Children and a vegan diet?!
I have three children, two of whom eat solid foods now. Is it safe to have them on a vegan diet? My only concerns are their ages and the rate of which their bodies grow as toddlers. I for example can tell myself by the way I am emotionally or physically feeling, if I need more iron per say, or more vitamin c or something. Young children don't really know how to tell someone that they think their diet is lacking in something.
Would you recommend me changing my children's diets into vegan diets too. Or should I just do a relaxed vegetarian diet, such as allowing eggs and some dairy products?
I would really rather that our whole family make this change, I'm just concerned about my children getting all the nutrition they need. Also my eldest son is a picky eater, so that also concerns me.
By the way, My husband and I have been vegetarians for a while, but just recently became vegans.
Answers: I had just asked a question in the vegan section about good vegan recipes. I have another question though.
I have three children, two of whom eat solid foods now. Is it safe to have them on a vegan diet? My only concerns are their ages and the rate of which their bodies grow as toddlers. I for example can tell myself by the way I am emotionally or physically feeling, if I need more iron per say, or more vitamin c or something. Young children don't really know how to tell someone that they think their diet is lacking in something.
Would you recommend me changing my children's diets into vegan diets too. Or should I just do a relaxed vegetarian diet, such as allowing eggs and some dairy products?
I would really rather that our whole family make this change, I'm just concerned about my children getting all the nutrition they need. Also my eldest son is a picky eater, so that also concerns me.
By the way, My husband and I have been vegetarians for a while, but just recently became vegans.
here is list of books that help you
http://www.vrg.org/family/Vegetarian-fri...
a) make a good choice of what levels of vegetarian vegan diet you want for your kids
b) helps you explain to young kids why you do not eat meat
c) help you learn to deal being a vegan mom with vegan kids in a meat eating world.
The books are pretty recent. - last fives years. see which one you like best and read it and make the best healthy choice for you and your family.,
PS. i am vegan and I hope to raise my child vegan. of course there will be times when they will be vegetarian out of the house, Example birthday cake at a friends house!
www.veganlunchbox.blogspot.com
She doesn't post much anymore but her son is vegan and she has pages and pages of posts about his diet, recipes and helpful links.
As long as they get enough protein and iron along with B vitamins it should be alright. Ultimately check with a dietician.
I'm not going to be too much help, but I know that I have a friend that was raised vegan along with her 2 brothers and all 3 are very healthy and attractive. Just had to counter that guy who said your kids would be freaks. I know that if you are careful it will be safe. I would make an appointemt with a nutritionist and she will give you a good idea of the kinds of meals the kids need every day.
I would like to say more, but I'm just browsing while my husband is loading the car for our weekend trip. (I'm supposed to be turning off my computer.)
Because of the extra stuff put in meat and dairy, we plan on raising our daughter vegan, unless we know for sure from where the meat and animals products came.
These sites might be of some help.
Well since you and your husband are vegan. It's worth a shot, although it is imperative that your children eat green leafy veg like spinach, lots of broccoli, sesame seeds are also great for calcium and plenty of water. You can buy rice milk with added calcium. Lots of healthy protein from organic oats and tofu. Careful about nuts (choking). Also you could make great lentil soups. Tofu burgers. I think your kids will have a great diet. All the best. Don't be too strict if they desire something that contains egg or dairy. Its their choice, all you can do it guide them to your beliefs.
My neice and nephew are both vegan from conception (meaning their mother was vegan throughout pregnancy) Both pregnancies/births were uneventful, both births went well, babies were 7 and 8 lbs.. both are quite big for their age now, healthy as horses, intelligent and beautiful, One is 3 and one is 6 months..
Just do the research.. make sure the diet is very balanced (protien, carbs, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, etc) and consult a GOOD, not anti-vegan, dietitian if you are concerned.. Of course babies and toddlers etc etc have different nutritional needs than adults, but those needs can definitely be met by a WELL-PLANNED vegan diet..don't let anyone tell you differently..
Good luck..
I really do not have anything to add you got plenty of great answers. You are doing your children a great service starting them on this path to true health.
Bless be
I usually stay away from vegetarian Questions, but you sound sincere. Vegan does that excludes excludes milk and egg products? I was once a vegetarian, to get a balance I used the book "Diet For A Small Planet" for a guide. It is about combining foods for complex carbs. It may help you a bit. For some reason 2 year old become very fussy eaters so your have the advantage of having a selection of raw fruits and veggies to give him , Kids like "pretty food"
The American Dietetics Association and the Dietitians of Canada both support vegetarian and vegan diets for ALL stages of life.
Do your research, educate yourself & raise healthy happy kids.
http://www.vegfamily.com/babies-and-todd...
http://www.vegsource.com/parent/growing_...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...
http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/pregnancy.h...
http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/real...
Vegan kids: http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/real...
A vegetarian diet is fine for any age. A vegan diet is fine too, but it requires very careful planning to ensure that they are getting all required nutrients. Toddlers need adequate protein and calcium, so make absolutely sure that they get these things one way or another.
I'd suggest going and talking to a dietician if you want to make them vegan. Write out what you feed them for a week and have him look over it.
Well, from my research, I have found that putting children on vegan diets is not such a good idea. I heard of a story of a baby who was put on vegan soy formula and later died. Children need some form of animal protein in order for them to develop properly. The iron found in animal protein is far superior than the iron found in plant sources, and iron is a necessary nutrient, especially for growing children. Same goes for calcium. At least let them drink milk and eat eggs.
Edit: Oh yeah, and make sure that the milk and eggs are organic. The animals are treated better and it's healthier for you.