If you are a vegetarian, then you've probably considered butting your child on a vegetarian diet. Not only would it save time and make meal-planning easier, but for dietary and ethical reasons, you believe it is a better choice for your child.
Conversely, you might not be a vegetarian yourself, but have a child who is going through a vegetarian phase, where she rejects meat, but doesn't consume enough healthy foods to compensate for the nutritional gap.
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 concerns might have been the reason why you've not put your child on a vegetarian diet yet.
It's good that you are concerned. In fact, if a vegetarian diet is poorly planned, it can cause serious short and long term health problems, especially for children, who are growing and developing--and who do not yet have sufficient stores of vitamins.
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.
You also know that putting your child on a healthful vegetarian diet can greatly improve her health in both the short and long term. This enables your child to stay away from animal products, which are harmful in the long term.
These are the nutrients that you need to make sure your child gets if he is to go on a vegetarian diet:
Proteins. Your child should get enough proteins by eating 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.
Iron. Soybeans, pinto beans, tofu, and cereals are good sources of iron.
The zinc mineral. Almonds, peanut butter, and mushrooms are good sources of zinc.
A vegetarian diet is safe for a child if these common nutritional deficiencies are compensated.
Just make sure to do your research and plan your meals well.
Conversely, you might not be a vegetarian yourself, but have a child who is going through a vegetarian phase, where she rejects meat, but doesn't consume enough healthy foods to compensate for the nutritional gap.
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 concerns might have been the reason why you've not put your child on a vegetarian diet yet.
It's good that you are concerned. In fact, if a vegetarian diet is poorly planned, it can cause serious short and long term health problems, especially for children, who are growing and developing--and who do not yet have sufficient stores of vitamins.
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.
You also know that putting your child on a healthful vegetarian diet can greatly improve her health in both the short and long term. This enables your child to stay away from animal products, which are harmful in the long term.
These are the nutrients that you need to make sure your child gets if he is to go on a vegetarian diet:
Proteins. Your child should get enough proteins by eating 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.
Iron. Soybeans, pinto beans, tofu, and cereals are good sources of iron.
The zinc mineral. Almonds, peanut butter, and mushrooms are good sources of zinc.
A vegetarian diet is safe for a child if these common nutritional deficiencies are compensated.
Just make sure to do your research and plan your meals well.
About the Author:
Join HRU for programs that focus on nurse leaders. An HRU seminar is a great educational investment for your nursing staff.