Veggies Only

I personally think he should get meat for protein. My daughter's friend was in the same situation, mom a VEGAN! and dad ate everything. This girl was very skinny, had no muscle tone, not athletic at all, sort of a "skinny weakling." Now I don't know if this is a coincidence, I don't really think so, but around age 8 or so, this girl really wanted to start eating meat, etc. so her mom let her. She gained weight and now looked normal, gained strength, became more athletic, etc. I think kids should eat meat, chicken and fish, and become a vegetarian or vegan when they are adults if they choose.

See a nutritionist, get good reliable information. You can get a child enough protein for a child with out meat. Good luck!!

I have been a vegetarian since the age of 8 and when I had my son he could not eat meat. I don't have any articles, but from experience he could not eat meat. As he attempted to try it from his dad, it caused extreme stomach aches, because he could'nt digest it. Coming from my body he was customed to a vegetarian lifestyle. As a toddler, I wouldn't introduce him to meat quickly, because his digestivee system is still growing.

As he got older he attemped to eat more and more meat due to school lunches and friends (which now has evolved) and he still got the stomach aches. My son is now 18 and he only eats chicken. But as he was growing up as many opportunities and options weren't available.

Hopefully this helps a little...

http://www.itsamomsworld.com/toddler_food_vegetarian.html

http://keluargasehat.wordpress.com/2008/03/27/feeding-veg...

My dtr and I are both vegetarian, father is not; not even close: ) Its really easy in terms of nutrition: peanut butter, almond butter, lentils, beans, cottage cheese, cheese (period), eggs, but I have to admit I couldn't give up fish so she and I eat salmon. She's now 2.5 and healthy as can be, according to all check ups that include blood work. Even as a toddler, getting pickier, I just make sure she gets what she needs over a three day period. Meat actually gives you too much protein, not environ friendly, better dietary habits in the future... I'm sure all this you know. I find it to be really easy, but often dtr and I are/were eating dif things than husband.

Be well!

Jen

Dear AC,

I second the other mom's comment on the book "The China Study." The author is a Ph.D. and former faculty member of Cornell University, and the science behind this book is SOLID. It will be a real eye-opener for your son's dad. Of course, he might choose not to believe it because the evidence runs contrary to his bias, but that's human nature...Don't let that slow you down.

Blessings,

S. I., L.Ac.
Lotus Wellspring Healthcare
456 E. Mission Road, Suite 100
San Marcos, CA 92069
###-###-####
____@____.com
www.lotuswellspring.com

I'm thinking maybe both you and your husband would feel better with a compromise (i.e. add fish). I don't think you can win this one and never hear from him. It's good that your husband is involved and cares, just balance it out.

Well, if you are vegatarian than there are many protein sources, if you are vegan than there are less, but it's still not impossible. I did alot of reading on the topic a while back. I've been a vegatarian, I've gone vegan, I've even gone raw. I now eat Paleo style which does include meat (lean meats) but I limit that just because I'm not a huge meat fan. Paleo is lean meats, fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds. No sugar, no gluten. It's tough but it's the way our bodies were designed to eat. That all being said, get a book on kids and a vegatarian diet, I have a great book, Becoming Vegan. It lists all the vitamins and minerals that we need (section for kids too) and it tells you how to get these from plant based sources. A true vegan lifestyle, meaning not just veggies (salads), will provide a very well rounded diet. The only thing you may have to watch is B12 which is mostly found in fortefied foods, meat and dairy products.

If it were me, I'd get a book like the above mentioned or something like this and read it cover to cover to ensure my little one was getting everything he needs.

Listen to your hubby too though, as much as you want your son to be vegatarian, he wants his son to eat a well rounded diet that includes non vegatarian choices. So sit down, list pros/cons, listen to eachother and meet somewhere in the middle.

Regarding your protein question, yes he needs it. Most Americans eat too much protein so this is actually easier for a vegan than many think. Here are some protein examples, peanut butter (hold off on this for now), almond butter, soymilk (I'm have my opinion on soy - do your reasearch), I'd use almond milk but not a huge source of protein. Obviously anything soy, but I'd eat these in moderation, especially since you have a boy, the jury is still out on its long-term effects. Beans. There are more, I just realized the time and I've gotta go!! Hope something here helps!
Best wishes,
M.

mothering.com/discussions
Mothering is a Natural Family Living Magazine. Their discussion board - you may find other vegetarians there (for sure). There is a Traditional Foods board too. There is a single parenting board.

I used to be a PeTA member and vegetarian for 11 years (in my 20s). Then I gave it up. Now I eat poultry. I'm 40. I avoided beef for a long time.

I think you need to be very careful with growing children because you really need to know about nutrition and what you are doing to help them grow.

