I have a vegetarian child, now what?

Suddenly, unlike other family members, your child resolves to become vegetarian. And now, what to do? Usually, because the decision was made in adolescence and because they are not used to this type of diet, many parents do not know how to handle the situation.

Many believe that the decision of the teenage son is a way to upset or challenge parents, but experts say that although there are no statistics, many people stop eating meat right in their teens, as it is during this phase that they begin to question world in which they live. To help her better understand the situation, we've selected some suggestions for how to raise a vegetarian child. Check out.

Trying to understand why your child made the decision to go vegetarian is critical, so talk to him about it. Try to understand if the choice was made by simple pressure from other colleagues or in defense of animal rights, for example. This will help you understand if the young person really knows what it is and is taking it seriously. Understanding the motivation of the new vegetarian will help you better understand the subject and assist you in maintaining the new diet.

If your child is really willing to join a vegetarian dietThe first step is to consult a specialist. See a nutritionist to better understand what needs to be done to keep your youngster on a balanced diet. This type of professional will help you make the necessary substitutions so that all nutrients are properly consumed.

Among these nutrients, pay attention to iron and vitamin B consumption, as both are found in red meat and milk and eggs, respectively. For your child to consume the recommended amounts of these nutrients, look for fortified foods such as breads, cereals and orange juice.

Other foods, such as dark-colored, iron-rich vegetables; In addition to nuts and beans, rich in vitamin B, should also be consumed. However, if your child is one of those who is not used to eating a wide variety of foods, consider consuming some nutritional supplements that will meet the need for iron and vitamin B. But for that, look for a specialist.

The change that begins at home should also extend to restaurants and meetings of friends and family. So, before going out to dinner or lunch, make sure that the chosen restaurant offers vegetarian meals. Also, when attending meetings of friends and family, let them know in advance about your child's changing eating habits to avoid embarrassment.

Become a vegetarian It is not a problem and can be a healthy choice for the teenager but it should be treated with caution. Therefore, always be alert by watching your child's eating habits. If you notice weight loss and sudden change in behavior, see a doctor to check for eating disorders.

TIPS FOR RAISING VEGETARIAN BABIES + CHILDREN | Alex Gladwin (April 2024)