Anyone Else Have a Young Vegetarian in the Family?

For many years I didn't eat meat. I didn't call myself a vegetarian, because I didn't have any ethical issues with eating meat. I just preferred vegetarian meals. I still eat very little meat. But, I also loved all sorts of other foods, so I never had a problem getting complete proteins and vitamins. Start surfing the internet for recipes and learn about vegetarian nutrition. For instance, you can get complete protein, the same as meat, when you combine brown rice and beans. Tofu is great, and many kids love it. It takes on whatever flavor you prepare it with, and it comes in a variety of textures from very smooth to very firm. How about veggie burgers? I like Boca Burgers the best, but the different brands have very different flavors and textures. You might have to experiment with these. If your daughter will take dairy, there are lots of cheeses and yogurts that she may like. Soups are another great way to combine lots of different flavors and textures... again, adding beans and whole grain pasta or rice will provide complementary proteins, and perhaps she won't think to ask whether you've used chicken or vegetable broth! Don't worry too much about her getting protein from meat. Americans need far less protein than they usually eat. Most vitamins are in veggies, and if she's willing to eat veggies and maybe take a daily vitamin, she'll be fine, as well.
I have a funny story, by the way. I volunteer with a boy scout troop, and we have a 12-year-old boy who is a vegetarian. He doesn't mind animals being eaten, he just doesn't like the taste of meat. On a recent camping trip, one of the hunter-dads brought along some bear meat from a recent successful hunting trip. He marinated it and cooked it over the campfire and let every boy have a taste. Our young vegetarian decided to try some, and he loved it! When I told his mother about it at the end of the trip she said, "Great! That's the only meat he likes! If only I can find some cellophane-wrapped bear meat in the grocery store."

K.,

I am having a very similar experience! My 6 1/2 year old will not eat meat due to moral issues as well! I am supporting her in her decision (as I've often felt similarly). I did tell her that there were some conditions. She has to eat eggs and FISH (fish as so many health benefits). She also has to do a good job eating healthy foods -- like fruits/veggies/beans..etc...and she does take a multi vitamin.

It's still new to me though...And, I'm trying to come up with different things to prepare that have protein and other vital nutrients. I use multi-grain pastas, I use SMART BALANCE peanut butter that has FLAX SEED OIL in it. Oh, and she enjoys snacking on Chick Peas.

I'd love any suggestions you have...Did you ever talk to your pediatrician about this? I have not yet. I do know that most doctors are not very well educated in terms of nutrition.

B F

she may just be going thru a fase but if not she will start to loose vitamins and minerals from the meat i am not a veg. but my son for a little while would not eat meat at all, but he did like tofu i would add alittle to what ever i was make because it has vitamins and you can buy it it vanilla and mix with milk and it actually makes a great milk shake...good luck

you need to learn how to make tofu tasty.

hi K.,

my son who now 24 eats very little meat, he been that way since he was old enough to eat table food, he refuse any kind of meat, but give him a vegetable, he would he eat it in a minute. maybe in time she will try some meat.