my 3 yeaar old will not eat any meat.... so ......?

Question

I need to know what is another good source of protein besides peanut butter??? I do give him a flinstone Vitamin.... He also loves veggies like peas and carrots... Since he is not eating meat, is he lacking a lot of what he needs??
Thanks

Answer 1

Hmmm aren't there about a million books and websites devoted to vegetarian recipes and balanced vegetarian diets?

Meat Analogs in the Toddler Diet
http://www.vegetarianbaby.com/articles/meatanalogs.shtml

Vegetarian infants and children:
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/vegetarianism.html

Raising a Vegetarian Toddler:
http://www.thelaboroflove.com/articles/raising-a-vegetarian-toddler/

EATING VEGETARIAN
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/T045400.asp

Vegetarian Toddlers
http://www.itsamomsworld.com/toddler_food_vegetarian.html

Your Vegetarian Toddler: Providing Nutrients with a Vegetarian Diet
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/288236/your_vegetarian_toddler_providing_nutrients.html

VegetarianLives
http://www.vegetarianlives.com/growingvegetariantoddlermenu.html

Answer 2

There are many foods that you can give him that are excellent sources of protein.
1. Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, Swiss chard etc... You can make it tasty and palatable for your little one by sauteing the veggies in a bit of olive oil and add a bit of garlic and onion. Also you can hide the veggies, especially the spinach in an omelet.
2. Speaking of omelette's, eggs are a great source of protein just be sure to not give him too many in one week. I would think 1 to 3 eggs per week are pretty healthy.
3. Cottage cheese or any other dairy products are also great sources of protein. A great tip is to blend a bit of cottage cheese when you are making your omelet. It will be delicious and chock full of protein.
4. Beans are also great for protein. You can combine beans with brown rice and have a complete protein.
5. Protein smoothies are also ideal. You can add blueberries, strawberries and yogurt or milk (protein!!!) and your baby will love it!!!

Answer 3

My son did the same thing! I found that some frozen burritos have a lot of protein in them. There are many children raised as vegans. Just google "food with protein" and you should find some good results. I'm glad to know I am not alone on this! (actually he eats pepperoni...?!? hahaha!) Its the only meat he will eat!

Answer 4

I'd actually try getting some of the Gerber 3rd foods in meat. He/she may just not like the texture of meat.
But any dry beans are a great source of protein. So bean soups, putting garbanzo beans in salad (you'd be surprised a lot of little ones like salad with a little ranch dressing).
I also found a link for vegetarians to get protein...

Answer 5

Meat substitutes. There is a whole new world of veggie meals you never knew. Have your veggie burgers, soy crumbles, and all your favorite food without the meat. There are restaurants which specialize in meat substitutes so make sure you spot the one nearest you for a take out.
Look here for more of this article: http://www.lifespy.com/2007/how-to-get-protein-from-food-other-than-meat/

http://www.caringmedical.com/media/article.asp?article_id=657

We are actually 'not' eating as much meat because of cholesterol, so it's actually a "good" thing for your child.

Answer 6

Cheese,eggs,beans and yogurt are good for the protein.
He will be fine without the meats, my niece is the same way. I do home daycare and there is a food person that comes in to check on meals. I had asked her about it and she said that as long as she was eating the cheeses and the yogurts (she won't eat eggs or beans.) she is fine. She said to still offer a little meat at every meal and they will eventually try it.

Answer 7

My daughter will be three next month. She is in the same boat as ur son. We just feed her more eggs and cheese and peanut butter. She does eat a little meat like a piece or two but that's it. Just offer it to him incase he wants to try it

Answer 8

Eggs are a good source of protein. My daughter refused to eat anything but chicken when she was little. We often fed her pork too, and she never knew the difference. Whatever you do, don't force feed him. It will only make him hate the stuff even more. Try fish too. Some kids will eat it but not beef, pork, chicken, etc. I would start with something that's not too fishy tasting.

Answer 9

no, he's not lacking, but you really should do research on a vegetarian diet.
i, myself, am vegetarian, and it's hard to know what nutrients your son is missing out without looking more information yourself.
i know toddlers can be raised healthy as vegetarians if done right, so try and become somewhat of an expert on it.
it's better than forcing him to eat it, and he might outgrow the phrase someday, but if he doesn't, at least you'll be prepared.

honestly, i eat soy, tofu, peanut butter, and all that to get my protein.
but i'm not too sure if your son would like soy, or if it's healthy at a young age...

Answer 10

Try to get him to eat dark leafy greens ( like spinach ) for iron and even raisins are a good source of iron. Also nuts and most beans are good sources of protein. Yougurt has some protie as do most dairy products and soymilk ( they make chocolate soy milk if he is really picky )