One of the keys to being a healthy vegetarian/vegan or raw-fooder is correct information. According to this story reported (here) many young vegetarians may have problems from binge eating. Here is a definition of binge eating (more here):
* Frequent episodes of eating what others would consider an abnormally large amount of food.
* Frequent feelings of being unable to control what or how much is being eaten.
* Several of these behaviors or feelings:
1. Eating much more rapidly than usual.
2. Eating until uncomfortably full.
3. Eating large amounts of food, even when not physically hungry.
4. Eating alone out of embarrassment at the quantity of food being eaten.
5. Feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt after overeating.
Does this mean the young vegetarian will wake up in the middle of the night and raid the refrigerator for carrots, tofu and broccoli? I doubt it. Perhaps it means that anyone can be challenged to eat mindfully.
Solutions
Eating with awareness is something many people are challenged to do. Help your young vegetarian with well written cookbooks, cooking meals together as a family and eating as a family. Encouraging good eating habits for all family members will reduce binge eating for all.