Vegetarian Children- Curious

[NHdisneylover]

Stop cooking meat, ban meat from the house, they'll eat something else. I don't at all get the vegetarians who cook meat for people or feed their kids meat. I mean if you're veg for health reasons, then you'd theoretically be feeding your family what you believe to be much less healthful. If you're veg for ethical reasons, how does that work?

I also kind of have to ask what you cook for them that they think whole grains, beans, vegetables, etc., are "gross." Like... even with meat added they don't eat those things?

Well, the health reasons that caused me to give up red meat and pork are very specific and do not apply to my children. If it WERE an ethical issue, for me that does not always mean I expect my children to share my beliefs; as an example, I expect them to follow the religious path which is in their own hearts, whether it is what I believe or not--I am not sure why that cannot apply to other things like eating of meat

 

[mombrontrent]

Stop cooking meat, ban meat from the house, they'll eat something else. I don't at all get the vegetarians who cook meat for people or feed their kids meat. I mean if you're veg for health reasons, then you'd theoretically be feeding your family what you believe to be much less healthful. If you're veg for ethical reasons, how does that work?

I also kind of have to ask what you cook for them that they think whole grains, beans, vegetables, etc., are "gross." Like... even with meat added they don't eat those things?

Why would I ban meat or stop cooking it for others in my family My Dh likes it and so do my kids. They don't have to share the same beliefs or tastes as me. My Dh is a grown man and can make his own food choices. I could refuse to cook meat for him but to me that would be silly. He works all day so I am the meal cooker here, I do cook about half meals vegetarian but other nights I serve meat to the rest of my family. If my kids grow up and decide to be vegetarian as well I will support that decision. My kids alot of "wierd" things that many adults let alone kids won't eat. My kids like veggies and grains but not all the ones I do or "mixed" all up. They are kids and picky about some things, they won't eat anything with onions ect. Me and my Dh love potoato and leek or potato and kale soup but my kids won't eat it. They also don't like chickpeas, quinoa, bulgar, barley ect. They will eat a sandwich on whole grain bread though. They do like veggies just not mixed in with beans and rice ect. They prefer it all seperate.

 

[npmommie]

Our daughter went to the "face" rule when she was about 16 thanks to those lovely folks at PETA. She's 20 now. She takes lots of vitamin supplements, because she has this issue that there aren't a lot of vegetables she will eat. She eats a lot of fake meat products, riblets, fake chicken breasts, veggie burgers. Her doctor is always on her case because it is more work for a vegeterian to get enough protein.
Her issue isn't about not liking meat, fish or chicken, it's about how they are treated. I have caught her lusting after a BBQed tri trip, and she says she misses tuna salad sandwiches, she says they taste great, she just doesn't want to eat anything with a face.

there are a lot of lovely folks who are part of peta.
eating a ton of fake products is unhealthy. there are many doctors who go by the face rule.
check out the writings of Dr. Essylstyn...........there is research to back it up.
but the fake stuff , not healthy.
plant based whole foods, even with a BBQ on the rare event is healthier than eating all veg and using fake products every day.

Why would I ban meat or stop cooking it for others in my family My Dh likes it and so do my kids. They don't have to share the same beliefs or tastes as me. My Dh is a grown man and can make his own food choices. I could refuse to cook meat for him but to me that would be silly. He works all day so I am the meal cooker here, I do cook about half meals vegetarian but other nights I serve meat to the rest of my family. If my kids grow up and decide to be vegetarian as well I will support that decision. My kids alot of "wierd" things that many adults let alone kids won't eat. My kids like veggies and grains but not all the ones I do or "mixed" all up. They are kids and picky about some things, they won't eat anything with onions ect. Me and my Dh love potoato and leek or potato and kale soup but my kids won't eat it. They also don't like chickpeas, quinoa, bulgar, barley ect. They will eat a sandwich on whole grain bread though. They do like veggies just not mixed in with beans and rice ect. They prefer it all seperate.

same here. I cook what my family likes and wants to eat. just because I don't want to eat hamburger doesn't mean they can't.
we all do eat mostly plant based........very rare for meat to be here, but if hubby wants steak, I will cook it for him.

 

[fall08CP]

I've never understood the protein argument, it's unfortunately pure ignorance.

