Is it okay to put children on a vegetarian diet?

my girlfriend and I are vegetarians, and planning on having a baby. Would it be healthy if we put him on a vegetarian diet, or should we wait for him to become a little older? Another is while pregnant is it healthy to take supplement pills or should she eat tofu?Is it okay to put children on a vegetarian diet?
Consult with a qualified dietitian or doctor. Most will recommend a mostly vegetarian diet. For adults, they will recommend lower fat content. Dairy (cow milk) is not necessary for a healthy diet.



After a child is weened from mother's milk, it's absolutely healthy to put a child on a well-balanced vegetarian diet. In fact, many young people and adults have intolerance and allergies to dairy and other foods. Dairy and meat are unnecessary for a healthy well-balanced diet, even for young children. A baby, on the other hand, should drink mothers milk for optimal health. This contains important proteins, antibodies, and fats for human babies.



Dairy (cow milk) is promoted as a good source of calcium for people, however, scientific studies over the past 20 years show that cow milk is not the best source of calcium. If the child is weened and will eat calcium rich whole vegetables, this will provide adequate calcium. The skin will produce vitamin D with exposure to some sunlight. Other vitamins and minerals are available through eating whole vegetables and fruits. Whole grains and rice along with a variety of beans provide the building blocks for protein requirements. Avoid commercial drinks because these often contain untested additives such as colorings and even aspartame. Thinks twice about using soy products in the US. Many soy products are made from genetically modified (GM) soy beans. There has been inadequate testing to show that these GM products provide the same nutritional value as soy beans that have not been modified. Sadly, the US has not legislated labeling laws for GM products like Canada and Europe. It is assumed that they are equally nutritious and harmless, although time has taught us that this is not the case. You are better off with a variety of beans in the diet along with 100% pure whole grains from a variety of sources.



Avoid commercial drinks completely. These contain additives and colorings that have not been tested. Some colorings have been associated with hyperactivity in children. Soy often contains aspartame (an excitotoxin). Juices are pasteurized and contain potentially harmful coloring, flavorings. If you do wamt tp offer juices, squeeze the juice yourself.



A big concern is that the child have sufficient oil/fat. You should be able to supply these needs through vegetarian sources and nuts that are high in unsaturated fats. Meat products often are higher in deadly saturated fats.



Big food conglomerates is trying to control the mind space by marginalizing vegetarians as wackos or animal rights extremists. The truth is that humans are primarily vegetarian. When humans start eating a rich and high fat Western diet with concentrated protein sources, the following diseases increase:



+ High blood pressure.

+ Cardio vascular diseases.

+ Diabetes.

+ Obesity.

+ Some specific cancers.



This is nothing new, but mass media in the US is not reporting these findings. It would definitely interfere with their advertising contracts with McDonald's and others. The sad part about the Western diet is that much of the damage from saturated fats and food additives are cumulative. Most people ignore the dangers until they end up in the hospital.



The mother should focus on eating a balanced diet. I'd avoid tofu that is made in the US since this is likely a GM product with aspartame or sugar. A wide variety of beans made from dried beans should be better for her. Some supplements are good, but others are made using GM processes and may not have the same nutritional value. Do your homework on the supplements.



Sadly, most foods in the supermarket are not healthy. Avoid convenience foods, all packaged food, avoid dairy, avoid meat.



It's expense to eat a healthy vegetarian diet, but the alternative is much worse. Consequences take a while to show up. However, you can feel the difference after you switch to a mostly vegetarian diet. If you do eat meat and dairy, cut way back on your portions and the the frequency of these food items.Is it okay to put children on a vegetarian diet?
There is nothing that you "need" in meat. People will make a big deal about iron content in vegetables (eat spinach) or about getting enough protein (too many vegies to count). You just have to understand human physiology and metabolism and make sure that you are getting all of the substances your body needs to be healthy. Chances are you'll end up eating much less fat and will completely cut off your intake of cholesterol (only found in animals). Despite what many might tell you, your body will make all of the good cholesterol that it needs.



Anyways, a newborn should be on breast milk anyways if you are that concerned about health.



After their old enough to eat solid food, just do your homework and you'll be fine. Don't buy into the hype. There are perfectly healthy and natural (meaning they don't have to take a million supplement pills) to eat on a vegetarian diet that include all sorts of tasty combinations. Good Luck!Is it okay to put children on a vegetarian diet?
Not according to Doctor HOUSE. Babies need MORE Than just Vegetables. Please don't force the baby not to enjoy his food.
I totally recommend my fav nutrition book was written by vegan doctors and resistered nutritionist called, "The Vegetarian Way" by Messina PhD %26amp; Messina RN. Very easy and detailed read, good easy-to-read tables. A MUST for any vegetarians! There are vit/mins you need to know about and in what dosages, etc.



Iron is hard to get as a vegetarian unless you're using nutritional yeast. Did you know that the body can absorb calcium better if taken with alittle acid substances, like fruit juice? Magnesium and vit D is needed too to absorb calcium.



I agree with other respondant- breast feeding is best. The book addresses children nutrition as well.