Intro & Quest

March 18, 2005

Hi,

I am new to the group, I don't know exactly how this works so I'll

tell you a bit about me then ask my question.

I just decided to become vegetarian an I have a 15 month old

daughter named Marissa. I was a vegetarian (more for animal rights

than anything else) for about four years in high school and right

after then I joined the Navy and in boot camp all they had that was

veg. was peanut butter & Jelly so I ended up going off my veg. diet

and kind of never went back after that until now (though it has

always been in the back of my mind.) The straw that broke the camels

back was when my husband asked " When is Marissa going to be able to

eat real food like McDonalds? " that night I made up my mind to

become vegetarian again so I can be a good example for my daughter

not to mention all of the health benefits for myself and the

animals. I would like to try and feed her as much of a vegetarian

diet as possible (I don't want to cause a war in my house with my

husband, I think he'll be ok with it as long as I don't make a big

deal about it, go slowly and don't try to tell him what (not) to

eat.) Since I am the grocery shopper & cook I can work around him.

Does anyone else have the same situation? Any suggestions? I would

also like to know if anyone has suggestions for introducing tofu to

the baby? I want her to like it. Should I flavor it? If so, with

what? Any other suggestions for toddler food? She has issues with

choking on stuff (I guess every toddler has that) I am also a first

time mom and a little nervous about giving her solids (probably part

of the problem).

Thanks

Christi

March 21, 2005

Christi, first off, welcome to the group!

As far as introducing tofu to a toddler, I bought the medium version instead

of the firm. It seemed to be mashed up a little better in their mouth before

swallowing. When I first gave to my children, I did not flavor it. Also, if

you decide to flavor it with soy sauce, Make a marinade of water or juice with

just a splash of soy sauce. That way they are not gettig so much sodium!

Best of luck, Tracy

March 21, 2005

marissa,

welcome! the best thing you can do is educate yourself on nutrition. my

daughter and I are lacto-ovo vegetarians. I read " new vegetarian baby " by

sharon yntema (she also has one titled " vegetarian children " for later). I took

lots of notes and gained both knowledge and confidence that I was providing

healthy nutritious and balanced meals. I feel as though my daughter (almost 2)

eats healthier than most as I work so hard to provide a balanced natural diet.

The book that carried me through when she first started solids until now is Ruth

Yarron's Super Baby Food. I still use that regularly. She gives a month to

month suggestions of food to introduce to babies as well as many recipes for

tofu, beans, and even healthier sweets alternatives. I made Lill's first

birthday cake from a recipe from her book and it was yummy! I promise that with

educating yourself you will feel proud and confident and ready to take on any

critics. IT is a constant process that will be challenging and

incredibly rewarding. Looking back now I feel a strong sense of pride in how I

tackled it all.....I was only vegetarian a short time and my in-laws were the

worst kind of skeptic. But because I took the time to learn about nutrition and

consistently educate myself on new recipes/ideas I have a confidence and ability

that has resulted in many friends curious (and envious) and my inlaws no longer

question me. They see Lilli is healthy and happy and eats better than most.

Its worth it. I wish you the best. Stick with it. You can do it. It may be a

little harried at first but in no time you will carry the same confidence and

feeling of pride.

cheers,

lisachristimarissasmom <christina wrote: