If you are vegetarian parent, you have probably considered putting your child on a vegetarian diet. It would save time, and be healthier for your child.
On the other hand, you might not be a vegetarian, but your child is going through a vegetarian phase and doesn't want to eat meat.
No matter the situation, you've probably wondered if a vegetarian diet is healthy for kids. You've probably heard that having a child eat a vegetarian diet can stunt his growth.
These might be reasons why you've put off putting your child on a vegetarian diet.
And all of these concerns are legitimate. A poorly planned vegetarian diet can cause some serious health problems, especially for kids.
If you aren't well-prepared to put your child on a vegetarian diet, you definitely shouldn't. However, if you have done your nutritional research and you are familiar with the nutrients vegetarians commonly lack, then you know that these problems can easily be overcome with some meal planning.
Your child's health will improve short term and long term if you put him on a vegetarian diet. It can also reduce her exposure to animal products that contain hormones and preservatives, which have been linked to developmental problems and cancer.
These are the nutrients that you need to make sure your child gets if he is to go on a vegetarian diet:
Protein. Make sure your child is consuming enough protein by adding additional sources, such as wheat, soybeans, isolated soy protein, and nuts.
Calcium mineral. Ensure your child is consuming enough calcium by adding calcium-fortified processed foods and leafy green vegetables to his diet.
Fe. Have your child eat soybeans, pinto beans, tofu, and cereals.
Zinc. Your child can increase his zinc intake by eating almonds, peanut butter, and mushrooms.
A child can go on a vegetarian diet with no problem, provided that you take care of these common nutritional deficiencies.
Research and proper meal planning is all that's needed.
On the other hand, you might not be a vegetarian, but your child is going through a vegetarian phase and doesn't want to eat meat.
No matter the situation, you've probably wondered if a vegetarian diet is healthy for kids. You've probably heard that having a child eat a vegetarian diet can stunt his growth.
These might be reasons why you've put off putting your child on a vegetarian diet.
And all of these concerns are legitimate. A poorly planned vegetarian diet can cause some serious health problems, especially for kids.
If you aren't well-prepared to put your child on a vegetarian diet, you definitely shouldn't. However, if you have done your nutritional research and you are familiar with the nutrients vegetarians commonly lack, then you know that these problems can easily be overcome with some meal planning.
Your child's health will improve short term and long term if you put him on a vegetarian diet. It can also reduce her exposure to animal products that contain hormones and preservatives, which have been linked to developmental problems and cancer.
These are the nutrients that you need to make sure your child gets if he is to go on a vegetarian diet:
Protein. Make sure your child is consuming enough protein by adding additional sources, such as wheat, soybeans, isolated soy protein, and nuts.
Calcium mineral. Ensure your child is consuming enough calcium by adding calcium-fortified processed foods and leafy green vegetables to his diet.
Fe. Have your child eat soybeans, pinto beans, tofu, and cereals.
Zinc. Your child can increase his zinc intake by eating almonds, peanut butter, and mushrooms.
A child can go on a vegetarian diet with no problem, provided that you take care of these common nutritional deficiencies.
Research and proper meal planning is all that's needed.
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