A child's perspective

[Guest guest]

This list is for vegetarian parents and parents of vegetarians, but we

thought you might enjoy the following perspective from a vegetarian

child.

 

John

Moderator, VRG Parents

 

 

* Vegetarian diets are really very healthy, more so than meat

diets, and are nothing close to an all-sweets diet. I, myself, have

been a vegetarian for the past three years, and trust me, if nothing

else, I eat LESS sweets than I did before.*

* If a child wants to become a vegetarian, I think that's great,

because not only is it better for the environment, it's better for

them as well. Preparing food for vegetarian diets isn't all that bad

either.*

* Let's start out with the basics. What do kids eat? Sure kids

can be picky eaters, but some of the easiest things are everyday

things. You don't need to make a special shopping list. Some

real simple meals can include macaroni & cheese, various sandwiches,

pizza & pasta. The possibilities are endless. The soy

meat-substitutes are another great thing to make, and there are all

sorts of good brands.** A few of the varieties are burgers, hot dogs,

ribs, chicken, bratwurst, Italian sausage, corn dogs, and supreme

pizza. I like them a lot because they actually TASTE like the real

thing.*

* Another thing you can do is look at the meals that have meat

in them, and maybe you can just make them without the meat. Or if

other members of the family would rather have it with the meat, you

can all reach some sort of a compromise.*

* Really, kids aren't that hard to cook for. It may seem like a

huge transition, but you get used to it pretty quickly. Normal food

works out just fine, and if you know what they like to eat, the whole

situation is covered. *

 

(Alicia, age 12)

[Guest guest]

i really appreciate your email....my son is 10years old and became a vegetarian

in August 05...i thought i would be a huge transition but its not that

difficult......he actually comes up with ideas on food dishes we create and cook

together, so his imput has helped me a lot in the transition....i am so proud of

him and his decision...i know i will eventually follow and stop eating meat

totaly myself....just gotta let go of the chicken....its kinda hard, but i find

myself not buying nearly as much chicken or ground turkey as i use to ........i

have bought 1 pack of chicken since august and that is amazing for me..........i

dont eat pork or red meat, so im half way there, i gave up pork and red meat

over 13 years ago so he has never experienced that...........but again thanks

for your words from a child's perspective.......you are very intelligent and

inspiring to me and to many others.....................KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

 

johnc wrote: This list is for vegetarian parents and parents of

vegetarians, but we

thought you might enjoy the following perspective from a vegetarian

child.

 

John

Moderator, VRG Parents

 

 

* Vegetarian diets are really very healthy, more so than meat

diets, and are nothing close to an all-sweets diet. I, myself, have

been a vegetarian for the past three years, and trust me, if nothing

else, I eat LESS sweets than I did before.*

* If a child wants to become a vegetarian, I think that's great,

because not only is it better for the environment, it's better for

them as well. Preparing food for vegetarian diets isn't all that bad

either.*

* Let's start out with the basics. What do kids eat? Sure kids

can be picky eaters, but some of the easiest things are everyday

things. You don't need to make a special shopping list. Some

real simple meals can include macaroni & cheese, various sandwiches,

pizza & pasta. The possibilities are endless. The soy

meat-substitutes are another great thing to make, and there are all

sorts of good brands.** A few of the varieties are burgers, hot dogs,

ribs, chicken, bratwurst, Italian sausage, corn dogs, and supreme

pizza. I like them a lot because they actually TASTE like the real

thing.*

* Another thing you can do is look at the meals that have meat

in them, and maybe you can just make them without the meat. Or if

other members of the family would rather have it with the meat, you

can all reach some sort of a compromise.*

* Really, kids aren't that hard to cook for. It may seem like a

huge transition, but you get used to it pretty quickly. Normal food

works out just fine, and if you know what they like to eat, the whole

situation is covered. *

 

(Alicia, age 12)

 

 

 

 

For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at

http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to

http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to

provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a

qualified health professional.

 

edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health

professional.