Vegetarian diet a growing trend of teens and young adults

[VeganMegan]

Veg vs. meat veggies
By STEVE LAFLAMME, For The Capital

When 16-year-old Allyson Little of Southgate began eating a mostly vegetarian diet three years ago, it wasn't because of any belief she had about the treatment of animals. And it wasn't because of any religious practice either.

For the Old Mill High School junior, it was simply a matter of preference.

"I've just never really had a taste for red meat and I don't like chicken or pork either," she said, noting that she does eat seafood, unlike a strict vegetarian. "I don't look down on people who eat red meat at all, but for me it's simply a personal choice."

Miss Little is part of a growing trend of teens and young adults who are choosing to eat a vegetarian diet for a variety of reasons.

Surveys show that more schools and universities now offer non-meat alternatives as main courses. And a recent poll of 12- to 19-year-olds conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited -- a suburban Chicago firm that tracks youth trends -- found that 20 percent of all respondents and 28 percent of girls said vegetarianism is "in."

"A lot of people at school are trying and talking about going vegetarian," Miss Little said. "Most tend to give up after awhile but some stick to it."

A vegetarian diet, by definition, is one that excludes all or most animal products, particularly a diet that avoids any food that requires the death of an animal.

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[shade]

That's pretty awesome!

[ajveg]

that is good it's just a shame half the teens that go into it are only doing it to be 'in' or follow the crowd. But whether or not they know all the animal rights stuff- the animals are still benefitting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! which ius a big reason to be happy

[rebekahaha]

there have been so many times when i've been delighted to help school friends go veggie - unfortunately, the trend is just that; a phase that tends to last them no more than a few weeks.

and unfortunately, it makes people think that i'm "going through a phase", or that i'll "grow out of it".. vegetarian since birth, vegan since the age of 13, 2 years ago... i really don't think this is part of a trend, do you?