/you to create yummy meals Good luck with it!
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Good luck with it!
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