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Focus On Nutrition
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Previously Asked Questions
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Is a vegetarian diet okay for my 3 year-old child? She is a picky eater, and will not eat vegetables or beans. We're vegetarian and want to make sure she'll get all the nutrients she needs to grow. Any suggestions?
Answer
In general, lacto-ovo vegetarian diets that include milk products and eggs can satisfy the needs of growing children. Strict vegan diets eliminate all animal products, dairy foods and eggs require careful planning. Such diets eliminate milk products and meat and primarily consist of low calorie, high fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains. These foods can fill up the stomach before the child has eaten enough food to get needed nutrients and calories.
I strongly suggest you consult your physician or a registered dietitian to make sure your child is eating a variety of foods and enough of them to get the protein, calories, and other important nutrients needed for adequate growth and development -- especially calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. They will advise you when a vitamin - mineral supplement is needed. I would also suggest trying soy products like tofu and edamame (soy beans). Edamame is a great snack food for kids. They taste great, they can be sent in their lunch for school, and best of all, are a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals.
To get your children to eat vegetables and beans, try to get them involved in the preparation. What ever children make they usually will eat…and remember that it might take multiple attempts at introducing certain foods before your child will accept it.
Try these kid friendly recipes with your child:
Mexican Beans: Your child can sort, rinse the beans and add the ingredients, while you supervise and prepare the rest of the family meal.
Kids Soup: Your child would probably enjoy making and it would also encourage her to eat vegetables.
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