<p>Former Registered Dietitian here. (I let my accreditation lapse years back.) Bottom line is, a plant-based diet is much healthier. Your son is on the right track to good health. BUT, and this is from the mom of a vegetarian daughter, it takes work…especially if there are other carnivores in the house. (My son loves meat, not so much vegetables.)</p>
<p>You’ve received some excellent suggestions here. I would second the choice of Morningstar over Boca patties. Quinoa is a good source of protein, particularly when mixed with beans of some sort. </p>
<p>Most of all it takes time…to find good recipes and learn to get the whole family involved. My son still loves meat, but after two years he no longer turns his nose up at the vegetarian meals we often have. I keep some vegan frozen things in the freezer for my daughter for the meals that do include meat. And if your son will eat eggs…you have it made. Give it time! Good luck!</p>
<p>(The best part for me was, exactly one year after my daughter started this new way of eating, I brought my own cholesterol down from 238 to 179! Not by strictly cutting out specific things, but by focusing on a plant-based diet with occasional meat.)</p>