Angela Robinson is a work at home mom who is currently pursuing a career in freelance writing. She enjoys the challenge of researching and writing on topics such as home and garden, travel, education and health issues. Angela enjoys the expansion of knowledge as well as the flexibility that freelance writing offers.
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Healthy EatingSUPPLIES
- Fruits
- Whole grain pasta, bread and cereals
- Pure maple syrup
- Vegetables
- Applesauce (for sweetening)
- Soy products
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Beans
- Nuts
Overview
A vegan lifestyle excludes any product that contains or is made from an animal product. It also excludes anything made with white sugar. Even though vegan diets do not include dairy products such as eggs and cheese, your toddler will not be confined to a life of tofu and sprouts.
Teaching a vegan way of life to your toddler will provide them with healthy fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains to fill their plates instead. Planning a vegan diet for a toddler is moderately easy to accomplish if you know how to present the food well.
Step 1
Know what to prepare for breakfast. Teach your toddler the importance of eating a healthy breakfast by offering them a variety of breakfast foods to start off each day. Some vegan approved breakfast foods are whole grain cereal or pancakes with maple syrup. Add fruit to oatmeal in an effort to give it a different taste each time, or simply use the fruit to make a smoothie with soy milk.
Step 2
Plan lunches. Vegan toddlers will never miss out of eating bite size "chicken" nuggets when they eat nuggets that are made with soy. Cutting up potatoes and baking them in the oven is also a healthier way to serve your toddler french fries. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches not only provide a lunch full of protein, but it also serves as a well disguised vegan meal.
Step 3
Prepare soups or pastas. Whole grain pastas with tomato sauce offer a source of healthy carbohydrates for children. Vegetable or legume soups are packed with vitamins and protein needed for growing children.
Step 4
Snack wisely. Vegan snacks are considered a healthy choice on any diet plan. They do not contain unwanted fats and artificial flavors that other snacks contain. Serve your toddler snacks such as applesauce, fruit, smoothies or sweet treats made with fruit juice.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Even though you follow a vegan lifestyle, you do not need to forgo baked goods. Simply sweeten them with applesauce.
- WARNING : Consult your pediatrician before giving peanut butter to your toddler.
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