Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 Teresa, This is more about caloric intake, not veganism. Being a vegan or not eating meat does not make someone sick or faint. There are so many vegan things to eat it's crazy! My husband has been veg or 13.5 years, works a physical job, and is strong and healthy. But he also has a good appetite and eats until he's full. For example, tonight I made vegan fajitas. He ate four fajitas, along with a huge hunk of watermelon and a glass of juice. Last night we had sloppy lentils... he ate three of them, along with orange flavored beets, juice and cole slaw. I would suggest making hearty foods, like whole wheat pasta/rice dishes, mixed with good sources of protein (beans, seitan, etc.). Buy some vegan cereal bars that he can carry with him for an added pick-me-up of energy. I would also look for other sources of the weight loss and fainting. I am not at all trying to be offensive, but I spent two years working in a rehab center for teens. Often times there are other problems and they aren't evident at first. But you have to always look at the whole picture. I think it would be strange for a teen to go vegan, drop 10 pounds and start fainting and it's all because he took meat out of his diet. Is veganism the only big change he has made in his life...? You have to evaluate that... Possibly he is just not eating enough calories and needs to bump that up... JB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 Wow I wish I had your son's problem! :-) Well if you can get him eating some of the those " soy " cheeses & veg meats they make great sandwiches too. Carbs are always so easy to come by, breads etc. If it's fats he needs, avocado is a good one, cooking with olive oil (and you can also get a nice french bread and dip in olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a snack). I know your son is 15 but google Vegan Lunchbox and you'll find some great ideas for interesting foods that younger people like to eat. There is even a vegan twinkie recipe. I find that foods that " stick with me " more are heavier on the fats and carbs (which of couse is the stuff I'm supposed to eat a bit less of!) BTW maybe he can try some variations on the PB & J - I'm not sure where you live but Trader Joes has lots of Almond Butter, Cashew Butter etc. and you can do honey/bananas with it instead of jelly, lots of things. You'll get lots of good suggestions from the folks on here too. Good luck, it can certainly be done. . . I actually know a lot of overweight vegetarians (my husband calls them " junk foodians " ) Dee On May 8, 2009, at 7:47 AM, tesikohl wrote: > > > Hi All, > > My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been > reading and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a > vegan dinner. I also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged > him to drink chocolate soy milk and smoothies to add to his intake. > > BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the > past six months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and > fainted, hitting his jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly > missing breaking his neck or busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! > > He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some > strange underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's > taking a good multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have > vegetarian options, but those often have cheese, so he's having some > trouble getting enough calories at school, and he is so completely > tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which he ate a lot of at school > at first, that he won't eat them anymore. > > I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. > Fast. The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! > > thanks > > Teresa > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 Beans and rice, lentils and rice, hummus and pita or other tortillas for making wraps, Seitan (there's a bunch of recipes online for this - vegandad.blogspot.com has great recipes for baked wingz and other things). You can make a cheezy sauce (there's a great one in Veganomicon) that you can use over veggies or whatever - uses Nutritional Yeast (great b-12 source, and other b-vites, too). Tofu, you can freeze it to get a different texture - we make nuggets and bread/bake them and NO MATTER how much I make they are always gone! Probably good to have on hand/frozen. I know my son loves fresh/dried/frozen fruit for snacks. We also get some vegan cheeses and Tofutti better than Cream Cheese to spread on crackers or veggies for him. We do pizza with the cheeses too (I do a blend of the Follow Your Heart Monteray Jack and Veganrella Mozzarella and it's amazing - we also add veggies and/or fake-meats to it too or serve with a big ol salad). Oh, there's also pre-made things you might want to pick up for lunches for him since they may have only just a salad for him at school (I don't know what vegetarian options you have there) but he can take sandwiches, make a tofu-salad that's like egg salad, or what not) . When I was in high school, I knew lots of vegetarians who basically ate nothing but mac-n-cheese and they sure weren't healthy and got sick a lot. He still needs a variety of foods - just different plant based ones now. He might just not know what else there is to have, or his options at school might not be enough, since he is a growing boy. Hope this helps a bit. I wasn't sure what exactly you were looking for. Missie On Fri, May 8, 2009 at 9:47 AM, tesikohl <tesik wrote: > > > Hi All, > > My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been reading > and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a vegan dinner. I > also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged him to drink chocolate soy > milk and smoothies to add to his intake. > > BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the past six > months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and fainted, hitting his > jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly missing breaking his neck or > busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! > > He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some strange > underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's taking a good > multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have vegetarian options, but > those often have cheese, so he's having some trouble getting enough calories > at school, and he is so completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which > he ate a lot of at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. > > I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. Fast. > The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! > > thanks > > Teresa > > -- http://mszzzi.zoomshare.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/mszzzi/ ~~~~~(m-.