Nutrition for Vegan Families - Vegan diet and plant based nutrition for vegan kids - podcast cover

Nutrition for Vegan Families - Vegan diet and plant based nutrition for vegan kids

Gen Rees-Carter - Vegan Nutritionistwithextraveg.net

As a vegan parent, you're committed to providing your family with a healthy, ethical, and sustainable diet. You've put in the time and effort to research and learn about plant-based nutrition, but you may still face challenges in ensuring your family gets all the nutrients they need while navigating the complexities of a vegan lifestyle.


You're not alone in this journey, and any struggles you face are not a reflection of your dedication or abilities as a parent. The truth is, the strategies and approaches you've been following may not fully consider your unique family dynamics, lifestyle, or dietary needs.


Hi there, I'm Gen, a certified vegan nutritionist and proud mother of two amazing boys.


With years of experience in plant-based nutrition and firsthand knowledge of the challenges vegan families face, I'm here to tell you that providing a balanced, nutrient-rich vegan diet for your loved ones doesn't have to be overwhelming or complicated.


Welcome to the Nutrition for Vegan Families podcast, where I share practical tips, strategies, and insights tailored to your family's needs, helping you make informed decisions and create a sustainable, healthy vegan lifestyle that works for you.


I've been where you are, navigating the world of vegan parenting and questioning whether I was doing everything right for my boys. It was through my own journey of discovery and learning that I found the tools and knowledge to create a thriving, healthy vegan household.


Join me each week as we explore the latest in vegan nutrition research, dive into helpful strategies for meal planning and preparation, and discuss real-life experiences of vegan families just like yours. Together, we'll create a supportive community and empower you to confidently nourish your family with a plant-based diet.


Ready to take the next step in your vegan family journey? Let's start building a healthier, happier future together.


For more resources, recipes, and personalized support, visit my website at https://withextraveg.net/


Follow me on IG: @withextraveg


Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Complete Vegan Protein: Debunking the Myths and Exploring the Best Vegan Protein Sources

In this episode, we’re clearing up the confusion once and for all about vegan protein! You’ll never have to stress about protein deficiency again. We’ll tackle the big myth that plant-based diets can’t provide complete proteins and show you how easy it is to meet your nutritional needs with a well-planned vegan diet. You might have heard some buzz about celebrities leaving veganism over protein concerns—well, we’re here to set the record straight. No more worrying about mixing and matching foods...

Oct 23, 202418 min

5 Tips for When Your Vegan Kids Are Fussy Eaters

In today’s episode, we explore practical strategies to help your vegan kids break free from food ruts and overcome picky eating habits. If you’re dealing with fussy eaters at home, this episode is full of actionable tips to help you reduce stress around mealtimes and encourage your kids to enjoy a wider variety of plant-based foods. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Vegan Kids Get Stuck in a Food Rut – We discuss the common reasons behind picky eating and how this can affect your child’s he...

Oct 14, 202421 min

The Phytic Acid Myth: Do Vegans Need to Worry About Phytates and Other Anti-Nutrients for Optimal Zinc and Iron Absorption?

The Phytic Acid Myth: Do Vegans Need to Worry About Phytates and Other Anti-Nutrients? In this week's episode I talk about whether vegans really do need to worry about phytates and other anti-nutrients reducing the absorption of iron and zinc on a vegan diet. You'll also find out why phytic acid and other anti-nutrients are actually good for us, and how to balance your vegan diet to make sure you maximise the benefits of phytates, whilst also making sure you and your kids get enough iron and zin...

Oct 02, 202419 min

Should vegans be worried about the low absorption rate of non heme iron?

Should you be worried that the iron from plant based foods isn't absorbed as well as the iron from red meat? As vegans, we're often told that we should be eating red meat because heme iron is absorbed better than non heme iron. In today's podcast episode, I talk about why the fact that we absorb iron from meat better than vegan foods isn't necessarily a good thing, and can in fact lead to serious health complications. I also explain how dietary guidelines have actually already taken the lower ab...

