Veg Kids In LA Times
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The LA Times has an article out now about vegetarian kids. Since I was one, and since I plan to have one eventually, I have a particular interest in this subject. I hope others find these kinds of articles useful as well.
Here are some key points from the article…
Vegetarianism and veganism are safe for kids:
“As vegetarianism becomes more accepted and maybe even more common — and that includes the nation’s younger set — here’s the good news: Based on an exhaustive study review, the American Dietetic Assn. [ADA] concluded in July in a new position statement that as long as vegetarian diets are planned well, they’re safe for people at every stage of life: pregnant and nursing moms, babies, teenagers and just about everyone else.”
Here’s the link to the ADA nutritional paper on vegetarianism >>
Vegetarianism and veganism often offer health benefits for kids:
“Health benefits may come as much from what vegetarians do eat as from what they don’t. Studies show that vegetarians not only consume less artery-clogging saturated fat and cholesterol but also get more of certain antioxidants and vitamins, such as potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. They eat up to twice as much heart-healthy fiber, from fruit, vegetables and whole grains. They have lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure readings. And they tend to be leaner than meat-eaters.”
Vegetarian and vegan lunches:
“Unusual lunch box contents can make a schoolkid feel ostracized.”
This is true. I speak from experience. The solution here is to listen . It’s really just that simple. Find out what the kids like and what they want to eat and get them involved in the meal-planning. It might take a little more work than simply buying a Lunchables, but it’s well worth it. Remember, too, that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are as normal as you can get. And PB&J is also vegan!
Here are some resources for vegan lunches: 10 lunches, 3 sandwiches, and the recipe search >>
Here are some resources for full veg menus >>
Here is some information about improving the public school lunch program >>
Vegans who aren’t vegan:
“Restrictive eating among adolescents can be a sign of an eating disorder”
OK, I know a lot of vegans who do vegan education/outreach often hear, “I was a vegan for a while but I wasn’t getting enough protein.” While most vegan advocates respond with information about vegan nutrition, for me (and maybe this is just my experience and this isn’t the norm) it’s a big, red flag that the person used veganism as a mask for an eating disorder. I’ve just known plenty of people who starved themselves and called it veganism. They sort of care about the animals, they sort of care about the environment, they sort of care about other stuff like cholesterol or e coli or workers’ rights or swine flu… but mostly they just wanted to be skinny. So they refused to eat lots of things and they excused it by saying they were vegan. These people are not vegan. But they will hide an eating disorder by calling themselves vegan. If you’re a parent, look out for this. Don’t ever force anyone to eat dead animals or other animal products, but do get a little suspicious when they refuse to eat foods that are 100% vegan.
These kinds of articles weren’t in the mainstream press when I was a kid. Luckily, my mother became educated on her own by reading alternative press. This LA Times article is going to help some young people convince their parents that it’s OK to go vegetarian or vegan. For that, I’m thankful.
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