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Home › Articles › Your Children › It's Not Easy Being Green

It's Not Easy Being Green

Preteen Vegetarians

By Kelly Burgess

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

"The danger with preteens and teens is that they may think, 'OK, I had soda, pizza, fries and I'm good. I'm a vegetarian,'" says Jordan. "The fact is that they still like those junky foods, and vegetarianism can almost give them a reason to overindulge in them. Just because you're trying to protect animals doesn't mean you have to abuse your body."

Jordan recommends that a parent sit down with their child, explain that they want to support their efforts and work together to find both a balanced diet and an alternative, healthier way of getting those favorite foods. She points out that there are some delicious soy-based products available that can substitute for virtually any food, including hot dogs and burgers, while French fries can be made at home using fresh potatoes and a bit of healthy olive oil. Soy protein powder in smoothies makes an excellent breakfast and is a good source of protein. Fortified with fiber in the form of oat bran, it's healthier than most foods a child normally eats in the morning.

For those who still eat dairy, Jordan points out that there are now many varieties of healthy, low fat cheeses. Children who love to cook can learn to bake whole wheat bread with their parent's help. It may take a little work and planning, but creating a healthy, balanced diet will help your child achieve their animal rights objectives while helping them eat more healthfully than they do now. Mom and Dad may even benefit as well.

Feeding the Vegetarian Child

Tammy Hawbaker says that the only problem she's really encountered since her daughter, Robin, decided to become a vegetarian two years ago is lunches.

"She gets tired of peanut butter, but it's tough to think of something that's portable, won't get soggy and she likes to eat," says Hawbaker. "The result is that her lunches are often inadequate, and I have to make up for that at home."

Hawbaker also says that she can tell when Robin isn't getting enough protein, because she tends to get draggy. She then tries to give her a protein-based snack to perk her up. However, Hawbaker is working out how to incorporate Robin's chosen lifestyle with the family. She notes that there are many terrific vegetarian cookbooks available, and the recipes are usually delicious.

One particularly good one for kids is Hone st Pretzels by Mollie Katzen. It has some great ideas for lunch, such as pita spirals, egg salad and cucumber sandwiches, bean dip sandwiches and several easily portable salads. She even has a recipe for making your own healthy peanut butter, an important consideration since most commercial peanut butter is made with hydrogenated oils, which are being recognized as a potentially dangerous food additive.

Here are some other great resources for young vegetarians and their families.

Books:

  • Cows Are Vegetarians: A Book for Vegetarian Kids by Ann Bradley
  • Rais ing Vegetarian Children: A Guide to Good Health and Family Harmony by Joanne Stepaniak
  • Vegetarian Children: A Supportive Guide for Parents by Sharon Yntema

    Web Sites:


    • Pages:  1  2  3  4  


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