Vegetarian Toddler

Some benefits to a lifelong, proper vegetarian diet include a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. The main problem with vegetarianism and toddler nutrition is making sure your child gets enough nutrients and calories. It can be challenging to develop a well-rounded vegetarian toddler menu that provides enough protein and iron. Iron can be found in many vegetarian-friendly foods. Kidney beans, lima beans, green beans, and spinach are all excellent sources of iron. However, unlike iron derived from animal sources, iron from vegetables can be hard for your body to absorb properly. But serving a vitamin C rich food with those beans or spinach can make the iron easier for your toddler to absorb. Some great sources of vitamin C include tomatoes, oranges, broccoli, red peppers, and cantaloupe. Your toddler’s healthcare provider can help you decide on a B-12 suitable for toddlers. Choose soymilk that is calcium-fortified, but be sure it’s also fortified with other nutrients that your toddler needs for good nutrition. See also: Vegetarian Christmas and Eating as much as you like while losing weight