Vegetarian protein sources other than dairy and pulses

[HensMum]

We're vegetarian and bringing DS up meat free too. He's 21 months and a generally good eater. He loves beans and pulses in all forms and is a huge fan of cheese too. However, because he likes those so much I've come to rely on them a bit and I'd like to give him some other sources of protein - especially ones that are lower fat than cheese.

DP and I eat too much Quorn and DS gets it at nursery too so I'd like to avoid that. We're also avoiding nuts until DS is three due to a family history of allergies.

What else can I try? What's good to do with tofu? I've only ever stir-fried it and can't imagine that DS would be too keen on that.

[Thunderduck]

You could try quinoa.

[Cies]

Do you eat eggs?

[HensMum]

Sorry, meant to say, he likes eggs too and probably has some kind of egg dish a couple of times a week.

Good idea about the quinoa, thanks. I've got some kicking around somewhere I think...

[alarkaspree]

Mushrooms are high in protein.

[MrsTittleMouse]

Nuts are high in protein too - although not low in fat, obviously. I was a bit concerned about giving nuts, but by two then ground or sliced nuts are fine (no choking hazard). You have to be more careful if there are allergies in the family. We do have allergies in our family so I first gave DD1 nuts at a family party in a house near a hospital. I reckoned that there were plenty of adults to look after DD2 while we could get DD1 to a paediatric A&E pronto.

[oneplusone]

It's very hard, you seem to be already trying all the options. Why are you vegetarian? If I were you I would offer your son the option of eating meat, chicken and fish. I was brought up veggie by my veggie parents and i really resent them now for imposing their choices on me as a child. I wouldn't want your son to feel the same way about you.

[Sputnik]

I wouldn't worry about fat in a child that young unless you think he has a weight problem. You could also up the number of eggs too, they no longer advise against eating lots of eggs.

[HensMum]

He's chunky. I do worry about the amount of saturated fat he gets from cheese. I'm taking him to clinic tomorrow for the first time in yonks so will see how he gets on. Last time he was weighed he was on the 98% centile! He's a big lad and while I know that children need more fat than adults I don't want have too much as it sets bad habits for when he's older IYKWIM.

oneplusone, I'm vegetarian for moral reasons, DP just doesn't like meat. We've had many discussions about DS's diet and we're happy all being veggies. We'll let DS decide what he wants to eat when he's old enough to decide.

[nickytwotimes]

We use loads of Quorn and soya based stuff.

Have you tried the Vegetarian Society for recipes? I never really took to Tofu, but there must be piles of recipes on the web?

Oneplus, if you do give a kid meat then you are also making a moral choice. I believe there was a thread about this last week.

[nickytwotimes]

Oh, and maybe the less fatty cheeses would be good too? Edam is medium fat, there's feta, ricotta, etc, etc.

[nickytwotimes]

Oh, bloody hell, that thread is still going! Leave them to it.

[GrapefruitMoon]

Pasta made from durum wheat has protein in it but don't know how much.

[nickytwotimes]

Some good links to recipes here, including tofu

[HensMum]

Thanks, will have a look at those recipes.

[BintOfBohemia]

Houmous is a superfood, and beans on toast is a perfect protein. Cauldron sausages are made with tofu.

TBH most people eat more protein that they need without realising it. If you can combine some kind of vitamin C with the protein (tomato and pepper omelette, orange juice with scrambled eggs, that kind of thing) it will make sure that the iron and vitamins are absorbed more easily.

HTH!