In modern society, various methods of nutrition are gaining popularity. There are many followers of separate nutrition, vegetarianism, raw food diet and other various diets. It is believed that a special style of nutrition will help maintain normal weight, heal the body and allow you to stay in good shape for a long time. However, far from always different styles of nutrition are useful for health and bring the desired result. One of the best-known nutritional practices is vegetarianism. Many young people are passionate about this system, who later wish to raise a vegetarian child. Moms and dads of cheating are accustoming their crumbs only to plant foods, believing that this will bring only health to their health. But doctors are not so unambiguous in their opinion and even sound the alarm because of possible negative consequences.
What does vegetarianism mean?
Vegetarianism as a culture is not at all a newfangled trend. As a special food system, it has been practiced for several centuries. However, in many cases, people paid tribute to fashion or tried to improve their health. The thing is that meat was considered a luxury and at times was accessible only to rich sections of the population. Others had to be content with plant foods that can be grown on the ground. A vegetarian child in developing countries is a common occurrence because his parents can only afford non-animal food.
Vegetarianism, if we consider it as a food style, implies a complete rejection of the use of meat products. It is forbidden to eat not only meat, but also eggs and milk. As a result, a vegetarian child does not receive many useful substances that are found only in food of animal origin.
Among the allowed foods among vegetarians are:
- vegetables;
- fruit;
- cereals;
- berries;
- nuts.
Of course, there are people who eat this way for reasons beyond their control. But according to statistics, about 2% of the world's people consume such foods consciously. But it is not known exactly how many children are among them.
Veganism and vegetarianism: what is the difference?
Vegetarianism is a broad concept, meaning the rejection of animal protein. But among this system there are subspecies where veganism is the most strict choice of allowed foods. If not strict adherents allow themselves to eat milk, eggs and honey, because they do not contain the blood of a killed animal, then vegans even prohibit dishes based on them.
However, many adherents gain veganism and vegetarianism. What is the difference between styles? In the latter case, a person can eat bread, cheese, yogurt. Vegans cannot afford this, because the same bakery products are made on the basis of eggs and milk, and cheese is made on the basis of cream.
Vegetarianism and children
Many adherents of a healthy diet believe that a vegetarian child will grow up completely healthy. However, most doctors are fundamentally opposed. But on their arguments about the dangers of eating only plant foods, there are hundreds of facts that refute this opinion. So where is the truth and on whose statements it is necessary to rely on the choice of food for children?
- Firstly, the diet of a vegetarian child is entirely composed of vegetables and fruits. As you know, they are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. In addition, they have a lot of trace elements and fiber, which contributes to normal digestion.
- Secondly, foods of plant origin can provide the growing body with nutrients and saturate with energy. However, the portions will be slightly larger. But at the same time, the baby will not feel hunger and lack of useful trace elements.
- Thirdly, all plant foods have a beneficial effect on the health of crumbs. Usually a vegetarian child does not have digestive problems, he does not have constipation. In addition, strict adherents of such a nutrition system carefully monitor the presence of harmful additives in food and try to avoid them. Therefore, only healthy products enter the baby's body.
Recently, due to the growing popularity of fast foods, an increasing number of children are obese. Vegetarian children are almost completely immune from this.
The negative effects of vegetarianism
From the above advantages, we can conclude that a vegetarian child can be completely healthy. The consequences of such a power system are still quite significant. Pediatricians and many nutritionists agree that the human body needs meat and, in particular, animal protein. Therefore, vegetarianism is not suitable for the full growth and development of the baby.
If we consider the main harm from vegetarianism for children, then the first place is lost vitamins. In foods of plant origin, there is practically no such important vitamin as B12. It is especially necessary during the period of active growth and maturation. If it is lacking, then may develop:
- anemia;
- mental disorders;
- bleeding disorders.
In addition, fruits and vegetables have very little calcium, zinc and iron. Their main source is dairy and meat products that vegetarians do not eat.
Animal protein is strictly prohibited for vegetarians . But it is he who is the main building element, and replacing it with a plant one does not always lead to significant results. Of course, legumes are rich in vegetable protein, but many experts in the field of baby food are sure that this is not enough for the rapid development and growth of children. As a result, the body is forced to use internal reserves, and therefore, work for wear. As practice shows, the growth of such children is slowed down, and the indicators of fatigue are slightly higher.
Menu Challenges
In order for plant food to provide the growing organism with everything necessary, it must be varied and balanced. Protein for vegetarians is provided by legumes, vitamins are provided by raw fruits and vegetables, and nutrients can be obtained from cereals. So that the child does not need any substances and grows healthy, the menu should consist of:
- raw and baked vegetables, fruits;
- porridge;
- hot and cold soups;
- casseroles;
- salads, etc.
But it’s very difficult to constantly monitor the diversity in terms of employment, trips, visits, visits to kindergartens and schools.
Vegetarianism from birth
Is it possible for a child to be a vegetarian - only his parents decide. Disputes on this issue do not subside, so it is important to provide the baby with all the necessary nutrients, if the choice is made in favor of the plant menu. Such food is able to provide the child with everything necessary at all stages of his growth, only he will have to painstakingly and competently draw up a diet.
It is important to clearly understand how to feed a vegetarian child so that he does not feel the need for protein, vitamins, trace elements and nutrients. A plant diet can very well provide this, because it is quite high-calorie and contains everything you need. In addition, it is in vegetables, fruits and cereals that there is fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidant vitamins.
Nutrition for children up to a year
The best nutrition for a vegetarian child up to a year is mother's milk. In this case, experts agree that in order to maintain natural immunity and harmonious development, the baby should receive only breast milk. Replace it with a possibly adapted mixture if the crumb is on artificial feeding.
