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Here are ten stories from teens and early 20's who did the Veggie Challenge in Sept/Oct 2008.

Finally I would try this crazy thing called, vegetarianism

I started looking into vegetarianism when I was young. Very young, seven or eight I‘d say. I‘d always been compassionate for animals and have always loved the environment, Mother Nature, and the earth.

stock.xchng image. Not of Steph.

I had never looked into vegetarianism very seriously until camp this year. It never felt like being a vegetarian was an option but when I got to camp I heard about the vegetarian meals. You could go to the kitchen every lunch and dinner and get a vegetarian alternative. Finally I would try this crazy thing called, vegetarianism. For three weeks I was on this program and loved it but when I came home from camp I realized just how much harder it was to be a vegetarian at home as opposed to camp. For a week, I struggled not knowing what to eat and where to buy and make all these great new foods I‘d been introduced to. I knew I had to do something as soon as possible if I wanted to continue with this lifestyle I‘d be enjoying so much.

I took it upon myself to join the Veggie Challenge. Through this Challenge, the site, other sites, and books from the library I have realized that being a vegetarian at home can be just as simple as at my camp. It‘s now been a month and a half and is easier than ever. Making this change in my life has done so much good for me. I feel healthier than ever. Adapting to this new vegetarian lifestyle makes me so happy to know I‘m making a difference.

– Steph, teen, Toronto

My mother will not let me become vegetarian

My biggest challenge that occurred during my Veggie Challenge was my mother. I'm only 15 years old, and she will not let me change my eating habits. I told her it was only for a week that I am trying this, please respect my wishes. and so, she let me. I told her that as soon as I turn 18, I will change to vegetarian for the better good of my health and animals. Thank you for letting me experience being a veggie for a week! It was fantastic! Can't wait to turn 18!!!!

– Amanda, teen, LaSalle, QC

I had a lot of trouble adjusting

I felt bad about my negative impact on the earth and its inhabitants, and understood the detrimental impact on my personal health from my diet – but never thought that I could give up eating meat.

Since I do not eat vegetables, it was very difficult to eat vegetarian for a whole week, but my vegetarian and non-vegetarian yet open-minded friends helped.

The first few days were extremely difficult. While fake chicken and drumsticks (some of which tasted and smelt very realistic) provided me with protein, I always felt hungry and images of juicy steaks and crispy bacon never exited my mind.

I gained almost ten pounds (despite abstaining from pasta) and felt weak,[*] but I made it! Near the end I didn't smell as bad before showering, and my digestion system was getting used to not having meat products in it all the time; but I still couldn't stop thinking "X more hours until I can have a 'real' meal!"

I'll no longer eat a pig for every one my vegetarian friends don't, but I'll still have at least the ribs – preferably free-range organic.

– Jen, early 20's, Toronto

*Note: Sounds like your body was having trouble adjusting. You probably just need more time or a more gradual transition. Taste buds can change over time, so there is hope for acquiring a taste for vegetables. You can also try blending them into a smoothie. How are you with fresh fruit?

I ate a varied diet in yummy ways

This week was very interesting. I had some interesting responses to trying a vegan diet. My friends gave me criticism, but my family gave me support. I tried many recipes, that were not only really good, but helped me to decide to stay vegan. I ate a varied diet in yummy ways, and was not scared of missing a certain vitamin or mineral, because I learned so much from the e-mails and this website.

– Katelyn, teen, Cincinnati, Ohio

As a young Canadian Muslim woman

As a young Canadian Muslim woman I was surprised to find other Muslim youths and elders who were vegetarians and vegans too. It is great to have people and resources that support you. Currently, I would consider myself as semi-vegetarian (that is after I completed the Challenge).

During the Challenge week I set goals for myself to gradually stop consuming ALL meats. So far (after the Veggie Challenge) I have stopped eating any poultry, fish/sea animals, and some red meats (i.e. lamb and I don't eat pork since it is forbidden due to religious belief). Hopefully, within a month I hope to stop consuming beef (which is the only thing holding me back) and become a full fledged vegetarian.

Thanks for the wonderful opportunity and tips/emails/support I have received during the past few weeks. I really enjoyed the experience and hope to enlighten others.

Kind regards :-)

– Ayan, early 20's, Ottawa

It was most difficult to tell my family

I began the Veggie Challenge on September 2, 2008. I decided a few days prior to become a vegetarian, after realizing I did not enjoy eating meat and fish. The first day was a shock – I forgot that I was now a vegetarian and it was strange to have this new "label". It was most difficult to tell my family about my change to vegetarianism, although everyone accepted the change. I was glad to have a family that was so supportive of my decision. At the end of the seven days, and continuing into October 2008 I have remained a vegetarian and am glad that I made the transition.

– Paulina, teen, Cobourg, ON

Pushing for better vegetarian options on campus

I live in a residence hall at the University of Texas at Austin, and I eat in the dining hall almost every meal. The dining facilities here have decent resources for vegetarians, but I feel like all I can eat in there is salads, beans and undercooked rice, and fresh fruit. Yes, it's healthy! But I'm getting tired of it without a kitchen and enough money to buy at Whole Foods here in town. I don't have time to cook for myself, so I rely on these facilities to cook for me.

The Vegetarian/Vegan Focus Groups on campus are a good resource, and as a Resident Assistant in one of the residence halls here, I've encouraged some of my residents to become a part of that voice to influence the variety of foods cooked here on campus. I feel better-educated even though I've been a vegetarian for a couple months, and feel a bit better about making healthy decisions as a college student who lives on campus.

– Jen, teen, Austin, TX

I even turned down pepperoni pizza

The week started out great! I was eating strictly vegetables, I even turned down pepperoni pizza! To my surprise, my friends respected that, they even admired my vegetarian diet.

– Tarah, teen, Greenville, SC

I was a total meat-eater before starting this

I was a total meat-eater before starting this, and all of my friends and family were like, "Why are you a vegetarian for a week!?" But eventually they came around to the idea. My friends who are vegetarian helped by cooking meals with me and then my parents even got me a tofu dish when we ordered in Chinese food. By the end of the week I was having fun playing with different types of beans and chickpeas. I find the meat I see on television commercials and the meat my friends and family cook less appetizing. I need to take some time now to learn more about how I will have an effect on the world by maintaining this, because I feel lighter and healthier!

– Kira, early 20's, Toronto

I never knew it could be so easy

My mother is vegan and she always wanted me to become one as well but I never knew it could be so easy. With the Veggie Challenge I feel much better by saving the animals and making me a healthier person.

– Jasmine, teen, Pickering, ON

As an 11 year old girl, I found the Challenge hard

My name is Sydney, I am an 11 year old girl. I found the Challenge hard – because since I was an infant my parent's gave me meat products. It took me a couple days to notice how hard it is for vegetarian's and vegans all over world. I took the Challenge to see what my life would be like if I have no meat for a week, and also because my dad's girl friend is a vegan. When we went out for dinner to Spring Rolls restaurant I was surprised to see that they could accommodate vegetarians and vegans. At this time I am eating meat in my everyday diet but I still enjoy eating salad and other vegetarian meals.

– Sydney, age 12 or under, Mississauga, ON