Dear Dr. Renae,
I have decided to become vegetarian after many months of consideration. Since I am still living at home and do not have a job, I am concerned about the additional expense for my family since we struggle financially. My mom is supportive but I also know she cannot afford a larger grocery bill. It is hard to eat healthy on a small budget. How can I ease the burden?
Health Conscience 14 year old
Dear Health Conscious,
One way you can help support your family and your budget is to try getting a job tutoring, babysitting, or something part time. It might not be a lot, but it can contribute to your new lifestyle. Another option may be to sell used items such as books, clothes, and toys to make a little extra. I hope this gave you some ideas. Communication is also very important. Talk to your parents, tell them your concerns and ask how you can help.
Your friend
Dear Health Conscious,
First of all, I commend you for not only making a big life decision on your own, but also for being mature enough to realize its consequences on your family. One suggestion would be to try buying things in bulk. Perhaps that means you’ll have a smaller variety of fruits and vegetables, but you’ll still be eating according to your dietary preferences and the cost will be cheaper. I know that produce like apples and baby carrots are sold in larger quantities, as well as certain non-perishables like peanut butter. It’s great that your mom is supportive of your decision. Tell her how you plan to minimize grocery costs, and ask her if she has any additional suggestions. If at any point there is a problem, tell her she can address it with you at any time. You should be very proud of yourself.
A Caring Teen
Dear Health Conscience,
To begin, it’s great that you decided to do that for yourself. It’s very respectable that you thought about your family’s financial issues. I advise you to look up some vegetarian recipes that sound good to you and ask your mom to help you budget your food expenses. Have her set a certain amount of money and incorporate it into your family’s diet. For example, something like rice and beans can be eaten by your whole family and is inexpensive, as well as vegetables and pasta. Good luck with your new healthy lifestyle decision.
Your supportive friend
Dear Health Conscious,
I admire your decision to become a vegetarian. While it is a healthy and ethical choice, it can be expensive. Since you are still living at home, I suggest you start by being creative in your own pantry and refrigerator with what your family affords. However, to widen your selections, it may be helpful for you to get a part-time job. You could generate income within your own neighborhood by baby- or pet-sitting or dog walking to ease the financial burden you feel.
Your fellow Health Nut
Dear Health Conscious,
I know that whenever my mom goes grocery shopping, she always has her coupon book handy. The best thing is that you can find them online. If you are looking to save money, coupons are definitely the way to go. In addition to that, several local grocery stores have a reputation for low priced high quality organic foods. You could even start growing some of your own vegetables.
A Kind Friend
Dear Health Conscious,
Many adults who eat a vegetarian diet began in their teen years and maintain a lifelong commitment. In addition, you may wish to establish other healthy habits such as daily exercise and maintaining enough restful nighttime sleep. Being vegetarian does not necessarily equate to organic or healthy choices. There are different types of vegetarian diets, depending upon your choice to eliminate seafood, eggs, and dairy products as well as animal products. Some vegetarians also avoid leather shoes, belts, and handbags. There are nutritional education programs available online and in your community to help you establish a healthy, well balanced diet, which includes all your required nutrients. Some resources are your doctor, your school health or PE teacher, the public library, and local health food stores. Check your medical insurance to see if they will pay for visits to a nutritionist. Once you become educated about a well balanced diet, locating affordable food choices will be much simpler. You might find that the cost is the same or less than a diet which includes animal products.
Dr. Renae