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August 01, 2010 |
Raising Kids The Green Way
by Jane Simpson
[Nov 18, 2006] Vegans exempt animal products from their lifestyle. This is easy enough for committed older vegans, but how to raise a kid with no milk, ice cream, chocolate, or candy? In today's, predominantly meat-dependent and animal fashion crazed world, it is certainly a challenge for vegan parents to raise their children. Fortunately, the years brought an abundance of information about vegan fashion, vegan shoes, vegan recipes, vegan lifestyle, and veganism. All that vegan parents need right now are determination and creativity to encourage their children to take up the vegan way of life.
The first hurdle vegans have to face is the question of feeding their children. There are lots of available food choices in the market today for vegan fare. Vegan recipes are not just salads; they extend to casseroles, baked dishes, and even desserts. Vegan ice creams, smoothies, and candies are now available in the market. These items taste just as good as the traditional dairy products minus the animal abuse. Children being raised on vegan diets won't feel any different from non-vegan kids. The trick is to include substitutes for popular kiddie treats so vegan children won't feel out of place with their non-vegan peers. Vegan dieticians recommend substituting tomato sauce with meat substitutes for regular meat sauces. There is a variety of soy cheeses and flavored soy milk drinks that are completely vegan without sacrificing flavors. Fruit waffles and juices are most welcomed treats. Meat substitutes in pork, beef, poultry, or fish flavors are available. Vegan kids would not miss out on the joys of junk food, except that theirs won't cause them acne and make them healthier. "Junk" foods like popcorn, baked potato and vegetable chips, sweetened dried fruits, raisins, and fruit chips are popular choices. Beverages like fruit smoothies and fruit juices are deliciously sinful enough to be considered junk food.
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