Since they are born, children eat foods that are almost always chosen by us, adults. They do not question what they eat until they begin to be aware, about four or five years, of the origin of these foods, what they actually eat.
Little by little we explain where they come from and that is when many children realize that our diet includes meat from animals. Your reaction can be very curious, as it has been This 5-year-old girl who explains to her mother why she won't eat meat again and be vegetarian, a video that has become one of the most watched videos in recent days on Facebook.
Children have a hard time understanding that those cute little animals they see on a farm, walking in the meadow or swimming in seas and rivers are consumed by humans. Capturing them, killing them and cooking them seems something macabre and incomprehensible. How have we been able to end this?
In a conversation with her mother, Zada learned that the meat she ate, such as chicken, veal or fish, was from animals. And decides to stop eating them. When her mother asks why, she replies: "Because they are animals. I like animals"said the girl.
What will you eat then? Asked the mother. "Everything you see on the table except meat," Zada replied. And fish? The mother asked. "Is fish an animal?" The girl asked. "Yes," said mom. "I won't eat that either. I won't eat animals," he replied.
Why don't you eat animals? "Because they are good. And we cook them, something that is not good. I know they don't like to be cooked in an oven. I will not eat meat again ", sentenced the little girl.
Vegetarian diet for children?
His approach is logical, most children have ever done it. I do not know if the conversation with the girl has subsequently changed her diet or if at home they already follow a diet without meats.
There are many parents who follow a vegetarian diet and this form of feeding is also extended to their children. A child can eat a vegetarian diet with all the necessary nutrients if the parents are well informed and the diet is well prepared with the necessary protein intake for their growth stage.
The child can grow perfectly healthy if iron and vitamin B12 are supplemented to avoid anemia problems. But if it is not properly controlled, eliminating animal proteins from children's diet can be very dangerous for their health.
