“Vegetarian diets (offer) a reduced risk for several chronic diseases including obesity, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes and some types of cancer… Vegetarians often have lower morbidity and mortality rates. …Vegetarian diets offer disease protection benefits because of their lower saturated fat, cholesterol and animal protein content and often higher concentration of folate, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, carotinoids and phytochemicals…”
AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION.
There are many opinions on everything under the sun. Whether or not to raise a baby “vegetarian” is not being missed in the loop of scientific research and other varied opinions.
One thing that just about every one agrees with is that the health of children in America is on a steady decline. The hormone, additives, high levels of sugar and more are causes that have led to our children being obese, having high levels of allergy issues, absent from school due to increased illness, and much more. Most children do not eat the adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, and grains that will allow them to receive the proper nutrients needed.
In my reading and research during my pregnancy, I came to discover that the bottom line, is knowing how to feed your baby once he is born. This is the case not only for vegans or vegetarians, but for all parents. It is important to know and understand the nutritional needs for your family.
As far as vegetarian babies go, it is important to know what to feed them, when. Of course the best food for newborns is breast milk. The benefits of breastfeeding are priceless. They include enhancement of the immune system, protection against infection, and reduced risk of allergies. There are also many benefits for mom. If for some reason, you can’t breast feed your baby, then you should do some research and find the best formula for your baby.
It is important that as a vegetarian baby grows they receive all the nutrients they need. Vitamins and minerals such as “D”, “B12”, iron, calcium, and zinc are all important for the development of babies. For a more comprehensive look at the nutrition of infants and toddlers you can go to Vegetarian Resource Group or Vegetarian and Vegan Foundation online. These sites offer nutritional facts, truths, and guides to help those who have chosen to raise vegetarian or vegan children.
Whatever your dietary choice be, it is vital that they be a healthy and sensible as possible. I am not a nutritionist, doctor, or dietician. I do not write this to convince anyone about what to eat or what not to eat. I am however, a mother concerned about the health and care of her children. I am a woman who did some reading and studied some stuff to find out what is best for my family.
I encourage you to do some study and research. Find out what the dangers of too much or the wrong kinds of neat and diary can do to your body. Discover how to create a more nutritious and well balanced diet for your family. Find out what works best for the lifestyle that you lead.
Strive toward a healthier life!!
Other valuable links:
VIVA US Guide: The Healthiest Diet of All
Vegetarian Survival Guide
Vitamin B12 and Vegan Diets
Copyright 2005, LaTara V. Ham-Ying
LaTara Ham-Ying is a freelance writer, ministry founder, and the owner of Heznme Christian Network for Life and Business Development. Her goal is to be a resource for enhancing life one day at a time. LaTara can be contacted at lhamying@s2s4christ.org and her website can be viewed at www.s2s4christ.org . LaTara is known as a blog junkie and an information highway. She resides in Chicago with her husband, Rupert and two sons, Alexander and Brehane.