Sep 02, 202413 min

Worried Your Child is Eating too much Vegan Junk Food? How to Get Your Vegan Kids to Eat Less Processed Vegan Food

One of the biggest worries for vegan parents is how to get their vegan kids to eat less vegan processed food, and make sure their kids aren't turning into "junk food vegans". Unfortunately, it is not as easy as simply not giving your kids processed snacks anymore. In today's episode, I give you 5 easy steps that will get your vegan child eating less processed food, and more veggies, fruits, wholegrains and beans. So listen in to learn how you can set your kids up for a lifetime of healthy eating...

Aug 06, 202427 min

Is your vegan family getting enough vitamin B12? Find out how to boost intake

As vegans, we're often bombarded with concerns about nutrient deficiencies, especially when it comes to vitamin B12. This essential nutrient is vital for our nerves and DNA, yet it's one of the most misunderstood elements of the vegan diet. In today's episode, I'll demystify vitamin B12 for vegans, explaining why it's crucial, particularly for our vegan kids, who don't have the nutrient stores that adults do. We'll explore how even though B12 is associated with animal sources, its origins are mu...

Jun 05, 202413 minSeason 1Ep. 22

How much sugar should your vegan kids have? Making informed decisions for your vegan children

Are you confused about how much sugar your vegan kids should be having? With all the conflicting information out there, it can be challenging to know what's best for your family. The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some key things to keep in mind. In this episode, I'll guide you through the sugar spectrum, from the foods you should definitely limit to the ones that can be enjoyed in moderation. I'll also share some practical tips for reducing your vegan children’s su...

May 22, 202422 minSeason 1Ep. 21

My top 3 tips on how to get your vegan kids to eat more veggies

Are you struggling to get your kids to eat more vegetables, especially with a vegan or plant-based diet? It can feel like an uphill battle when your little ones push away the healthiest parts of their meals. But what if I told you that you might be worrying too much about how many veggies they eat? In this week’s podcast episode, I'm excited to share some enlightening insights and practical tips that will transform your approach to your kids' diet. Discover why vegan children might not need as m...

May 15, 202412 minSeason 1Ep. 20

5 simple strategies to get your kids to enjoy legumes everyday (even if they’re picky!)

Do you struggle to get your vegan kids to eat enough beans and legumes, even though you know how nutritious they are? It can be so frustrating when they turn up their noses at these powerhouse foods, leaving you worried about their protein, iron, and fiber intake. But don't worry, I've got you covered! In this episode, I'm sharing my top tips and strategies for getting your vegan children to happily munch on lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes. I'll reveal the two key things to remember when i...

May 08, 202419 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Should I give my vegan kids a multivitamin? Explore whole food nutrient sources for better health

Are you worried about whether your vegan kids are getting all the essential nutrients they need from their plant-based diet? Do you find yourself reaching for children's multivitamins as a safety net, just in case? In this episode, I’ll explain why relying on multivitamins for kids can actually hinder your child's development of healthy eating habits and why these should not be used as a nutritional crutch. Instead, I’ll share practical tips on ensuring your children receive all the vital nutrie...

May 01, 202418 minSeason 1Ep. 18

How do you ensure vegan kids stay nourished in busy times?

Keeping up with your vegan kids' nutrition can feel overwhelming, especially during life's more hectic periods. As parents, we all face those times when despite our best intentions, meal planning and healthy eating take a backseat to simply getting through the day. This has been my reality lately, and with all that on my plate, finding the time and energy to ensure my vegan children are eating well has been more challenging than ever. It's easy to fall into the habit of ordering takeout more oft...

Apr 24, 202417 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Discover 9 vegan foods that provide more iron than steak

Are you worried that your vegan diet might not meet your family's iron needs? Let's debunk a common myth together! In this episode, I dive into the topic of vegan iron-rich foods, proving that you don't need red meat to meet your iron requirements. Join me as I share surprising research findings and introduce a list of vegan foods that pack more iron than a steak. From black beans to the mighty cocoa powder, discover how these plant-based alternatives can keep you and your kids well-nourished. T...

