If you are a vegetarian, you’ve probably considered having your child eat a vegetarian diet, too. It would save time, and be healthier for your child.
Or you might have a kid who doesn’t seem to want to eat meat and doesn’t eat enough nutrients.
Whatever the case is, you may have wondered whether or not a vegetarian diet is sustainable, healthy choice for your child. But you’ve probably heard people say that kids who eat like vegetarians won’t grow to their full potential.
These might be reasons why you’ve put off putting your child on a vegetarian diet.
And all of these concerns are legitimate. In reality, a poorly planned vegetarian diet can be harmful for people, especially for kids.
If you are not fully prepared to have your child eat a vegetarian diet, then don’t do it yet. But if you’ve done the needed research and are familiar with the nutrients that vegetarians lack, then you can plan meals to work around them.
You also know that putting your child on a healthful vegetarian diet can greatly improve her health in both the short and long term. It can also reduce her exposure to animal products that contain hormones and preservatives, which have been linked to developmental problems and cancer.
If you haven’t researched vegetarian diets thoroughly, but you are anxious to start your child on one now, you should start by ensuring that you plan meals to boost amounts of the following nutrients (that most vegetarians lack):
Protein. Your child should get enough proteins by eating wheat, soybeans, isolated soy protein, and nuts.
Calcium mineral. You can make sure your child gets enough calcium by having him eat calcium-fortified processed foods and green leafy vegetables.
Fe. Have your child eat soybeans, pinto beans, tofu, and cereals.
Zinc. Your child can increase his zinc intake by eating almonds, peanut butter, and mushrooms.
A child can go on a vegetarian diet with no problem, provided that you take care of these common nutritional deficiencies.
Just ignore the mythology surrounding vegetarian diets and instead focus on research and meal-planning.
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