Elephants and gorillas are much larger and stronger than humans, yet they're herbivores. Plant derived proteins are significantly healthier than animal based.

I went pure vegan because dairy is too much of a crutch- I could eat pizza, grilled cheese, and ice cream for every meal but I wouldn't be healthy. If you want the convincing argument about going dairy free, I recommend a recently released documentary (on Netflix!) called Forks over Knives. It documents omnivores going vegan to control their health issues, and also shows testing done on large populations on how dairy relates to different ailments. Very interesting watch, and I don't think (but could be wrong) there was anything about killing animals (a la Food Inc).

To each his own, but I think that many omnivores are that way because they don't do their research about health and nutrition. I don't mind if my peers eat meat in front of me, but I will not cook meat for myself or others. If they come to eat at my house, they are expected to eat what I cook or bring their own food. If I were to visit their place, I would not expect to be accommodated. Do not yet have children but it would be a decision my husband and I would have a loooong talk over. I'd love to marry a vegetarian or vegan, but it's not a deal maker/breaker.

 

[SandrA9810]

It's funny reading this topic, about kids who discover where meat comes from. But on the other side of the coin, it's sad to think of how many children do not know where vegetables come from.

They all think it's made in a magical pace with some cartoon characters...

 

[pensgirl10]

Stop cooking meat, ban meat from the house, they'll eat something else. I don't at all get the vegetarians who cook meat for people or feed their kids meat. I mean if you're veg for health reasons, then you'd theoretically be feeding your family what you believe to be much less healthful. If you're veg for ethical reasons, how does that work?

I also kind of have to ask what you cook for them that they think whole grains, beans, vegetables, etc., are "gross." Like... even with meat added they don't eat those things?

I wasn't thrilled about cooking meat for my husband but when we decided he would work and I would take care of the family, that was part of taking care of the family. I'm sure he wasn't thrilled about working three jobs for many years either.

 

[pensgirl10]

Well, the health reasons that caused me to give up red meat and pork are very specific and do not apply to my children. If it WERE an ethical issue, for me that does not always mean I expect my children to share my beliefs; as an example, I expect them to follow the religious path which is in their own hearts, whether it is what I believe or not--I am not sure why that cannot apply to other things like eating of meat

This thread reminds me of the one on piercings and tattoos. I raised my children to make their own decisions. I don't look in the mirror and see someone so perfect that I want them to be exactly like me.

 

[jacksmom]

My 14 yo ds refuses to eat pork, eats red meat 1 x week maybe, and will eat chicken and turkey! Does drink milk, loves yogurt, but refuses eggs! I eat no pork, red meat, or eggs and do veggie 2-3 days a week at least, but will eat chicken, turkey, fish and seafood! As a family, we are striving for adopting a healthy diet (DH is more into red meat, but trying to make changes) I do buy calcium enriched OJ and do offer supplements! But ds is very healthy 5'10 and lean, but very well muscled! I encourage beans as well as fresh veggies, whole grains and fruits! My family goal is chicken, turkey, or fish 3-4 nights and veggie 3-4 nights! With dairy included!

 

[cornflake]

Well, the health reasons that caused me to give up red meat and pork are very specific and do not apply to my children. If it WERE an ethical issue, for me that does not always mean I expect my children to share my beliefs; as an example, I expect them to follow the religious path which is in their own hearts, whether it is what I believe or not--I am not sure why that cannot apply to other things like eating of meat

When they're small, I think most people do expect their children to follow their belief system. I don't know many people who are devout churchgoers who don't take their kids to church, or never took their kids to church in order that the kids should make their own decision. Most religious people involve their kids in their religion as a matter of course.

Once they're grown enough to make decisons like that, sure. I wouldn't disown a kid who ate meat any more than most people would disown a kid who left their religion.

However, there is no meat allowed in my house - same as someone may say in their house, even if the kids grow up to not believe, they're still going to sit at seder and bow their heads and show respect and follow the house rules.

It's an ethical issue - if I'm out with someone and they order meat that's fine, I have no comment whatsoever on their choice. They're not getting meat if they come to my house for dinner, however.

Why would I ban meat or stop cooking it for others in my family

If you're a vegetarian for ethical reasons, I can't imagine why you wouldn't stop cooking it and not buy it. If it's for health reasons I don't get it either but... the idea of me going and buying a steak or whatever and cooking it is just.. sickening to me, honestly. It's just beyond not happening.

 

[pensgirl10]

What about pets? No meat allowed in the house for them either?

 

[cornflake]

There's plenty of vegetarian pet food available.

 

[ford family]

I've never understood the protein argument, it's unfortunately pure ignorance.

Elephants and gorillas are much larger and stronger than humans, yet they're herbivores. Plant derived proteins are significantly healthier than animal based.

The quality of the protein that these herbivores get is very poor so the elephant, for example, has to eat for 16 hours a day to get what it needs, most of the rest of the day is spent sleeping. That's probably why very few elephants can compete in the job market!
Gorillas will also eat insects but even with that protein boost they basically spend all day browsing or sleeping.

ford family

 

[cornflake]

The quality of the protein that these herbivores get is very poor so the elephant, for example, has to eat for 16 hours a day to get what it needs, most of the rest of the day is spent sleeping. That's probably why very few elephants can compete in the job market!
Gorillas will also eat insects but even with that protein boost they basically spend all day browsing or sleeping.

ford family

Elephants weigh considerably more than even your average American.

As well, animals in the wild have a disadvantage as opposed to the animals who own pots and stoves and appliances and can eat things from areas they don't live in, like beans, legumes, nuts, dairy products, etc.

 

[TheSchragFamily]

I have been lurking for a very long time (3 years?) and decided to register to post in this thread. I think the family member who is giving the child meat with a negative message should reconsider her approach. If it's a compromise with the father (who eats meat) then it needs to be done without negative comment. In our family, I (mom) am a vegetarian but hubby and kid are not. I want him to decide for himself, whether that is as a child or adult, whether he wants to keep eating meat. He was vegetarian until age 2 but then as he started wanting to eat what Daddy ate he tried various meats and likes the taste of them a lot. He knows where meat comes from but I would never try to make him feel bad about choosing to eat it! I think it's totally possible to raise healthy vegetarian children, but quite frankly I figured it would add another complication to school lunches, parties, etc. for him to be vegetarian and figured I would just wait and let him make his own decision on that. It sounds like this mom is just being passive-aggressive about the meat-eating issue and she should probably talk to her husband instead of making negative comments to the child about her food! I think it may backfire on her someday, too, because if she is too controlling about food choices now the child will resent it later on.

 

[TheSchragFamily]

I wasn't thrilled about cooking meat for my husband but when we decided he would work and I would take care of the family, that was part of taking care of the family. I'm sure he wasn't thrilled about working three jobs for many years either.

I agree with you here...I am not crazy about cooking meat, either, but I do it for my family because that is what they like to eat and it's part of taking care of the people I love. Now if I was convinced it was HORRIBLE to eat meat, like poison or something...of course I wouldn't serve it! But I see it as a personal choice so I am not going to force my values or opinions on others, not even my child. His father sees things differently and is very supportive of me being vegetarian, he would not be upset at all if our child decided to go vegetarian later on (well, maybe their weekly KFC runs would suffer, ha ha)!

 

[ford family]

Elephants weigh considerably more than even your average American.

As well, animals in the wild have a disadvantage as opposed to the animals who own pots and stoves and appliances and can eat things from areas they don't live in, like beans, legumes, nuts, dairy products, etc.

Whales weigh even more than elephants and they are entirely carnivorous so we get back to the point that animals have evolved to survive on different foods depending on where they live.
Humans have evolved the most for many reasons, not least of which has been our ability to survive on a much wider variety of food, i.e. because we are naturally omnivores.

ford family

 

[cornflake]

Whales weigh even more than elephants and they are entirely carnivorous so we get back to the point that animals have evolved to survive on different foods depending on where they live.
Humans have evolved the most for many reasons, not least of which has been our ability to survive on a much wider variety of food, i.e. because we are naturally omnivores.

ford family

What?

No, whales spend a ton of time eating, same as elephants, because the caloric load needed to maintain that kind of size is extraordinary and requires near constant consumption. That was my point.

Human vegans don't need to eat 16 hours a day, see.

 

[HamTown]

All animal proteins are complete proteins (except gelatin).

All plant proteins are incomplete proteins (except soy).

