According to the vegetarianism fact sheet at KidsHealth.org, parents can feed their toddlers a vegetarian diet filled with all the necessary nutrients. Keep foods fresh, seasonal and diverse to formulate a well-planned and nutritious toddler vegetarian diet. If you opt for a vegan food plan, emphasize plant-based sources of protein, iron and calcium. Consult with your child’s health care provider regarding any dietary concerns.
Ovo-Vegetarian Meal
An ovo-vegetarian meal for toddlers begins with a base of scrambled eggs. Add diced vegetables to the egg mixture to boost the dish’s nutritional value. For a delicious, nutritious side dish, serve a fresh fruit cocktail or blend together fresh or frozen berries, soy yogurt and a dab of honey for a smoothie. Sneak in a sprinkle of wheat germ to boost the smoothie’s iron content.
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Meal
A lacto-ovo vegetarian meal allows you to integrate dairy products into your toddler meal recipes. According to the Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service nutritional guide, children up to 2 years old should consume whole-milk products. Children from ages 2 through 5 should consume low-fat dairy products. For a healthful vegetarian toddler meal that allows children to play with their food, blend together low-fat cottage cheese and a sprinkle of garlic salt. Serve this simple spread with carrot sticks for dipping or lettuce and spinach leaves that children can wrap around the spread to create tacos. For dessert, serve berries topped with a dollop of vanilla yogurt and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
Vegan
A plant-based vegan diet offers many options for toddler meals. Try a protein-dense recipe such as homemade lentil or split pea soup, beginning with a base of sauteed vegetables and adding your legume of choice. Sneak in some extra vitamins by sprinkling in finely chopped carrots and green beans. Serve the soup with whole-grain crackers or toast. For dessert, mix up a frozen banana shake. Blend together frozen banana chunks and a splash of soy milk for a creamy, custardlike treat.
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