Has Your Child Decided To Give Up Eating Meat?

Looking for some support and encouragement?

Your child has decided to give up meat and you:

• Think (or secretly hope) it’s just a phase.
• Tell them they have to eat meat in order to be healthy.
• Explain that once they start cooking for themselves they can eat whatever they want.
• Try to convince them to at least eat fish.
• Get stressed wondering how they will get enough protein.
• Worry you’ll have to create multiple meals at dinner time.
• Wonder how you will navigate the grocery store to buy vegetarian food.
• Think your family won’t be able to eat out or get invited over anymore.
• Debate how your child is going to take vitamins when they can’t even swallow a pill.
• Wonder how you will explain this new diet to family members

Here are a few ‘solutions’ that parents have suggested to me…

“I’ll have my child eat extra salad and side dishes”.

“I’ll just buy those frozen/refrigerated veggie burgers/slices/dogs/nuggets”.

“I’ll buy protein powders and make some smoothies”.

“I’ll make sure my child fills up on bread and pasta”.

You don’t want your child eating this way!

Many parents worry when their children decide to become vegetarian because they are not familiar with this way of eating. I am sure some of you hope it is just a phase your child is going through and that they will begin eating meat again soon.

Kids go through lots of phases as they develop and mature and perhaps declaring they are vegetarian is a way for them to exert more control over their lives.  For teenage girls it might be related to body image and weight loss. However, whether it is a phase or not, parents still need to ensure their children are eating properly for their growing bodies at any age or stage.

After 6 Weeks You Will…

• Understand how to meal plan vegetarian meals so your child doesn’t end up eating only side dishes and salad or veggie burgers every night.
• Understand how to do your grocery shopping so that you can have simple and quick healthy vegetarian food options in the fridge.
• Understand which nutrients you need to watch out for so that your vegetarian child will thrive.

Not sure I can support you on this journey? Here’s what mom, Charmaine- Richmond Hill, ON, had to say:

“When my teenage daughter decided to become vegan I had no idea what she was going to eat. Talking to Karen quickly put my fears to rest. She explained the basics of a vegan diet and helped me understand which foods provided which nutrients.  She has also been available for on-going support and questions. Thanks Karen!”

You will understand what it is to follow a vegetarian diet and have the confidence to shop the grocery store for healthy vegetarian food. Hey, if you keep good food around then your kids will eat good food.

You’ll be able to create healthy, balanced vegetarian meals that will ensure your kids have enough energy to focus at school, they won’t be hungry after leaving the house in the morning and you will know which foods to serve to ensure your kids get enough protein, iron, and calcium.

Providing you with a roadmap to better support your vegetarian child!

During The 6 Weeks, I Will Work With You to Break Through Some of the Common Myths and Struggles Associated With Following a Vegetarian Diet…

SHOPPING FOR VEGETARIAN FOOD IS EASY

You don’t have to go to any special or weird grocery stores to buy vegetarian foods. I will tell you what you need to have in your pantry and fridge so you can prepare healthy vegetarian meals easily.

VEGETARIAN DIETS CAN BE HEALTHY

Yes, vegetarian diets can be healthy, as long as you are eating properly. I will give you suggestions on how to make the transition to a vegetarian diet. You will also learn how to choose a good quality protein, even if no one likes tofu, as well as calcium and iron-rich foods.

There are lots of unhealthy vegetarian foods available so it is important to choose the good stuff.

YOU CAN EAT OUT ON A VEGETARIAN DIET

Not to worry your child won’t be eating salad every time you go out to a restaurant. I’ll give you some tips and insight into how to navigate a restaurant menu and which types of restaurants have the best vegetarian options.

YOU CAN GET ENOUGH PROTEIN ON A VEGETARIAN DIET

This is a big myth there are loads of plant-based foods that provide protein. I will give you suggestions on what to buy and how to cook these foods. Even if your child hates tofu, there are lots of options.

I AM HERE TO SUPPORT YOU

I know life is busy and you can’t afford to spend the time to research all there is to know about following a vegetarian diet. Well, you don’t have to, I can help!

Why Join My Program?

I am a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (TM) and mom to two teenage (yikes!) girls who, most of the time, follow a vegetarian diet. For me, preparing vegetarian meals for the past 30 years coupled with the Diploma in Natural Nutrition from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition has provided me with the insight and tools to support families whose children are vegetarian.

As a mom, I know the struggles with getting everyone to eat well. Hey, even my kids would eat pasta every day if I let them. I love taking vegetarian cookbooks from the library and trying new recipes. Sometimes my kids will eat them, sometimes they don’t.

As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) it is my role to support dietary and lifestyle changes your family can embrace.  RHNs are professionals trained in natural nutrition and complementary therapies, whose principal function is to educate individuals or groups about the benefits and health impact of optimal nutrition. I am happy to prepare nutritional information, meal plans, recipes, and other tips to ensure your child is thriving and give you peace of mind.