Well thought out planned vegetarian diets are healthful and nutritionally adequate. With appropriate food choices, vegetarian/vegan diets are safe for toddlers. Parents are the key to a toddler nutrition. As a parent you must be committed to helping your child consume appropriate foods and use meal-planning guidelines to assure your toddlers nutritional needs are met. Meal planning allows you to monitor your toddlers nutrition. You can start by choosing a designated day to plan your meals for the week. Write down your meal plan then begin to execute. If time permits, take your planning a step further by preparing food the night before. Chopping, slicing, combining ingredients and storing them away, are all time savers for a busy week. A meal planning guideline will assist you in preparing well balanced diets for your toddler. Look at the meal guide below and modify the guide as needed to meet your toddlers energy needs. Some toddlers may require more servings or less depending on their energy requirements.
With well planned out meals, knowledge, dedication, and some organization you should have no problem raising a healthy vegetarian toddler. Do not allow others to discouraged you from your goals. Remember, take the right steps to ensure your child is healthy and happy with a nutritious diet. It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.
