Vegetarian Mama

This is very interesting to me. My husband and I are both vegetarian, him since he was 12, and me since I was 15, but we have decided not to raise our children vegetarian. We decided we didn't want our kids to learn to refuse food early on, and since being vegetarian is a moral decision for us, we want to wait until our children are old enough to make the choice for themselves...as we did. But I don't cook meat. It's just available to them when we're out or visiting family. This is kind of our approach to religion, too, so it fits with our personalities. ^_~

This site is fun because you get to see all sorts of different perspectives. Good luck, and I hope you find some great resources!

I too have been a vegetarian since I was 18. I have three kids (8, 6, 1) and two more on the way. All three are vegetarians and the next two will be as well. My husband is not a vegetarian and the kids know that. We do not have meat in the house, except occasionally at Christmas for my hubby. He eats meat out. If they choose to eat meat later in their life, that is up to them, but for now we both feel that they are getting the healthiest start this way. I basically feed them what we eat, but make it a little kid friendly - less spice etc. Both big kids love the Morningstar Farm veggie products (they are kids after all!), especially the faux corn dogs. We eat a lot of dairy for protein, but I generally think the need for protein is overstated. The majority of our diet consists of whole grains, fruit and vegetables. To be honest I have not focused overly on nutritional requirements - I feed them good, filling, healthy foods and we have never had an issue. I do sometimes "hide" foods in soups or pasta sauces, but not much. All my kids are tall and lean and we have never had any health issues. At a time when there is a childhood obesity epidemic I am very proud of that. My husband loves his meat and he too had reservations, but seeing how well they are growing he has become a really big supporter. If you have any questions, send me a message.

I'm sure you already know the basics of being veggie with your history, and that will naturally translate down to your daughter. Our pediatrician was very supportive of this for us, and DD is now 11 and super healthy, and super veggie!

If this is a baby you are talking about, there is a great book called (I think) Super Baby Food. It's about making your own baby and toddler food. It's not just vegetarian, but there's a lot of vegetarian recipes in there.

I really think you probably know what you need to do, just need to adjust it a little bit for a little one. That book I think has info on things like that- like if it's better for baby to have raw or cooked veggies (pureed, of course), etc.

One thing my daughter loved was pureed legumes, and mashed avocado. Good luck!

I became a vegetarian when I was 13 (am now 30) and my kids are *mostly* vegetarian. My husband is a carnivore so they do get meat relatively frequently (in my opinion). Having been a vegetarian for so long, you are probably well versed in making sure your diet is balanced and that you are getting everything you need, so this shouldn't be a stretch for your daughter. (In fact, your daughter will probably be better off than than a lot of children, not falling back on burgers and chicken nuggets in a pinch.) If you researched what you should be doing while you were pregnant, too, I think that gives you a good glimpse into the extras your daughter will need.
Honestly, people will perpetually ask about her protein intake--as I'm sure they do you about yours because our country is protein obsessed--but you know how to eat and fuel yourself as a vegetarian and it will be no different with your daughter. Feel good that you are doing a wonderful thing for her!

You can incorporate lots of legumes, beans into your diet, like Indian daal. It is super delicious and packed with tons of protein, sometimes more than meat. Most Indian dishes vegetarian and are very healthy. Check out these websites that have really good recipes AND actual videos of preparing them.

www.showmethecurry.com
www.manjulaskitchen.com

Also, there are a couple of really good books that have non-Indian vegetarian/vegan recipes:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1615190457/ref=as_li_qf_...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0966034619/ref=as_li_qf_...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157061525X/ref=as_li_qf_...

Good luck!

why isnt she already a vegetarian?, do you cook her meat meals? ive been a vegetarian since my early teens and my daughters just think its odd that some people eat dead animals and birds because its never been a part of their life. I,m just confused.

Just talk to her about why you chose the way you do and IMO leave it up to her. Kids have a natural vegetarian thinking, kids dont want to eat an animal by nature. Most peole develop a taste for flesh because they are raised on it and it equals comfort, if this is the case you can whittle her off of it with mock meat.

Then just feed her what you feed yourself, you already have all the tools of experience.