Send Karla a messageHave you ever wished your child's school offered more plant-based meal options? You're not alone! Many vegan and plant-based families struggle with the lack of meal choices that fit our dietary needs in schools. In this episode, Karla sits down with Jodi Gruhn to discuss the growing interest of plant-based meals in schools. Jodi shares her insights, her work through Wholesome Minnesota, and tips on how parents can advocate for healthier meal options in educational settings.Here's what we covered:Jodi's journey to transitioning to a plant-based lifestyleThe role of Wholesome Minnesota in promoting and helping implement plant-based meals in schools and other institutionsAddressing the cost concerns associated with plant-based products in schoolsInsights of what school nutrition leaders are saying about plant-based meals in school settings Why creating collaborations with school nutrition leaders is important What are ways we can make plant-based meals appealing to all students?What schools are currently doing to bring culturally appropriate meals and bring inclusivity to studentsTips for parents and caregivers on advocating for plant-based options in their children's schoolsLinks shared in the episode: Wholesome Minnesota websiteJodi Ghrun contact information: jodi.gruhn (a) exploreveg (dot) org{Blog} Vegan School Lunch Ideas___________________________________________Want to learn what supplements your vegan kids need at each stage of their growth? Grab the FREE Supplement Checklist so you can feel confident you're providing everything they need to support their growth and development. Click here to grab the FREE Supplement ChecklistConnect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Send Karla a messageEver 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. Here’s what we cover: >> How baking for her child’s needs to participate in birthday celebrations led her to start a vegan business >> The anxiety that she experienced on how to navigate birthday invitations beyond desserts>> Food examples that Mistye brought to birthday celebrations for her vegan children>> How Mistye found confidence to advocate for herself and vegan children>> The comments Mistye heard about her choice in raising a vegan family 22 years ago>> The challenges she faced with healthcare providers>> Top meal ideas for feeding a large familyLinks mentioned on the episode>> Buttafly Kisses Vegan Treats website>> Mistye Momon Instagram account >> Vegan Meal Ideas for Toddlers and Kids___________________________________________Want to learn what supplements your vegan kids need at each stage of their growth? Grab the FREE Supplement Checklist so you can feel confident you're providing everything they need to support their growth and development. Click here to grab the FREE Supplement ChecklistConnect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Send Karla a messageCalcium 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 requirementsLinks 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 supportRead the Transcript___________________________________________Want to learn what supplements your vegan kids need at each stage of their growth? Grab the FREE Supplement Checklist so you can feel confident you're providing everything they need to support their growth and development. Click here to grab the FREE Supplement ChecklistConnect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Send Karla a messageA recent study looked at iodine content of plant-based products in the Swiss market. On a broader scale, it gives us a perspective of how iodine content in plant-based foods impact overall nutrition for our vegan kids. In today’s episode, we take a look at the iodine content in plant-based products in the Swiss market, why is iodine so important for growing vegan kids, and how our food system can make progress in the making of plant-based products.Here’s what we cover: >> Data of iodine content of Swiss market on plant-based milk, plant-based cheese, plant-based yogurt, and fish alternative>> How iodine content lacks in plant-based products in other countries>> What is iodine and why is it important for growing vegan kids>> Are fruits and vegetables enough for meeting iodine needs?>> A look of iodine content from a global perspective >> My professional thoughts about iodine content in pre-packaged plant-based foods>> How to meet iodine needs for a vegan baby, vegan toddler, and older vegan kidsLinks mentioned in the episode>> Supplement Guide for Vegan Kids>> Swiss study on iodine content of plant-based foods>> Iodine for vegan kids and teens: what every parent should know about meeting this essential nutrient___________________________________________Want to learn what supplements your vegan kids need at each stage of their growth? Grab the FREE Supplement Checklist so you can feel confident you're providing everything they need to support their growth and development. Click here to grab the FREE Supplement ChecklistConnect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Some of the most common challenges I continue to hear from vegan parents like yourself is how to feed, what to cook, and what foods to focus on for your vegan picky eater.In today’s episode, we discuss a common feeding practice to “get” picky eaters to eat a particular food they’re avoiding or refusing to eat—hiding foods in mixed or prepared dishes. I share my honest thoughts about this feeding practice and what you can do instead to help your picky eater broaden their food acceptance. I’ll also share why chia seeds are a great daily use for supporting the growth of your vegan picky eaters. Here’s what we cover: >> A recap of my own experience with picky eating with my oldest daughter>> The most common food where foods are hidden for picky eaters>> Why hiding foods for your picky eater is a disservice to their feeding journey>> How hiding foods can make picky eating behaviors worse>> The nutrients of chia seeds and why they are great for your vegan picky eater>> Ways to use chia seeds in your meal planningLinks mentioned in the episode>> Blog Article - 26 Vegan Meal Ideas for Toddlers and Kids>> Episode 12 - How I do it: Boost Vegetable Intake with these 5 Strategies>> Vegan Kids Cookbook>> FREE Picky Eating Guide___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

