If you've been a vegetarian for any length of time, and you have kids of your own, then you may already have thought about getting them onto a vegetarian diet as well. Not only would it make your life easier in terms of preparing meals, but you may also believe a vegetarian diet would be a better, healthier option for your kids.
Interestingly enough, many children go through a vegetarian phase irrespective of whether or not their parents are vegetarians. When they go through this stage they tend to reject almost all types of meat, and this often results in parents becoming concerned about the child's nutritional intake, particularly if the child isn't eating enough other healthy foods.
Either way, you're probably wondering whether or not a vegetarian diet would be a healthy choice for your kids, although at the same time, you may have heard rumors that vegetarian diets can stunt a child's growth.
These concerns probably prevented you from putting your child on a vegetarian diet up to this point.
Now, nobody is saying that these concerns aren't legitimate, but providing a vegetarian diet is well planned, you will have very little to worry about as far as long term and short term vitamin and mineral deficiencies are concerned.
With that said, if you've not yet done any research regarding vegetarian diets, then it may not be wise to put your children on a vegetarian diet at this point. On the other hand, if you have done your research, and you've familiarize yourself with the types of nutrients a typical vegetarian diet can lack, you'll also know that such deficiencies can easily be overcome with proper meal planning.
You will probably be aware that putting your child on a vegetarian diet can greatly improve his or her health and limit the exposure to animal products that are often linked to hormones and preservatives.
To begin your child on a vegetarian diet you should make sure that you your meal-planning ensures enough of the following elements that vegetarian diets lack:
1) Protein - make sure that your child is getting enough protein from additional sources such as nuts and soybeans.
2) Calcium - The calcium content of a vegetarian diet can be significantly enhanced simply by including plenty of fresh leafy greens.
3) Iron - the amount of iron in your child's diet can be increased by adding more beans, soybeans, and cereals.
4) Zinc - zinc intake can be enhanced by increasing the amount of nuts, mushrooms, and peanut butter in their diet.
If you concentrate on compensating for all of these common deficiencies that vegetarian diets lack, then, you can absolutely put your child on a vegetarian diet without any negative consequences.
Interestingly enough, many children go through a vegetarian phase irrespective of whether or not their parents are vegetarians. When they go through this stage they tend to reject almost all types of meat, and this often results in parents becoming concerned about the child's nutritional intake, particularly if the child isn't eating enough other healthy foods.
Either way, you're probably wondering whether or not a vegetarian diet would be a healthy choice for your kids, although at the same time, you may have heard rumors that vegetarian diets can stunt a child's growth.
These concerns probably prevented you from putting your child on a vegetarian diet up to this point.
Now, nobody is saying that these concerns aren't legitimate, but providing a vegetarian diet is well planned, you will have very little to worry about as far as long term and short term vitamin and mineral deficiencies are concerned.
With that said, if you've not yet done any research regarding vegetarian diets, then it may not be wise to put your children on a vegetarian diet at this point. On the other hand, if you have done your research, and you've familiarize yourself with the types of nutrients a typical vegetarian diet can lack, you'll also know that such deficiencies can easily be overcome with proper meal planning.
You will probably be aware that putting your child on a vegetarian diet can greatly improve his or her health and limit the exposure to animal products that are often linked to hormones and preservatives.
To begin your child on a vegetarian diet you should make sure that you your meal-planning ensures enough of the following elements that vegetarian diets lack:
1) Protein - make sure that your child is getting enough protein from additional sources such as nuts and soybeans.
2) Calcium - The calcium content of a vegetarian diet can be significantly enhanced simply by including plenty of fresh leafy greens.
3) Iron - the amount of iron in your child's diet can be increased by adding more beans, soybeans, and cereals.
4) Zinc - zinc intake can be enhanced by increasing the amount of nuts, mushrooms, and peanut butter in their diet.
If you concentrate on compensating for all of these common deficiencies that vegetarian diets lack, then, you can absolutely put your child on a vegetarian diet without any negative consequences.
About the Author:
Tap into Charles Carr's extensive culinary experience as a home cook, and what he has learn from a few master chefs by getting free access to his vegetarian guide. In addition, here's a free special report Master Chef Secrets on how you can save a lot of money on your culinary equipment.