-)m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 I would suggest you try hummus and pita with grilled vegies. Add a little extra oil to the hummus and gill the veggies in oil as well. This was one of my favorite veg lunches when I was in high school. It is great because you can swith up the hummus and/or veggies to get different tastes. Does he have a way to reheat things at school? If he does stirfries, pastas, indian food, and mexican food would be good to add to the rotation. Also avacadoes are great high in good fats and soooo delicious. Check out VegWeb they have great recipes and most are fairly easy to make. And one more sorce to check out is any book writen by Isa Chandra Moskowitz (i hope i didn't screw her name up to bad) she has great ideas and i really love her tempeh bacon recipe in vegan with a vengance. Good luck and have fun experimenting Amity , " tesikohl " <tesik wrote: > > Hi All, > > My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been reading and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a vegan dinner. I also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged him to drink chocolate soy milk and smoothies to add to his intake. > > BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the past six months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and fainted, hitting his jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly missing breaking his neck or busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! > > He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some strange underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's taking a good multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have vegetarian options, but those often have cheese, so he's having some trouble getting enough calories at school, and he is so completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which he ate a lot of at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. > > I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. Fast. The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! > > thanks > > Teresa > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 Hi Teresa, I'd think proteins, carbs and good fats would be important for him. How about bean/rice burritos, lentil and grain patties, pasta salads, avocado, nuts, seeds, fruit dipped in nut butters, hummus and pita and falafel, or even some fruit/nut/veggie/grain/bean salads? You could make these lunches and have him take to school with him, or he could take things like energy bars, whole grain muffins/bagels, fruit, veggies, nuts and trail mixes to school to snack on all day and eat a big meal with the above things when he gets home, if it's too hard to take those things to school. (I know at my high school, we had only 20 minutes for a " nutrition break " which wasn't even enough time to stand in line for food or get to my locker to get food.) And have you tried the recipes on Vegan Lunchbox website? They are delicious!!!! All that being said, I'd also look into other reasons for his fainting . .. . just in case it's not dietary. And if it is dietary, you might use that as a motivator for him just choking down a pb & j if nothing else is available. :-) Our 15-year-old niece switched to vegetarianism last year, and was very picky about foods in the beginning, but now they've found a series of foods that she likes, and add new ones all the time, and all's well now. Best of luck!! Lorraine On Behalf Of tesikohl Friday, May 08, 2009 7:48 AM new with questions Hi All, My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been reading and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a vegan dinner. I also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged him to drink chocolate soy milk and smoothies to add to his intake. BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the past six months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and fainted, hitting his jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly missing breaking his neck or busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some strange underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's taking a good multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have vegetarian options, but those often have cheese, so he's having some trouble getting enough calories at school, and he is so completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which he ate a lot of at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. Fast. The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! thanks Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 Hi Teresa! Welcome and congratulations on supporting your son! Avocado is a great food, full of good fats for brains. Avocado and tomato on whole grain bread with hummus or mashed beans is a really nutritious, calorie packed meal. www.vegweb.com is loaded with family tested vegan recipes. Off the top of my head, other options would be tofu salad, bean burgers or boca burgers, whole grain pasta and sauce with nutritional yeast. I am sure that your will get many wonderful ideas. Robin --- On Fri, 5/8/09, tesikohl <tesik wrote: tesikohl <tesik new with questions Friday, May 8, 2009, 9:47 AM Hi All, My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been reading and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a vegan dinner. I also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged him to drink chocolate soy milk and smoothies to add to his intake. BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the past six months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and fainted, hitting his jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly missing breaking his neck or busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some strange underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's taking a good multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have vegetarian options, but those often have cheese, so he's having some trouble getting enough calories at school, and he is so completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which he ate a lot of at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. Fast. The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! thanks Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 Hi Teresa, You are an amazing mom to do so much to support your son! The fainting episode sounds very scary. Bravo to you for trying to work this out with him! We are vegan at our home and my 12 year old son is also very, very thin. He is also limited by food allergies. I would suggest that you keep doing what you are doing to feed him a really healthy diet. Perhaps he could try to add more nuts to his diet as well as avocado. We eat lots of beans, grains, nuts and seeds. Although there is some debate about soy, it can be made into a variety of foods and I'd bet that getting calories into him is your main concern at this point. Some of our favorite things are refried beans and spelt tortillas with Spanish rice and garnishes (salsa, guacamole, vegan cheese), tofu dipped in oat bran seasoned with garlic and onion powders, then baked at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. We like this with mashed potatoes made with plenty of olive oil and peas. If you have a blender, you can make fruit smoothies and add a big tablespoon or two of almond butter. I use banana and strawberry, as well as banana, pineapple and strawberry. I add a little water and a bunch of ice cubes. I hope that all goes well!! Shawn --- On