I've skimmed the EAT RIGHT 4 YOUR BLOOD TYPE books (i'm supposed to AVOID all chicken and eat lamb) and I think that might be the "best" route for people. Point is, you need to learn more and remain open minded.

I had some blood work done last week and learned I am very low in protein "poultry has no protein" and calcium (years of breastfeeding does that I guess, no regrets) and IRON! I am tired all the time. She said most women "bleed it out" and don't realize it. So she gave me supplements. And obviously I'll be looking at my diet and fixing it where needed.

You are your ex are co-parents and you don't want to create battles where they don't need to be. I know this is hard for you (and I had to learn to compromise with my DH - who loves to give the kids ice cream and weekly donuts, sugary cereals and I don't!) So instead of turning it into WWIII, I have come up with my own strategies. I don't argue about it, but I won't buy the cereal myself. I'll try to educate him and sometimes I make a dent! :)

The last thing your son need is to feel the strain between you both.

To meat or not to meat.

My 2 daughters and I are vegetarian. My husband is not. I am a family wellness coach and I will tell you what I know.

I know that there are more steroids and hormones in our meat than our bodies can process. (Chicken that used to take 6 months to grow to full size, is now grown in 7-8 weeks!)

I know that some girls are experiencing puberty, as young as 8 in relation to the amount of meat they eat (hormones in the meat affects their own hormonal growth speed).

I know that medical studies prove that a vegetarian diet is easier to digest, provides a wider ranger of nutrients and imposes fewer burdens and impurities on the body.

I know vegetarians that are less susceptible to all the major diseases, and thus live longer, healthier, more productive lives.

I know that vegetarians have fewer physical complaints, less frequent visits to the doctor, fewer dental problems and smaller medical bills.

I know that their immune system is stronger, their bodies are purer, more refined and skin more beautiful.

I know this is what I want for my daughters.

Talk to your husband. If he can show you just cause as to WHY your daughter SHOULD eat meat, then listen. Do the research. When my family did the research, my husband chose to be a "part time" meat eater. We don't have it in the house, but if we go out, he may chose to order it.

There are many sources of protein out there, head to Trader Joe's or Whole foods and talk to them, they are pretty knowledgeable. They even do classes, you can even meet other families. Join www.MeetUp.com and find a vegetarian group in your area.

My family uses this for our main protein source : http://liveitdontdiet.isagenix.com/us/en/isaleanshake.dhtml and http://liveitdontdiet.isagenix.com/us/en/isapro.dhtml. Many of my clients are using it instead of any sort of formula too!

We all have our nutritional smoothie for breakfast and maybe one after school and we know we have the vitamins, minerals, nutrients and protein for the day.

AC, you and your husband must do what you know is right for your daughter. She is most important. Talk openly. Do the research. Decide together.

B.
Family Wellness Coach

Get a copy of "The China Study". Maybe let your son eat meat with his daddy but not with you? I am vegan and my daughter and DH are not even veg. It's difficult but she's too young to know why I REALLY don't eat animal products. She knows that I'm vegetarian and don't eat chicken and eggs like she does. I want her to be able to make her own decision while at the same time I am careful about limiting her animal product consumption without being extreme. I wish you the best of luck!

Hello AC,
I am a health advocate for all and applaud your healthy choices and commitment! However, in my personal research & opinion, children do not benefit from a completely vegetarian diet. I would suggest a wonderful book with many, many recipes titled NOURISHING TRADITIONS written by SALLY FALLON. (For healthy brain development)Children are in great need of cholesterol, and many other 'good fats' contained in dairy and meats. My family consumes these in an organic variety and raw dairy products. I absolutely agree fruits, nuts, veggies are vital and should be consumed in LARGE amounts, but there are certain amino acids that can only be found in dairy and meat that are essential for your health, especially your little one! In my home we aim to eat a diet of 50% raw. I also would suggest looking into some of the dangers of too much soy in diet... it can mimic estrogen and be harmful in large amounts or processed form (Tofu, Soymilk, and meat substitute...)
Again, Bravo on your healthy life style!

If your son does not get enough protein, his body will take it from his muscles. This will be bad for his growth as well as just body maintenance and function.

My hubby and I compromised on this issue. No meat before age 2, because they are growing so fast and every bite counts. After that, they can eat fish and poultry sparingly. Like for a birthday party we might serve turkey hot dogs since it's a special occasion. I just wanted my kids to have long enough to truly like veggies and not stuff themselves full of junk. It's worked so far. My kids will eat anything I put in front of them, and they think of grilled chicken or turkey dogs as a treat, just like birthday cake. Something to have once in a while, but not every day. My daughter is 7 now and decided to follow in mom's footsteps with the meat thing, but my 2 youngest (boys) still like to eat chicken once in a while. When we do serve meat, I make a big deal out of daddy cooking it.

