Concern About 6 Year Old's Nutrition and Growth

Question For Savvy Vegetarian:

We are a family with a growing 6 yr old and would like to know how to make the switch to a vegetarian diet, without hurting nutrition and growth with our child. I especially want to know what foods contain protein? I appreciate your advice. L.B.

SV Advice:

Dear L.B.,

You didn't mention how your six year old feels about becoming vegetarian. The nutrition and protein part is secondary to that, wouldn't you agree? You'll have best success if you engage your child in the process.

Build up to introducing new foods, with education, discussion and incentives. Make it fun, a sort of family home schooling adventure. Let your child lead with some suggestions. Go gently and very gradually, especially if there's resistance to the idea of eating differently. You may have to do some compromising.

There is an abundance of nutrition and protein in vegetarian foods. Tofu, beans, nuts, seeds, grains, vegetables, fruits, all have protein. Then there's eggs and dairy, if you go the ovo-lacto route. Get to know all the different foods, and discover what you like, and get used to eating new things.

The information and guidelines in the attached reports will help, and the SV Article on Vegetarian Protein. For other references, I recommend Vesanto Melina's book, 'Becoming Vegetarian', and also 'Raising Vegetarian Children', by Joann Stepaniak and Vesanto Melina. Again, the main thing is to make the transition gradually, be kind to yourselves about it, and enjoy!

Let me know how things go with your family

All the best, Judy Kingsbury, Savvy Veg

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