[Subliime]

A few years ago I tried going vegan for a few months. It was not hard for me. I did find that I had to spend more on groceries and such. Also, I went back to eating non vegan b/c I was not getting the nutrients I needed and I looked sick. I am interested in converting myself and raising my daughter vegan but I need to know where to start. I also want to make sure that we get the nutrients we need this time around. How do I go about that. It kind of makes me head spin when trying to read about everything. I need to keep it simple! Any suggestions? Also, I am bfing so I know that may factor in. My dd is 4 months old and is NOT eating solids, but when she does I need to know what her nutrition requirments are as well.

 

[Subliime]

Sorry, ignore the baby nutrition requirments b/c I just found what I needed in sticky.

 

[NatureMama3]

my best suggestion is to cook from scratch (makes label reading much easier), buy a wide variety of fruits, veggies, legumes, nuts and seeds and keep the foods you eat as familiar as possible for the most part (experiement yes, but the family will be happier if especially at first the food is familiar). The more widely varied your diet, the better your nutrition will be.<br><br>
Some foods in particular that are really nutritionally packed are:<br><br>
teff (african grain) ( <a href="http://www.teffco.com/" target="_blank">http://www.teffco.com/</a> )<br>
unhulled sesame seeds<br>
lentils<br>
turnip greens<br>
mustard greens<br>
berries<br>
red palm oil<br>
coconut oil (provides vital saturated fats and essential fatty acids)<br>
almonds<br>
avocadoes<br><br>
we try to work those in when we can, as they help boost the overall nutrition. It is definitely doable and healthful when done right. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br>
As for when it comes time to feed baby, I'd do the "baby led weaning" method (baby self feeding, feed those foods you are eating that are safe for them). We've done that will good success and it takes a lot of pressure off of you. Avocadoes are a wonderful first vegan food.<br><br>
Good luck! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[kaydee]

Some good info on vegan nutrition:<br><a href="http://www.veganhealth.org/" target="_blank"><br>
Vegan Health</a><br><br><a href="http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/index.htm" target="_blank">Vegetarian Resource Group</a><br><br>
Good luck, take your time, learn what works for you and your dc.

 

[vgnmama2keller]

My go to book is...<br><br>
Becoming Vegan<br><br>
I think this is one of the best books for nutritional information regarding a vegan diet. The authors are both nutritionists and it is packed with info for every stage of a person's life.<br><br>
Also check out Diet for a New America by Robbins. Not sure if you are going vegan just for health or also for helping to boycott the cruelty of animals but this book is great.<br><br>
Good luck<br><br>
Kari<br><a href="http://www.veganparenting.com" target="_blank">www.veganparenting.com</a>