So, we are two on-again/off-again vegetarians in this house (we do not have the moral strength to do it full time; kudos to those of you who do), living with a full time vegetarian. My boyfriend's little girl of seven watched Blue Planets with us a few months ago, and when it came to the part where the orcas killed a calf to eat, we had a long conversation about what meat is and where it comes from. This week she came to us and told us that she did not want to eat animals anymore, because it bothers her that we have to hurt animals to do it. We are fine with this and want to support her fully in her decision. I have asked family members for advice on nutrition and balancing her diet, since we all try to be pretty educated, and I want to make sure she gets everything she needs, and I have gotten a sort of condescending "Humor her, she will realize she misses corn dogs in a couple months" response.
This was much the same sort of attitude I have dealt with since I was the same age, when I decided for ethical reasons that I did not want want children of my own, so I am very well aware that this could (and judging by our conversation yesterday, may very well be) a long-term to permenant decision for her. Given everything (and also the fact that I do all the meal planning), I am pretty hellbent on the idea that if she wants to be a vegetarian, that I will do everything humanly possible to be sure that she has all the information and and nutrition she needs. While she is doing this, my boyfriend and I will very likely be vegetarian as well, as much to offer support as because it is easier to make a single meal, and because he and I both enjoy our vegetarian stints. It is better for us, too.
My question is, given that she is a child and has a different profile of dietary needs from an adults based on that fact alone, are there any good resources or suggestions that you guys have for making sure that she has everything she needs? Also, if you have any ideas as to how to teach her about taking charge of her nutrition, that would be great. I am happy to do it, but I also want to make sure she has the tools to make good eating decisions without having to spend the hours on Google that I have spent.
Sorry if I am in the wrong place, or an unwelcome intruder. You guys definitely have a very strong community here, so please feel free to let me know if I might find better information elsewhere.
This was much the same sort of attitude I have dealt with since I was the same age, when I decided for ethical reasons that I did not want want children of my own, so I am very well aware that this could (and judging by our conversation yesterday, may very well be) a long-term to permenant decision for her. Given everything (and also the fact that I do all the meal planning), I am pretty hellbent on the idea that if she wants to be a vegetarian, that I will do everything humanly possible to be sure that she has all the information and and nutrition she needs. While she is doing this, my boyfriend and I will very likely be vegetarian as well, as much to offer support as because it is easier to make a single meal, and because he and I both enjoy our vegetarian stints. It is better for us, too.
My question is, given that she is a child and has a different profile of dietary needs from an adults based on that fact alone, are there any good resources or suggestions that you guys have for making sure that she has everything she needs? Also, if you have any ideas as to how to teach her about taking charge of her nutrition, that would be great. I am happy to do it, but I also want to make sure she has the tools to make good eating decisions without having to spend the hours on Google that I have spent.
Sorry if I am in the wrong place, or an unwelcome intruder. You guys definitely have a very strong community here, so please feel free to let me know if I might find better information elsewhere.