In the middle of the first year of life, supplements in the form of dairy-free cereals can be introduced. Steamed or water-boiled vegetables are also recommended, which are then mashed.
At the age of 8-9 months, a vegetarian child can eat chopped walnut, which is added to vegetable or fruit puree. The product is rich in easily digestible protein, which can replace the animal. At this age, you can offer your baby pureed lentils, in which you need to add some vegetables. Such a dish can also replace meat. At the age of about a year, a child can already feast on avocados. As for other fruits and vegetables, the recommendations are the same for children who use meat and fish puree. You can offer:
- zucchini;
- carrots;
- pumpkin;
- Apple;
- a pear;
- broccoli.
If parents have decided to instill a child’s vegetarian habits, then pediatricians advise not to stop breastfeeding as long as possible.
What foods are needed for vegetarian children?
An adult can quite easily make a diet by including in the menu all the necessary products and adding vitamins to them. But with kids, things are more complicated, because a small finicky can simply refuse beans with spinach, which should have provided it with protein and fiber. In addition, the amount of food eaten can be significantly less than recommended to get all the necessary elements.
Nevertheless, nutritionists urge not to force children to eat, it is necessary to focus on their own satiety threshold. Moreover, vegetarianism involves teaching children to feel the individual limit when food is no longer needed.
But obesity adherents of plant foods are usually not threatened. Such a menu is usually low-calorie, therefore, to ensure energy, it is necessary to add vegetable oil, avocado pieces, walnuts to the child’s dish. You can diversify the taste of dishes and replace sunflower oil:
- olive;
- flaxseed;
- hemp;
- from pumpkin seeds.
Nevertheless, parents whose children are vegetarians should be especially attentive to their diet. Next, we consider the especially important elements and products from which they can be obtained.
Protein - building material
For the development and growth of a baby, and an adult, protein is an important element. To ensure the entry of this substance into the body, the diet should be rich in legumes. At the same time, diversity is equally important so that the baby receives all the necessary amino acids. What should a child eat:
- beans;
- sunflower seeds;
- almond;
- tofu cheese;
- buckwheat.
Chia seeds are known to be an excellent source of vegetable protein. But in order to purchase them, you must visit a vegetarian store. They are more common in large cities, residents of small settlements have to look for products in online procurement.
Calcium - for bone health
Without calcium, skeleton construction and normal growth are impossible. It is proved that almost half of the bone mass is formed by the primary school age. In subsequent years, the other half is formed. But the main source of calcium is dairy products, which vegans are strictly prohibited. If the baby lives in a family where they hold strict views, and even milk-based products are prohibited, then an alternative must be provided to him.
What do vegetarians eat? List of foods containing calcium:
- tofu
- green leafy vegetables (cale, broccoli);
- legumes;
- almond;
- spinach;
- oranges.
It is important to monitor the condition of the baby and undergo regular examinations at the pediatrician. If the doctor prescribes additional calcium preparations, then do not refuse.
Iron - for blood formation
For the formation of red blood cells, iron is extremely necessary. Usually the element comes with beef, but the vegetarians do not eat meat. It should be understood that a lack of iron directly affects brain activity, and the cognitive activity of the baby may be affected. Nutritionists believe that crumbs, which are fed only plant foods, should receive iron in double amounts. This is due to the fact that the element obtained from plants is much worse absorbed.
What do vegetarians eat? List of products containing iron:
- green onions;
- prunes
- dried apricots;
- dates;
- broccoli;
- legumes;
- whole grains.
It is worth considering that plant iron is much better absorbed if consumed together with vitamin C. Thus, broccoli salad with the addition of dried apricots and lemon juice will be much more useful.
Special Vitamins
For the development and full growth of the child's body, all vitamins are important. But in a special place are vitamins D and B12.
Vitamin D is important for better absorption of calcium and, therefore, healthy teeth and strong bones. If a child does not receive butter and other animal products, it is extremely important for him to receive sun baths daily. To provide a daily dose, it is enough to be in the sun for about 20 minutes. However, in the winter season this will not be enough, and it is difficult to obtain an element from plant food. Therefore, pediatricians are advised to offer children a nutritional supplement containing this vitamin.
A special role is given to vitamin B12. It affects the development of the brain and nervous system, is responsible for the formation of red blood cells, and is involved in multiple processes that occur in the body. The main sources of the element are traditionally considered:
Vegetarians do not consume all of the above. Therefore, nutritionists advise them to use a dietary supplement containing vitamin B12. However, there are products that will help make up for the deficiency of this element:
Nutritional yeast is released in the form of flakes. It is a natural product that is grown from microorganisms. It has a specific cheese flavor, so children enjoy it with pleasure. It is also recommended to add cereal to vegetable dishes, which makes their taste even more saturated and adds benefits.
Docosahexaene Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid
The substance is part of Omega-3. The human body is not synthesized, therefore, it can only be obtained with food. The element is indispensable in the formation of the brain and nervous system of the baby. To ensure its entry into the body, it is necessary to eat shrimp, fish. Vegetarians can make up for acid deficiency if they eat hemp seeds, walnuts, and flaxseed.
However, in plant components this element is clearly not enough, and it is simply necessary for children. Specialized vegetarian stores come to the aid of parents where they can purchase nutritional supplements containing polyunsaturated fatty acid in the required amount.
conclusions
Vegetarianism for children can be safe and even beneficial if parents can provide the baby with a complete diet. It is important that the menu fully satisfies the growing organism in nutrients, minerals and vitamins. In addition, doctors and nutritionists believe that herbal products in any case should always be present on the table, regardless of what kind of views the family has on food.