Introducing a veg lifestyle to family

[abbylotus]

I recently decided to forgo the locally farmed meat and move towards a veg diet. I never cooked meat that often prior to this dietary change so it's not that far off the mark for our family, but I am still finding resistance in our home. My DH is very chill and will eat whatever I put infront of his face, but my kids are being down right obnoxious about it. I don't know if it's their ages (7yo and 8yo) or what but it's making meal time stressful. I'm trying to compromise. I made soy tacos a couple of days ago and it was sheer chaos on the homefront. I finally had to use (albiet empty) threats to make them eat their dinner. I don't want to be that kind of parent. I want them to love veggies as much as I do. Also, with my compromise I shredded real cheese for them while I ate the soy stuff. I thought the tacos were very tasty. Very close to beef tacos. The kids thought otherwise.

How did you work a Veg way of life into your family?

[germin8]

I have no experience trying to get children to go veg*, so take this for what it's worth. Try to avoid foods the use of mock meats when the real thing is expected. Mock meats are transitional foods... sure... but, the taste or texture can be nowhere near the real thing. And, IMO, that's what turns people away... they expect the real thing. Just try something else for dinner.

If you want to try mock meats... try something closer to the real thing and that actually tastes good! Forget the tofu, try Gardien.

Gardien is probably the closest anyone has ever gotten to taste and texture of real meat, IMO! I hear Quorn tastes closest to chicken, but I won't touch that stuff.

[greenemami]

Yes, I agree with pp-don't try to substitute for the real thing. What about bean burritos instead of soy tacos? Even using refried beans at first or mashing the beans up yourself so they aren't confronted with whole beans and if you pile on the fixings (salsa, cheese, etc.) they might really enjoy it.

My dsd had to get used to eating vegetarian with me and now she really enjoys my veg chilli, quiche, potpies, etc. even though she enjoys meat dishes at her mom's house. Oh and soups are good for vegetarian kids I find as well. Good luck, it can be done