How to Raise a Child as a Vegetarian

By eHow Health Editor

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Some parents and pediatricians feel a vegetarian diet is unhealthy for a child, however, if planned well, this type of eating is a great way for children to get a balanced diet and all of the nutrients that they need to grow and thrive. Consider all nutritional requirements before raising your child as a vegetarian.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Understand the differences in the types of vegetarian diets. The range is all across the board, from semi-vegetarians, who simply avoid red meat, to vegans, who do not consume foods such as eggs, milk products, seafood, poultry and red meat. There are several in-between versions of the diet as well, each restricting different nutrients that need to be supplemented if not received through different types of foods.

Step2

Pay attention to caloric needs. Vegetarian diets tend to accrue less total calories than non-vegetarian diets. With kids, it is imperative they consume a certain amount of calories to sustain growth. Discuss these needs with your healthcare provider and come up with a plan that includes plenty of vegetarian snacks that are readily available.

Step3

Make sure your child is receiving adequate daily doses of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, protein, calcium and zinc. Some of these nutrients can be found in vegetarian foods, while some will require nutritional supplements. A multi-vitamin taken on a daily basis will help bridge some nutritional gaps.

Step4

Supplement a child's strict vegan diet with healthy fats that are important for growing bodies and growing brains. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in flax seeds and should be consumed regularly.