looks like ds1 will become veggie - food ideas?

[popsycal]

he is 5 and a half and becoming more concerned about eating meat. He has started tp refuse meat on most occasions.

We are all meat eaters and tbh I rarely cook veggie dinners.

Vegetarians out there - can you offer me any advice in general? Meal ideas for the whole family and veggie alternatives for ds1.

Also what should i be keeping an eye on apart from protein?

many thanks

;

does he like whole grains? dairy products? eggs? nuts and seeds? fruit and veg? beans?

if all / most of the above, should be easy

I think your best bet is to cook more veggie food for everyone - it is healthy and cheap anyway

if everyone misses it too much, cook some meat to have on the side, eg cook pasta and do some chicken separately for anyone feeling deprived

does he like any of the veggie alternatives for days when you all want to have eg sausages?

Maintain a well-balanced diet. Protein is very important of course (try beans, quorn, eggs). Watch his iron intake too as you need to keep this up. Eat iron rich foods along with vitamin C to aid absorption. My two DCs have always been vegetarian and are in rude health. Check out the Vegetarian Society's website for hints and tips too.

Delia's spinach lasagne is a hit with everyone in our house. There are loads of veggie recipes on her web site.

All good ideas.

I want to eat more veggie meals as a family tbh - healthier and cheaper too. We eat too much meat I think.

He will eat whole grains to an extent but I must admit I have not been very adventurous with them. He will eat most vegetables and fruit but is growing increasingly fussy. He will drink milk and eat dairy products too. He does not like the veggie sausage I have tried (Cauldron ones I think) - he does love sausages so I would like to find an edible alternative.

Spinach lasagne - I do a delia one - loads of different cheese and pine nuts. Is it the same? I ought to check - mine is a tad expensive for regular consumption and I tend to make it when we have veggie guests for dinner.

Some good things to think about.

He likes pasta alot - I am sure there is lots of scope with sauces etc rather than my bog-standard tomato one!

Yes, same lagagne. It is quite expensive but always a hit.
You could make a bolognaise sauce with soya mince for the pasta. I also do spinach and cheese sauce.