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[Babette]

Thinking about raising your kids vegetarians? Here are some tips to keep in mind to help you make that decision.

Source: e-how.com

Instructions

* STEP 1: Give your children a varied diet. We establish eating habits early in life, so accustom your children to healthy, fresh foods.

* STEP 2: Serve favorite foods often - children will generally be partial to a particular fruit or vegetable. Introduce new foods by pairing them with a favorite.

* STEP 3: Serve legumes liberally - they're packed with protein and fiber. Introduce mild-tasting ones to start, such as chickpeas and navy beans.

* STEP 4: Prepare tasty recipes such as lentil soup or a minestrone soup.

* STEP 5: Serve soy milk instead of cow's milk. It is high in protein and less likely to cause allergies than cow's milk.

* STEP 6: Add silken tofu to shakes and smoothies for an extra protein boost. You can also add it to puddings, soup, and sauces.

* STEP 7: Use whole-grain breads - they're filled with fiber, vitamins and other nutrients.

* STEP 8: Serve green leafy veggies. Make tangy dips and let your kids dip broccoli, carrots and other vitamin- and mineral-packed veggies. Green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach are an excellent source of calcium.

* STEP 9: Sprinkle sesame seeds on salads for an extra calcium boost. Dairy products are not the only source of calcium, despite what advertising tells you.

* STEP 10: Use meat substitutes. Veggie burgers, hot dogs, deli slices, etc, are delicious and great sources of protein and vitamin - plus they're easy to prepare.

* STEP 11: Try soy cheese if you are keeping your children off dairy.

* STEP 12: Experiment with different grains. Try amaranth, quinoa, kamut and barley for a change from rice.

* STEP 13: Find a pediatrician who supports you in your decision to raise vegetarian children.

Tips & Warnings

* As you would with any child, you may want to give your children a multivitamin to ensure that they are getting optimal nutrients.

* Get in touch with other veggie parents, via the Internet or other sources, and share tips on what works best with their children.

* If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other healthcare professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

[karen]

I imagine raising a child under any strict dietary options would be difficult. I wish anyone luck who can raise a veg. kid. If you do, I'd love to hear how you do it.

[Kity]

My 10 year old granddaughter is a vegetarian.She eats a variety of veggies.Loves fruit.Her meals are a mixture of vegetables with different types of flavors,added grains.She loves summer squash sauted with a little cheese and crushed whole wheat croutons on top.Breakfast will be muffins,different kinds or cereals,omlets mixed with vegetables,fruit cups.
The only problem is eating out at fast food places.Most don't carry a good selection for vegetarians so they try to find ones that do.Occasionally she eats a veggie pizza at pizza hut,salads.Wish there were more places that carry more veggie choices.Of course she takes a vitamin every day,as does her 6 year old sister who is not a vegetarian.

Pat

[karen]

I could imagine that places like McDonalds is an issue.

[Kity]

My vegetarian DGD doesn't like McDonalds.Her younger sister does ,so when they go there which isn't often,DGD eats a salad.Breakfast there she will eat pancakes and hash browns.

Pat