My son has decided to become a vegetarian?

Question

I was hoping for some info about vegetarianism. My 8 year son has decided he wants to be a vegetarian (he still eats fish, dairy, eggs). I thought this might just be a passing phase, but it's been 2 weeks now. I want to encourage him. Although no one else in the family is a vegetarian, we do eat pretty healthy - no fast food, no fried foods, etc. And Noah never was much of a meat eater anyway. My concern is how to get enough protein into his diet. What types of food can you recommend he eat? And does anyone have any good vegetarian recipes out there for me to try? Should I have him take a daily vitamin to place any nutrients he might not be receiving? Thanks!

Answer 1

Just so you know I made the decision at the same age and am now a grampa! It's much easier nowadaze to be a healthy veggie than back then so *don't* worry about him becoming a malnourished freak. As others have stated protein is *not* a concern. You may want to look at soyfoods like the commonly available Morningstar Farms or Boca products for the B12 they contain but even that isn't a major concern (I was a fully grown adult before those things were available). Vitamin pills as a rule just result in nutritious urine since veggies tend to get all the vitamins they need from food and the excess has to go somewhere.

I've given you three good links for information on being veggie. The first has good links and general information. The second is a publisher of *great* veggie books and they've got several relating to veggie kids. the last has a lot of good recipes for you! If you need any other more detailed help feel free to email me direct!

Answer 2

The fact that he still eats fish, dairy, and eggs is half the battle. Nuts, peanut butter, nutella, tofu, and beans. Honestly as far as nutrients, he should be ok with the foods above. It never hurts for young kids to take a multiple vitamin with iron.

Recipes, cook everything as usual just leave out the meat and substitute sturdy veggies in their place like squash and eggplant. Use veggie broth or stock in place of chicken or beef stock/broth. Before adding meat to recipes, take out a portion of the meal for him. Make sure it's enough for a few servings and possible leftovers if he likes them. Get into the habit of preparing meals that have the meat on the side. This way you can prepare the whole meal without too much extra effort.

Answer 3

If he eats fish, he is not a vegetarian. Vegetarians do not or never will eat the flesh of something that was once alive.

Protein is not an issue. Everything has protein in it. He gets more then enough from dairy and eggs and obviously fish.

Make sure all of you get enough whole grains and vegetables as well. I don't know what nutrients he is not receiving because I don't know what you guys eat. I give my kids chewable vegetarian vitamins because they are very picky eaters.

Answer 4

I've been a veg. for a while now and I get more protein and have stronger bones then most meat eaters. You don't need meat for protein, you can find it in milk, yogurt, nuts and berries, some orange juice, cereal, oatmeal.. I could go on and on. Plus, if his still eating fish on his diet (pesco-vegetarian) then he has all the protein he'll even need. Not only will your son have a better diet, he'll also have more energy, better skin and less depression. Be careful with vitamins.. you can take too many and o.d. If you take in all the servings you need daily, there should be no reason for it. Pay attention to his health, skin color and bole movements, if anything is abnormal, start him on vitamins then.

Answer 5

Nevermind the technical definition of what a vegetarian is, I understand your question. I think it's so wonderful that you are supporting your sons decision. You are a good mother. The fish, eggs and dairy that he is still eating are excellent sources of protein. Also very important are nuts, beans and legumes which can be very versatile if you explore your options. Check out the vegetarian section on the website www.allrecipes.com. I LOVE IT! There are also certain grains, like quinoa, which are prepared just like rice, but are actually a whole protein! Good luck mom.

Answer 6

There's lots of protein sources out there... but like others have said, if he's lacto-ovo-pesco veg than it's not an issue anyway.

To make meals easier... stock up on Morningstar Farms stuff. They have chic'n products (patties, nuggets, strips), steak strips, corndogs, hotdogs, sausage links & patties... all meat free and lower fat than the meat alternatives. They taste every bit as good as the real thing too! In fact I like the sausage BETTER since there's no "mystery crunchies" in it. :) They're fairly expensive (no more so than meat though)... but if he's the only veg, you could just stick one in the oven for him while cooking everyone else's meal. Even at $4 (which is about typical price, but they go on sale often), it'll feed him 4 times (maybe less with nuggets).... that's a pretty cheap meal.

A great place to find vegetarian recipes is www.allrecipes.com. Click on the "vegetarian/vegan" section and they've got loads of stuff. I recommend the zucchini pie that's made with a crescent roll crust... VERY tasty. It's fun to experiment with their recipes... and they have "user ratings"... so I only try stuff that's earned 4 or 5 (of 5) stars by those who've made it. Anyway... thanks for allowing your son to choose. It might be a passing phase... but it might not. A lot of veg's go that way early on. :)

Answer 7

You sound like a wonderful mother! If only half the children were as lucky as your little Noah! Vegetarianism is a wonderfully healthy choice for anyone of any age! He will most likely get plenty of protein from his dairy and egg consumption. Peanut butter is also a wonderful source of protein that kids usually love. Be careful, however, as eggs, dairy and peanut butter are also high calorie sources and this diet has the potential of weight gain. Be sure to add a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and, of course, plenty of activity! Good luck!

Answer 8

First let me start by asking you to ignore the militant vegetarians on this forum, they know who they are. Its great that you want to be supportive. I'm the only vegetarian in my house too. Since he is still eating fish and eggs he'll get lots of protein that way. Black beans are a great souce of protein.
I subscribe to Vegetarian Times and they have so many great recipes...perhaps that might help you?? They also have articles on how to make sure kids get what they need from a vegetarian diet.
Check out www.vegetariantimes.com
Great magazine!!!

Answer 9

First off, I am a big proponent of vitamins - most of our food is ridiculously low in nutrients due to soil depletion, early picking prior to ripening at the peak of nutrients so shipment is possible for long distances at a cheap rate. If you aren't buying local and organic, I'd go for vitamins for everyone in the house. Don't forget good calcium supplements. I know you didn't ask, but I found it interesting that your 8 year old tells you what he is going to do, and you are complying. I understand and appreciate that you want to support him. But at this age, he may know what he wants, but that isn't necessarily what is best for him, and I'd think he needs to realize that before you start letting him tell you what he will and won't do. If he does that at 8, what do you expect in another 8 years? Just asking. But back to the question at hand - make sure he gets plenty of protein - beans, soy (tofu), etc. Try www.allrecipes.com , then search within the site for vegetarian recipes. You should call his pediatrician and make sure there is no reason you shouldn't change his diet, as you should any diet change for anyone. He may want to send you to a nutritionist, or a dietitian. Good luck!

Answer 10

I agree with the first poster, there is really no need to worry about protein, the meat industry created this myth. Most people in out country get way more protein than they need.

i dont take any vitamins, and I have no deficiencies. The only thing I am low on is b12, so I eat B12 fortified foods, but if he eats eggs, there is no need to worry about that either.