16 month old is a voluntary vegetarian

[trixie123us]

My lo is almost 17 months and just doesn't like to eat meat.  We have tried everything: turkey dogs, healthy chicken tenders, chicken/meat sticks (baby food) red meat, **veal and lamb **Per our pediatrician.  I have tried to hide the meat in other food but to no avail. He will eat Dr. Praeger's little fish but I don't want to give him fish every night.    Occassionally, he will eat beans and eggs.  He is a varocious eater when it comes to any and all veggies and fruits, cheese, milk, whole wheat bread, ww crackers.

On our last visit, our pediatrician didn't seem too concerned but did say we had to try to get him to eat more "regular" table food.  I have to admit, I have not been successful with that due to being a finicky eater.

Has anyone else had a little vegetarian??  Any suggestions?? Any ideas are welcome and much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Shane's Mom

[Melsy]

I could have written your post about my 16 month old!!!  The only way I can get him to eat most meats is pureed into other things!  Like a vege/tomato sauce type thing with pasta but I have to puree the mince and sauce.  And then the pasta won't get eaten.  :roll:

One thing my son LOVES is chicken balls.  It is basically onion and carrot and chicken breast cooked (then pureed) and mixed with cooked mashed potatoes.  Roll in flour and cook in a little butter or oil till brown on the outside.  PM me if you want the recipe.  I also make fish balls as well but you said he eats the other fish stuff.  Oh ds shocked me and ate lasagne the other night - have you tried that??

As for the table foods - my son is so bad at this.  I am about to post my own question about that!  :wink:   Will not eat any fruit that isn't pureed.   :roll:   Will not eat rice.  Will not eat pasta very often.  The only thing he will eat is chunks of veggies.  So just know you are not alone!!!

Mel.

[tylersmommy]

I've got a voluntary vegetarian too! Tyler just doesn't like meat. I continue to offer it when we eat it, and when he turns his nose up at it, I don't push it. Our dr wasn't concerned, she just said we need to keep an eye on his iron and protein intake and keep offering. I really don't care if he ever eats it, I've gotten so used to his vegetarian diet. It sounds like your DS gets a very balanced and healthy diet, so there's really no reason why he HAS to eat meat if he doesn't like it. Just keep offering, and he might come around one day!

[NikiB]

My daughter is a vegetarian through our choice and babies can get all their dietary needs from being a veggie, so i wouldnt worry. Try tofu and meat substitutes too. Have a look at some of the other postings on vegetarianism.