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Nurture Life","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/category/tips-how-tos/","Tips/How tos Archives",{"__typename":6,"id":114,"name":115,"slug":116,"uri":117,"seo":118},"dGVybToyOQ==","Toddlers","toddlers","/blog/category/toddlers/",{"__typename":12,"title":119,"metaDesc":19,"opengraphUrl":120,"opengraphTitle":121,"opengraphDescription":19,"opengraphImage":17,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":19,"opengraphModifiedTime":19,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19},"Toddlers Archives | Nurture Life","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/category/toddlers/","Toddlers Archives",{"id":123,"title":124,"slug":125,"link":126,"uri":127,"date":128,"modified":129,"content":130,"featuredImageForMobile":131,"featuredImage":138,"categories":145,"tags":151,"author":248,"seo":262,"__typename":169},"cG9zdDoxOTQ4Nw==","Healthy, Plant-Based Protein Meal Ideas for Kids","plant-based-protein-ideas-kids","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/plant-based-protein-ideas-kids/","/blog/plant-based-protein-ideas-kids/","2020-12-07T21:33:41","2024-08-12T12:44:14","\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether or not your family follows a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet, there’s always room for more veggies on the plate! Especially for active and growing kids, \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sources are rich in essential nutrients and tend to be a very good source of dietary fiber. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you’d like to incorporate more veggie goodness into your \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthy family meals\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we’re sharing some of our favorite ideas for veggie-forward and fully \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vegetarian meals for kids\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Your kids will see that protein doesn’t have to mean meat!\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>12 High-Protein, Veggie-Focused \u003C/b>\u003Cb>Meals for Kids\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plant-based can mean a variety of things from vegan, to vegetarian, to simply including more plants including legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Below, we’re providing nutritious meal ideas to fit all categories, broken down by their primary plant-based protein source. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Legume-Based Protein Ideas\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19490\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout-1024x737.jpg\" alt=\"vegetarian meals for kids | Nurture Life\" width=\"600\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout-1024x737.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout-300x216.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout-768x553.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout-1200x864.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout.jpg 1250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also known as “pulses,” legumes are seeds or pods. Common legumes include chickpeas, black beans, green peas and lentils. Try out some of these legume-rich \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meals for kids\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.forksoverknives.com/recipes/vegan-burgers-wraps/five-ingredient-veggie-burger/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Five-Ingredient Veggie Burgers\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These quick veggie burgers are made from canned black beans and rolled oats, and the recipe’s spice recommendations can be easily substituted with your kids’ favorite herbs, seasonings or sauces. \u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/#product-veggie-ragout-pasta-with-fresh-mozzarella-b0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Veggie Ragout Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A warm bowl of Italian-style pasta is always a hit with kids! Nurture Life’s signature red sauce has lentils smoothly blended in for a plant-based pop of fiber, vitamins and minerals.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.onelovelylife.com/slow-cooker-vegetable-bean-soup-gf-df-v/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Slow Cooker Vegetable Bean Soup\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This vegan soup features a hearty serving of Great Northern beans along with classic soup veggies like carrots and celery. Just toss the ingredients together and let the slow cooker work its magic.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Why Legumes?\u003C/b>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Legumes are low in fat and high in protein, and most legumes are rich in folate and dietary fiber. \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4608274/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies have shown that regular consumption of legumes\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure management and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Soy-Based Protein Ideas\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19492\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dumplings-1024x737.jpg\" alt=\"vegetarian meals for kids | Nurture Life\" width=\"600\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dumplings-1024x737.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dumplings-300x216.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dumplings-768x553.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dumplings-1200x864.