In this episode, guest Jodi Gruhn speaks about her work through Wholesome Minnesota in helping educational settings bring and implement plant-based options to students. Jodi also discusses some of the objections and insights she hears from school nutrition leaders. And shares ways parents and caregivers can advocate at their local school district to bring more plant-based meal options to all students.
Read moreEpisode 21 - Top Tips from 22 Years Raising a Vegan Family with Mistye Momon
Ever wondered how other vegan parents navigate certain social situations, like birthday parties or school events? I sure have. Navigating a vegan feeding journey can sometimes feel lonely and knowing what others do or how others handle certain challenges helps us not feel so isolated. In Episode 21, I invite Mistye Momon from Buttafly Kisses Vegan Treats to share some of the challenges she experienced throughout her 22 years in raising a vegan family—with five kids.
Read moreEpisode 20 - 5 Calcium-rich Foods for Vegan Kids
Calcium is a nutrient many parents and caregivers feel worried they’re not meeting in their child’s meals. It’s common to feel that way as it’s a nutrient that helps build stronger bones and teeth—crucial for support a vegan child’s overall growth.
In this episode of the Vegan Kids Nutrition Podcast, you’ll hear about a vegan parent’s concern in meeting their child’s calcium needs and what top plant foods you can incorporate at home to help meet calcium requirements.
Here’s what we cover:
>> Highlighting a previous newsletter article as part of PLANTiful
>> The story of a past client who felt extremely worried about their vegan toddler’s calcium needs
>> A feeding approach to move away from to relieve anxiety
>> My top calcium-rich plant foods that help vegan kids meet calcium requirements
Click here to listen to the episode
Links mentioned in the episode
>> Join over 8,000 parents receiving exclusive nutrition tips in PLANTiful, a monthly newsletter
>> Schedule a coaching call with me for feeding support
Episode 19 - The Problem with Plant-Based Products for Meeting Iodine Requirements
Iodine is a crucial nutrient for growing vegan kids; however, plant-based foods are not reliable sources for meeting iodine intake. In this episode, we dive into a recent study that looked into iodine content of plant-based products in the Swiss market. Using the data of the study, Karla shares her professional perspective of what our food system can do to support vegan families meet iodine requirements. You’ll also learn exactly how you can meet iodine needs at each stage of growth.
Read moreEpisode 18 - The Do's and Don'ts of Hiding Foods + Chia Seeds as a Picky Eater’s Nutritional Superhero
Feeding picky eaters can be a challenge and sometimes hiding foods in smoothies or mixed dishes is the only way to get them to eat that food they’re avoiding. In this episode, we explore the common feeding practice of hiding foods, what impact it has on your vegan child, and what you can do to help them broaden their food acceptance.
Read moreEpisode 17 - Exploring Parental Feeding Styles and Their Impact on Children's Eating Habits
A child’s eating habits develop during their preschool years, between the ages of 3 to 6 years of age, and how we approach feeding our vegan kids directly impacts their long-term eating habits. In this episode, I share my own eating challenges with my daughter based on the feeding style she experienced at her pre-school, how that differed from home, and what I did to turn things around so that she accepted (and eat!) more foods.
Read moreEpisode 16 - Is a vegan diet cruel and dangerous for growing children? Here are 3 Facts & Myths
Being told that raising your kids on a vegan diet is cruel and dangerous may bring mixed emotions. Which is why in this episode I’m debunking this myth and sharing the biggest industry who actually participates in inflicting pain and suffering—not vegan parents. You’ll also hear about how kids can meet iron needs and how meat and dairy isn’t needed. As well as whether a vegan diet is more expensive than an omnivore diet.
Read moreEpisode 15 - How Much Protein do Vegan Kids Actually Need?
Have you ever been asked where do your vegan kids get their protein from? Or wondered if your vegan kids need protein powder? If so, you’re in luck because in this episode you’ll learn what macronutrients should actually take primary focus on your kids meals. And spoiler alert…it’s not protein.
