I know there are kids out there that are being raised on a Vegan diet.
My two omnivores are not a part of that society. By the time I had decided to make the change in my diet, my kids were dedicated, unapologetic, steer-wrangling meat-eaters. That doesn’t mean, however that I can’t offer Vegan options on a regular basis. Besides, kids don’t care about a meatless plate so long as it’s something that they enjoy.
My kids are pretty well versed when it comes to a Vegan diet. My 8-year old, Grace, who I appropriately tag as “the thinker/realist,” is a proud Vegan supporter. She is what I call my “check-point” – always questioning if the things I put on my plate are meat and dairy-free. She makes it abundantly clear, however, that she is not interested in dipping into the pool of Veganisim. Shrimp and flavored hot-wings are in her words, “not worth giving up.” She shouldn’t have to. But since I hold most of the buying power in what enters our home and ultimately on her plate, I do present other meat and dairy-free options, consistently. Not only am I offering her a healthy, plant-based option, I’m expanding her palate. As a result, she has added several Vegan dishes to her favs, which rank right up there with her beloved shrimp.
My 10-year old, Madison is the “creative and passionate free-spirit.” She has earned the superlative, “Most Likely To Be Vegetarian.” Her compassion for animals and her distaste for 80% of animal products is undeniable. Last year, she poked her toe into the Vegetarian pool. It lasted a commendable 6 weeks but quickly faded, thanks a rekindled relationship with a chicken nugget. She is limited in what types of meat and meat by-products she will tolerate. She only eats eggs if they’re hidden in products; professing that an egg reminds her of a defenseless baby chick. Madison is quite often my guinea pig when I try new Vegan recipes. In fact, she searches for them herself on-line and presents them to me. So, it’s only a matter of time before she permanently joins Team Vegetarian.
In honor of my girls’ commitment to trying new things, I decided to send them back to school with a week’s worth of Vegan lunches and snacks. Since Back-to-School is synonymous for “fresh start,” I want to share those items with you.
Starting tomorrow and everyday this week, I will post a Vegan Lunch/Snack that you and your kids will hopefully enjoy as much as mine. My hope is that they will inspire you to switch things up. They’re full of vitamins, variety, color and flavor. I will post them the day before, just in case you want to go out and pre-shop for the items.
Check back tomorrow for, “What’s Inside Monday’s Lunchbox…”
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