FAMILY

Choosing a plant-based diet, s or a vegetarian diet have been shown to have health benefits, such as lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Switching to a more plant-based diet not only may have health benefits, but can be good for the environment as well. Meat and dairy production require more water and land, and this contributes to higher greenhouse gas emissions, which cause climate change.

General guidelines for a healthy plant-based diet may include:

Make at least half of your plate vegetables at lunch and dinner, choosing vegetables that are a variety of colours. Also aim to eat green leafy vegetables at least once per day.

Eat smaller amounts of meat or eliminate meat altogether from 1-2 meals per week for your family. Plant-based protein options that can create a filling meal include beans, tofu, lentils, and nuts.

Choose healthy fats, which can be found in nuts, seeds, avocado, olives, and olive oils.

Make fruit the nightly dessert for your family.​

We have a ton of recipes right HERE, using BEVEGO protein, so you can make delicious meals and desserts to keep your diet exciting!

It's worth bearing in mind that as your baby's intake of breast milk or formula decreases, you may need to consider supplementation – speak to your GP or health visitor about the Department of Health's recommendations for children under five years old.

Vegan diets tend to be less energy dense, so children need to eat larger quantities to get enough energy. We know that children typically have small appetites, so achieving their daily calorie needs can be a challenge. Adding healthy oils to food, such as avocado, olive, or flaxseed oil are key as they add more calories to meals and encourage the production of important fatty acids, which are needed for brain development.

Focus on the following nutrients from the age of one

Protein is a key nutrient for growth and development and is essential in every child’s diet. There are plenty of protein-rich foods suitable for a vegan diet, and these include a variety of pulses, beans and lentils which will ensure a good mix of amino acids. Grain-like food such as quinoa as well as nuts and nut butters are good sources of protein, provided your child has no allergies. Egg replacers are available in health foods shops and some supermarkets, and can be used in cooking and baking. Aim to include three portions of vegetable protein per day to ensure adequate nutrition. Each Scoop of Bevego Protein has over 20g of protein and tasted pretty awesome!

Iron is essential for the formation of red blood cells. Good sources of iron, such as pulses (including beans), lentils and peas, dark green leafy vegetables (like broccoli, okra, watercress or spring greens), wholemeal bread and flour, nuts, wholegrains and fortified cereals should regularly be included in their diet. Dried fruits such as apricots, prunes and figs are also good choices. By combining an iron-rich food with a vitamin C rich one you will increase your child’s uptake of iron; try orange segments on a fortified breakfast cereal or peppers with lentils in a vegetable casserole. If you don't like eating too much vegetables in a day our Superfoods would be a great easy option for you.

Required for absorption of calcium to maintain strong bones and teeth, vitamin D is found in a very limited variety of foods, with the best source being sunlight absorbed by the skin. Dietary sources for vegans are limited, so fortified plant-based milk, spreads and cereals are the best options. The Department of Health recommends that all children between six months and five years take a vitamin D supplement. The dose will depend on the child’s age. But, not all vitamin D supplements are suitable for vegans, so check the label before you buy.

These essential fats are vital for brain development and help keep the brain healthy and functioning optimally. They're also important for vision and heart health. Plant sources include chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp and walnuts. However, because plant foods are not the richest source of these essential fats, some vegans, including pregnant and breast-feeding mums, choose to supplement with omega-3 fatty acids derived from microalgae. 

Essential for the formation of red blood cells, vitamin B12 is key for brain and nervous system formation. It’s widely recognised that vitamin B12 is only found naturally in animal sources, but fortified breakfast cereals and some low-salt yeast extracts contain B12, as do fortified plant milks products. It’s important that a combination is included in your child’s diet. If not, a B12 supplement may be required. A reliable source of iodine is also important, and a supplement is typically recommended.

High-fibre foods tend to be very filling and can often cause children to become full before they've got all of the calories and nutrition they need. Opt for nutrient-dense foods that also contain fibre, such as avocados, nuts and dried fruits. Remember, its good practice to encourage children to brush their teeth after eating dried fruits to minimise the chance of tooth decay.

One of the main ingredients in Bevego protein is Inulin, which may improve digestion, promotes weight loss, improves mineral absorption and bone health

In summary, vegan diets can be safe for children as long as parents and guardians are well informed about the key nutrients required for growth and development. Furthermore, parents of vegan children must be extra cautious to ensure they're eating a balanced diet and seek professional guidance, where necessary.

You can find out more about each BEVEGO product right HERE