Why I want to raise my child vegetarian...

The first things I will get are, "Don't shove that down your child's throat," or "That's so unhealthy for a baby".

Just please continue to read before making harsh judgements.

I have been a vegetarian now for 8 years now. A huge misconception about this is that it is unhealthy. Being a vegetarian is so much healthier than consuming meat. This will reduce your chances of heart disease and even cancer. Plus meat is so full nasty hormones and chemicals that are so harmful on our bodies. Obviously the main concern here is iron levels, but you can get iron from so many other foods such as nuts, dark leafy greens, beans, etc. And of course I would make sure my child gets all he or she will need, what mother wouldn't be concerned with the health of her child.

Basically I could go on and on about the health benefits but I'm mainly a vegetarian because I'm a huge animal lover (I know I know, vegan would be so much better, I'm working towards it). I have found that being compassionate towards animals has taught me how to be compassionate towards people as well. I just want my child to love and respect the other we share this planet with, whether cloaked in skin, scales, feathers, or fur. I want my child to learn to love. All around I just think when you love animals and educated yourself about them, life is so much richer for you.

I'm hoping there are other veggies out there with me on this and that could maybe give me some advice and encouragement.