What You Should KnowIf Your Kid Wants to Become A Vegetarian

The vegetarian diet is becoming more and more popular these days. From ex-presidents (Bill Clinton) to professional athletes (Novac Djokovic, tennis star) and everywhere in between.

Now it seems that teens, pre-teens and sometimes younger are jumping on the vegetarian bandwagon. Their reasons vary – some just care about animals and their treatment.

Just as we don’t want our kids to binge on junk food, vegetarian eating without the proper supervision could mean not getting the necessary nutrition which could be harmful to their health. Therefore, if the parents are not vegetarian they should become knowledgeable about the various vegetarian diets to insure they serve a balance diet.

Kids on vegetarian diets can cause a little extra work preparing meals for parents not on a vegetarian diet. If a meal is planned with meat, a substitute needs to be prepared for the little vegetarian. However, most parents would appreciate their kids healthy habits and not mind the extra work.

If your kid wants to become a vegetarian, be sure to check with your doctor. Sometimes vitamin supplements are recommended.

Here is more on the subject:

Planning ahead is what Dr. Molly McMahon says is key to making sure kids on vegetarian diets get proper nutrition.

“If they are well planned, it can be very healthy,” Dr. McMahon said.

In general, vegetarian diets are low in fats and high in fruits, veggies and whole grains. But there are several kinds of vegetarian diets, so you have to be sure your child’s diet is healthy and balanced.

“Vegetarian itself means people exclude meat, chicken and poultry, but then there are lacto vegetarians who exclude that but eat dairy products. there are lacto-ovo vegetarians who eat dairy products and eggs. you need to know what type of diet the person’s on. Someone who is vegan doesn’t have any animal products at all,” Dr. McMahon explained.

Breads, cereals, milk, soy products are often fortified with calcium, vitamin d and b-12, essential nutrients for growing kids. you also have to make sure vegetarian kids get enough protein.

“I used to get hungry a lot, but it’s easier now ’cause you kind of get used to it and used to the products you need to eat to get more protein and feel fuller. Lots of nuts, salmon, lots of fish, because that’s mostly what I eat, cheese, a lot of cheese.”

“A child new to vegetarian diets should meet with a physician, and a dietician just to learn about how to eat healthfully.”

Dr. McMahon says studies show kids on vegetarian diets tend to be leaner than kids who aren’t, but learning how to eat right on a vegetarian diet is key to good health.

“Not only is it what I want to do with my life, but it’s also healthy for my family.”

Dr. McMahon says with restricted diets, like vegan, kids may need a dietary supplement to make sure they get enough calcium, vitamin d and b-12.

KAALtv.com – Medical Edge: Kids who are Vegetarians