Apr 17, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 16

What to do when your vegan child is diagnosed with low iron?

If your doctor has told you that your vegan child has low iron, you might be feeling worried and unsure about what to do next. In this week's episode, I take you through the complexities of low iron levels in vegan children, debunking common myths and offering practical solutions. I dive into the crucial discussion on low iron—why it's a concern, the common yet misguided advice given, and the real issues at play. You’ll gain knowledge on how to accurately diagnose low iron, distinguishing betwee...

Apr 10, 202418 minSeason 1Ep. 15

Got zinc? Easy steps to boost your vegan child's zinc intake on a plant based diet

Have you ever wondered if your vegan child is getting enough zinc? While zinc doesn't get as much attention as other nutrients, it's incredibly important for growing kids who eat plant-based diets. Today, we dive into why zinc is important, how much your kids need, and easy ways to include it in their meals. With the right knowledge and some simple tips, you can make sure your child's diet is rich in vegan zinc, supporting their growth, learning, and immune system. Vegan foods high in zinc are f...

Apr 03, 202413 minSeason 1Ep. 14

How much calcium do vegan kids need and how to incorporate it in a vegan diet?

Are you worried your vegan kids aren't getting enough calcium without dairy in their diet? It's a common concern among vegan parents to ensure their children get all the essential nutrients for optimal health. The good news is that there's a variety of ways to include calcium in your child's vegan diet without relying on dairy products. In this episode, I'm going to discuss plant-based calcium for kids. We'll explore why calcium is so important for your little ones, not just for strong bones, bu...

Mar 27, 202420 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Vegan iron for kids! How to help your vegan child get enough iron on a plant based diet

Dealing with a picky eater can make meal times a challenge, especially when you're aiming for a nutritious, vegan diet. And if you're a parent trying to ensure your child gets enough plant-based iron without resorting to supplements, this episode is tailored just for you. Today, we're diving deep into vegan nutrition for kids, focusing on vegan iron-rich foods that even the fussiest eaters can't resist! We'll explore why iron is so important for your vegan child's development and discuss why sup...

Mar 20, 202418 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Can vegan kids get enough iron on a vegan diet?

Are you worried your vegan child isn't getting enough iron? The common myth that meat is the only source of iron leaves many parents concerned. In today's episode, I’ll debunk myths about iron intake for vegan kids. Discover why red meat isn't the sole ticket to iron sufficiency and learn about the bounty of plant-based iron sources that can more than meet your child's needs. We'll delve into vegan nutrition essentials, focusing on how to infuse your child's diet with iron-rich foods like whole ...

Mar 13, 202425 minSeason 1Ep. 11

How to increase plant based protein intake in your vegan child’s diet (even if they are picky eaters!)

Struggling to ensure your vegan kids are getting enough protein, especially when they're picky eaters? It's a common concern for parents of plant based kids. But what if the secret to nutrition isn't about overhauling their diet, but simply working with their current likes and dislikes? In this episode, I discuss the challenge of packing more plant based protein into the diets of vegan children with limited palates. It's a challenge I've tackled head-on in my own home, and I'm here to share that...

Mar 06, 202421 minSeason 1Ep. 10

How to ensure your vegan diet meets your kids protein needs

Are you worried your family isn't getting enough protein on a vegan diet? Many parents struggle with the fear that their children might miss out on essential nutrients when they choose a plant-based lifestyle. But what if I told you that there's a simple and delicious way to ensure your family thrives on vegan nutrition? In today's episode, I'm thrilled to share with you the secrets to a protein-packed vegan diet! I'll tackle the common concerns about protein sufficiency head-on, showing you the...

Feb 28, 202412 minEp. 9

Why Homemade is Better Than Supermarket Foods for a Healthy Vegan Lunch Box for your Vegan Kids

Do you worry about how healthy your vegan kids' lunchobx really is? I mean, you pack the healthiest muesli bars you can find, but you do wonder how good they really are... What if there was a way to guarantee your vegan kids' are getting a healthy vegan lunch box every week, packed full of all the good stuff they need? There is! In this week's episode I talk about why making homemade vegan food for your kids' lunch box makes for a healthier and cheaper lunchbox - and one that your child is more ...

