Vegetarian Diets: Nutritional Considerations for Children & Teens

Dr. Ginger Kash on Vegetarian DietsVirginia Kash, MDVegetarian diets are becoming more popular, even among children and teens.  In general, eating a vegetarian diet is eating a plant-based diet and, therefore, avoiding or eliminating meat and meat products.There are different types of vegetarian diets:Semi-vegetarian: Meat occasionally is included in the diet, usually just fish and chicken, but no red meat.Pescatarian:  Fish and shellfish are included in the diet but no meats or poultry. Variations are a “pescatarian-vegetarian” which included milk and eggs or “pescatarian-vegan” which excludes milk and eggs.Lacto-ovovegetarian:  Eggs, milk and milk products are included, but no meat.Lacto-vegetarian: Milk and milk products are included in the diet, but noeggs or meat.Macrobiotic:  Whole grains are emphasized and vegetables, fruits, legumes and seaweeds are included in the diet.  Animal foods are limited to white meat or white-meat fish which may be included once or twice a week.Vegan:  All animal products, including eggs, milk and milk products are excluded from the diet.People may choose a vegetarian diet for different reasons. For instance, some may do it for health reasons, while others may not believe in eating animal products. While a vegetarian diet may sound healthy, it is still important to limit things like sugar-sweetened drinks and processed foods. It is also important to get enough protein in the diet...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - Category: Pediatrics Tags: Healthy Habits Source Type: news