When Brandon and I decided to plant-base our life one of the first questions we asked ourselves was, what about the kids? While we would love for them to be 100% plant-based as well, we ultimately decided not to force it upon them. They are 12 and 10 years old and are accustomed to eating meat and dairy because that is how we raised them up to this point. My oldest daughter loves chicken, steak and hamburgers. My youngest daughter eats some meat although not a big fan, but she sure loves her dairy.
My dilemma.
I read constantly and am always educating myself on all things health and nutrition. I know the immense benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and I also know the impacts meat and dairy can have on the body. I chose plants over meat and dairy for myself because I wanted the best for my body, but yet I still let my kids eat meat and dairy? That might not make sense to some people and I have received criticism for it but here is the deal, I know my kids best and as a parent you have to manage personalities as well as diets. Forcing my kids to give up meat cold turkey and moving them into a vegan life would have done more harm than good to the healthy lifestyle I ultimately want them to live, especially with my oldest. So when I consciously decided to let them continue eating meat and dairy, I also developed a longer-term plan to transition my little omnivores into herbivores.
How I manage things now.
I don’t prepare separate meals. They still have to eat whatever I do (challenging sometimes) and meat is the side dish if I have the time to add it in. I buy them the cleanest meat I can – organic, grass-fed, no hormones or anti-biotics added. I use almond or coconut milk as dairy replacements whenever I can. Visit the farmers market often and have them help pick out the produce. Eating out is a mix of their favorite restaurants as well as vegan restaurants. Vegan deserts are always a hit because, well….. they love desserts and vegan ones taste amazing. Educate every chance I get and always keep eating vegetables and fruit the priority.
My longer-term plan.
It is my responsibility to nourish them, and raise them as best I can, and to instill good core values in them. I want them to live a food life that keeps them healthy and happy. I personally want that life to be a plant-based one so I set the example, educate them, and let them discover it for themselves, in their OWN time. I make learning about healthy eating benefits as fundamental as learning basic math so I get them involved in helping prepare plant-based food, and keep it fun and exciting – and of course, tasty! And yes cook them steak, chicken, and hamburgers if they want it.
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