Protein ideas for vegan toddler

[daisydaredyou]

She isn't actually vegan, but vegetarian and doesn't like eggs, and we've recently realised too much dairy wasn't agreeing with her so cutting that down.

But now I'm worried about protein, and nutrition in general. She's a fussy eater anyway so sometimes feels like she lives on bread and fruit.

Anyone got any vegan protein recipes or ideas that are a hit?

A couple of suggestions that work here. Cleaned mushrooms blitzed in a food processor make a great mince substitute. They absorb the flavour of the sauce cooked in (bolognese, curry etc) and quite high in protein. Chocolate protein powder to make milkshakes (fine in non dairy milks). Chia seeds added to home made rolls, pizza bases etc...hth.

DM always made me creamy mash- a lot of mash! It was only as I got older we realised it was likely the cause of my constant upset /dicky tummy. I don’t get it anymore, I’m vegan. I can’t eat things like béchamel sauce, feta cheese anyway without severe consequences. A work colleague is the same with chocolate.

I can’t advise on a toddler diet but will just add my G.P advised me to give DD a multi vitamin since there isn’t much goodness in our food anymore (DD eats meat and lots of veg) G.P wasn't interested and maintained she needs a vitamin regardless.

Have you not been banned enough times yet Emma? You’re either bullying mums for not breastfeeding or invading the vegan board telling people they need meat. Your last few threads were deleted as you’re a PBP so I’m guessing you’ll be deleted again soon. 🙄 Bore off.

Oat milk substitutes contain very little protein. They're just starchy water.

We have had real success with Deliciously Ella recipes, especially the creamy pasta ones that are made with cashews. Other popular dishes are Lentils or TVP in Bolognese, bean chilli, breaded tofu with sweet potato fries and peas.

There is a vegan parents Facebook group that is helpful and will give you some more ideas.

For snacks we go for hummus, plant based yogurt (frozen into yoghurt bark is one of my DD's favourites)
Tofu fingers with salsa, edamame and peanut butter on apple slices.

I wouldn't describe being vegetarian as 'a restricted diet' tbh.

It is with no eggs and dairy.

Chilli with rice
Chilli in a wrap
Chilli and corn chips
Chilli in a jacket potato

Everyone loves chilli don't they? This recipe is great

Meera Sodha’s vegan recipe for oven-baked tofu chilli | Vegan food and drink | The Guardian

Go for the highest protein non-dairy milk you can find. This can then be used to replace the dairy in any recipe requiring milk. You can get high protein versions of porridge, or add your own protein and fat sources to regular porridge. Nut butters are great, as small children do need more fat intake than adults.

Get this. It's brilliant cook book

Yes but I never said no dairy. I said we're trying to cut it down a bit, as she currently has a LOT.

I'm not vegan, but I don't like a lot of these rude and sarky replies to the OP.

She's here looking for advice about vegan recipes that include more protein and she's not interested in debating morals and ethics of various diets, so why are people who have nothing useful or positive to contribute about what she's asked for, getting involved?

I've never heard of this but looks great - thank you.

My then super fussy toddler would eat coconut dal with brown rice (and very little else, well McDonald's chicken nuggets and cheerios) we aren't vegetarian though she is now by choice as her sibling.

Worth a try, she basically didn't like bland food, she liked it topped with fresh chilli and coriander go figure.

We’re diary free vegetarians.

Tofu is great and very versatile, it can be blender to act as a creamy sauce, fried, coated, scrambled etc. With eggs, eggs could be potentially hidden in things, is it just scrambled egg she doesn’t like, or fried, boiled etc as well?

Beans are ideal, again, they can be hidden by being liquidsed into a sauce, made into ‘meatballs’ etc.

Theres also quorn too, look at the label as some do contain dairy, so you’re likelt best going for the vegan quorn options.

I'm not sure why you're getting defensive. If you have a toddler who eats no meat or eggs and is now restricting dairy, it seems wise to seek advice from someone who knows about nutrition. I would assume that's what you would want to do as a parent to make sure she's getting what she needs. It's not a value judgement, she does have a restricted diet compared to a child who does eat those things.

Mine loves nuts in a bowl while she plays/watches TV/ has a story.and quorn ham for easy win and vegan sausage rolls.she eats pots of humous with a spoon like yogurt.chia seeds and ground almonds as sprinkles on soy milk porridge for breakfast. Loads of toddler friendly options without needing meat.even vegan fish fingers are higher in protein than fish fish fingers.

Oh yes tofu, especially the cauldron one or if you have the one you cook first you can cook it in with the nutritional yeast all easy to buy from the supermarket and tastes yummy and very finger food friendly.and pancakes to hide eggs in.

How about goat's cheese

This is tricky because if she's having issues with dairy, you should also limit soya as the proteins are so similar.

Calcium is important but that means you also need to avoid too many beans as they inhibit calcium intake.

I'd say you need to supplement multivit but also calcium separately.

Nuts is a clear winner for protein but not a long term solution if they're in a childcare or school setting unless you force them to have nothing but nuts for breakfast and evening snack.

Please go and apologise to a tree.

I do a lot with extra firm tofu - highly recommend itdoesnttastelikechicken.com - I swear by her crispy tofu nuggets. From a former Texan meat eater who is now vegan and has veganised general home comfort foods.

We don't have quorum where I live, and I don't really do a lot with vegan meats but make a lot of rice/mushroom burgers.

There's also tonnes of protein in vegetables and high quality non dairy milks.

Good luck!

What are the sources of iron in this child's diet?

@Spaghettieis

no, nothing ridiculous about suggesting that Quorn has issues. What's ridiculous, is you not educating yourself.

im not engaging with you any further, so please stop @ me