Are you thinking about changing to the vegetarian lifestyle? If so do not expect your children to jump on the bandwagon quickly.
It is not very likely that they will ask to go to the salad bar next time you pass that fast food restaurant.
They will still be asking for hamburgers and fries.
It is up to you to show them through example that the salad bar is healthier than the hamburger.
In fact, it is your responsibility as a parent to nurture your children and help them develop physically, mentally and spiritually.
But that can be hard to do, especially in a culture where our children are bombarded with messages from fast food restaurants in the media.
How do you teach kids to resist the siren song of Ronald McDonald? There isn't a plate of vegetables on the planet that's going to look as good to them as a Happy Meal! Do not make changes all at once.
If you do give in and stop at a fast food restaurant, get fruit or yogurt in addition to, or part of that meal.
Make the changes so gradual that they will never notice their diets are changing.
Kids are usually very sympathetic about animals, and it is not too early to talk to them about eating in a way that isn't cruel to animals.
You have to start slowly to change not only your own eating patterns, but your family's as well.
Like any other dietary endeavor, it starts at the grocery store.
Begin stocking the refrigerator with healthy snacks like apples and carrots.
Exchange good, chewy brown rice for white rice and processed side dishes, which are so high in fat and sodium.
Make meat portions smaller and smaller and start incorporating more vegetables and grains in your family dinners.
You will be doing them a favor that will last them a lifetime.
With childhood obesity at epidemic levels in the U.
S.
, you will be setting up your children for lifelong eating habits that will help ensure a long and healthy life.
For more articles on the vegetarian lifestyle click below.
The Vegetarian Lifestyle Paul Webb