Feb 22, 202414 min

My Top 5 Tips to Make Packing a Vegan Lunch Box for Your Vegan Kids Easy

Do you feel like school lunchboxes are taking over your life? They seem to take hours to make every night, and you dream of the day when you can finally get your kids to pack their own? Not to mention the number of late night trips you make to the local supermarket because you ran out of lunchbox food? What if instead your child’s Vegan Lunch Box was the easiest part of your week? What if you always had something healthy on hand (that your vegan children actually love!) and they only took minute...

Feb 05, 202416 min

5 Ways to Help Your Vegan Kids Fit in At School So They'll Want to Stay Vegan

One of the main reasons why kids decide they don’t want to be vegan anymore is because they see themselves as different to their peers, and don’t feel like they fit in and that they're missing out. And one of the places they notice this most is at school. Obviously the easiest way around this would be to make sure your kids’ friends are all vegan, but unfortunately that’s not possible for most of us right now. So it’s really important that we make sure that even though our kids are eating differ...

Jan 29, 202423 min

How to Pack a Healthy Vegan Lunch Box and Make Sure Your Vegan Kids are Getting All The Iron, Zinc and Calcium They Need - Part 2

How do you make sure you pack a healthy lunchbox for your vegan kids? In this two part series, I teach you the essential nutrients you need to focus on to make sure your kids are getting everything they need to power them through the day at school. In part 2 I talk about how to make sure your kids' lunchboxes are full of the 3 most important nutrients for vegan kids - iron, zinc and calcium. I give you my favourite foods and ingredients to add into their lunchboxes to make sure they're getting a...

Jan 18, 202419 min

How to Pack a Healthy Vegan Lunch Box and Make Sure Your Vegan Kids are Getting All The Nutrition They Need - Part 1

How do you make sure you pack a healthy lunchbox for your vegan kids? In this two part series, I teach you the essential nutrients you need to focus on to make sure your kids are getting everything they need to power them through the day at school. In part 1 I talk about exactly why it's so important to make sure our vegan kids are getting enough energy or calories from their food, to ensure that they are growing and developing in a healthy way. I also give you my 2 easy strategies to make sure ...

Jan 12, 202421 min

Is a Vegan Diet Actually Healthy For Kids? Let's Bust Some of the Common Vegan Nutrition Myths.

In today's episode, I answer the biggest question of all - Is a Vegan Diet Actually Healthy for Kids? In addition to this main question, I also talk about some of the myths we're often faced with as vegan parents - you can't get enough protein from a vegan diet, you need red meat for iron, and you can only get calcium from dairy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exciting News! My book Super Boosted Snacks is now available! Packed with over 70 quick, kid-friendly vegan snack recipes, it’s designed to help busy parents ensu...

Aug 07, 202329 min

How to Make a Vegan Meal Plan That Your Family Will Actually Follow for Easy Vegan Meals

How many times have you signed up a vegan meal plan, and felt like a failure because you just can't make them work? You sign up for a 7 Day Vegan Meal Plan, and last about 2 days, before resorting to take away and letting all that healthy food go bad in your fridge. Well, let me start by saying, it's not you, it's them. The reason why those vegan meal plans didn't work for you is because they weren't written for you and your family. Well in today's podcast, I'm here to talk to you about why this...

May 21, 202326 min

3 Ways to Ditch the Perfectionism and to Get Your Vegan Kids to Eat More Veggies and Other Healthy Food

In my first ever podcast episode, I talk about how dropping the perfectionism around our vegan diets actually makes us (and our kids!) healthier eaters in the long run. Where Does the Perfectionism Belief Come From? There is a strong underlying belief in the vegan world that we have to eat perfectly to be healthy. This comes from 2 areas. Firstly, the Meat and Dairy Industry works incredibly hard to spread the belief that we can't get the nutrients we need without meat and dairy. And then many o...

May 15, 202321 minSeason 1Ep. 1
Hosted on Buzzsprout
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android