Read moreEpisode 14 - Revealed: 3 Reasons Why Your Vegan Baby Resists their High Chair
Feeding our vegan kids is a full time job and when you add other challenging elements to that task—like your vegan baby resisting sitting in their high chair—it only becomes more overwhelming. In today’s episode, I’m sharing three common reasons baby resists their high chair and what you can do at home to make meal times more pleasant.
Read moreEpisode 13 - Meeting Choline Needs for Vegan Kids
Vegan parents often feel worried that they can’t meet their vegan child’s choline needs on plant-based foods. In this episode, I’m share what choline is, why it’s important and the number one strategy to easily meet your child’s choline needs—even if they are a picky eater.
Read moreEpisode 12 - How I do it: Boost Vegetable Intake with these 5 strategies
“Getting” our vegan kids to eat their vegetables can often be a challenge for many of us parents. In this episode, I share with you the exact strategies I follow at home that have helped my daughter try and eat her vegetables. It involves no pressuring tactics, no fancy utensils, and no attention to the vegetables. Take a listen and let me know if you try one of these strategies with your vegan child!
Read moreEpisode 11 - The uphill battle of raising vegan kids
Receiving negative comments or being judged for raising our kids on a vegan lifestyle doesn’t always leave us in a good place. In today’s episode, I want to shine light on all of us raising a vegan family and how this journey may feel like an uphill battle sometimes but it’s one that it’s rewarding. And I want you to remember one thing that may help throughout your journey.
Read moreEpisode 10 - 5 Healthful Habits for Vegan Families
Raising a vegan family is much more than offering healthful plant foods. It’s about ensuring that adequate nutrition is provided to support our vegan kids growth and development. In today’s episode, I’m sharing with you the 5 healthful habits for vegan families to implement so that children healthfully thrive on a vegan lifestyle. Ultimately, whether you'll be starting to implement these habits or already following a few, you'll feel confident that you're doing everything you need to do to support your kids growth and development.
Read moreEpisode 9 - The Most Important Thing to Implement and Help Vegan Kids Try Plant Foods
It can feel frustrating to feed your vegan kids who may be selective or even showing signs of picky eating. Not only does it make meal planning a challenge, it also causes stress and anxiety around the dining table. In today’s episode, I share the most important thing you can do to help your vegan kids try vegetables—without the need to bring attention to their plate, the use of fancy or fun utensils, or even the need to initiate food play. I’ll be sharing a personal story that mirrors perfectly what we as parents often do just to “get” our kids to eat certain plant foods.
Read moreEpisode 8 - The 5 Things You Need to Successfully Start Solids with Your Vegan Baby
Oftentimes we focus on achieving the results of our baby being able to eat well and to handle eating at a certain age and when our vegan baby can’t meet that expectation, feeding becomes a bit frustrating. It becomes a negative experience for everyone involved in the feeding process. In this episode, you’ll learn how to create a positive eating environment for your vegan baby with these 5 things to have to successfully start solids—whether with Baby Led Weaning or puree foods.
Read moreEpisode 7 - How to Overcome Feeling Concerned and Meal Plan with Confidence
Meal planning for your vegan kids can sometimes feel overwhelming. Some vegan parents feel concerned that they may be missing certain nutrients, others feel stuck on what to prepare for dinner or even school-lunch boxes, and others may feel like they’re just not good enough, leaving them feeling concerned about their vegan child’s overall diet.
The truth is that you can have more clarity and confidence in meal planning for your vegan family. And in today’s episode, I’m sharing with you the stories of two past clients who had these same challenges around meal planning but worked their way to feeling confident.
Here’s what we cover:
A quote around the fears and worries a vegan parent shared with me
The story behind how Kim broke free from the anxiety around feeding her vegan baby
The story of how Fernanda found clarity on how to meal plan for her picky eater
The one thing you can focus on to move forward in feeling confident as a vegan parent
A simple strategy to simplify your meal planning
Click here to listen to the episode
Subscribe on Google Podcast
If you’re enjoying the Vegan Kids Nutrition Podcast, please subscribe on Google Podcast or follow on your choice of platform so that you don’t miss a tip or strategy. The podcast is also now available on Amazon Music, Spotify, and Stitcher.