Fri, 5/8/09, tesikohl <tesik wrote: tesikohl <tesik new with questions Friday, May 8, 2009, 10:47 AM Hi All, My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been reading and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a vegan dinner. I also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged him to drink chocolate soy milk and smoothies to add to his intake. BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the past six months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and fainted, hitting his jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly missing breaking his neck or busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some strange underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's taking a good multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have vegetarian options, but those often have cheese, so he's having some trouble getting enough calories at school, and he is so completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which he ate a lot of at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. Fast. The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! thanks Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 Pasta, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, brown rice, hummus wraps with vegetables, beans, other nuts and nut butters, seeds, etc! On Fri, May 8, 2009 at 10:47 AM, tesikohl <tesik wrote: > > > Hi All, > > My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been reading > and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a vegan dinner. I > also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged him to drink chocolate soy > milk and smoothies to add to his intake. > > BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the past six > months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and fainted, hitting his > jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly missing breaking his neck or > busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! > > He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some strange > underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's taking a good > multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have vegetarian options, but > those often have cheese, so he's having some trouble getting enough calories > at school, and he is so completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which > he ate a lot of at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. > > I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. Fast. > The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! > > thanks > > Teresa > > > -- Regards, Vibeke " The most important thing to remember about food labels is that you should avoid foods that have labels. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 This is just an FYI. I thought I would share an experience with you that I had. My husband was sitting on the couch and got up quick to go after our son, my husband was very relaxed before jumping up after our son. (he was playing with him) Anyway when he jumped up, he ended up on the floor hitting his head on the chair. He had passed out. I was so so scared. While at the hospital (when he hit the chair he cut his head open and had to get staples) they could not find a reason for him passing out. He is a meat eater, athletic, and perfectly healthy. After many many tests they found out that because he is so athletic his resting heart rate goes very low (around 25 beats per min.) and when you get up quick like he did your heart does not pump the blood to your brain fast enough and as a result you pass out. It has been at least 4 years since this has happened, he still has to be careful about standing up fast and certain other movements. We have not had him pass out anymore though. So maybe it is not your sons diet at all that is causing this to happen...... Just a thought.... Michelle tesik Fri, 8 May 2009 14:47:36 +0000 new with questions Hi All, My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been reading and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a vegan dinner. I also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged him to drink chocolate soy milk and smoothies to add to his intake. BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the past six months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and fainted, hitting his jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly missing breaking his neck or busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some strange underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's taking a good multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have vegetarian options, but those often have cheese, so he's having some trouble getting enough calories at school, and he is so completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which he ate a lot of at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. Fast. The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! thanks Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 I can understand your perspective, but as a long term vegetarian, and vegan for over five years, I have no problem maintaining my weight. I did lose a lot of weight (intentionally) when I became vegan, but I had 100 pounds to lose! At this point, I've maintained that loss for five years, and have no problem finding an array of things I love to eat. Some suggestions we like: Fruit and soy yogurt " parfaits " . Mix oats (not instant) with soy yogurt, then layer yogurt/oat mixture with frozen or fresh fruit in a tall portable cup with lid. You can add walnuts or other raw nuts/seeds for extra healthy fats. You're on the right track with smoothies. You can pack a lot of fat/calories and nutrients into these. Try raw almond butter, frozen banana & soy/hemp/oat milk. add cocoa powder to make it chocolate. Beans! Make pots of chili or lentils and leave in fridge for quick meals. Your son just needs to find things he likes that work into his lifestyle. 145 is pretty thin for his height. I only weigh five pounds less and I'm a foot shorter! LOL Make sure he has some general blood work done just to rule out any deficiencies or imbalances, but I'm sure with a little tweaking, he'll get into a healthy vegan groove. J Best wishes, *^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Tara J Petite tara www.petite.net On Behalf Of tesikohl Friday, May 08, 2009 10:48 AM new with questions Hi All, My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been reading and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a vegan dinner. I also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged him to drink chocolate soy milk and smoothies to add to his intake. BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the past six months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and fainted, hitting his jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly missing breaking his neck or busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some strange underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's taking a good multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have vegetarian options, but those often have cheese, so he's having