I used to be a vegetarian myself and something tells me that if you are asking this question... you're lacking in your diet as well. Most vegeheads are because they lack the nutritional knowledge. Check out complimentary proteins and go from there. Be careful because YES your son (and everyone else on the planet) needs protein, but there are other sources available.

If you go this route, I suggest you see a child nutritionist. I know there are many sources of Iron but red meat is the most easily absorbed source. You must make sure your son gets enough iron and protein for growth. Many of my vegetarian friends only switched their children to a vegetarian diet after the age of 4 or 5. This was because of iron, protein, picky eating, etc etc. Also my brotehr and sister in law's vegetarian child is having weight gain issues. They can't only eat veggies and milk. They need fat. While I know this is their issue it's important for parents to know that once a kid is off the breast it's good to add a bit of butter to their diet, that or olive oil. Again, he needs protein!

no are you sooo vegitarian that you dont eat anything that comes from an animal? (i have known a couple) or do you eat things like eggs cheese etc. eggs are great protien, peanut butter, cheese, nuts when they are old enough. i would talk to your sons dr about what foods he would reckomend. my family isnt veg. and i have never had problems with my daughter.... if your hubby wants him to eat meat maybe get him the tofu meats and soy (morning star brand). good luck!

Hi - Read T.Colin Campbell's China Study - I've got a simplified version that maybe you could get your husband to read. If you contact me. I think you can get it from Dr. Pam Poppers site: www.wellnessforum.com. She practices and teaches dietary excellence. Her Health Brief series is exceptional and you can get a subscription to it and get all kinds of facts and figures on everything related to health, including why meat and dairy harms health and why we don't need it. Here's a master list of all of the topics she covers that you could print out supporting data for if you're a member. Good luck! Way to go on starting your child on this early. It's so much harder to shape their tastes later on.
http://www.wellnessforum.com/docs/HealthBriefsContentsInd...

I read an article recently that said vegetarians may have a higher incidents of altimerz. I don't remember where, or what their qualifications were, and it could have been hype, but maybe something to consider.
The other thing is that yes, our bodies do better on a mostly vegetarian diet, but our bodies also like meat once in a while. Especially when your husband is a meat eater. You don't want to discourage him from offering to feed the baby, even if it is meat... You could have the baby not eat meat at your house and let the dad feed him what he wants.
Good luck
R.

I don't think you will find many articles advocating not feeding your child meat and saying it's harmful.

Have you consulted a pediatric dietician yet? I'd follow your medical office advice for your child.

My daughter is going to be 2 years old in August and has been a vegetarian her whole life. My husband and I chose a vegetarian diet about six months before I became pregnant.

As with your son, our daughter drinks organic cow's milk, and eats eggs and cheese. Our view is that once she is old enough, closer to five years old in our opinion, if she chooses to eat meat then that is her choice.

Red meat is not good for you because it sits in your colon for years and has been linked to colon cancer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_meat#Health_effects

Pork is bad for you for many reasons including its link to increased intestine issues for those who heavily eat pork in their diet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pork#Potential_health_risks

Fish has healthy omega-3s, but you also have to deal with mercury levels.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_in_fish

If you do choose to feed your son poultry, I recommend you go for free range, hormone free poultry.

Your son will have enough raging hormones when he hits puberty without it being in his food too. :-)

Check out my blog for more information on good protein sources for vegetarians.

www.theveggiemama.blogspot.com

I hope this helps! Good luck!

S.

Baby Planner
www.storksbestfriend.com

I don't eat meat. I think it's gross. I also hate broccoli and papaya, but, I try to get my kids to eat EVERYTHING. they are picky enough w/o me stopping them from eating a whole category of food.

as a parent who was raised vegiterian I think it is important for your son to eat all foods. I am now a mom and I do eat meat. But I am the mom of an extremely picky eater and no matter what I have done he just doesn't eat anything new. I thibnk its important to allow him to try all foods. If you want to be safe try organic meats that aren't proceesed. Henry's is a great srore that has organic corn feed meats that are great for kids to eat. But allow your son the opportunity to at least try meats and ither protiens. and when your son is older allow him to make an educated choice whether he wants to be a vggiterian or not.

Good luck and I hope you atleast give him the opportunity to try new foods.

Isn't it interesting that there are just as many people who advocate eating meat as there are vegetarians? Diets are a matter of personal life style and preference. If the father of your child wants him to eat lots of different food including meat, he probably believes different than you. "Convince a man against his will, he will be of the same opinion still." This argument is a source of conflict your child doesn't need to experience in his life. Give it up, your son will more than likely grow up healthy if given a healthful life style, yet he will know both sides and make a choice. If anything, sugar and processed foods are bigger health issues, and how many vegans and vegetarians do we know who are complete sweet tooths and junk food consumers?

I don't know anything about being a vegetarian but if you could give your child lots of dairy products, those are high in protein. My son can't eat meat due to a muscle disability, so his pedi recommended giving him lots of dairy products, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese, milk, eggs, is what I give him now. Hope this helps!