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dumplings.jpg 1250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soybeans are technically a legume, but as far as plant-based proteins go, soy is truly in a class of its own! Popular preparations include boiled soybeans (edamame), firm or soft tofu and tempeh nuggets or slices. Here are some delicious ways to serve this versatile protein:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.noracooks.com/easy-baked-tofu-nuggets/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Baked Tofu Nuggets\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A delightfully kid-friendly introduction to tofu, these vegan nuggets are made from extra-firm tofu dipped in almond milk and breadcrumbs and then baked to the perfect crisp.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/teriyaki-tempeh-and-broccoli/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Garlic Teriyaki Tempeh\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This vegan meal is your classic beef and broccoli without the beef! It serves up a full serving of protein and veggies, along with extra fiber from brown rice on the side.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/#product-chicken-vegetable-dumplings-with-edamame-T4/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Chicken & Vegetable Dumplings with Edamame\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Our little dumplings are a great way to incorporate \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without going fully vegetarian. Our dumplings are packed with chicken and tofu and come with a side of pop-in-your-mouth edamame—giving your kids two servings of soy in one!\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Why Soy? \u003C/b>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike most \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sources, \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19145965/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">soybeans contain all nine amino acids\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that are essential for human nutrition. In nutritional terms, that makes soy a “complete” protein. Studies have also shown that \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5188409/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">soy may stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially in the colon. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Whole Grain-Based Protein Ideas\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19493\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mac-1024x737.jpg\" alt=\"vegetarian meals for kids | Nurture Life\" width=\"600\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mac-1024x737.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mac-300x216.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mac-768x553.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mac-1200x864.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mac.jpg 1250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By replacing your kids’ favorite refined grains with whole grains, you can easily increase their intake of dietary fiber and \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. To help \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/overcome-picky-eating-3-techniques/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">picky eaters transition\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we recommend mixing the accepted refined grain (like white rice) with the new whole grain (like brown rice) and then slowly adjusting the ratio over time. You can try this method with any of these whole grain-focused meal ideas: \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://damndelicious.net/2013/10/16/quinoa-chili/?crlt.pid=camp.wmtaXVPb2wva\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Quinoa Chili\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This vegetarian chili not only includes quinoa but also black beans and kidney beans for a triple serving of whole grain- and legume-based protein. Although this chili has quite a few ingredients, you can throw them all in a pot to stew for a fairly hassle-free prep.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/broccoli-cheese-wild-rice-casserole/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Wild Rice and Broccoli Casserole\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This one-pan meal is a deliciously cheesy take on vegetarian protein. The wild rice blend is balanced with spinach and broccoli for a colorful, nutrient-rich bite. Can’t find wild rice? Consider swapping in another whole grain alternative like farro or buckwheat!\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=heatable-meals#product-mac-cheese\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Mac & Cheese with Butternut Squash\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Our Mac & Cheese features whole wheat pasta tossed in a creamy four-cheese sauce with smoothly pureed organic butternut squash. It’s one of our \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/nurture-life-meals-for-picky-eaters/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">all-time favorite picky eater meals\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Why Whole Grains?\u003C/b>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole grains are packed with many essential nutrients, especially B vitamins and dietary fiber. According to researchers, \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3078018/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whole grains are associated with a lower risk\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of many chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and cancer. One of the most nutrient-dense whole grains is quinoa, which, like soy, has all nine essential amino acids.