My meat and potatoes ds has decided...
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| Wed, 02-04-2009 - 6:47pm |
he wants to be a vegetarian (lacto-ovo). Anyone a vegetarian or have a child that is? I'm concerned about protein. He's not big on grains and beans or tofu. I know that you have to be sure you get a complete protein when eating a vegetarian diet but don't know exactly what that entails. Anyone have any good resources? I've asked him to do some research and share it with me before he makes the switch.
My other issue here is I've always had the rule that I cook only one meal. If you don't like it, you're on your own. He's making the switch because he objects to the way animals raised for food are treated. I want to support his decision because a) I agree with him and b) I think it's great that he's standing up for those who can't stand up for themselves. He's not always the most empathetic child so I want to do anything I can do to encourage empathy and compassion.
I would really appreciate any advice and information you can give!

I'll give you an idea of what Sherina likes, although I warn you, she's picky!
Thanks!!! Evan is picky too so your list is VERY helpful!! My big worries are protein and total calories. He's underweight the way it is and as a competitive swimmer who spends 10 - 12 hours a week in the pool, protein is going to be key.
I checked out the link you included and it's VERY helpful. The Mayo name makes me feel good too. Fortunately, he will still eat cheese and eggs so that will help with the protein issue.
Thanks again!!!
Im proud of your son.
Protien isn't really an issue for lacto-ovo vegetarians. People forget you don't need to eat all your protien in one hunk and it's found in all sorts of foods. Heck, even granola bars have a few grams. Add all those grams together and most still end up with well over what they needed. I became a veggie at age 9 (my whole family converted because of the animal situation.) My kids have known no other life. Both are strong and healthy despite being very picky. My DD isn't so bad now... she will eat anything I tell her she needs to eat. DS though has all sorts of sensory issues including an over-active gag reflex. If he manages to stay healthy on his limited diet, I think most everyone can lol.
The thing to watch for is iron. Mentrating teens have more issue with this than boys but still, it is harder to get your iron being a vegetarian. Start throwing in some raw spinach into the salads, add more green vegetables.
The trick is making this work for your whole family. Consider there are many veggie options to things you already eat.... put aside some marinara sauce for his pasta before adding the meat for the rest of the family. If you are having chicken and potatos, bake him a potato and let him add cheese and other toppings as his main course. Keep veggie burgers, veggie dogs, veggie corndogs in the freezer so he can still have that option for when the rest of the family is eating their meat version. Put aside his portion of a stir-fry before adding the chicken.
Good-luck to your son!
Ramona Mom to 2 great kids and wife to one wonderful hubby since 1990!