Moms with vegetarian kids...

[Mommy2ZOEBETH]

I need your help.

Last night after fighting with my DD for the millionth time about eating meat, she told me she HATES it and doesn't want to eat meat anymore because she doesn't want to eat animals...it makes her sad....And its gross.

That broke my heart really even though DF and I do eat meat.

We then went into an in depth discussion about how some people don't eat animals and that's okay and if she wants to be a vegetarian we will let her BUT we have to find some more creative ways for her to get enough protein in her diet.

So if you or your kids are vegetarian,what are some high protein foods that you use as staples to make sure they get enough?

[SarahSue87]

BUMP!

[AjCeCeMom]

See if you can find gardein in your grocery store, its a very easy meat replacement thats not as processed as some of the others out there and its actually pretty good.

Chances are she's getting quality protein if she's eating quality grains (quinoa, buckwheat, millet, amaranth) and vegetables.

We eat a lot of beans and tofu, lots of indian dishes are vegetarian if she likes spicy foods.

We aren't vegetarian but eat very little meat.

[Adelicious]

First of all, most Americans get TOO MUCH protein. The good news is, protein requirements are much lower than most people think. It is not at all difficult to get it on a vegetarian diet!

Here are some good sources of protein: 

legumes (beans, peas, lentils...)

Nuts and seeds

Some grains (like quinoa)

Alternative meats (made of vegetable protein. Not super healthy)

Soy (milk, tofu, edamame, meat substitutes...)

Dairy (although even vegans, who use no animal products, can get enough protein without thinking too much about it)

Good luck!

[chickensmommy]

Lots of beans. Peanut butter... Not a whole lot of tofu

[Adelicious]

Why not tofu?

Quoting chickensmommy:

Lots of beans. Peanut butter... Not a whole lot of tofu

[annelauer]

It's really easy!  Just mix a legume with a whole grain.  So, beans or lentils with brown rice, quinoa, etc.  Or edamame.  Or you can substitute meat with tofu, it will soak up any flavor in any dish so it's yummy in anything.  Just make sure that you are serving whole grains with your alternative proteins and you will be golden.  You'll get used to it quickly.  And maybe eventually your whole family will choose to go down that path.

[savedbygrace316]

I'd like to know too.  DS is almost three and eats very little meat.  He can't have eggs or nuts due to allergies.

[veganistic]

Beans, beans and brown rice, quinoa... bump

[laurenb1]

Nuts, grains, soy protein such as tofu, the natural food section has lots of meat alternative brands like Morningstar, gardein, smart (dogs, bacon etc)... There are cheese alternatives too that are soy based or rice based. Milk alternatives are almond, hemp, oat, soy, rice, coconut, etc. lentils ate high in protein. I make a soup in the crock pot with veggies, beans, lentils, vegetable broth, and spices.. It's very yummy. Watch out for gelatin and rennet which are in some products you wouldn't expect them to be in.

[chickensmommy]

Too much soy is not good for you.. For me it can affect my thyroid medication.

Quoting Adelicious:

Why not tofu?

Quoting chickensmommy:

Lots of beans. Peanut butter... Not a whole lot of tofu