XP: Vegetarian with a toddler

Deblondie1

XP from 12-24:

Are there any vegetarian mommas here? H and I are cutting out animal products but want to be sure we aren't doing it to the detriment of E's growth. Do any of you have a book you read, website you find helpful, etc? I know I can Google but I figured I would ask real moms what has worked for them also. Thanks! 

stilts1

We're mostly vegetarians (we still eat dairy though).  I don't read any books, but I just make sure she gets a good variety of things. She is the heaviest kid in her class so we are hopefully doing something right!! 

MrsCodeMonkey

We're trying to reduce animal products too. I read that protein is really not a concern as long as you eat a variety of grains. I started by shopping for lots of veggies that are in season (squash, zuchini, carrots, etc) and then picking different grains, pastas, and beans. The organic section had lots of yummy things to try: quinoa, cuscus, lentils, and veggie pastas. We also make our own pizzas with lots of sauteed veggies on whole grain crust. 

The other night I made spaghetti squash. It's my new favorite veggie! I borrowed a book from a friend who is vegetarian. It has really helped because I was struggling with how to replace meat. All I could come up with were side dishes.  

nikip6454

We are not vegetarian but we don't eat a lot of meat, although we do eat a lot of dairy.  I just asked E's pedi at her 15 month check up if there was any concerns with her not eating a lot of meat.  The pedi said as long as she eats a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains, it is fine and probably healthier.

I do make sure we eat a decent protein source each day but meat is just one of many choices for us.  We really like tofu, beans, quinoa and greek yogurt. 

I found this, it is a pretty useful list of protein sources!    https://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=158

(Sorry, apparently I am clicky challenged) 

 ETA: typo