One of the biggest misconceptions about Veganism is that only adults with a healthy disposable income can make the change. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
More and more parents concerned about saturated fats, antibiotics and harmful ingredients in meat and dairy have been choosing plant-based meals for their children.
Can children be raised as Vegan?
Of course! It does involve commitment on the parent’s behalf to insure that their child is getting all the important vitamins and nutrients that they need through other, plant-based sources.
If your child is a fussy eater, making your diet more ‘Vegan-friendly’ may seem like a challenge but exploring different vegetables and plant-based foods will no doubt give your little one a taste for adventure when it comes to food.
Adding Vegan and vegetarian options is also a great way to educate your child about food, where food comes from and the impact of different food industries on the planet. What better way for your child to forge an understanding of their environment*
Will children not miss out on valuable nutrients?
Not necessarily. As long as you cook meals with varied plant-based products you can give your child access to the best nutrients and ingredients, probably more than if you were cooking quick ready meals loaded with preservatives.
Your little ones don’t necessarily need meat and dairy to get all their protein. Protein can be found in whole grains such as oats and brown rice as well as in nuts and seeds. Quinoa and beans are also great for getting ‘complete’ proteins, which are the ones that many people are concerned a meat-free diet will lack.
You child needs plenty of iron to grow up strong and healthy. Dr Frank Oski, former director of paediatrics at John Hopkins University in the US, recommends that parents DON’T give cows milk to babies under a year old. This could irritate their delicate digestive system. He recommends using a soy based formula instead. Millions of people around the world suffer from lactose intolerance and studies have linked cow’s milk to skin conditions, asthma and ear infections.
It is CRUCIAL that your child gets plenty of calcium in their diet, though. Vegetables such as broccoli and kale along with ingredients such as tofu, figs and beans are fabulous sources of calcium.
Fortified cereals are also a great way for your child to start the morning off ‘Vegan,’ as they contain iron and Vitamin B12. Stick to whole grains for slow energy release, too.
Check out these kid-friendly Vegan recipes
Fiesta bean salad
*It's important to make sure that certain foods aren't 'off limits' to children. If your child wants to try meat, simply explain to them where it comes from and why so many people eat it, but never tell them they CAN'T sample it. Give them the resources to make their own decisions about what food they like within reason.