My husband and I have been vegan for 8 years. We now have a son, who we hope to keep vegan. He just turned a year old.
I have done a lot of reading (online and in books) about vegan nutrition for children. I need ACTUAL advice, though - tried and true. We are new to Vermont and don't know many people. NONE of the people we know are vegan. We are surrounded by people who hunt or do other damage to the environment. I have spoken to a nutritionist, 3 pediatricians, and allergy MD, and a naturalpathic doctor. ALL of them tell me that I MUST give my son dairy and that I SHOULD give him meat. I even went to our local co-op and asked an employee if any other employees are vegan parents. She replied "No one here is vegan. Vegetarianism and veganism are not the trend anymore". WHAT!?!?!
So, here is my ultimate problem. My son currently refuses vegetables (he used to love them). I am sure it is just a food jag but, for now, he won't eat them. He loves fruit, starches and anything made from soy. SO...
- How can I get "good fat", iron, and protein into him (he can't have nuts)?
- The majority of his diet is soy (variations such as chick nuggets, "meat" balls, tofu, soy milk, Vegan Rella, etc). Now I am reading that to much soy is harmful for kids. What can I give him instead of all these soy products?
I would love practical advice from vegan parents who have been in my shoes. PLEASE HELP!!!
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