The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently completed a study of those under the age of 17 and discovered that one in every 200 surveyed considered themselves vegetarian.  This is a larger-than-expected finding.

In this study, vegetarian was defined as no red or white meat.  (there are further iterations of vegetarian, such as no eggs or cheese).  In a conclusion that seems to be supported by other studies, the CDC  offered that kids seem to becoming more aware of all issues environmental.  The reason most gave for eating vegetarian was  concerns about animal welfare.

With two vegetarian children in tow, one of whom just doesn't like the taste of meat, it is a home cook's dailly challenge to ensure that enough protein is available from other sources each day (rice and beans, etc.). 

Do your kids eat vegetarian?  What is their reasoning?  How do you make sure they are getting all the nutrients they need?  Finally, got a favorite recipe to share?  Once the Food Maven discovered the wonders of spaghetti squash as a base, life got a whole lot simpler!