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Nut-Based Protein Ideas\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As long as no one in your family has a \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/big-8-allergens/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">food allergy\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, nuts are the perfect way to add a nutritious boost to any dish. Nuts contain valuable nutrients including heart-healthy fats and minerals including selenium (a powerful antioxidant).\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://simple-veganista.com/west-african-peanut-stew/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Vegan Peanut Stew\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Peanuts are a traditional ingredient in many West African dishes, including this vegan take on peanut stew. With all-natural peanut butter stewed in and crushed peanuts added on top, this dish has double the nut-based protein.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Homemade Trail Mix\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The best thing about trail mix is that you can easily tailor it to your kids’ taste while keeping things healthy! Try out \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://totaste.com/recipe/basic-trail-mix/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this basic trail mix base\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and add dried fruit, unsweetened coconut, dark chocolate and more.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://feednutrition.com/recipe/banana-bread-smoothie/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Banana Walnut Smoothie\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Freeze some bananas and combine them with almond milk, chopped walnuts and cinnamon. For a heartier breakfast smoothie, add some rolled oats.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Why Nuts?\u003C/b>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nuts are a lean source of protein that’s rich in healthy fats and dietary fiber. For a boost of \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, chopped nuts can be easily added to virtually any dish, from yogurt to soup to casserole to salad. When choosing nuts at the store, we recommend raw or roasted nuts with \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/reduce-sodium-sugar-intake-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">no added sugar or salt\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>What Are the Benefits of \u003C/b>\u003Cb>Plant-Based Protein\u003C/b>\u003Cb> for Kids?\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of the meals above are certainly delicious, but do veggie-focused protein sources really provide any particular benefit to kids and adults? The research is still ongoing, but there are at least a few benefits to incorporating more \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> into your family’s meal routine:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Short-Term Health Benefits\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Eating a plant-based diet will almost certainly increase the number and variety of veggies that your kids are eating on a daily basis, ensuring a well-balanced diet that’s full of essential nutrients required for physical and cognitive development.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Long-Term Health Benefits\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In general, plant-based foods are lower in cholesterol and saturated fat—and when they are higher in fat, it tends to be \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/faqs-healthy-fats-for-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the “good” kind of fat\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-for-kids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some studies\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show that plant-based diets reduce the risk for heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes and other chronic health conditions.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Environmental Benefits\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Factory farming is one of the biggest global contributors to deforestation, water use and methane production (a gas that contributes to climate change). Especially compared to beef production, \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/18/health/plant-based-diet-climate-change-food-drayer/index.html#:~:text=A%20mainly%20plant%2Dbased%20diet,fresh%20water%2C%20according%20to%20Springmann.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based sources are more sustainable and earth-friendly\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Is a Plant-Based Diet Right for You?\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plant-based or not, \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/protein-for-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">protein is essential to your kids’ healthy growth and development\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You can absolutely incorporate more plant-based proteins and \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vegetarian meals for kids\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without deciding to completely cut out meat or eliminate all animal products. Every child is different and has different developmental and dietary needs, and there’s really no “right” way to feed your kids. You know what’s best and most realistic for your family. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you do choose to go fully vegetarian or vegan, dietitians recommend that you keep an eye on nutrients that are less abundant in \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sources, especially vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, vitamin D and iron. You \u003C/span>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can\u003C/span>\u003C/i>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> get these \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Plant-Based-Diets.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nutrients from plant-based foods\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">—including whole grain bread, soy milk, kale, broccoli, chickpeas, lentils, potatoes, nuts, mushrooms and fortified milk substitutes—but they’re often present in lower quantities and may be more difficult to absorb than their animal-based counterparts. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Concerned about your kid’s diet? We always recommend speaking with your pediatrician about any specific concerns you might have. If you have questions about \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurture Life’s healthy \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meals for kids\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or how to incorporate more veggie-based proteins into your family’s routine, then please reach out to us at \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"mailto:support@nurturelife.com\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">support@nurturelife.com\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=conversion&utm_content=plant-based-protein-ideas-kids-20201207\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19494 size-large\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template-1024x448.jpg\" alt=\"baby, toddler & kid meals | Nurture Life\" width=\"1024\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template-1024x448.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template-300x131.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template-768x336.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template-1536x672.jpg 1536w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template-1200x525.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003Cbr />\n\u003Cscript type=\"application/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https://schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n  \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/plant-based-protein-ideas-kids/\"\n  },\n  \"headline\": \"Healthy, Plant-Based Protein Meal Ideas for Kids\",\n  \"description\": \"Whether or not your family follows a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet, there’s always room for more veggies on the plate! Especially for active and growing kids, plant-based protein sources are rich in essential nutrients and tend to be a very good source of dietary fiber. If you’d like to incorporate more veggie goodness into your healthy family meals, we’re sharing some of our favorite ideas for veggie-forward and fully vegetarian meals for kids. Your kids will see that protein doesn’t have to mean meat!\",\n  \"image\": \"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout-1024x737.jpg\",  \n  \"author\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Nurture Life\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/\"\n  },  \n  \"publisher\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Nurture Life\",\n    \"logo\": {\n      \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n      \"url\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/assets/images/signup/logo.svg\"\n    }\n  },\n  \"datePublished\": \"2020-12-07\"\n}\n\u003C/script>\u003C/p>\n",{"mobileImage":132,"__typename":137},{"node":133,"__typename":136},{"sourceUrl":134,"__typename":135},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mobile.jpg","MediaItem","AcfMediaItemConnectionEdge","FeaturedImageForMobile",{"node":139,"__typename":144},{"id":140,"link":141,"sourceUrl":142,"altText":143,"__typename":135},"cG9zdDoxOTQ4OQ==","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/plant-based-protein-ideas-kids/mobile-7/","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mobile-880x544.jpg","plant-based protein for kids | Kid-Friendly Vegetarian Meals | Nurture Life","NodeWithFeaturedImageToMediaItemConnectionEdge",{"nodes":146,"__typename":150},[147,148,149],{"name":52,"slug":53,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"__typename":6},"PostToCategoryConnection",{"edges":152,"__typename":247},[153,174,218],{"node":154,"__typename":173},{"id":155,"name":156,"posts":157,"__typename":172},"dGVybTo0MDEy","healthy family meals",{"edges":158,"__typename":171},[159],{"node":160,"__typename":170},{"id":123,"slug":125,"categories":161,"title":124,"excerpt":166,"featuredImage":167,"__typename":169},{"nodes":162,"__typename":150},[163,164,165],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"\u003Cp>Whether or not your family follows a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet, there’s always room for more veggies on the plate! Especially for active and growing kids, plant-based protein sources are rich in essential nutrients and tend to be a very good source of dietary fiber.  