hey tamika,
a vegan diet is more then suffiencient for a 2 yr old.....i'm not a doctor, but i am a very well researched person! i have a 19 mos old son that ive been raising vegan since birth and he is the epitome of a happy, healthy, and energetic toddler....he's been sick only once, with croup, when he was 10 mos old but needed no meds for it (really, the most effective way to treat it is a steamy shower/humidifer with some euctulypus essential oil. even the er doc agreed.) so he's never had an ear infection, flu, etc, and he's the ONLY child i know that has made it this far with relatively no illness to speak of......and he's the ONLY vegan child i know.....coincedence? i think not ;)
as long as you vary her diet by "eating the rainbow", you will be fine........dairy is a major factor in common sickness, such as asthma, ear issues, inflammation, etc., so the best thing you can do is not give it to her.......my guy drinks on rotation almond or hemp milks and soy once in a great while, as he eats plain soy yogurt like its going out of style....since we eat tofu a few times a week as well, i like to limit soy a bit...i know kids can eat in food jags, especially toddlers, as they develop their sense of self independence, but be patient as you introduce new foods to your daughter....a lot of kids like raw veggies for the crunch factor, so maybe put out a plate of bite size bits for her with some hummus to dip.....if its a matter of sticking to the classics and just subbing out for a while, use the daiya cheese in lieu of cow's cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich.....go nuts and put a few slices of tomato on while its toasting....my son loves it! vegetarian baked beans are another complete protein with fiber that kids usually love because of the sweetness....
best of luck in your journey, and keep us posted on transitioning yourself and family!
Jill
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