Though many people think that giving a toddler a vegetarian diet isn’t safe, so long as parents take care to make sure that the the appropriate nutrients are provided, it can actually be quite healthy. Some benefits to a lifelong, proper vegetarian diet include a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
The main problem with vegetarianism and toddler nutrition is making sure that your child gets enough nutrients and calories. Calories are important for making sure your toddler has the energy she needs to grow.
It can be a challenge to develop a well-rounded vegetarian toddler menu that provides enough protein and iron. Since toddlers have a small appetite, it can be difficult to get them to eat enough beans and vegetables to receive all of their nutrients. Therefore, it is important that vegetarian toddlers are served nutrient-dense foods.
Soybeans and tofu are a great source of protein for adults and children over four. For toddlers, though, it shouldn’t be used as their main source of protein. In this case, compliment the tofu or soybeans that you serve with soymilk that has been fortified with vitamins and minerals. Not only will this help provide some protein, it will also help your toddler’s nutrition by providing calcium, and vitamins A and D, which can be difficult to get in a vegan diet.
Iron can be found in lots of vegetarian-friendly foods. Kidney beans, spinach, lima beans and green beans are all excellent sources of iron. However, unlike iron derived from animal sources, iron from vegetables can be difficult for your body to absorb properly. But serving a vitamin C rich food with those beans or spinach can make the iron easier for your toddler to absorb. Some great sources of vitamin C include tomatoes, oranges, broccoli, red peppers, and cantaloupe.
While it is possible to raise a healthy vegan, it can take a bit more work. You may need to supplement your child’s diet to ensure they get all the nutrition that they need. Vitamin B-12 can be especially difficult for vegans to get enough of. While vegetables contain some B-12 vitamins, the body does not easily absorb these. Your toddler’s healthcare provider can help you decide on a B-12 suitable for toddlers.
A diet that does not allow for calcium can also be detrimental to your child’s health. Calcium helps to make bones stronger and aids in proper growt