Issue Date: May 3, 2009
ParentSmart |
REYHANEH FATHIEH |
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Vegetarian kids, beyond PB&J
Use beans and veggies instead of meat to fill out your kids' tortillas.
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One in 200 American kids is a vegetarian, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates for the first time. Young vegetarians may be even harder to feed than your traditional no-peas-and-broccoli style of picky eater. To help you out of that peanut-butter-and-jelly and pasta rut, Joanne Stepaniak and Vesanto Melina, authors of "Raising Vegetarian Children," offer this fun meatless menu:
For breakfast: If preferred, scramble tofu instead of eggs. Add chopped veggies, turmeric and other seasonings to give the dish some color and zing. "It looks and tastes just like a vegetable omelette," Melina says. Or blend fruit with soy milk or juice for a drink on the go.
For lunch: Go for cafeteria staples, but choose vegetarian versions such as vegetable pizza or veggie burgers. "It's normal food," Melina says. "Kids want to eat what their friends eat." Celery and carrots dipped in either hummus or peanut butter make for a great afternoon snack.
For dinner: If you're feeding a family of both vegetarians and meat eaters, veggie burger crumbles make a no-hassle centerpiece. Use them in sloppy Joes and casseroles. Or try a taco bar, with meat and vegetarian options, including beans or veggie burger crumbles.
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