Toddler loves cheese, eggs

[katie4780]

Our family has been converting to a mainly vegan diet. I have a 17 month old son, Conner. He still breastfeeds a ton. We haven't bought eggs or cheese for a long time, but we did last week. This week, the only things Conner has really wanted to eat are eggs, cheese, and macaroni and cheese! What do you do in situations like this? In the future, we probably won't buy these, so it won't be an option, but when I gave them to him, it was nice to see him really interested in his food for once!

[molly]

Could it be that he wanted some variety? Maybe he liked the eggs & cheese so much b/c they were different from what he has been eating? Maybe more variety in general is all he needs. Otherwise I'd suggest either buying vegan "cheese" or making scrambled tofu instead of egg or try that macaroni & "chreese" stuff. Probably better to stick with whole, unprocessed foods though, for his best health (his health being another reason not to buy the eggs & cheese anymore! sorry, couldn't resist). Anyway, good luck with the feedings & the diet transition! I imagine others here will be much more helpful than I am, since I haven't had a child of my own yet.

[SeattleVegan]

Glad to here you are going Vegan!!! I think Molly was right. He may have wanted some variety!!! Also most vegans just starting out haven't tried many new and interesting foods. I know when we started we were just eating veggie burgers and tofu hot dogs!! Now, a year later, we have tried many new types of food and have found some favorites.(Pineapple Vegatable Stir-fry is great) As far as buying eggs, cheese and the like, there are always substities! Macaroni and chreese is really yummy! It come's in whole wheat too!! Maybe your son just needs tastier foods. For the past month my daughter has wanted nothing for a main course except couscous. So I make up some couscous, steam some veggies, cut them up real small(she doesn't like big chunks of veggies) and then add some marinade or crushed garlic for some added taste.
When choosing foods for you son keep in mind that Vegan children are Healthier then non vegan children. The flu has gone around twice at my daughers Montessori School, and neither my daugher nor myself have gotten it. (Everyone else has) Remember... Vegans live longer!!! Good luck to you. Oh, do you have a good Vegan cookbook or two? If not, Vegan Planet is a great investment. It has 400 Vegan recipes!! Anyway, I'm rambling on here. Hope I was of some help.

Amanda

[Erin Pavlina]

I'll echo what Molly and Amanda have said, and also add a link to our products page. Go there to see a list of delicious vegan products, many of which are very kid friendly.

http://www.vegfamily.com/product-reviews/index.htm

And your idea to stop buying the eggs and cheese is good. You've both got to work to figure out what you can give him that he will find just as delicious. My 3 year old will down an entire batch of Tofu Scramble if I am not careful. I just buy the mix you get at the store, add crumbled tofu, and saute for a few minutes in a little oil. I also usually add a little salt and sometimes pepper. Anyway, she loves it!!

Good luck to you and let us know what happens.

[Sheree]

The first time I made this, I didn't say a word to my husband, he didn't know the difference and my 2 1/2 year old daughter loved it.

Vegan Mac & Cheese (w/homemade cheese sauce)


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Boiling Water...................4 C
Sea Salt........................1 t
Oil.............................1/4 t

Add & stir:

Whole wheat elbow macaroni......1/3 lb

1. Cook noodles until tender and drain (about 12 minutes)
2. Mix w/cheese sauce made up ahead of time (recipe below)
3. Place in Pam-sprayed baking dish
4. Bake until done at 350 degrees (about 30 - 40 minutes)

Cheese Sauce:

Cashews........................1 C
Water..........................1 C
Yeast Flakes...................1/3 C
Onion Powder...................1 1/2 t
Pimientos......................1/3 C
Garlic Powder..................1/8 t
Lemon Juice....................2 1/2 T
Ground Dill Seed or Dill Weed..1/4 t
Sea Salt.......................1 1/4 t

Blend above ingredients in blender until creamy smooth with no lumps
from cashews. Then blend in additional water/cornstarch mixture as
follows:

Water..........................1/2 C
Cornstarch.....................1/2 T

Bring to boil on stove while stirring frequently to prevent
scorching. When thick, remove from heat.

*THE ABOVE RECIPE IS FROM WILDWOOD HEALTH RETREAT RESTAURANT IN
TENNESSEE.

[go4green]

Hi to all the fellow Washington vegans out there, there seem to be a lot posting lately

I use to really love a big breakfast once in a while (before vegan) I missed eggs and cheese more than anyone. I have not missed eggs since trying the tofu scramble recipe in "how it all vegan". We love that, sometimes I even cook it for dinner-last night I threw in some chopped yellow squash and zucchini-yummy!

This recipe we were given here and I love it-quick-2 bananas and block of tofu in a blender, serve when creamy.

We know some non veg kids, and it seems that there is always chunks of cheese on their plates, and not much else. But then there is always some sort of bean and veggie on my daughters. Contrary to popular belief, our plate has more calcium and iron(and no cholesterol). Stick with your gut feeling, ditch the cheese, your giving your child the best gift of all-Health.
Jenna