A child’s eating habits are developed early in childhood and as parents, how we approach feeding our vegan kids directly impacts their eating habits. In today’s episode, I am sharing my own eating and meal challenges I experienced with my oldest daughter during her time at a new pre-school. I share how her anxiety around food stemmed from the feeding environment she experienced at school and how that impacted her overall eating. You’ll walk away with knowing what to do at home to foster healthy eating habits long-term and continue supporting your child’s growth. Here’s what we cover: >> A look into the four common parental feeding styles and how that impacts a child’s eating>> How my oldest daughter’s picky eating significantly changed with a certain feeding style and environment at school>> My top 4 recommendations to do at home to foster healthy eating habits long-term>> How a child can regulate their own intake with more autonomy >> What I did to transform meal time battles into more food acceptance >> The power of food play to help your vegan child try and accept plant-based foodsLinks mentioned in the episode>> Episode 12 - How I do it: Boost vegetable intake with these 5 strategies>> Vegan Kids Nutrition Blueprint course___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Whether you choose to raise your kids on a vegan diet for ethical reasons or for health reasons or environmental reasons or all the above, you may know that feeding your kids a vegan diet can support their growth and development.However, many outside the vegan community continue to question whether a vegan diet is actually nutritionally adequate for a child. And even strongly oppose a vegan diet for children, saying a vegan diet is cruel or dangerous for a growing child. In today’s episode, I am debunking three myths about a vegan diet for children to bring awareness and to finally show that kids who follow a vegan diet can grow into healthy humans. Here’s what we cover:>> How a vegan diet can be nutritionally adequate at every stage of growth>> Why is meat and dairy so central to society’s meal plan?>> The nutrients that are believed to be missing on a plant-based diet>> Why non-heme iron from plant-based foods is more advantageous >> How the animal agriculture industry is one of the biggest industries that intentionally inflict pain and suffering >> Is a vegan diet more expensive than an omnivore diet? Links mentioned in the episode>> Ep 1. Is a vegan diet unsafe for children? >> Vegan Kids Nutrition Blueprint course Read the transcript here___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Protein is the primary food to focus our meals around…or is it? We often hear about the importance of protein and that without enough of it, our bodies can’t thrive—especially that of vegan kids. Many of us want to ensure that our vegan kids are meeting their protein needs but often feel worried they’re not getting enough from the amount they eat at meal times. In today’s podcast episode, I’m sharing the truth about how important protein is for vegan kids and how you can feel reassured that they’re getting enough. Here’s what we cover: >> Brief background on the Food Guide Pyramid and how society has placed so much emphasis on protein>> The two major macronutrients that vegan kids need to support their growth>> Percent of calories that vegan kids need from protein in their diet>> Do vegan kids need protein powder? >> Top sources of plant protein>> How to ensure you’re meeting your vegan kids protein needs without calculating anythingLinks mentioned on this episode>> Vegan Kids Nutrition Blueprint course>> Vegan Kids Cookbook___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

“How do you respectfully put a baby in a high chair when they're fighting/kicking because they don't like to be strapped in?”Feeding our vegan kids is hard work and when you add other elements to this, like navigating how to sit your child on their high chair, this task only feels more overwhelming. In today’s episode, I’m revealing three common reasons why your vegan baby may be resisting sitting in their high chair. You’ll also hear a helpful tool that I use with my two girls that ensures they know what to expect as meal time approaches. Here’s what we cover: >> A brief update to how I plan on sharing content on my platforms>> How a baby communicates about their appetite >> What to consider when establishing meal time routines/schedules>> The requirements of a high chair to ensure it’s comfortable for your vegan baby>> My favorite high chair and the one I use for my two daughters>> Why portion sizes matter when feeding your vegan baby>> What I tell my daughters to help them through a transition Links mentioned in the episode>> FREE Starting Solids with Baby Led Weaning Guide>> Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair (affiliate link)___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