some trouble getting enough calories at school, and he is so completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which he ate a lot of at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. Fast. The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! thanks Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 Teresa, Thanks for being such a supportive Mom! You are a wonderful person for helping him in his new vegan life. He needs to eat more often and more calories per meal/snack without just drizzling oil on everything - that could lead to problems down the road. here are some quick ideas off the top of my head... Avocado wraps (a friend in a similar situation made sure he ate 1 avocado per day.) add bagged shredded carrots for crunch, some rinsed/drained kidney beans (or other favorite), mix a little poppyseed salad dressing or lemon juice (for tanginess & to prevent browning) in with the mashed or sliced avocado, (plus any other favorite seasonings or veggies that sound good to him) and roll it all in a big burrito size tortilla. use full fat fresh tofu - tofu salad sandwiches. Hummus as a dip for carrots, peppers or as filling for another sandwich or wrap- can vary it and get roasted pepper hummus or other varieties Baba ganoush as dip or filling Buy baked tofu " Thai style " , dice and add to Thai style pasta salad other flavors of baked tofu can be sliced and added to sandwiches Edamame Find a tahini based salad dressing he likes to jazz up veggie sub sandwiches or salads Almonds, Pistachios or other nuts - alone or in trail mix Tofu based mayo used to make potato salad - can be very filling Walnut-Flax-Sundried Tomato Pate sandwiches or on crackers If he likes olives- add a few of those to sandwiches, salads etc (some of these recipes I just approximate from memory but I can dig up the original recipes if they sound appealing) He can also keep packaged bars in his backpack or pocket to snack on as he needs to. I'm sure you've already reminded him - Whatever his motivation to eat a vegan diet - animals, environment, health etc - he doesn't do any good for his cause or demonstrate the viability of this lifestyle if he doesn't stay healthy. Good luck! Danita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 Hi Teresa, So sorry about your son's accident! It sounds like he should be checked out by a doctor, just to be sure it's not something else. Had he eaten recently? He should get his blood sugar tested (I know, kids LOVE blood tests -- NOT). I have experience feeding vegan teens. My son is 18 and in college and I have a 14 year-old daughter. Both kids play a lot of sports and are very active, so keeping them fed can be a challenge. They have both been a bit picky, but in different ways. Luckily, they both would eat nut butter sandwiches at school, so that was really easy to make early in the AM, EVERY AM because the schools here (Poway, CA) are terrible, food wise. My advise (go high on CARBS): Breakfast: Some sort of bread item w/ nut butter, or hot or cold cereal w/ full fat soy milk. Fruit. Tofu scramble is great on toast. My kids love frozen waffles (processed, but convenient). Make sure he takes a multivitamin in the AM. Maybe extra chromium would be appropriate if he's having low blood sugar problems. Also check the vitamin for a good source of iodine if he eats a lot of soy. Also vitamin D is very important. Lunch -- Tofurkey sandwiches or wraps. Add hummus, and avocado and salt and pepper to make it even more tasty. Make sure to include a banana, orange, or apple, some chips or some other snack. Maybe a luna bar would be appropriate for him at school. They are high in sugar and overly processed, but convenient, delicious calories with vitamins. Do you think he would eat a room temp bean burrito w/ salsa? Snack ideas -- refried beans mixed w/ salsa and heated. Serve with chips. Bagels, english muffins, toast, etc. With avocado spread w/ Spike seasoning (delish!) Almond butter or some other nut butter, and jelly if he wants. Fruit or veggies, cut up along w/ the above. Smoothies are also great. If you have a magic bullet, he can easily make a smoothie when he wants one. You can keep frozen fruit around to make it easy and convenient. Perhaps add a protein powder (not soy protein isolate). Dinner: Good source of concentrated protein like baked, sauteed or scrambled tofu, tempeh, veggie burgers or beans, along with pasta or grains or baked potato. How about tofu tacos (with beans and rice, guacamole and shredded cabbage). Try tofutti sour cream (buy the one w/o the hydrogenated oil) (Have you tried Earth Balance spread (margarine w/ no hydrogenated oils)? My son LOVES this stuff.) Steamed vegetables (include yams and new potatoes!) Drizzle with olive oil, add salt and pepper and Spike(?) Salad w/ olive oil and balsamic vinegar or lemon juice or his fave dressing. Veggie soup with beans is a great way to add vegetables and beans to the diet. My kids want simple meals like this. Don't encourage him to go too high on protein because it's taxing on the internal organs to digest it. Fill up on complex carbs. Since he's so skinny, he can probably to OK on some refined carbs (pasta/bagels) to add extra calories, but whole grains are best! Have you tried nutritional yeast? It adds a lot of flavor and nutrition to foods (soups pastas, gravies). It is usually available in the bulk bins at HFSs. " The New Farm Cookbook " is a great resource for getting calories into vegan kids. The Cancer Project has a free booklet on feeding vegan kids: http://www.cancerproject.org/kids/index.php The website also has a lot of great recipes. Good luck! I hope he feels better soon and I wish you success feeding him. I know it's a challenge, especially at first, but once you find a few meals that work it will become much easier. Tracy Tracy Childs Food For Life Cooking Instructor San Diego County The Cancer Project http://www.cancerproject.org The Cancer Project promotes cancer prevention and survival through a better understanding of cancer causes, particularly the link between nutrition and cancer. Through research, education, and advocacy, we are saving lives. Here is my recipe for tofuballs and spaghetti: Tofu Balls with Greens and Spaghetti Makes 8 servings Approximate cost per serving: $1.50 (vons.com) This rich, flavorful recipe is a healthy take-off on traditional meatballs and spaghetti. It’s very simple to make, satisfying, and full of plant-based protein and nutrients. If you don’t have a melon ball scoop, rough-chop the tofu into irregular, bite-sized chunks. It’s much lower in fat than its traditional counterpart and contains no cholesterol. If you have time, make the sauce an hour or so early and turn off the heat and allow the tofu to soak up flavor. ¼ cup water 1 medium onion, chopped 1 pound firm tofu 1 teaspoon basil 1 teaspoon oregano 2-3 15 oz cans tomato sauce or diced tomatoes or a combo 2 bay leaves 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic Salt and pepper to taste 1 teaspoon sweetener of choice ½ cup chopped parsley 2-3 cups (or more) chopped kale, spinach or arugula ¼ cup sliced kalamata olives (optional) 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional) 1 pound cooked, whole grain spaghetti or other pasta Nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan topping, if desired. Directions: 1. In a large pan, sauté the onion in the water until soft, using the cover on and off to help hold in heat and moisture. Add more water by the tablespoon to prevent burning. 