UNITED STATES, April 1, 2011 (northjersey.com): About three million kids, or 8 percent of those aged 8 to 18, say they never eat meat, according to a 2009 Harris poll sponsored by the Vegetarian Resource Group. About half of these consider themselves true vegetarians, meaning that they not only don’t eat red meat, but also leave out poultry and fish. Many more will dabble with vegetarianism sometime during childhood and adolescence, trying it out for a short period of time.
Some of these children come from families who are already vegetarian or vegan (eating a diet that avoids all animal products, including meats, dairy and, sometimes, honey), and so this is just the status quo. But there are also many who come to a decision to eschew meat on their own. And this can present some challenges for harried carnivorous parents trying to provide healthful yet convenient meals for the entire family.
“It’s all about including lots of whole (minimally processed) plant foods. And if you meet your calorie needs with an abundance of whole plant foods, your nutrient needs will effectively be met,” notes Dina Aronson, a registered dietician, long-standing vegan, and mother of two from Montclair.
Overall, you can look at this as a great opportunity for the entire family to learn to eat a bit more adventurously, healthfully, and mindfully. Even if only one member says no to meat.