Ask the Expert Series: Veganism for Kids and Adults 101

I believe that the ability to recognize the right food from the wrong is an important skill for children and adults alike in today's day and age where there is so much junk being sold in the name of food. The first rule of thumb for our children to develop good eating habits would, for us as parents, to be a role model to them. This is very similar to how we would set an example of honesty and humility to them by showcasing these attributes to them. If they see us being careful about our food then they will learn that from us and follow. Eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains (ex: oats, brown rice, millet, quinoa etc) , legumes (ex: beans and lentils), vegetables (starchy, non-starchy and leafy), fruits, nuts and seeds and minimizing or eliminating meat, fish, dairy and eggs as well as processed food is the best that we can do for ourselves and our children. This way, we can keep away from deadly diseases and lead a long disease-free life.

Traveling with vegan children is as difficult as traveling with non-vegan children. Just like every other family, before we choose a travel destination, we research a little about where we are going to stay, what we would see AND what we would eat. It is often easy to get some fruits, rice, pasta with vegetables almost everywhere. For flights, we try to book meals in advance. When we cannot, then I carry some nuts, bread, fruits, vegan biscuits etc along.

Yes. A well balanced plant based diet is the best diet that a parent can offer to their children. This diet will help them to have a strong immune system as children and as adults it will protect them from many chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, common cancers and many autoimmune diseases. I believe that teaching our children what to eat and what not to eat is as important as sending them to school.

Hi Andrew, mock meats can be of great help when someone is trying to transition from an omnivorous to a plant based diet. They sure can be enjoyed occasionally. But they are not a nutritional necessity due to the degree of processing involved in producing them. Therefore, I do not recommend that they be made a part of a regular diet.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also deduces that vegan diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle. It specifically points out that pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood and adolescence are included in this claim. Yes, there are specific nutritional requirements for growing children. However, these can easily be met with planning, something that is always highly recommended from physicians and nutritionists. Of concern to people are news stories that are widely shared when a child dies of malnutrition or illness. Headlines are quick to identify the family as Vegan rather than negligent. In any group or culture, there will be people who reject social norms, modern medicine and scientific research. As a result, some don’t respond appropriately to their child’s signs of failing to thrive. It is rather infuriating for the Vegan community to be blamed for parental negligence. The true virtues of Veganism include compassion for animals not disregard for the health of ou