For Vegetarians, about nutrition?

Question

My 8 year old just told me she no longer feels comfortable eating animlas, I want to respect her decsion. But at the same time as her mother I am responable for making sure she is healthy. How do I do this, I really have no clue as I am not a vegatarian. Thanks for your help. (Sorry for any misspellings)

I really want to let her do this and have no intention of "sneaking" meat into her diet. That would not be right and I wont do it to her, but thanks.

Answer 1

Have a look at the Vegetarian Society's pamphlet for parents and teenagers.

Answer 2

Tofu, nut and legumes such as kidney beans chick peas and lentil all contain protein. Just look up your suggested servings in a food or nutritional guide and simply substitute. If she is ok with eggs, use eggs and a standard protein.

Remember that gelatin, some cheese (rennin), soups and prepared sauces can all contain animal by-produce. You will need to start paying more attention to the label in the food you guy everyday.

Answer 3

I have been Vegan for over 20 years.

I dont eat fish, birds (chicken/turkey), pigs, cows, eggs, dairy (all milk products), and hunny. I dont eat animal products.

You can get all the nutrients you need from tofu, nuts, beans, avocados, fruits and vegetables, also vitamin supplements.

You sound like a wonderful mother. Great Job!! : )

Answer 4

If you are truly talking vegetarian rather than vegan, yogurt can give you much of the protein you need a day, provided you eat enough of it. I eat a lot of yogurt, and get more protein than I ever have in my life. Also, some chocolate or other flavored soy shake mixes with protein might be good for her.

Answer 5

First of all get a vegetarian multivitamin (some multivitamins contain meat products). Give her lots of protein, a tofu stir fry, fake meat like morningstar or boca or tofurkey. Beans, and nuts. For her lunch i would certainly pack it. pack thermoses of bean soup, pea soup, veggie soup. Pack pasta, shape bean in patties and put on sandwiches, hummus, gucamole, bean burritos, veg sushi, endless choices! http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com
for calcium milk, collard greens, soy, blackstrap molasses and sesame seeds. For iron, spinach and blackstrap molasses. B12 might require a vitamin supplement. but otherwise its easy to get everything you need.
http://food.pinkhairedgirl.com/
http://thelazyvegetarian.blogspot.com/

Answer 6

it's really not a problem with nutrition.
you should do some research.
people don't need meat or special protein balancing.
just make sure there is a healthy balanced diet available.

Answer 7

what a wonderful opportunity to do something wonderful for a child. i hope you will really make a super effort to help her accomplish this goal. contact the right people and read up and talk to her and encourage her. how exciting! i wish i had a chance like that.

Answer 8

Sorry mom, but an 8 year old has no business making nutritional decisions of this kind. She is still growing and might retard her development. Of course you can't force her either. Make sure she is getting eggs, get the free range they are healthier.

Meat is nutrient rich and is the best protein source out there, contrary to vegan nonsense. Also, meat and eggs are valuable sources ot B12, a very important vitamin for neurogical development.

I have provided some useful links.

Answer 9

I applaud you for respecting your daughter's beliefs!
if you're worried about protein, there are plenty of non-meat sources. beans, nuts, grain, legumes, etc etc.

Answer 10

Sneak meat into her food like you would with pills....

In all seriousness, look for a good child-friendly multi vitamin, like Flintstones, etc. Secondly use foods that are high in protein. Just google protein sources for vegetarians as this will be an area she would be lacking in a typical vegetarian diet.

Good Luck, Nutrition is tough with kids let alone vegetarian ones!