Meat alternatives for fussy child

squeakysue

My daughter (8) has never been a big fan of meat but the rest of the family including her brother do love meat. When I do a roast dinner I do put the meat on her plate but it usually gets a bite taken then the left rest. I don't want to force her to eat something she really isn't keen on, I can see her turning veggie in years to come. I really dont see it as fussy eating as she eats well otherwise with plenty of veg. Tonight we are having roast lamb and I am thinking of just giving her the potatoes/veg to save any hassles.

What other alternatives to meat can I give her to make sure she is getting enough nutrients/protein etc.

She does eat a bit of chicken, she will eat some gammon/ham but seems to hate mince/beef/lamb/pork and even sausages!!

I know people will think along the lines of eat it or go hungry but that is not the problem, she doesn't go hungry I just want to make sure she is getting everything she needs as she is still growing!

Uniscots97

My Mum had this with me, I grew out of it when I got into my teens. For me it was fish fingers my Mum gave me instead or on occassion findus crispy pancakes (which I don't like now)

McKneff

I wouldnt worry too much about it to be honest. meat really isnt good for us.

If she is eating a plate of vegetables she is doing great.

Just keep giving her the chicken/gammon that she likes and she will be fine.

squeakysue

Thanks all, sounds like I am worrying for nothing, I am happy that she gets a balanced diet but I can't blame her for not liking red meat she is growing fine without it

squeakysue

Saver0811 wrote: »

You are talking of plain, unadulterated meat here.

What about if you spice it up, just a little ?

Curry, Chilli, peppered etc.

Lots of Mint Sauce tonight !

Thanks, she still wouldn't eat it, not a fan of spices either, maybe it will come with age xx

sweetme

Get her involved in cooking with you. My oldest son was a very picky eater and I found the more I involved him in preparing/cooking food the more likely he was to eat. I wouldn't worry too much though. If she is eating veg she should be pretty much be getting all the nutrients she needs.

Need2bthrifty

She may have a textural/chewing dislike of the meat, I can sooooo relate to that and often as a child would end up chewing the meat till it formed a small ball in my cheek to be got rid of later. :rotfl:

I also had a big thing about the fat around some pieces of meat especially brisket and still to this day I can’t quite bring myself to buy a joint to cook.

Beans (Cannellini, Borlotti, Chickpeas, Black beans etc) are all good sources of protein and could be easily heated and served up for the whole family to choose to eat – you don’t want to be making a big thing of it. Either that or leave the meat off her plate and let her choose whether she wants to have some.

sonastin

Perhaps just give her a small piece rather than leaving it off entirely? It provides her with a bit of protein and lets her know that she has to have a balanced diet, not just the things that she chooses to eat. Balance that up with the odd veggie meal for the whole family - so she can see that you all eat things that wouldn't necessarily be your first choice but which you eat because they are good for you and not totally unpalatable.

mrcow

Beans and eggs are good souces of protein. Nuts are good too. Greek yogurt is nice and creamy if she'l eat it and is good for protein as it cheese.

Have you tried quorn or veggie mince?

I was exactly the same when I was little and it continued into my teens until my Mum just gave up. I've been 100% veggie for well over 20 years now.

The main problem is the B vitamins particualrly B12. Eggs, some cereals and fortified food are good souces, but make sure she is having a varied diet.

mrcow

Th vegetarian society are great and have lots offact sheets about important nutrients and alternative sources if you're struggling:

e.g.:

http://www.vegsoc.org/page.aspx?pid=807#

pollypenny

Your Op could have been written by my mother in 1956.

I just could not, and cannot stomach meat. My mum used to make me eat an inch square, which I did heaving at the same time.

She gave up when I was 11. I am now retired and very healthy. As long as she is eating fruit and vegetables, which some eggs and cheese, she'll be fine.

BTW: when I was growing up there were no peppers, courgettes etc and meat substitutes were unheard of.