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Choice of Vegetarianism |
Food |
 Vegetarian diets have become more prevalent and popular, and many parents may wonder if kids can safely follow a vegetarian diet and still get all the nutrients necessary for growing up healthy and strong. Most dietary and medical experts agree that a properly structured vegetarian diet is healthy. To ensure adequate nutrient intake, special care must be taken when feeding children a vegetarian diet, especially if the diet does not include dairy and egg products. Before your child or your family switches to a vegetarian diet, it's important to note that all vegetarian diets are not alike. Some of the major vegetarian categories include:
Ovo vegetarian - eats eggs; no meat
Lacto-ovo vegetarian - eats dairy and egg products; no meat
Lacto vegetarian - eats dairy products; no eggs or meat
Vegan - eats only food from plant sources
Pesco vegetarians - eats fish but no other meat
Pollo vegetarians - eats poultry but no other meat.
 There are many reasons why children or families may follow a vegetarian diet. Younger vegetarians are usually part of a family that eats vegetarian meals for health or religious reasons. In non-vegetarian families, older children may decide to become vegetarians because of concern for animals, the environment, or their own health. Parents need not be alarmed if their children choose vegetarianism. The best way to handle a child's vegetarianism is to "discuss what it means to the child and how they want to implement
it. Make sure the kids make good food choices. If they are going to just eat chips, biscuits, and soda, then you have a problem.
 Nutritional experts also say that if parents offer their children a vegetarian diet, they should follow the same diet and make it a family affair. The majority of pediatric experts say that a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet is a healthy choice for most children, including infants. Feeding young children a diet filled with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains helps them to learn healthy eating habits that may last for a lifetime. A vegetarian diet may help to reduce the risk of developing medical conditions such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
As toddlers grow, they typically become more picky about which foods they'll eat and, as a result, some may not get enough calories from a vegetarian diet to thrive. For vegan toddlers, the amount of vegetables needed for proper nutrition and calories may be too bulky and fibrous for tiny stomachs. Calories are the number-one rule during this time in a child's life, so careful planning is key when you're excluding food groups. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary for these children who are vegetarians.
Source: Kidshealth
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