5 advantages of plant-based diets for children
Plant-based eating has been widely accepted as a healthy way to nourish our bodies, but what about for kids? As it turns out, children may benefit from plant-based eating as well, and there’s no better time to set the foundation for healthy eating than childhood!
We’re sharing five reasons to consider filling your kiddos plates with plenty of plant-based foods.
5 Benefits of Plant-based Eating For Kids
Important Note: Always speak with your child’s pediatrician for nutrition-related questions or concerns as every child (just like every adult) is different and will require different dietary needs.
#1 Children Who Are Raised on Plant-based Diets May Be Healthier Overall
Some research suggests that kids who are raised eating a nutrient-dense vegan diet may have a lower risk of digestive-related issues, allergies, and even obesity. Here’s just one really important reason to encourage our kids to eat lots of plant-based foods.
#2 There Are So Many Other Potential Health Benefits Too
There are tons of other potential health benefits of plant-based eating. In fact, some research suggests that a vegetarian diet may lower the risk of diabetes and even heart disease.
#3 A Plant-based Diet At A Young Age May Make Eating Fruits & Veggies Easier
It’s common for parents to complain about their picky eaters not eating their fruits and veggies. But, when we introduce our kids to plant-based eating at a young age, it just becomes a healthy habit as opposed to feeling like you have to bribe your kiddos to eat their greens!
Make it fun by blending up colorful and yummy green smoothies and even making things like zucchini muffins or black bean brownies.
#4 You May Just Avoid Tons of Added Sugar
While you can certainly find high-sugar vegan foods at grocery stores, if you stick to real, whole plant-based foods, there’s a good chance you may reduce how much added sugar is in your kiddos diet.
Think about what the Standard American Diet includes that many kids are drawn to — sugary yogurts, high sugar cereals, and pastries (many of these things aren’t completely plant-based). So, when you commit to feeding your kids more wholesome plant-based foods, you may naturally start to eliminate some of these not so healthy picks.
#5 There are Other Healthier Ways to Support Calcium Intake Without Drinking Milk
It’s long been thought that drinking cow’s milk was the best way to boost calcium intake, but newer research has shown that consuming milk may actually not do what we once thought when it comes to bone integrity.
And the great thing about plant-based eating is that there are tons of super-nutritious foods that not only pack in calcium but other important vitamins and minerals too.
Here are some great plant-based calcium-rich foods:
- Broccoli
- Almonds
- Dark leafy greens
- Legumes
Fill That Plate Up With Plant Foods First!
If you are looking to add more plant-based foods to your child’s diet, consider starting by adding more plant-based foods to the plate before animal-based foods. Over time, you and your kiddos may find it super easy to eat plant-based, and if you’re in need of some done-for-you options on days where meal prepping isn’t possible, check out Veestro’s meal plans. Veestro offers plant-based meals delivered straight to your door, and there’s no prep required!
