This is, without a doubt, the question that I get asked the most. People would ask me this even before Willow was here. It’s funny how interested people are in your baby’s diet when you eat plant-based/vegan. Not saying it is a bad thing, because a lot of people are genuinely interested, but it is just funny. Some people are skeptic, wondering how healthy it could be (the answer is very healthy, by the way). Some others are very supportive (because at the end of the day, it’s the parents’ decision, right?) Either way, I wanted to share our plan with all of you. This is a decision that both my husband and I took very serious and we had a lot of talks to come to a conclusion.
The short answer is: Willow will be raised plant-based, until she is old enough to know otherwise.
The long answer?
We had to find a happy-medium balance between our diets. I eat plant-based/vegan and while my husband eats vegan/vegetarian most of the time, he eats meat and dairy. I am happy to note that he does eat mostly vegan, as that is what I make, and he always talks about “getting there eventually” which makes me really happy. But right now, I wouldn’t want Willow to be confused why Daddy eats differently than us. He’s not a bad guy, because his diet is his personal choice, and that is the last thing I want Willow to think.
However, since I am the one preparing her meals, I will be serving her plant-based meals. That is, until she is old enough to question what her Dad is eating and expresses interest in trying it. I do not want to restrict her if she wants to try something, but I will make sure she is educated and aware where her foods comes from. I believe diet is a very personal choice, and I wouldn’t want to take that choice from her – I can only guide her and hope that she adopts the same way of thinking, living, and eating as I do (and hopefully my husband, someday!) We felt that this was a good compromise. So until that happens, it’s lots of vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes, tofu, tempeh, nut milk (eventually), and all that good stuff. The occasional vegan Ben and Jerry’s, too ;)
I know I am getting ahead of myself, but that is the plan so far. When she begins to question and is old enough, we will re-evaluate and go from there. The one thing that we both can agree on is minimal processed foods. Of course, this won’t be perfect, but we can instill healthy eating habits in her early, at the very least! And hope it sticks. There is always going to be cake and ice cream and candy – treats! If they are vegan treats, AWESOME. If she is 8 years old and wants to eat non-vegan birthday cake at a friend’s party, then go nuts. Again – I will be her guide and hope that she will make compassionate and healthy choices. But as long as I am cooking for her, it will more than likely always be plant-based.
I know this topic can turn into a debate, and I am not looking to enter that arena. I just wanted to share what we decided. Parenting is not a walk in the park, especially when you have to compromise. But at the end of the day, I know that my husband and I will do everything we can to raise a girl who is happy, healthy, and kind.
I am sure our plan will not go according to plan (does it ever when you are a parent???) but, we will see how it goes! I’m excited to bring food education to the table, because I don’t think kids are exposed to this enough today. That is one thing that I know will be a part of her upbringing.
I also have high hopes that this upbringing on my part will lead to her also living a plant-based life. To be honest, my mother is plant-based and even though me and my siblings were not brought up that way, all three of us are! My mom always says “Two things I am proud of: my kids are plant-based and love cats. I did something right!” Haha! I have faith.
So plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, or not. We’re all just doing what we believe is best for our kids. Let’s all just keep on doing what we’re doing and raise a generation of kind and intelligent babes. The world needs them. xx bianca