2. Drain the tofu and use paper towels to gently sop up extra moisture if necessary. With a melon ball scoop, make tofu balls, adding them to the pan as you go. Add the broken-up remnants of tofu. Add the basil and oregano and gently sauté the tofu balls with the onion until they firm up. Add more water by the tablespoon if needed. 3. Add the tomato sauce, bay leaves, garlic, salt, pepper and sweetener and stir. Allow the sauce to cook for 20 minutes. 4. Add the parsley, olives (if using) and kale or spinach. Stir and cook for 10 minutes more. Before serving over cooked pasta, remove bay leaves, adjust seasonings if needed and stir in olive oil, if desired. Top each serving with nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan, if using. On May 8, 2009, at 7:47 AM, tesikohl wrote: > > > Hi All, > > My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been > reading and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a > vegan dinner. I also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged > him to drink chocolate soy milk and smoothies to add to his intake. > > BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the > past six months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and > fainted, hitting his jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly > missing breaking his neck or busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! > > He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some > strange underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's > taking a good multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have > vegetarian options, but those often have cheese, so he's having > some trouble getting enough calories at school, and he is so > completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which he ate a lot of > at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. > > I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. > Fast. The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! > > thanks > > Teresa > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 My husband has the same problem - he is vegan, very thin and struggles to maintain his weight. He just tries to snack often mainly on nuts (pistachios, almonds, cashews, seeds, etc). He also makes fruit smoothies to which he adds nut butters, sometimes avocados which are great for the high fat, coconut oil, hemp protein, etc. He also adds olive oil and flax oil to EVERYTHING (salads, soups, sandwiches, rice, beans, everything) - sometimes he just drink a spoonful straight. He also eats a lot of granola, dried fruit, sweet baked goods and drinks 100% fruit juice all day long - all those are pretty high in calories. I think the main thing is to get him to eat often - even when he's not hungry. Good luck! You could also try finding a vegan nutritionist/dietitian in your area that can offer further advice. Maybe get his blood tested to make sure he does not get anemic or is not lacking any other vitamins/minerals. Let me know if any other questions - my husband could give you more advice. --- On Fri, 5/8/09, tesikohl <tesik wrote: tesikohl <tesik new with questions Friday, May 8, 2009, 10:47 AM Hi All, My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been reading and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a vegan dinner. I also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged him to drink chocolate soy milk and smoothies to add to his intake. BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the past six months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and fainted, hitting his jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly missing breaking his neck or busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some strange underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's taking a good multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have vegetarian options, but those often have cheese, so he's having some trouble getting enough calories at school, and he is so completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which he ate a lot of at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. Fast.. The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! thanks Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 Oh...and he eats LOTS of carbs for his meals. He eats lots of whole wheat bread, grains, pasta, rice, crackers, etc. --- On Fri, 5/8/09, tesikohl <tesik wrote: tesikohl <tesik new with questions Friday, May 8, 2009, 10:47 AM Hi All, My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been reading and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a vegan dinner. I also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged him to drink chocolate soy milk and smoothies to add to his intake. BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the past six months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and fainted, hitting his jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly missing breaking his neck or busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some strange underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's taking a good multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have vegetarian options, but those often have cheese, so he's having some trouble getting enough calories at school, and he is so completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which he ate a lot of at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. Fast.. The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! thanks Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 Sounds like he might be anemic. You should take iron tablets with a glass of orange juice as the vitamin c helps absorbtion. As for fatty foods, always make sure each meal us nutrient rich and not empty calories as some fatty foods can be. Avocado is great source of fat. I'd say he needs to eat reguarly throughout the day. Send him to school with mix fruit and nuts for him to snack on. Can he take his own lunch? I'd say to take big lunch meals such as a vegan spagetti bolignaise that he can get reheated. I'm a strong believer in hommus as magic food! It can be added to anything! Good luck. I think if he eats more meals throughout the day than he will be fine. Ange. Sent from my iPod On 09/05/2009, at 12:47 AM, " tesikohl " <tesik wrote: > > > Hi All, > > My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been > reading and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a > vegan dinner. I also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged > him to drink chocolate soy milk and smoothies to add to his intake. > > BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the > past six months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and > fainted, hitting his jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly > missing breaking his neck or busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! > > He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some > strange underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's > taking a good multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have > vegetarian options, but those often have cheese, so he's having some > trouble getting enough calories at school, and he is so completely > tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which he ate a lot of at school > at first, that he won't eat them anymore. > > I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. > Fast. The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! > > thanks > > Teresa > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 bean burritos and enchiladas. vegan chili with cashews cooked in the chilli adds good fat and calories. add nut oils and avacado oils to his smoothies and oatmeal. drizzle them and sesame oil on rice and other asian stir fries. homefries with plenty of peppers onions, and mushrooms, cooked in healthy oil served with organic ketchup. make dips and vegan pates with nuts and beans to add calories and fat. i have a cashew mushroom nut pate recipe if you'd like. unita ________________________________ robin koloms <rkoloms Friday, May 8, 2009 6:44:49 PM Re: new with questions Hi Teresa! Welcome and congratulations on supporting your son! Avocado is a great food, full of good fats for brains. Avocado and tomato on whole grain bread with hummus or mashed beans is a really nutritious, calorie packed meal. www.vegweb.com is loaded with family tested vegan recipes. Off the top of my head, other options would be tofu salad, bean burgers or boca burgers, whole grain pasta and sauce with nutritional yeast. I am sure that your will get many wonderful ideas. Robin --- On Fri, 5/8/09, tesikohl <tesik wrote: tesikohl <tesik new with questions @gro ups.com Friday, May 8, 2009, 9:47 AM Hi All, My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been reading and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a vegan dinner. I also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged him to drink chocolate soy milk and smoothies to add to his intake. BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the past six months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and fainted, hitting his jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly missing breaking his neck or busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some strange underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's taking a good multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have vegetarian options, but those often have cheese, so he's having some trouble getting enough calories at school, and he is so completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which he ate a lot of at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. Fast. The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! thanks Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 Missie, please share your vegan nugget recipe. unita ________________________________ Missie <mszzzi Friday, May 8, 2009 5:22:14 PM Re: new with questions Beans and rice, lentils and rice, hummus and pita or other tortillas for making wraps, Seitan (there's a bunch of recipes online for this - vegandad.blogspot. com has great recipes for baked wingz and other things). You can make a cheezy sauce (there's a great one in Veganomicon) that you can use over veggies or whatever - uses Nutritional Yeast (great b-12 source, and other b-vites, too).. Tofu, you can freeze it to get a different texture - we make nuggets and bread/bake them and NO MATTER how much I make they are always gone! Probably good to have on hand/frozen. I know my son loves fresh/dried/ frozen fruit for snacks. We also get some vegan cheeses and Tofutti better than Cream Cheese to spread on crackers or veggies for him. We do pizza with the cheeses too (I do a blend of the Follow Your Heart Monteray Jack and Veganrella Mozzarella and it's amazing - we also add veggies and/or fake-meats to it too or serve with a big ol salad). Oh, there's also pre-made things you might want to pick up for lunches for him since they may have only just a salad for him at school (I don't know what vegetarian options you have there) but he can take sandwiches, make a tofu-salad that's like egg salad, or what not) . When I was in high school, I knew lots of vegetarians who basically ate nothing but mac-n-cheese and they sure weren't healthy and got sick a lot. He still needs a variety of foods - just different plant based ones now. He might just not know what else there is to have, or his options at school might not be enough, since he is a growing boy. Hope this helps a bit. I wasn't sure what exactly you were looking for. Missie On Fri, May 8, 2009 at 9:47 AM, tesikohl <tesik wrote: > > > Hi All, > > My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been reading > and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a vegan dinner. I > also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged him to drink chocolate soy > milk and smoothies to add to his intake. > > BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the past six > months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and fainted, hitting his > jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly missing breaking his neck or > busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! > > He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some strange > underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's taking a good > multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have vegetarian options, but > those often have cheese, so he's having some trouble getting enough calories > at school, and he is so completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which > he ate a lot of at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. > > I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. Fast. > The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! > > thanks > > Teresa > > -- http://mszzzi. zoomshare. com http://www.flickr. com/photos/ mszzzi/ ~~~~~(m-.-)m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 Dee wrote: " I actually know a lot of overweight vegetarians (my husband calls them " junk foodians " ) " I have to put my two cents in on this as well. Again, someone's weight has nothing to do with vegetarians or lack thereof. I know many vegetarians that could stand to gain and lose a few pounds. It has nothing to do with junk food. I don't know if you have read The China Study, but I think Dr. T. Colin Campbell explains it beautifully when he says (page 100): " Here's the clincher: only a small amout of calories needs to be retained by our body to cause significant change in body weight. For example, if we retain only an extra fifty calories per day, this can lead to an extra ten pounds per year. You may not think that this is a lot, but over a period of five years, that's an extra fifty pounds. " I think it's importan for people to really understand this point. If someone has extra weight on them it does not mean they eat junk food. They may eat very healthy, yet they are consuming too many calories. Weight is about calories in versus calories burned. Period. When you