As a vegan parent, you don’t want to force a vegetarian lifestyle on your kids, but you want to help them embrace the culture. So, how do you help your kids adapt to a vegan lifestyle?
Involve Your Kids In Meal Planning
Most kids love creativity and fun, right? If you’re interested in helping your kids enjoy a vegan diet, make fixing vegan meals fun by making meals and dishes that they like together. You can also let them prepare their own vegetarian lunches and fun vegan snacks for after school. Parents who want to start out slow should incorporate more legumes, seeds, and nuts into their child’s diet each day.
Start As Early As Possible
Vegan experts suggest that it’s easier to add to a vegan diet than it is to take away food items. Again, add more vegan style meals and snacks to your child’s diet, rather than emphasizing what’s being taken away. In a meat-driven society, make it a priority to visit vegan restaurants with your child for an afterschool dinner or a weekend lunch. Furthermore, if pizza is a staple in your household, order vegetarian pies as often as you can as a treat while giving your child the option of choosing vegan toppings.
Slow & Steady Wins The Race
Are you transitioning to a vegan diet? The best way to help your kids adjust is to move steadily towards your vegan goals. Remember, small changes will make a big difference over time. Give your child’s palette the opportunity to enjoy different foods other than meat. Plus, be your best critic on vegan cuisine for your kids. Find out what meals will be a regular in your home based on what you and your kids enjoy eating. It’s very important to have vegan snacks on hand when you’re on the go to avoid cheating and going back to a non-vegan diet.