A good book

Hi Cilla,

You really should be commended for your open and accepting parenting. Many parents would not be so accomodating. Your children are very lucky!

The best, balanced information I have found about being a vegetarian is called "Becoming Vegetarian". It is a Canadian Publication, so things are metric, but I think it contains conversion information. I am not sure if there is an american version. Many vegetarian "nutrition" guides I have found make some pretty outrageous claims, like being vegetarian is automatically healthier than meat-based diets. That is just inaccurate. I have known many unhealthy vegetarians and many healthy meat-eaters. This book has piles of information and helps you understand what you should be getting from your food. It has been my experience that protein is not that difficult to get. I have had to be much more alert to iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies. If you are interested in this book, let me know and I will get the author and publisher's names.

As for recipes, Mexican is always a hit. Tacos that substitute Yves ground round, tofu or tvp for beef is easy. Just buy the pre-packaged taco seasoning (Note: you may need more than you would with hamburger). Add chopped lettuce,onions and tomatoes with some grated cheese, salsa, and avocados for extra zing. Fajitas or bean burritos are also quick and easy. As they can be a "make-your-own meal", there is no separate preparation for the vegetarian and the meat eaters in your family. A good vegetarian pizza, even without cheese is tasty. Fold it in half, spread extra tomato sauce over it and call it a calzone...your kids will think you are a gourmet chef.
I hope this helps,
Patricia