Should You Raise Your Child Vegetarian? Your Complete Guide to Vegetarianism and Why a Vegetarian Diet is a Healthier and Better Option for Your Child (2020)

As the world is becoming increasingly health-conscious, more and more people are turning to a vegetarian diet. Many parents are also seriously contemplating whether to raise their kids as vegetarians. You need to make your kids have a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables to fuel their growth. Research also shows that people who are on a vegetarian diet are actually healthier. Vegetarians can even meet the daily requirement of fats too, apart from the nutrients received from having fruits and vegetables.

Parents usually ask questions like whether their kids will have the required nutrients needed for a healthy growth. The risk of obesity and chronic diseases are mainly due to processed food and meat forms an integral part of this junk diet. Studies also show that if you plan your vegetarian diet well, it is healthy and can provide adequate nutrition for your kids too. Also, there are numerous vegetarian options at any restaurant or the supermarket to choose from. A vegetarian diet is also known to be abundant in various nutrients like vitamins, proteins, minerals, etc.

A vegetarian diet is also rich in nutrients. You will be having lots of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds throughout the day. They have a lot of fibre and antioxidants that are helpful for your children when they are growing up. However, you must plan the diet well so that your kid has an adequate amount of nutrients that they need every day. Cereals, legumes and soybeans are rich in iron. Citrus fruits and tomatoes are known to be rich in vitamin-C. Nuts, peanut butter, beans, grains, and cereals can provide the necessary proteins for your children.

Going vegetarian can also help you in keeping your kid's weight in control especially when the diet is balanced. Vegetarian food contains low calories which help to lose weight. Studies also show that vegetarian people have lower body mass index, which is a sign of being fitter and healthier. Given the increasing problem of children being obese, you must seriously think about introducing your kids to a vegetarian diet. If the kids follow a vegan diet, they can cut down on more calories as the diet would not contain milk products.

Fibre helps to improve digestion and is found abundantly in fruits and vegetables. Toxins and other harmful chemicals are removed faster from the body. Also, fibre is water-based, and it enhances the water content in the body too. Fibre is found mainly in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, etc. However, you should not give processed food to children as they have a lower fibre content. Cereals and yogurt can provide the necessary amount of fibre needed by your kids. You can also give oatmeal, unprocessed wheat bran, etc. Lentils, beans and peas can also provide the required fibre content to kids.

Vegetarian food is easy to digest, and it improves the metabolism rate in kids. The resting metabolism for vegetarians is higher and helps to burn more fat. Having lentils and legumes can help to improve the metabolism in the body. Other vegetables like broccoli, celery, cucumber, garlic, etc. also help to improve the metabolism rate. Leafy greens have high iron content that helps to boost the metabolism and growth in kids. They are also a top source of vitamins to increase the absorption of iron in the body.

Children need high levels of energy, and unrefined cereals will be an excellent option for them. You can provide whole grain cereals like white rice, bread, pasta and flour. Dairy products can also offer the high energy levels needed for your children. Green leafy vegetables are a great source of energy and also contain high levels of various nutrients. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, folic acid, antioxidants and fibre. Some of them, like spinach, are also rich in iron. They also help to form nitrous oxide that improves blood circulation. This, in turn, enhances the energy levels in your kids.

It has been found that obese children have a high risk of heart disease. This is an important reason why parents must introduce children to healthy eating habits from their childhood. Having a vegetarian diet is also a great way to keep the heart healthy from a young age. Heart disease is a great killer in countries globally, and children also run the risk of having high cholesterol. They must be given a diet that is rich in nutrients but without any saturated fat.

If you feel that proteins only come from a non-vegetarian diet, then you are mistaken. A well-planned vegetarian diet can provide the requisite amount of proteins for your kids. Lentils are a great source of proteins, and it can be used in a variety of food items, like soups, dal and salads. It also feeds the good bacteria in the gut and intestines, thereby improving the digestive system too. Most beans also contain a high amount of proteins as does green peas. Soy products, grains, seeds and nuts can also add to the protein intake of your children.

Children must be given the proper nutrients to grow up. However, most children are known to indulge in junk food and processed meat. It is harmful for them and could lead to chronic diseases in the future. Moreover, diseases like obesity and type-2 diabetes are affecting kids globally. It is suggested for parents to provide vegetarian food in balanced amounts. Having a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can be the first step towards a healthy future. It will provide your kids with the required nutrients and will also keep them away from harmful substances.

Scientific studies show that people can avoid obesity, heart disease and chronic conditions by having a healthy and balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, grains and dairy products. Studies have also revealed that even a vegan diet is healthy for people of all ages. Hence, as parents you should introduce your children to a healthier vegetarian diet keeping in mind the health of your kids in the future.