If you enjoy this episode, consider leaving a comment below and let us know the biggest takeaway you had from today’s topic. This will help other vegan parents consider listening so that they too can feel as inspired as you.
Links mentioned in the podcast
Episode 6 - Proven Strategies to Meet Iron Needs in Vegan Kids
Iron is an important nutrient for your vegan child and it can often feel worrisome to know if you’re helping them meet their daily needs. In this episode, I share simple strategies that you can follow at home to have peace of mind that you’re doing things right in meeting this crucial nutrient from their diet.
Read moreEpisode 5 - Are soy infant formulas safe for a vegan baby?
Many families who choose to feed their vegan baby with infant formulas are often unsure whether soy-based infant formulas are safe. For majority of vegan parents, they fear that soy may have adverse effects on the growth and development of their baby. And for others, they wonder if a formula made from soy protein isolate is suitable for their vegan lifestyle.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing some insights about how soy-based infant formula can support your baby’s growth and development. So that you ultimately feel confident feeding your vegan baby with formula.
Here’s what we cover:
>> My personal journey in nursing and the one reason I used infant formula to feed my daughter
>> The nutritional profile of what makes a soy-based infant formula adequate for infants
>> Why infant formulas contain sweeteners like corn syrup solids
>> How soy does not have negative reproductive outcomes
>> Is there currently a vegan infant formula on the market?
>> How a homemade recipe for a vegan infant formula is not appropriate
>> Why formulas marketed for toddlers are not adequate for infants
Subscribe on Google Podcast
If you’re enjoying the Vegan Kids Nutrition Podcast, please subscribe on Google Podcast or follow on your choice of platform so that you don’t miss a tip or strategy. The podcast is also now available on Amazon Music, Spotify, and Stitcher.
If you enjoy this episode, consider leaving a comment below and let us know the biggest takeaway you had from today’s topic. This will help other vegan parents consider listening so that they too can feel as inspired as you.
Links mentioned in this episode
References
Bhatia, J., & Greer, F. (2008). Use of Soy Protein-Based Formulas in Infant Feeding. Pediatrics, 121(5), 1062-1068. doi:10.1542/peds.2008-0564
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. (n.d.). Questions & Answers for Consumers Concerning Infant Formula. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/questions-answers-consumers-concerning-infant-formula#:~:text=March 1, 2006.-,Does FDA have nutrient specifications for infant formulas?,for 9 of those nutrients.
Choosing an Infant Formula. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Choosing-an-Infant-Formula.aspx
Commentary On Breast-Feeding And Infant Formulas, Including Proposed Standards For Formulas. (2009). Nutrition Reviews, 34(8), 248-256. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.1976.tb05782.x
Messina, V., & Mangels, A. R. (2001). Considerations in Planning Vegan Diets. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 101(6), 661-669. doi:10.1016/s0002-8223(01)00167-5
Tuohy, P. (2003). Review Article. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health,39(6), 401-405. doi:10.1046/j.1440-1754.2003.00178.x
Episode 4 - How to Turn Negative Comments into a Lifestyle You Are Proud Of
Have you ever been judged, shamed, or criticized for choosing to raise your children on a vegan diet? As someone who has experienced that, it can be challenging to voice our beliefs with others who may disagree with our own. To help you navigate this vegan journey with a little more confidence, I’m giving you my 4-step-framework of how I personally tackle negative comments from others so that you can feel empowered during these situations. It all stems from the one value I live by: compassion.
Read moreEpisode 3 - Breaking Down Top 3 Misconceptions of Soy Foods
Have you heard or read that soy is “bad” for your health? Many vegan parents continue to question the validity of this claim. So in today’s episode, I break down the top 3 misconceptions of soy foods so that you have answers and peace of mind offering soy foods to your vegan kids.
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