In recent years, the plethora of nutritional studies linking the intake of large amount of meat with certain chronic diseases has caused an increase in the number of proclaimed vegetarians, and semi-vegetarians. Because many of these people are just like us, parents wanting to optimize our health and hoping to extend our years, we end up changing the nature of the diet for the entire household, kids included. Meat contains lots of important nutrients that are harder to come by from other sources. Nutrients like protein, iron, zinc, folate, vitamin B12, thiamin and essential fatty acids. On the other hand, meat also supplies lots of saturated fats and cholesterol that can lead to clogged arteries and heart disease.
Meat provides a concentrated source of complete, high quality protein.
On the other hand, the proper combination of vegetable proteins can provide us with the same quality. The decision to exclude meat from your diet has neither a positive or negative health impact. How you choose to exclude it can. Parents rightfully worry that a young child may not grow as well without meat in their diet to supply the necessary protein and energy. Deciding to raise your child as a vegetarian should be a well studied and thought out decision accompanied by a high level of motivation.