What is the best way to introduce my children to vegetarian foods?

Question

I've been working different types of vegetarian foods into my children's diets slowly each day for the last week. I've replaced ground hamburger in spaghetti with Morning Star Meal Starters crumbles, replaced bacon with veggie bacon strips, etc.

The children are 12, 8, and 4 years old.

Does anyone know a good way to do this without causing conflict with each child as it if different with each different age group......


As I stand my ground and want these children to adapt to healthier eating habits and choices.

Answer 1

We found a great way was to start them with vegan donuts and cookies from the health food store. Most taste great and you cannot tell the difference between "normal" baked goods. Once they like them, then talk about why the food is a better choice.
good luck
PS, a lot of red sauce over veggies made it easier too

Answer 2

That's great that you're taking this action.

My advice would be to just give it to them. They won't be able to tell the difference. Ask them of their opinion on it. The 4 and 8 year old kids won't really care, but the 12 year old might make a big deal out of it. When I was 12 and became vegetarian, kids always made a big deal. The younger they are the easier it is. My 6 year old niece gladly has soymilk with cereal.

Later on you can tell them, but don't let them know until after they've eaten it and given you an opinion.

Answer 3

for the 8 and 4 year old, children usually try to immitate their parents, so if u eat it and enjoy it, they will probably try it. for the 12 year old, u might want to talk to him/her and explain why u think vegetarian foods are better and healthier. however, u should keep in mind that all ur children are young and so their bodies are still in the growing and developing phase. so make sure that ur vegeterian foods have enough nutrients, especially proteins. i know that vegetarian foods are generally lower in fats, aiding in a healthy life style, but if are also usually lower in proteins, which can inhibit muscle growth. and for the boys in ur family, growing up to be a stick might not be best for them. i know i can't convince u, an adult, to start eating meat again through a simple online post, but i would like to remind u of lean meats that are high in proteins and low in fats: fish, chicken (esp. white meat) and lean beef. give those a try. ur children's muscles will appreciate it. and tofu's a good source of protein, but everyday? well hope this helps.

Answer 4

slowly, discreetly, and in fun and appealing ways.
IE: CARROT CURLS:use a veggie peeler to peel carrot peels away, discard then continue peeling, place these peels in ice cold water, they will curl like party ribbon.
Anything goes over well with kids with a smiley face on it, using a ketchup bottle you can achieve this.
Cookie cutters can be very helpful, for instance a bowl of vegetarian soup or chili with dinosaur or Stars toast is a winner. Just be creative, and with all the alternative products out there today, it's really quite easy. Good luck.

Answer 5

I think you're doing a great job already, by replacing meat with Morningstar substitutes. Just make sure they're still getting proper nutrition like protein and B-12. Vitamin tablets are a good idea. I think that if you continue what you started, there shouldn't be much conflict with them.

Answer 6

it depends on the type of eaters they are, like salad for instance u could give them that, if one likes more simple meals they dont have to make there 2 complex, but if not they can do what ever they want with the salad, so im guessing it might be a good idea give them very versatile vegetarian dishes. im not a vegetarian so this might all be garbage

Answer 7

I think you should discuss your reasons for them becoming vegetarian as well. If you just start feeding them vegetarian food without telling them I don't think that would be fair. I like the idea someone gave about making it fun for kids. Good luck

Answer 8

You can't really force your children to eat vegetarian style... They will rebel to that, as I would and many other kids I know would also. If you want it healthier.... use the Organic and hormone free type of meat, sometimes a little more expensive, but worth it. You know, meat is healthy though. Meat is good for you, just in balanced amounts.

Answer 9

I have found that children respond more to the visual appeal of a food than what is in it. So my suggestion is to make it fun... they probably wont notice it doesn't have meat!

Answer 10

my mom tried to feed me vegg and fruits when I was a kid,
I never eat it, I only eat fried chicken and fries, but I turned vegan myself for my health, so maybe talk to em about being vegetarians will be better for em, and find facts to support your claim, maybe a video from peta, and reason to them, that eating animal is wrong (not the bloody ones, I can't even watch the bloody ones)