“Really struggling to see how we can get sufficient choline even with a good spread of plant-based sources”.This was a message from a vegan parent I received on social media. They have heard that choline is important for the growth of vegan kids but question how to actually meet their child’s needs. And many other vegan parents question too, especially when their  vegan child is a picky eater or when they perceive their child isn’t eating enough. In today’s podcast, I am sharing two simple tips of how you can meet your child’s choline needs on a vegan diet and how choline supports the growth of your vegan kids. Here’s what we cover: >> A brief recap of my life events (i.e. I welcomed a new vegan family member!)>> What is choline and it’s role in supporting a vegan child’s growth and development>> How much choline do vegan kids need at each stage of growth>> Plant-based food sources with the highest amount of choline>> The one plant food that can help meet choline needs for vegan kids>> How to think about meal planning so that you feel reassured your kids are meeting their choline needsLinks mentioned in the episode>> Episode 9 - The Most Important Thing to Implement and Help Vegan Kids Try Foods>> Vegan Kids Nutrition Blueprint courseRead the TranscriptReferences“Choline.” VeganHealth.org, veganhealth.org/choline/#functions.“Office of Dietary Supplements - Choline.” NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/.___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Do you have a picky eater at home? Are you feeling overwhelmed at your vegan child not eating or trying their vegetables? As a vegan parent myself, I know the challenges that come with feeding a child that chooses not to eat their vegetables during a meal. It can bring up feelings of frustration, stress, and anxiety—feelings that I know you can overcome. Which is why in today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtains and sharing my top strategies on what I do at home to help my daughter try and eat her vegetables. When you implement these strategies into your own feeding journey, you’re not only going to feel a sense of relief and excitement in helping your vegan kids boost their vegetable intake but you’ll feel proud of continuing to raise a vegan child with healthful eating habits as well. Please note that these strategies are not geared toward vegan kids with extreme picky eating, extreme limited food acceptance (less than 5-10 foods), sensory or texture aversions, or other medical condition that may exacerbate picky eating. Here’s what we cover: >> The sense of responsibility in parents that trigger our emotions>> How offering opportunities enables your vegan child to eat vegetables >> How I offer opportunities to my daughter and the time of day >> The benefits of serving family style and when you can begin this feeding approach>> Why involving your vegan kids in food preparation increases vegetable intake>> An example of how I let my daughter be involved in food prep>> Why eating vegetables with your kids helps and how I do this with my daughter>> How having an agenda for our kids doesn’t serve us or our vegan kids and what to do insteadLinks mentioned on the podcast:>> FREE Vegan Picky Eating Guide>> Episode 9 - The Most Important Thing to Implement and Help Vegan Kids Try Plant FoodsRead the Transcript___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Have you ever been judged, received a negative comment, or simply felt unsupported of your choice for raising vegan kids? I’m going to take a guess here and say: yes. It’s so common for so many vegan families to be looked down upon simply because of the dietary pattern we have chosen for our family. This leaves us feeling unsupported and for some of us doubtful of how we are feeding our vegan children. In today’s episode, I’m sharing with you a behind the scenes look of how raising kids on a vegan lifestyle feels like an everyday uphill battle. While this is primarily based on my personal experience, I felt called to share because I know that many of you will resonate with it. That’s why I’ll share with you the one true thing you should always carry with you to feel confident throughout your vegan family journey. Here’s what we cover: >> How receiving negative comments makes us question our choice>> What you should carry throughout your journey to best handle negative situations>> My personal journey on what I’m still learning in raising a vegan family>> A personal story of encounter with a colleague who is not on board with a vegan diet for kids>> The professional uphill battle of advocating a vegan lifestyle for children>> How we all deserve to feel supported of our lifestyle of choice>> The impact you are making in our world despite the judgement from othersLinks mentioned in the episode>> Episode 4 - How to turn negative comments into a lifestyle you are proud of>> FREE Essential Starter Kit for Feeding Vegan Kids___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

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. Here’s what we’ll cover: >> The plant foods to prioritize >> Why focusing on calcium is important for a vegan child’s growth>> How supplementation is key on a vegan diet>> How a past client changed family meal dynamics to support her child’s growth>> Why having routine or rhythm in meals and snacks helps vegan kids thrive >> The benefits that come for your vegan child by having family meals Links mentioned in the episode>> Best Plant Milk for Vegan Children>> Tahini Dressing >> Vegan Kids Nutrition Blueprint program ReferencesHarrison, Megan E, et al. “Systematic Review of the Effects of Family Meal Frequency on Psychosocial Outcomes in Youth.” Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien, College of Family Physicians of Canada, Feb. 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4325878/ U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. Available at DietaryGuidelines.gov. (PDF)Read the Transcript Here___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Have you ever served a meal to your vegan toddler or child only to feel frustrated that they didn’t touch certain vegetables? Meal planning for your vegan kids can often feel overwhelming when they choose not to touch, try, or eat certain plant foods—like vegetables. You try different strategies like getting them fun utensils or cutting foods in fun shapes but they still don’t seem interested. And this causes more anxiety on not knowing how to actually “get” your vegan child to try them. Naturally when this happens, we begin to label them as picky eater. In today’s episode, I’m sharing with you what you can do at home to help your vegan kids try new, plant foods. This strategy is not for kids who have extreme picky eating (less than 5 foods) or other eating disorders (like anxiety of ARFID) but more for vegan kids who feel hesitant to try certain vegetables or plant foods. Here’s what we’ll cover: >> My personal story of toilet training my daughter (and how this mirrors how we approach our selective eaters)>> How our own attitude affects our vegan children’s eating habits>> Why children desire to do things on their own>> The message we send when we intervene with their food choices>> How allowing our vegan kids to lead at the dining table helps them try vegetables>> One simple phrase you can say to help your vegan kids feel trusted with their food choicesLinks mentioned in the episodeFREE Picky Eating Guide___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

