Going vegan can be a challenge for families with young children, but it can also be an opportunity to discover new flavours, ingredients and ways to spend time together in the kitchen. 

Children are naturally inquisitive and open to new things, and this is the key to getting them excited about healthy and ethical eating. In this article, we look at how to create vegan meals that are not only nutritious, but also tasty and fun for your little ones.

1. Colourful plates full of joy

Kids love colors - and that goes for food too. Colourful plates are a great way to encourage them to try something new. 

For example, try creating a 'rainbow plate' where different vegetables and fruits represent the colours of the rainbow. 

Red peppers, orange carrots, yellow corn, green peas, blue blueberries and purple grapes can all be part of a fun and healthy lunch.

Story: One day she made him a "rainbow plate" and told him it was a magical dish that would give him superhero powers. Her son was thrilled and has been choosing what colors he wants on his plate ever since.

2. Involve children in cooking

Kids love it when they can be part of the process. Let them help with the food preparation - whether it's mixing the batter for vegan pancakes, decorating pizza or shaping the date and nut balls. 

When kids prepare their own food, they're more likely to want to taste it.

A specific example: try making vegan "mini burgers" together. 

Use whole wheat buns, homemade chickpea meatballs, avocado slices, tomatoes and lettuce. Kids can build their own burger according to their own ideas.

3. Sweet but healthy treats

Kids love sweets, but that doesn't mean they have to be full of sugar and unhealthy ingredients. 

Vegan desserts can be not only tasty but also nutritious. 

For example, sugar-free banana fritters, sweet smoothie bowls with fruit and nuts or homemade popsicles made with coconut milk and fresh fruit.

Metaphor: Imagine that every sweet you prepare is like a little treasure full of vitamins and minerals. Instead of empty calories, you're giving your kids energy and health.

4. Creative snacks on the go

If you're looking for something quick and easy on the go, try homemade vegan energy bars, oatmeal cookies or fruit skewers. 

These snacks are not only practical but also fun to prepare. Kids can string pieces of fruit on skewers and create their own "fruit swords".

5. How to ensure sufficient nutrients

One of the most common questions parents ask is whether a vegan diet will provide all the nutrients children need. 

The answer is yes - if the diet is well planned. Make sure children get enough protein (e.g. from legumes, tofu, tempeh), calcium (e.g. from fortified plant milks, sesame seeds, almonds) and iron (e.g. from lentils, spinach, pumpkin seeds). 

Don't forget vitamin B12, which can be supplemented in the form of drops or tablets.

6. Playful serving of food

Children often eat with their eyes, so it is important to make food look appealing. Try creating 'animal plates' where pieces of vegetables and fruit are made into the faces of animals. 

For example, a slice of cucumber could be the nose, cherry tomatoes the eyes and strips of pepper the hair.

7. Inspiration from around the world

Vegan cuisine offers endless possibilities inspired by different cultures. Try making Mexican tacos with beans and avocado, Italian pasta with tomato sauce and basil, or Asian stir-fry with tofu and rice. 

Children can learn not only about food but also about different cultures.

Conclusion

Preparing vegan meals for kids can be fun, creative and healthy at the same time. The key is to involve children in the process, experiment with flavors and colors, and keep the diet balanced. 

Remember that every meal you prepare is not only a meal, but also an opportunity to pass on the values of health, empathy and sustainability to children.