A vegetarian is someone who doesn’t eat meat and instead get their nutrients and protein from plant-based food. If your child is a vegetarian, contact your family doctor, dietitian or Maternal and Child Health nurse to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need.
Many of the food choices below also can provide extra nutrition for toddlers who eat meat as part of their diets.
As most vegetarian food choices are high in fibre, ensure that you offer foods that provide other sources of energy. Try to include:
- dairy products (or certified calcium soy milk)
- eggs
- tofu and tempeh
- nuts and seeds
- avocado
- cereals and breads (especially wholegrain)
- meat substitutes e.g. lentils, nutmeat and soy burgers
- quinoa and other grains.