Sad--Probably will have to start eating

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry you husband is having some nutritional

issues. Of course, every family (or family member)

must decide for themselves how best to get adequate

nutrition. I will say, though, that most research

indicates that balanced vegetarian diets can meet most

people's nutritional needs (vegan diets are more

likely to need supplementation, which it sounds like

is not a very viable option for your family). In fact,

vegetarians are more likely to have healthier diets,

as they eat more fruits and vegetables than do

meat-eaters.

 

Meat is *a* source of some nutrients, but given the

health risks of the high fat/cholesterol content (not

to mention the humane concerns), I would not agree

that it is the *best* source. Meat isn't the best

choice from an economic standpoint, either!

 

Before throwing in the towel, you might want to check

out a vegetarian nutrition book or two from the

library. There are some *excellent* books about

raising vegetarian/vegan kids, including Raising

Vegetarian Children (by Joanne Stepaniak & Vesanto

Melina), The New Vegetarian Baby (by Sharon Yntema &

Christine Beard), The Vegetarian Child (by Lucy Moll)

 

I think a very useful source of online information is

the Vegetarian Society of the UK (a well-respected

organization in a country where vegetarianism is much

more mainstream). Their site has a good " Health &

Nutrition Section " (http://www.vegsoc.org/health/)with

information on how to meet various nutritional needs

with vegetarian foods.

 

They also have a page specifically about zinc

(http://www.vegsoc.org/info/zinc.html) which they say

you can get from chickpeas, beans, lentils, pumpkin

seeds, dairy products, and wholegrain cereals. None of

these items should be more costly than meat,

especially if you buy dried beans in bulk.

I am not sure what other dietary deficiencies your

husband has, but the website probably has information

about that as well.

 

Good luck!

 

Karen

 

> I have been a vegetarian for 6-7 years (with a short

> time--about 2

> months while pregnant with my daughter that I did

> eat some meat).

> DH went to the doctor and found out his medical

> problems were due

> most likely to being deficient in zinc and other

> vitamins/minerals.

> He did his own research and spoke it over with his

> mom and they

> decided it was best for us to start eating meat

> again (and introduce

> it to our kids) as that is the " best " source. We

> are extremely poor

> (but don't qualify for food stamps because of

> assets) and cannot

> afford a lot of " whole foods " or " organic foods " and

> supplements.

> It doesn't help that I only weigh 100 lbs (after 2

> kids). I can't

> even eat anything with " hidden " animal products

> (except milk/eggs)

> such as broth or lard without becoming ill. Does

> anyone have any

> suggestions? I don't want to be depriving my

> children of necessary

> nutrition, but the thought of cooking and eating

> meat and serving it

> to my kids turns my stomach.

>

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

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