Vegetarians are well able to provide all the proteins they need by finding foods that are complementary to one another. Beans and rice, for example, when combined provide all the essential amino acids required to form any protein needed in the body.

While omnivore diets provide complete proteins, they are usually protein overload and high in saturated fat.

Vegetarians need to take that extra step to ensure they are covering all their bases. A little education goes a long way.

(This post brought to you by my nutrition lecture at the community college this afternoon! I am a meat eater always looking for more meatless dinners for my family.)

 

[NHdisneylover]

This thread reminds me of the one on piercings and tattoos. I raised my children to make their own decisions. I don't look in the mirror and see someone so perfect that I want them to be exactly like me.

When they're small, I think most people do expect their children to follow their belief system. I don't know many people who are devout churchgoers who don't take their kids to church, or never took their kids to church in order that the kids should make their own decision. Most religious people involve their kids in their religion as a matter of course.

Once they're grown enough to make decisons like that, sure. I wouldn't disown a kid who ate meat any more than most people would disown a kid who left their religion.

However, there is no meat allowed in my house - same as someone may say in their house, even if the kids grow up to not believe, they're still going to sit at seder and bow their heads and show respect and follow the house rules.

It's an ethical issue - if I'm out with someone and they order meat that's fine, I have no comment whatsoever on their choice. They're not getting meat if they come to my house for dinner, however.



If you're a vegetarian for ethical reasons, I can't imagine why you wouldn't stop cooking it and not buy it. If it's for health reasons I don't get it either but... the idea of me going and buying a steak or whatever and cooking it is just.. sickening to me, honestly. It's just beyond not happening.

I can understand that YOU are not comfortable with that--but I think you ought to be able to imagine that others are.
To go back to the religion example: Yes, I took my children to church with me when they were young. Yes that included religious education at the church and discussion about what I and their dad believe. However, even when they were really little I was fine with them going to other churches with friends or family and I even took them to services for other faiths once in a while so they could see the wide range of wonderful faiths humanity has and could grow to be appreciative and respectful of them all.
Similarly, by default I generally cook foods which I will eat. However, if we are visiting others or eating out I do not limit what my kids can eat. I even, once in a while, cook a meat product I do not eat for them since i know that they eat it and they enjoy it and I love them and like to do things for them that they enjoy.
I get that there are some things you just don't bend on and DO do everything in your power to get your children to believe too. I have a few of those things. The major ones are that people of all races, religions, genders, ages and sexual orientations should be treated with to respect for their actions and not be judged based on outside qualities. I will push that to kingdom come and would be horrified if one of my children were to make racist or homophobic or anti-semetic or what-have-you remarks. But, on most things I can figure they are smart and know their own minds and my job is to help them know how to think and how to come to their own conclusions, not to tell them what those conclusions should be.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

All animal proteins are complete proteins (except gelatin).

All plant proteins are incomplete proteins (except soy).

Vegetarians are well able to provide all the proteins they need by finding foods that are complementary to one another. Beans and rice, for example, when combined provide all the essential amino acids required to form any protein needed in the body.

While omnivore diets provide complete proteins, they are usually protein overload and high in saturated fat.

Vegetarians need to take that extra step to ensure they are covering all their bases. A little education goes a long way.

(This post brought to you by my nutrition lecture at the community college this afternoon! I am a meat eater always looking for more meatless dinners for my family.)

Actually, this is also something you see in North American Pre-Columbian Archaeology. Take, for example, Louisiana. You see a small number of people, but they're fairly healthy. Their diet seems to be omnivorous with quantity from wild plant matter and quality from meat. These resources can't support a large population, but are great for a small population.

And then corn shows up.

At first it's a largely ceremonial food and highly prized. But then, it quickly becomes the food of choice and health declines rapidly, especially among women and children. Lots of rotten teeth, poor health, bad bones etc. The corn provides calories but is incomplete as a food group. The population skyrockets because you can easily grow a lot of corn; but it's not a healthy population.

Eventually, people figure out how to have a complete diet off of corn and beans . Yes, succotash is nutritionally complete and healthy; and the beans and the corn can grow intertiwned together in one plot of land! Meat becomes a quality treat. Health improves and the population remains large and thriving. (At least until everyone comes down with a European disease, but that's a story for another day.)