see someone overweight, be it by 5 pounds or by 50 it no more means they are junk foodians, than seeing someone underweight and assuming they must eat all health foods all day. Calories in versues calories burned. Nothing more. You know what 50 calories extra per day is? It could be two extra bites at dinner time, depending on the dish. Vegetarianism does not equate thinness and should not ever. If this is the case then most of the population of the country will turn their nose to it and see it as a restrictive diet where they won't eat much. Rather it should be celebrated as a humane way to live your life, regardless of your size. Jacqueline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2009 Report Share Posted May 10, 2009 So, on this Mother's Day, first I say " hats off to you " for taking your son's wishes seriously and trying to help him maintain his lifestyle choice. I ditto many of the other messages, but some things I didn't see. Have him try the " Primal Strips " (they're like vegan beef jerky's - - and there is another brand that tastes like pepperoni in a long thing plastic container- - two of my boys LOVE these). They come in all different flavors and are great for a quick protein hit. Also, I see that lots of folks recommended burritos, etc. If he (or you) don't have time to make these yourself (better, cheaper . . .) there are some frozen varieties available (Amys, etc. they love her non-dairy pot pie too). When I'm in a rush and don't have time to slap something together I pull these out of the freezer, two minutes in the microwave and done! Try different flavors here too (be careful when selecting to make sure the ones you choose are actually vegan). Check with the school system. Almost all offer a veggie burger - - but it might not be vegan. I am working through our local PTAs to improve the school lunch and snack programs (long process). But I have 4 kids, from high school to kindergarten so hopefully I can be instrumental in effecting some change. If they don't have a vegan version, lobby to get one (if your son will eat that, that is!). I have a 14 year old 5'11 vegan athlete (plays basketball and baseball) and a 6ft tall 200 lb. vegan husband. Neither has ever fainted! Good luck! __________ Click now for prescreened plumbing contractors. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTRHI8kAM7CrjOe6J3nS1gJyEmxd4N3\ rMuHE2Tw7BsJP1ihTb6yuy8/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2009 Report Share Posted May 10, 2009 I just got back from a day and night away and am SO grateful for all of the responses! I'll look at the websites that have been mentioned; I'm sure they will help. The point about going into a fasting state was a good one, and I will share it with him. We called him at 5 and he had been doing homework all day and forgotten to eat lunch... To answer some of the questions/suggestions: The boy loathes avocado, though in general he's a pretty broad eater. There is no access to a microwave at school. He doesn't want to bring his lunch, but I think we're at the " tough noogies " stage with that! We went to the pediatrician the day after he fainted, and our (very good) pediatrician thinks that the fainting was due to dehydration more than malnutrition -- which makes sense, since my son has never drunk enough. His blood pressure was low, though not dangerously so, and when he stands up his heart rate goes up enough to meet criteria for " orthostatic hypotension " which is just fancy medicalese for " your blood pressure drops when you stand up " . I'm a child psychiatrist myself, and I've explored with him his attitudes about eating/weight/body image, and I don't think it's a subtle form of anorexia nervosa, but the thought has occurred, and I am sure keeping my eye on him! Many thanks again, Tesi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 Just another thought it might be good for your son to read all the suggested websites and books too. If he gets a good grasp on his own dietry needs than it will be easier for him to eat properly. It should become a natural part of his thinking. I know for me, once I had the basic knowledge in my head it's just automatic that I think ok have I had enough protein today, where will I get my fats and vitamins. When I first became vegan I lost 30 plus kg. I was breastfeeding at the time too. To keep my weight stable I need to eat a lot! My housemate always gives me a huge serving of food because she knows how much I eat! I fall into trouble when I'm busy and don't eat enough. I can empathize with your boy because my university has hardly any vegan food on campus so I was not eating on uni days and lost weight when I shouldn't have. I now take left overs and try to pack my lunch when I pack my sons, but if I run out of time I know I have mixed fruit and nuts perminately In my bag. Breakfast is a meal that I never go without. Usually it's big! I have got into the habit of making a batch of stewed apple with trail mix and cinnimon that I keep in the fridge and add to our wheetbix or oats. If you put a bit of lemon juice on mashed avocado for sandwiches or dip then it will stay good through till lunch time. Again best of luck. I do think If your son gets educated about his dietry needs than he will be fine. Ange. On 09/05/2009, at 8:44 AM, robin koloms <rkoloms wrote: > > > Hi Teresa! > > Welcome and congratulations on supporting your son! > > Avocado is a great food, full of good fats for brains. Avocado and > tomato on whole grain bread with hummus or mashed beans is a really > nutritious, calorie packed meal. > > www.vegweb.com is loaded with family tested vegan recipes. Off the > top of my head, other options would be tofu salad, bean burgers or > boca burgers, whole grain pasta and sauce with nutritional yeast. I > am sure that your will get many wonderful ideas. > > > Robin > > --- On Fri, 5/8/09, tesikohl <tesik wrote: > > tesikohl <tesik > new with questions > > Friday, May 8, 2009, 9:47 AM > > Hi All, > > My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been > reading and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a > vegan dinner. I also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged > him to drink chocolate soy milk and smoothies to add to his intake. > > BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the > past six months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and > fainted, hitting his jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly > missing breaking his neck or busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! > > He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some > strange underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's > taking a good multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have > vegetarian options, but those often have cheese, so he's having some > trouble getting enough calories at school, and he is so completely > tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which he ate a lot of at school > at first, that he won't eat them anymore. > > I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. > Fast. The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! > > thanks > > Teresa > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 