1/10

Whatever your reasons for following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, health-wise, you're making an excellent choice for your family. Countless studies have shown major benefits of meat-free diets, which are typically higher in essential nutrients and lower in saturated fat than menus that include animal proteins. As a result, vegetarians and vegans have lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension and several types of cancer.

While some experts used to question whether vegetarianism and veganism were right for children, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics announced in 2016 that, when “appropriately planned,” both diets are indeed adequate for kids of all ages. Note the phrase appropriately planned. It takes forethought, diligence and planning to ensure all the nutritional bases are covered in a vegetarian or vegan diet—especially for children.

But it definitely can be done—and deliciously! Here are eight tips for following these diets with your family.