Vegan Kids Nutrition

Ep. 22 Plant-based Meals in Schools with Jodi Gruhn

Send Karla a messageHave you ever wished your child's school offered more plant-based meal options? You're not alone! Many vegan and plant-based families struggle with the lack of meal choices that fit our dietary needs in schools. In this episode, Karla sits down with Jodi Gruhn to discuss the growing interest of plant-based meals in schools. Jodi shares her insights, her work through Wholesome Minnesota, and tips on how parents can advocate for healthier meal options in educational settings.Here's what we covered:Jodi's journey to transitioning to a plant-based lifestyleThe role of Wholesome Minnesota in promoting and helping implement plant-based meals in schools and other institutionsAddressing the cost concerns associated with plant-based products in schoolsInsights of what school nutrition leaders are saying about plant-based meals in school settings Why creating collaborations with school nutrition leaders is important What are ways we can make plant-based meals appealing to all students?What schools are currently doing to bring culturally appropriate meals and bring inclusivity to studentsTips for parents and caregivers on advocating for plant-based options in their children's schoolsLinks shared in the episode: Wholesome Minnesota websiteJodi Ghrun contact information: jodi.gruhn (a) exploreveg (dot) org{Blog} Vegan School Lunch Ideas___________________________________________Want to learn what supplements your vegan kids need at each stage of their growth? Grab the FREE Supplement Checklist so you can feel confident you're providing everything they need to support their growth and development. Click here to grab the FREE Supplement ChecklistConnect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Ep. 21 - Top Tips from 22 Years Raising a Vegan Family with Mistye Momon

Send Karla a messageEver wondered how other vegan parents navigate certain social situations, like birthday parties or school events? I sure have. Navigating a vegan feeding journey can sometimes feel lonely and knowing what others do or how others handle certain challenges helps us not feel so isolated. In Episode 21, I invite Mistye Momon from Buttafly Kisses Vegan Treats to share some of the challenges she experienced throughout her 22 years in raising a vegan family—with five kids. Here’s what we cover: >> How baking for her child’s needs to participate in birthday celebrations led her to start a vegan business >> The anxiety that she experienced on how to navigate birthday invitations beyond desserts>> Food examples that Mistye brought to birthday celebrations for her vegan children>> How Mistye found confidence to advocate for herself and vegan children>> The comments Mistye heard about her choice in raising a vegan family 22 years ago>> The challenges she faced with healthcare providers>> Top meal ideas for feeding a large familyLinks mentioned on the episode>> Buttafly Kisses Vegan Treats website>> Mistye Momon Instagram account >> Vegan Meal Ideas for Toddlers and Kids___________________________________________Want to learn what supplements your vegan kids need at each stage of their growth? Grab the FREE Supplement Checklist so you can feel confident you're providing everything they need to support their growth and development. Click here to grab the FREE Supplement ChecklistConnect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Ep. 20 - 5 Calcium-rich Foods for Vegan Kids

Send Karla a messageCalcium is a nutrient many parents and caregivers feel worried they’re not meeting in their child’s meals. It’s common to feel that way as it’s a nutrient that helps build stronger bones and teeth—crucial for support a vegan child’s overall growth. In this episode of the Vegan Kids Nutrition Podcast, you’ll hear about a vegan parent’s concern in meeting their child’s calcium needs and what top plant foods you can incorporate at home to help meet calcium requirements. Here’s what we cover: >> Highlighting a previous newsletter article as part of PLANTiful>> The story of a past client who felt extremely worried about their vegan toddler’s calcium needs>> A feeding approach to move away from to relieve anxiety>> My top calcium-rich plant foods that help vegan kids meet calcium requirementsLinks mentioned in the episode>> Join over 8,000 parents receiving exclusive nutrition tips in PLANTiful, a monthly newsletter>> Schedule a coaching call with me for feeding supportRead the Transcript___________________________________________Want to learn what supplements your vegan kids need at each stage of their growth? Grab the FREE Supplement Checklist so you can feel confident you're providing everything they need to support their growth and development. Click here to grab the FREE Supplement ChecklistConnect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Ep. 19 The Problem with Plant-Based Products for Meeting Iodine Requirements

Send Karla a messageA recent study looked at iodine content of plant-based products in the Swiss market. On a broader scale, it gives us a perspective of how iodine content in plant-based foods impact overall nutrition for our vegan kids. In today’s episode, we take a look at the iodine content in plant-based products in the Swiss market, why is iodine so important for growing vegan kids, and how our food system can make progress in the making of plant-based products.Here’s what we cover: >> Data of iodine content of Swiss market on plant-based milk, plant-based cheese, plant-based yogurt, and fish alternative>> How iodine content lacks in plant-based products in other countries>> What is iodine and why is it important for growing vegan kids>> Are fruits and vegetables enough for meeting iodine needs?>> A look of iodine content from a global perspective >> My professional thoughts about iodine content in pre-packaged plant-based foods>> How to meet iodine needs for a vegan baby, vegan toddler, and older vegan kidsLinks mentioned in the episode>> Supplement Guide for Vegan Kids>> Swiss study on iodine content of plant-based foods>> Iodine for vegan kids and teens: what every parent should know about meeting this essential nutrient___________________________________________Want to learn what supplements your vegan kids need at each stage of their growth? Grab the FREE Supplement Checklist so you can feel confident you're providing everything they need to support their growth and development. Click here to grab the FREE Supplement ChecklistConnect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition

Ep. 18 The Do’s and Don’ts of Hiding Foods + Chia Seeds as a Picky Eater’s Nutritional Superhero

Send Karla a messageSome of the most common challenges I continue to hear from vegan parents like yourself is how to feed, what to cook, and what foods to focus on for your vegan picky eater.In today’s episode, we discuss a common feeding practice to “get” picky eaters to eat a particular food they’re avoiding or refusing to eat—hiding foods in mixed or prepared dishes. I share my honest thoughts about this feeding practice and what you can do instead to help your picky eater broaden their food acceptance. I’ll also share why chia seeds are a great daily use for supporting the growth of your vegan picky eaters. Here’s what we cover: >> A recap of my own experience with picky eating with my oldest daughter>> The most common food where foods are hidden for picky eaters>> Why hiding foods for your picky eater is a disservice to their feeding journey>> How hiding foods can make picky eating behaviors worse>> The nutrients of chia seeds and why they are great for your vegan picky eater>> Ways to use chia seeds in your meal planningLinks mentioned in the episode>> Blog Article - 26 Vegan Meal Ideas for Toddlers and Kids>> Episode 12 - How I do it: Boost Vegetable Intake with these 5 Strategies>> Vegan Kids Cookbook>> FREE Picky Eating Guide___________________________________________Want to learn what supplements your vegan kids need at each stage of their growth? Grab the FREE Supplement Checklist so you can feel confident you're providing everything they need to support their growth and development. Click here to grab the FREE Supplement ChecklistConnect with me: Website: www.vegankidsnutrition.comInstagram: @vegan.kids.nutrition