If you’d like to incorporate more veggie goodness into… \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/plant-based-protein-ideas-kids/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":168,"__typename":144},{"sourceUrl":134,"__typename":135},"Post","TagToPostConnectionEdge","TagToPostConnection","Tag","PostToTagConnectionEdge",{"node":175,"__typename":173},{"id":176,"name":177,"posts":178,"__typename":172},"dGVybToxMzgz","meals for kids",{"edges":179,"__typename":171},[180,189,203],{"node":181,"__typename":170},{"id":123,"slug":125,"categories":182,"title":124,"excerpt":166,"featuredImage":187,"__typename":169},{"nodes":183,"__typename":150},[184,185,186],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":188,"__typename":144},{"sourceUrl":134,"__typename":135},{"node":190,"__typename":170},{"id":191,"slug":192,"categories":193,"title":198,"excerpt":199,"featuredImage":200,"__typename":169},"cG9zdDoxODY5OA==","new-healthy-kids-meals",{"nodes":194,"__typename":150},[195,196,197],{"name":43,"slug":44,"id":42,"__typename":6},{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"Cozy Up to Our New Winter Menu","\u003Cp>As the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to introduce three new healthy kids meals to the Nurture Life menu. With these freshly made, oh-so-cozy winter recipes, we’re showing that the classic flavors of fall and winter can be nutritious and that your family’s favorite cold weather comfort dishes don’t have to require hours of TLC… \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/new-healthy-kids-meals/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":201,"__typename":144},{"sourceUrl":202,"__typename":135},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Holiday-meals-blog-header-V2.jpg",{"node":204,"__typename":170},{"id":205,"slug":206,"categories":207,"title":213,"excerpt":214,"featuredImage":215,"__typename":169},"cG9zdDoxOTEwNw==","breakfast-for-kids-comparison",{"nodes":208,"__typename":150},[209,210,211,212],{"name":8,"slug":9,"id":7,"__typename":6},{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"Breakfast for Kids Nutrition Comparison","\u003Cp>Whether your kids are curious toddlers or active preteens, the best way to start the day is a nutritious breakfast. But let’s be honest; when everyone is hustling and bustling to start the day on time, convenience matters, too! To help you find the right balance of convenience for parents and well-balanced nutrition for kids,… \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/breakfast-for-kids-comparison/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":216,"__typename":144},{"sourceUrl":217,"__typename":135},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/breakfast-comparison-desktop.jpg",{"node":219,"__typename":173},{"id":220,"name":221,"posts":222,"__typename":172},"dGVybTozMzg0","plant-based protein",{"edges":223,"__typename":171},[224,233],{"node":225,"__typename":170},{"id":123,"slug":125,"categories":226,"title":124,"excerpt":166,"featuredImage":231,"__typename":169},{"nodes":227,"__typename":150},[228,229,230],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":232,"__typename":144},{"sourceUrl":134,"__typename":135},{"node":234,"__typename":170},{"id":235,"slug":236,"categories":237,"title":242,"excerpt":243,"featuredImage":244,"__typename":169},"cG9zdDoxODU0Mw==","protein-for-kids",{"nodes":238,"__typename":150},[239,240,241],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"Top 6 Parent FAQs on Protein for Kids","\u003Cp>Powders, snack bars, cereals, ice cream and even gummy bears: It’s nearly impossible to walk down a grocery store aisle without coming across some new high-protein “must-have.” If you’re like many parents, you may be wondering how much is gimmick and how much is science—especially when it comes to our kids, who certainly do need… \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/protein-for-kids/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":245,"__typename":144},{"sourceUrl":246,"__typename":135},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/header-FINAL-Protein-FAQs.jpg","PostToTagConnection",{"node":249,"__typename":261},{"authorMeta":250,"name":255,"description":256,"avatar":257,"__typename":260},{"avatar":251,"__typename":254},{"node":252,"__typename":136},{"sourceUrl":253,"altText":19,"__typename":135},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/img43@2x.jpg","AuthorMeta","Lara Field","Lara has been working with Nurture Life since its inception, collaborating with the culinary team on the creation of all menus and recipes to ensure they are nutritionally appropriate and correctly proportioned for every age and stage of a child’s development and providing pediatric nutrition expertise to Nurture Life customers. Lara is the owner/founder of FEED—Forming Early Eating Decisions, a nutrition consulting practice specializing in pediatric nutrition and digestive diseases. Lara has over a decade of experience in clinical practice at two of the top ranked pediatric hospitals in the country, Lurie Children’s Hospital and University of Chicago Medical Center. Lara received her B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and M.S. and dietetic internship from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Lara truly enjoys the process of eating (and feeding!), from procuring the ingredients at various grocery stores and farmers markets, to organizing her pantry/refrigerator at home to make it easy to select healthy options, to preparing balanced meals with her children. Whether it be a decadent treat to a hearty, home-cooked meal, there is no greater satisfaction for Lara than enjoying food with her family.",{"url":258,"__typename":259},"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f9529e44f2106b72c3da8bb75f11fa0d7f564078b974e916a25b5c58e9fa101e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","Avatar","User","NodeWithAuthorToUserConnectionEdge",{"title":263,"metaDesc":264,"opengraphUrl":126,"opengraphTitle":124,"opengraphDescription":264,"opengraphImage":265,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":266,"opengraphModifiedTime":267,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19,"__typename":268},"Plant-Based Protein Meal Ideas for Kids | Nurture Life","Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or simply veggie-focused, you’ll find plenty of veggie goodness in these plant-based protein meal ideas!",{"sourceUrl":134,"__typename":135},"2020-12-07T21:33:41+00:00","2024-08-12T12:44:14+00:00","PostTypeSEO",1751870887166]