My son acts like a vegetarian but no one else in our household is, how do I make sure he eats what he needs?

Question

My son is 10 years old and is very pickey. He has been declining meat since he was 2. He really doesn't like beans either. We just had a family get together on Sunday with plenty of Barbeque ribs and chicken, there was also fried fish. He wouldn't touch any of it, he only ate baby carrots. I don't know how to make sure he's getting the nutricion and protiens he needs because I don't have contact with any vegetarians to ask what would be good to feed him. He did try vegetarian bacon the day before and liked it, but I can't give him that every morning. What are some other things a child might like that would supply his body with what it needs?

Answer 1

Please pay attention to your sons intuition. His body is clearly letting him know that it does not tolerate meat well. I resisted meat when I was a child, but was forced to eat it-I grew up to develop severe allergies to meat and poultry, among other things. Since he has declined it from such a young age, its clear that he just knows what works for him and doesnt. My 12 year old daughter has been a vegetarian for years. I took her to the pediatrician last week just to make sure she was getting adequate nutrition, and the doctor said she is clearly thriving. I had him check her blood for levels of iron, vitamins, etc, and it all came out great. Try giving your son some quinoa, which is a whole protein grain that contains all of the essential amino acids. You can make lots of dishes with it. My daughter loves it-we even make muffins from quinoa flour and quinoa flakes. It can be made as a hot breakfast cereal, or like any rice dish. Does he eat eggs? You can try other high protein sources such as "burgers" made from rice and sunflower seeds and spices (from the health food store, or homemade) Almond milk, cashew milk, and rice milk are also good sources of protein. Nutritional yeast (not brewers or bakers yeast) makes a tasty mock cheese sauce that is great over pasta, contains lots of iron and B vitamins including B12. Email me if you need more info

Answer 2

I was much like your son as a child. I'd eat the odd bit of fish or chicken, but otherwise I lived on tofu, pasta, fruits and veggies. I became officially vegetarian when I was 12. My family did not agree so I learned to cook my own meals. Encourage your son to start learning to cook or cook vegetarian dishes some of the time. Eggs, cheese, beans and rice, tofu, tvp, and glueten are all great sources of protien. I'm now an adult and far healthier then when I ate meat. :) Just google vegetarian recipies or contact me for some of my favorites.

Answer 3

First, be assured that a person in ANY stage of life (infant, toddler, child, adolcecent, adult, pregnant woman, lactating woman) CAN get proper nutrition without consuming meat. Or Even without consuming Eggs or Dairy. You just have to know what you're doing.

You're just going to have to do some research. Learn what a child his age's nutritional needs are, and which plant sources can best meet those needs. As best as you can, use the things he likes best, but his "pickiness" may have to be curbed. Explain to your son that if he doesn't like meat, you are willing to support his decision to be a vegetarian, BUT he DOES have to get proper nutriton. Tell him there are some vegetables, legumes, nuts, that he needs to learn to like in order to get a balanced diet.

THat's my best suggestion. Being vegetarian is a very healthy thing, if done right. It's proven they live longer and have less cancer (if you knew how prevalent cancer is in animals raised for meat, you'd understand why!)

If you want help, consult with a nutritionist (one that is vegetarian-friendly). They should be able to help you figure out how to make sure your child is getting the proper nutrition.

as for things he might like,
There are MANY vegetarian "meat substitutes" besides veggie bacon. There is some variety there for you, nutritionally and taste-wise.

Peanut Butter is a good source of protien. He might learn to like it on waffles/pancakes (together with applesauce/syrup/Jam) YUM!!!

But seriously, most Americans eat WAY too much Protien. The Human body doesn't need that much, really.

Answer 4

I am a vegetarian myself, and while I do not have children I have a basic understanding of how to get certain proteins. They make lots of different styles of soy alternatives. Check your local market, or if you have any natural living or organic food stores, check there too! For children i do know they make shakes for kids with protein and granola bars. Try having him eat alot of nuts and try making different styles of beans, try black beans or veggie friendly refriend beans. Theres millions of varieties out there. Yogurt is a friendly option to if he isn't vegan. Nowadays though, they make a lot of different food styles that are more protien enriched. Just check your market and labels, you'll be surprised to find what foods are going to help the situation.. Hope this is helpful. Good luck!!!

Answer 5

Let him express himself is number one. I became veg when i was 13. That was 10 years ago. Everyone thought it was a phase and I would grow out of it, but i didnt.
If he wants to become vegetarian, try setting up an apointment with a nutritionist.
She will prescribe vitamins for him, and tell him which foods he can eat that will still give him protein.

Also, look for websites for young vegetarians. Theres a wealth of information out there for you and him.

Answer 6

You can try fake chicken nuggets, cheese sandwiches, vegtable soups, macaroni and cheese, rice and vegtables, oatmeal and fruit, Try different kinds of beans and rice, tofu and fruit smoothies, salads, celery, peanut butter, and raisens (ants on a log), croissants with brie cheese, or any kind of raw fruit or veggie. The possibilities are endless. You might want to get him a kids vitamin too just until you get the hang of feeding him vegetarian. Sounds like he is on his way to being a healthy kid.

Answer 7

Tofu. Also, grocery stores usually have a really good vegetarian section that has meat like products. (like the bacon)

Answer 8

Someone posted this website earlier, which had alot of cute and healthy ideas for vegan/veg kids. Maybe this can help you get an idea of what you should be feeding your kid.

http://veganlunchbox.com/

Answer 9

he needs protein-peanuts,beans (Bush's makes vegetarian)
calcium-milk,cheese, vitamin supplements are avalible at target/walgreens
Talk to his doctor have a finger prick and he/she will tell you what he needs more of

Answer 10

Check out
www.vegsource.com

They will have the food pyramid and lots of ideas for you.