Hey Tara- Did you do anything special to lose weight? Just curious. I started out at 235, and since december I have managed to get down to 195, but I've been here for a month, maybe longer. I lost a lot of weight in college, but it was not at all healthy (eating disorder), so I'm struggling to find out what REALLY works for my body. On Fri, May 8, 2009 at 11:49 PM, Tara J Petite <tara wrote: > > > I can understand your perspective, but as a long term vegetarian, and vegan > for over five years, I have no problem maintaining my weight. I did lose a > lot of weight (intentionally) when I became vegan, but I had 100 pounds to > lose! At this point, I've maintained that loss for five years, and have no > problem finding an array of things I love to eat. > > Some suggestions we like: > > Fruit and soy yogurt " parfaits " . Mix oats (not instant) with soy yogurt, > then layer yogurt/oat mixture with frozen or fresh fruit in a tall portable > cup with lid. You can add walnuts or other raw nuts/seeds for extra healthy > fats. > > You're on the right track with smoothies. You can pack a lot of > fat/calories and nutrients into these. Try raw almond butter, frozen banana > & soy/hemp/oat milk. add cocoa powder to make it chocolate. > > Beans! Make pots of chili or lentils and leave in fridge for quick meals. > > Your son just needs to find things he likes that work into his lifestyle. > 145 is pretty thin for his height. I only weigh five pounds less and I'm a > foot shorter! LOL Make sure he has some general blood work done just to > rule out any deficiencies or imbalances, but I'm sure with a little > tweaking, he'll get into a healthy vegan groove. J > > Best wishes, > > *^*^*^*^*^*^*^* > > Tara J Petite > > tara <tara%40petite.net> > > www.petite.net > > <%40> [ > <%40>] On > Behalf Of tesikohl > Friday, May 08, 2009 10:48 AM > <%40> > > new with questions > > Hi All, > > My 15 year-old son became a vegan about 6 months ago. I have been reading > and learning to cook for him, and most evenings we have a vegan dinner. I > also have baked vegan sweet treats and encouraged him to drink chocolate > soy > milk and smoothies to add to his intake. > > BUT my son, already tall and very thin, has lost 10 pounds in the past six > months, and last night he stood up from the sofa and fainted, hitting his > jaw on a chair on the way down, and narrowly missing breaking his neck or > busting his head on the fireplace. Scary! > > He is a generally healthy kid, with good energy, so this isn't some strange > underlying illness. He's just not getting enough food. He's taking a good > multi-vitamin with B12 in it. At school they have vegetarian options, but > those often have cheese, so he's having some trouble getting enough > calories > at school, and he is so completely tired of peanut-butter sandwiches, which > he ate a lot of at school at first, that he won't eat them anymore. > > I need suggestions for higher calorie, interesting and tasty foods. Fast. > The boy is almost 6 foot 3, and he weighs 145 lbs now! > > thanks > > Teresa > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 13, 2009 Report Share Posted May 13, 2009 Tesi, I know the boat has done set sail on this topic, but I'd like to share a thought. Because you are working with a doctor, you may already be on to this line of reasoning: what is the ideal weight for a 6'3 " 15 yr old boy? To get an answer (not sure how accurate), I went to this website: http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/dieting/weight_height.html# I plugged into the KidsHealth BMI Calculator the height, weight, age, and gender of your son. The results came up " Your BMI is 18.1. That puts you in the 19th percentile, which indicataes you are at a healthy weight. The healthy weight range for your height and age is 134 to 190 pounds " . There was also a graph which indicated that while in the healthy range, the BMI wasn't in the middle, but much closer to being underweight than overweight. I'm not sure how accurate this calculator is, but it reminds me that if might be worth considering your perspective on what " normal " is. I think that perhaps we are conditioned from seeing so many people who are actually overweight that our view of " normal " is a bit skewed. Still, if all the variables are unchanged except diet and a person drops 10 pounds it is probably due to the change in diet. That can be addressed with all the great suggestions you got. I think it's just a matter of figuring which foods match your sons (evolving) tastes. Once you get it figured out, your son will not only look healthy on the outside, but he'll be healthy on the inside, too! - Alan , Teresa Kohlenberg <tesik wrote: > > I just got back from a day and night away and am SO grateful for all > of the responses! > > I'll look at the websites that have been mentioned; I'm sure they > will help. > > The point about going into a fasting state was a good one, and I will > share it with him. We called him at 5 and he had been doing homework > all day and forgotten to eat lunch... > > To answer some of the questions/suggestions: > > The boy loathes avocado, though in general he's a pretty broad eater. > There is no access to a microwave at school. > He doesn't want to bring his lunch, but I think we're at the " tough > noogies " stage with that! > > We went to the pediatrician the day after he fainted, and our (very > good) pediatrician thinks that the fainting was due to dehydration > more than malnutrition -- which makes sense, since my son has never > drunk enough. His blood pressure was low, though not dangerously so, > and when he stands up his heart rate goes up enough to meet criteria > for " orthostatic hypotension " which is just fancy medicalese for > " your blood pressure drops when you stand up " . > > I'm a child psychiatrist myself, and I've explored with him his > attitudes about eating/weight/body image, and I don't think it's a > subtle form of anorexia nervosa, but the thought has occurred, and I > am sure keeping my eye on him! > > Many thanks again, > > Tesi > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 Dear Alan, thank you for sweetly looking into the question and gently re-framing the weight loss! I had actually found my way to that site, and gotten exactly the same answer. If he hadn't fainted and nearly knocked his brains out on the brickwork, I'd have been much less concerned. Still, I am a pediatrician myself by original training (now a child psychiatrist). Though I try not to doctor my own kid, I do know that growing adolescents who are already thin really shouldn't lose that much weight that fast, as it can mess up other elements of metabolism! I think we've got him stabilized, though he still has a dramatic change in heart rate on standing, so I'm also going to look at the question of whether he could be anemic. He's getting 6 mg of iron daily in his multivitamin, and also getting B12, but I don't know if that 6 mg is adequate given the vegan diet and the fact that he doesn't eat many green/leafies and has always disliked sweet potatoes. He does, however, like chick peas. Anyone know how to find a good vegan-savvy nutritionist in the Boston area? Thanks again, Tesi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.