Being the only vegetarian in a home is not always easy. Having a child become vegetarian can be challenging for non-vegetarian households. But with mutual respect and open minds, these differences can be successfully dealt with. They can even open up some exciting new food experiences for everyone. Generally, having a vegetarian family member results in better food and nutrition knowledge all round, and often improvements in everyone’s diet.
So, accept this challenge with open arms! It’s a great journey.
Tips to try:
Cook the meat in meals separately and add at the end, after the vegetarian’s portion has been dished.
Make easy vegetarian versions of meals for the whole household, eg nachos with beans, falafels, curries.
Replace chicken in dishes with tofu.
Add beans, nuts and seeds to salads for iron and protein.
Use vegetarian meat alternatives, eg vege sausages, bacon, mince, burger patties, pies, etc.
Make large vege meals and freeze in portion sizes for a quick meal for the vegetarian family member when the main meal is not easily made veg.
Have the whole household embrace Meatless Mondays. It’s better for your health and better for the environment.
Find some good vegetarian or vegan recipes everyone in the family enjoys