It’s estimated that about 1% of US adults are vegetarian.
Can kids be healthy vegetarians? The short answer is yes! With so many meat-free sources of protein, iron, and other important nutrients found in animal products, a vegetarian diet can give them everything they need to grow and thrive. In fact, since many vegetarian diets are low in cholesterol and saturated fat and high in vegetables and fiber, they may be even healthier than a typical American diet.
There are many different kinds of vegetarian. Talk with your child and a dietitian to figure out which one works best for them:
ovo-lacto-vegetarian: consumes milk products and eggs but avoids meat, seafood and poultry
lacto-vegetarian: consumes milk but does not eat meat, seafood, poultry or eggs
ovo-vegetarian: consumes eggs but avoids meat, seafood, poultry and milk products.
vegan: avoids all foods containing animal products: meat, seafood, poultry, milk products and eggs
flexitarian: prefers to eat mostly vegetarian but eats meat occasionally
Vegetarian children are at greater risk of nutrient deficiencies, especially in calories, protein, vitamin B 12, vitamin D, iron, calcium, and zinc, so educate yourself and your child about vegetarian sources. A supplement may also be used if your doctor recommends it.
Raising a Healthy Vegetarian
It’s estimated that about 1% of US adults are vegetarian.
Can kids be healthy vegetarians? The short answer is yes! With so many meat-free sources of protein, iron, and other important nutrients found in animal products, a vegetarian diet can give them everything they need to grow and thrive. In fact, since many vegetarian diets are low in cholesterol and saturated fat and high in vegetables and fiber, they may be even healthier than a typical American diet.
Vegetarian children are at greater risk of nutrient deficiencies, especially in calories, protein, vitamin B 12, vitamin D, iron, calcium, and zinc, so educate yourself and your child about vegetarian sources. A supplement may also be used if your doctor recommends it.
For kid-friendly vegetarian recipes, visit The Veggie Table