Children who follow a vegetarian diet can meet all of their nutrient needs when provided with well planned meals. Nutrients of concern in children following a vegetarian diet include vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, zinc and protein, according to the Nemours Foundation. Vegetarian dishes for children should be simple and provide a variety of foods.
Breakfast
All vegetarians limit their intake of animal products. But there are different types of vegetarians, and the type dictates the style of dish. A lacto-ovo vegetarian includes dairy foods and eggs, an ovo-vegetarian includes eggs, a lacto vegetarian includes dairy foods and a vegan eats only plant-based foods.
Some vegetarian breakfast dishes include whole grain cold cereal with soy milk; whole wheat pancakes or waffles with fruit; oatmeal with nuts and raisins; whole wheat bagel with peanut butter or a fruit smoothie made with milk, soy milk or yogurt.
Lunch
Children on vegan diets may have the hardest time meeting all their nutrient needs, according to Nemours. Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products, including eggs and dairy foods, and parents need to offer fortified breads and soy products to make sure the children meet their needs. Vegetarian foods high in iron include beans, fortified cereals, leafy greens and whole grains.
Vegetarian lunch dishes for children include cheese or soy cheese pizza; veggie burger; pita stuffed with humus; peanut butter and jelly sandwich; vegetarian chili; a wrap with cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, sprouts and cucumbers and vegetable soup with whole grain crackers.
Dinner
Children need adequate intakes of calcium and vitamin D to support growth of strong bones and teeth, according to Kids Health website. Sources of calcium for vegetarian children include milk products, fortified soy milk, tofu, fortified orange juice, dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli and beans. Vitamin D is found in fortified milk and juices. Vegetarian food sources of zinc include wheat germ, beans, nuts and pumpkin seeds.
Vegetarian dinner dishes for children include vegetable and tofu stir fry with brown rice; pasta primavera; vegetable lasagna; bean burritos; tacos made with vegetarian meat crumbles; veggie chicken nuggets with mixed vegetables; grilled portabella mushroom with roasted potatoes and onions; eggplant Parmesan and rice and beans.
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