For many first time vegan parents, starting solids is both an exciting and overwhelming time. Many feel excited to start Baby Led Weaning on their vegan journey and others feel concerned about chocking, what first foods to offer, what equipment is needed like the best high chair, and what nutrients does a vegan baby need in this stage of growth. These are all concerns I had too when my daughter was about to start her vegan Baby Led Weaning journey! In this episode, I am sharing with you the 5 things you need to successfully start solids—whether starting with puree or Baby Led Weaning—so that you feel confident throughout your journey. Here’s what we cover:>> My personal challenge in starting Baby Led Weaning with my vegan daughter>> Answering the question of: “Can you wean your baby on a vegan diet?”>> Why having patience is important at the start of solids>> What it means when your vegan baby spits out food and what to do about it>> What to look for when considering a high chair >> My number one recommendation for the best high chair for your baby >> Why an open cup is better than a sippy cup or 360 cup>> How dietary fat is important when starting solids and what plant foods you can provideLinks mentioned on the episode: >> Free Vegan Baby Led Weaning Guide>> First Foods for Vegan Baby Blog Post>> The Vegan Baby Led Weaning Program (step-by-step online course to starting solids)___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

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 meThe story behind how Kim broke free from the anxiety around feeding her vegan babyThe story of how Fernanda found clarity on how to meal plan for her picky eaterThe one thing you can focus on to move forward in feeling confident as a vegan parentA simple strategy to simplify your meal planning Links mentioned in the podcastCherry Green Pea SmoothieVegan Kids Nutrition Blueprint courseFREE Essential Starter Kit for Feeding Vegan Kids___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Your vegan kids need iron to support their growth and development. And if you’re already saying “C’mon Karla, I knew that already”. Well, hear me about because not all vegan parents focus their attention on this crucial nutrient during childhood. In today’s episode, I’m sharing three simple yet proven strategies that can instantly help your vegan child meet their iron needs so that you have peace of mind that you’re doing the right things in feeding your kids a vegan diet. Here’s what we cover: >> How iron helps support a vegan child’s growth>> The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia during childhood >> Why meal planning around legumes is important >> How vitamin C helps with iron absorption >> Can using a cast iron pot help?Mentioned Links>> Vegan Kids Cookbook>> Vegan Kids Nutrition Blueprint courseReferencesAlexy, U., Fischer, M., Weder, S., Längler, A., Michalsen, A., Sputtek, A., & Keller, M. (2021). Nutrient Intake and Status of German Children and Adolescents Consuming Vegetarian, Vegan or Omnivore Diets: Results of the VeChi Youth Study. Nutrients, 13(5), 1707. doi:10.3390/nu13051707Alves, C., Saleh, A., & Alaofè, H. (2019). Iron-containing cookware for the reduction of iron deficiency anemia among children and females of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Plos One, 14(9). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0221094Anemia in Children and Teens: Parent FAQs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chronic/Pages/Anemia-and-Your-Child.aspxBaroni, L., Goggi, S., & Battino, M. (2019). Planning Well-Balanced Vegetarian Diets in Infants, Children, and Adolescents: The VegPlate Junior. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 119(7), 1067-1074. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2018.06.008Janus, J., & Moerschel, S. (2010). Evaluation of Anemia in Children. American Academy of Family Physicians, 81(12), 1462-1471.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)00167-5Sharieff, W., Dofonsou, J., & Zlotkin, S. (2008). Is cooking food in iron pots an appropriate solution for the control of anaemia in developing countries? A randomised clinical trial in Benin. Public Health Nutrition,11(9), 971-977. doi:10.1017/s1368980007001139___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

