My 5 yr old hates meat, allergic to nuts- how do I find him protein?!
I want to get some protein into this boy but I don't want his diet to consist of bologna and MacDonalds cheeseburgers (the only meat he'll eat. Hot dogs he hates too). Does anyone know of a protein source, natural food (no adult protein bars), that could supply the missing nutrients found in meat? (Without nuts)
Answers: It's been going on since he was a baby, he's always hated meat. Then we found out he was allergic to nuts, AND legumes (peas, beans etc).
I want to get some protein into this boy but I don't want his diet to consist of bologna and MacDonalds cheeseburgers (the only meat he'll eat. Hot dogs he hates too). Does anyone know of a protein source, natural food (no adult protein bars), that could supply the missing nutrients found in meat? (Without nuts)
I'm sure you've probably seen dieticians about this problem; what did they suggest? It must be a nightmare finding healthy protein sources for a child allergic to most of them.
I'm sure nobody thinks you're a lax mother.
I agree with exsft, it's a medical problem and you won't find the answer here
Dairy - yogurt, milk and cheese. There are also lots of soy products - try a Boca burger and see if he'll eat that. I have problems with legumes too but can eat soy.
Yogurt is a high source of protein, I would go to the local health food store and talk to an expert. They will help you in any way they can. I know their are protein shakes that taste just like chocolate milk shakes you might be able to get him taking.
you can try (Ensure) , or just make him a protein shake
like someone said...soy is great
what about tricking him a little....he like soup? I would imagine there is protein in chicken/beef broth. Maybe dishes where the meat is really incorporated...like lasagna with ground beef and veggies in it. Or shredded chicken in a cold pasta salad. How about ravioli? Chicken and spinach or something...b/c then the meat is there...but he cant really see it and there are lots of other flavors.
Also, sometimes, you just have to make him eat something he doesn't want...I realize that isn't practical for every meal...but parents have to make their kids eat things they don't want all the time.
Who cares what he likes? You're the mother, he needs protein. MAKE HIM EAT MEAT! Meat's good anyways, give him some chicken or something. ****, now I'm hungry, thanks a lot.
Have you tried fish? He may like it (my kids, 5 and 3, like sushi believe it or not). Fish is a good source of protein and Omega 3 fatty acids.
Eggs and cheese are other options. You may have to experiment a little before he finds a meat he likes. Try different meats like lamb, chicken, beef and in different forms. Ground meat in meatballs, meatloaf, turkey loaf, buffalo burgers, etc might be your best option.
Processed meat is not the best given the nitrates and other stuff put in it, but it is better than none in small servngs.
Do NOT give him soy. The phytoestrogens in soy will disrupt his hormones. In girls it can cause precocious menstruation. Soy is more poison than food.
Finally, SOY IS A LEGUME and your son is allergic to legumes.
soy meat, it is healthier than regular meat, and it has a good amount of protein.
You'll have to go with dairy.
Beans are the best source of non-meat protein, when you combine them with rice or corn. (otherwise you don't have a complete protein).
But, he is allergic to THAT too...
You'll probably have to give the child some iron supplements if he refuses to eat meat.
Have you considered getting a 2nd or 3rd opinion? Most health insurance is happy to pay 100% for those.
I took huge blood test once, and it came back saying that I had food sensitivities to almost EVERYTHING. It wasn't a completely credible test, as I found out from other docs.
Have you tried putting meat on his plate, and saying that is all there is? That if he is hungry, he will HAVE to eat what you have provided?
One of the rules of feeding children is that HE can control one thing: How much he will eat (of what you have given him).
You have control over the rest: What is provided to eat, how much is provided, and when it is provided.
If he knows he has no choice, he will eat it or be hungry.
He isn't the one who controls whether you will serve bologna or mcdonalds. You choose that yourself. Are you trying to avoid a tantrum? Let him scream. Do it early, before he becomes a picky teenager...then a picky man.
I have seen them...they sit with a plate of spaghetti, and separate the onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms into separate piles, then eat the meat and the noodles. Grown men, mind you.
you honestly don't need that much protein in your diet, but things like yogurt, milk, cheese, are fantastic sources, same with veggie burgers, smoothies would be great, hummus(if he's not alergic to that) flax chips(sold at trader joes) are delicious, have protein, and a great snack, eggs are really great sources too(quiche, eggsalad, scrambled eggs.....) yum
Raw veggies are loaded with protein. Soy is not good for kid... or anyone for that matter. Plus there a legume which, he's allergic too.
Kefir is good
Dairy, eggs, whole grains, vegetables. There are surprising amounts of protein in many foods. The only other nutrient found mostly in meat is B12 and if he eats dairy he'll get enough, or get him fortified cereal.
milk, yogurt, sour cream
cereal
Your question is a medical one, not diet. the vegheads will give you all kinds of suggestions which may harm your kid. Consult a dietician not the food "experts" here on yahoo answers if you really love your boy.