Hey A C,

I have been a veg head for almost 20 years! Jeez, I didn't think it had really been that long, until I counted up the years! I wish I had an answer for you to share with the baby's father as to why meat is hard on the digestive system, but I don't I only have experience. I have 4 children, ages 16, 14, 3.5 and 21 months. The older 2 are from my first marriage and I was a vegetarian then and raised them to eat meat, I was so young and didn't know any better. I am re-married and my husband does eat meat but he does support the no meat in our smaller children's diet. We eat veggies and fruits and to get protein we eat eggs, yogurt with no kosher gelatin, veggie burgers, veggie chicken nuggets and beans! My husband has a bad digestive system, it is hereditary in his family and I have found that most of his siblings and their children are the same way, that is why I opted for my younger ones to not eat meat. I know my older ones keep asking "what happens when they are at a kids birthday party and they are all having hamburgers and hot dogs, are you really going to tell them no!?" and I am not sure what I will do when that day comes, guess we will all have to wait and see!

Good luck to you!
M.

Its real great that you are a healthy eater... and I mean no disrespect,
But I sort of agree with Arimada... in the end, you wouldn't want your Hubby to feel alienated or cut out of making decisions for his child as well.... and it's not so much about winning a case.. but I know you feel passionately about this.
As your child grows up, their taste buds change as well, or they may want to make their own decisions about what they eat. Then perhaps, you and Hubby would need to compromise... and decide how you will handle it if your child wants to eat "everything" despite your or your Hubby's chosen diets. At this age of your son, their tastes buds are not yet, fully developed either.

What if your child does want to try/eat animal protein? What will you tell him? And what should your Husband tell your son, to explain it or why he "cannot" try it? Will you get upset if your son tries it or wants too?

Protein, via plant based/animal based is intrinsically important and needed, especially for a growing child and forms building-blocks for their physical and cognitive development... our friend is a strict vegetarian, but she "allows" her child eggs and fish and nuts, and foods from other ethnic groups. She prepares a lot of her foods using Asian recipes... since there are lots of "vegetarian" cuisine in these cultures. Maybe you can try that. But, her Husband is not a vegetarian... and sometimes he gets annoyed/irked that "he" can't feed his child the way he wishes or let his child try the foods that HE grew up with in his culture. So, sometimes my friend and her Hubby get annoyed with each other at meal times.... and he feels left out of the loop.

I hope you and Hubby can find a middle ground on it... it is also a Husband that raises their child, although us Moms seem to do it more. But, be glad, that at least your Husband has some input and a preference and a hope about it... some husbands don't care a hoot about it.

All the best,
Susan

Your son does need protein, but he can get it from things like eggs. You should ask your son's doctor about this though, I can't find much on babies for veggie-ism. It's quite the extensive Google search! Sorry. Good Luck!

I have been a vegetarian for several years (since jr high) by choice. I have just never liked the taste of meat. My husband is not vegetarian however his 'meat' diet is mainly chicken with rare red meats. My daughter is 5 yrs old. We made the decision to let her choose, like I did, when she is older. She has always been able to eat what she likes and believe it or not, she eats a very very well balanced diet. What she doesn't eat/drink: soda, sugary foods, chips, junk foods, fried foods, etc. We shop at the local farmer's market weekly, eat a large variety of fruits/veggies and she is growing up to be a very strong child who knows she has choices and the knowledge to make the right choices because of what we have taught her. To me, that is much more important than 'making a child' a vegetarian without giving them the choice to 'become' a vegetarian. I'm really curious why this should be such a big issue between parents. A happy, healthy baby should be the goal here, not a battle of wills. Good luck.

I have been a vegetarian for a long time as well. I have a 19 month old son and he has been vegetarian all his life. We shop at Trader Joe's and Clarks and Loma Linda Marget which all have great veggie options for us vegetarians and by that I mean many protein options like wheat gluten and soy based fake meats. What ever I eat he eats and he is very healthy. I don't know of any articles out there about the health benefits for children but I think that the same health benefits we read about for adults are the same for children. In my opinion there are even more reasons for children to be vegetarians since there bodies are so small and vulnerable. I would just stand firm to what you believe in and explain all the health benefits you know to be true for all vegetarians. Plus children like to eat what we are eating so it might be weird for your child to eat meat and not see you eating it too. One last thing, people think they need so much protein when really our bodies don't need that much. For your own info, you might want to read some John Robbins (the son off Mr. Baskin Robbins!) books on the benefits of vegetarianism. They are good reads. Good luck!

Hi,
There is a book called "The China Study" that I found very interesting.

M.

Please visit the website of Dr. John McDougall - look at his past newsletters - if you do not feed your child meat, fish and dairy, he will be very healthy!!