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 and their purpose in nutrition>> 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 infantsLinks mentioned in this episodeVegan Kids CookbookEpisode 3 - Breaking down top 3 misconceptions on soy foodsReferencesBhatia, J., & Greer, F. (2008). Use of Soy Protein-Based Formulas in Infant Feeding. Pediatrics, 121(5), 1062-1068. doi:10.1542/peds.2008-0564Center 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.aspxCommentary 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.xMessina, 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)00167-5Tuohy, P. (2003). Review Article. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health,39(6), 401-405. doi:10.1046/j.1440-1754.2003.00178.x___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

If you’ve ever been shamed, ridiculed or judged for choosing to raise your children on a vegan lifestyle, let me start off by saying I’m sorry. No parent—regardless of their chosen eating pattern—should ever have to experience this. It is too often that I hear from vegan parents just like you about negative experiences with family, friends, or healthcare providers simply because of the way you have chosen to raise your family. Yet, what others don’t see (or choose not to see) is that this is a lifestyle that brings more good to this world and for all of us in the vegan community, this is a lifestyle that feels right to us. So, in today’s episode, I’m giving you my exact framework for how I personally navigate negative comments and experiences when it comes to raising my own daughter on a vegan diet. This is a 4-step framework with suggestion phrases that you can say so that you ultimately feel confident in voicing your beliefs and values. And more importantly, in feeling proud as a vegan parent. Here’s what we cover: >> A visual exercise that continues to excite you about following a vegan lifestyle>> My 4 tips on what to do or say when someone shares a negative comment >> Why ignorance isn’t the only reason others say negative comments to vegan parents>> How acknowledging rather than justifying our values goes along way>> The number one reason for remembering your ‘why’ for raising vegan childrenLinks mentioned in this episode:Vegan Kids Cookbook (recipes + meal plan)___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

I’m going to take a guess here and say that perhaps you’ve heard in the media or social media that soy foods are “bad” and should be avoided in your family’s vegan diet. Many vegan parents like yourself have heard negative health outcomes for the consumption of soy foods like tofu, tempeh, and soy milk. This has left you with some doubts about the use of soy foods in your vegan child’s meals and snacks. In today’s episode, I am breaking down the top 3 most common misconceptions about the use of soy foods in our children’s vegan diet. Here’s what we cover: The nutritional profile of soy foods and how they fit in supporting a child’s growthWhat the difference is between phytoestrogen and estrogen How soy foods does not cause feminization in boys or male humansHow consumption of soy foods early in life can reduce risk of developing breast cancerWhat are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and how this relates to soy consumption Links mentioned in this episode:Vegan Kids Cookbook (recipes + meal plan)ReferencesCenter for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. (n.d.). Agricultural Biotechnology. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/agricultural-biotechnologyThe Top 5 Soy Myths (2014). Today’s Dietitian, 16(4). Retrieved from https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/040114p52.shtmlThe Soy Connection (2019). The Health Impact of Childhood Soy Consumption. United Soybean Board and the Soy Nutrition Institute, 27(3).___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

In this episode, Karla dives into answering the question of whether a vegan diet is unsafe to support the growth of children. And if so, what makes the diet unsafe. You'll discovery the one meal planning strategy to begin implementing in your meals so that you feel reassured in supporting the growth and develop for your kids at each stage of growth. Links mentioned in this episode: FREE Essential Starter Kit for Feeding Vegan Kids___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Have you ever felt unsure about the amount of food your infant, toddler, or child eats at a particular meal?Many vegan parents just like yourself often feel worried that your vegan baby, toddler, and/or child didn’t eat “enough”. This in turn makes you feel concerned whether or not they’re meeting their nutrient needs on a vegan diet. And so, naturally as a parent, you react based on that underlying fear of not meeting your child’s nutritional needs on a vegan diet. And this fear then leads to you intervening in some way or form. Say goodbye to that worry because today you’ll learn the top strategies I follow myself and teach to my clients to feel confident as a vegan parent. On today’s episode, I’m sharing with you my top 3 strategies to feel more at ease with the amount of food your vegan kids eat any particular meal. Here’s what you’ll learn:How a child’s stomach size impacts their appetiteHow observing your child helps you learn their usual intakeWhy trusting your child’s appetite helps you feel more confident with what they eatIntervening in any way can impact your vegan child’s relationship with food, and thus overall intakeHow role modeling plays a role in the amount your child chooses to eatLinks mentioned in this episode: FREE Essential Starter Kit to Feeding Vegan Kids___________________________________________If you're raising a vegan baby and are about to start solids, set yourself and your baby up for success by knowing how to offer a variety of foods with my FREE 100+ Plant-Based Foods for your vegan baby. Grab your copy of the handout here: https://vegankidsnutrition.ck.page/50cf6f1673Connect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition