And with the subject of meatless, plant-based diets for even very young children cropping up regularly in the news and in public debate, parents may be wondering: Can it be done? Is it possible to raise a child as a vegetarian? Can children's growing bodies meet their needs for nutrition and calories without meat or dairy products?

According to experts with The American Dietetic Association (ADA), the answer is: with careful planning, yes.

"Vegetarian diets can be healthful for people of all ages," says Julie Covington, a Gastonia, N.C., registered dietitian and chair of ADA's vegetarian nutrition practice group. "The toddler and preschool years particularly are important for developing healthy eating patterns that can establish a foundation for a healthful adult diet."

"Research shows a carefully planned vegetarian diet can be nutritionally adequate and healthful for children from infants to teenagers."

Calories and fat: Vegetarian children's diets sometimes tend to be high in fiber, filling their stomachs but making it difficult for them to consume the levels of energy they need. Avocados, nuts, seeds, dried fruits and soy products can provide concentrated sources of calories.

Protein: Protein needs generally can be met by eating a variety of plant foods and having an adequate intake of calories. Foods high in protein include legumes, grains, soy products, nuts, dairy products and eggs. Grains such as rice, pasta, breads and cereals provide the same protein.

Calcium: Good sources of calcium, especially for vegans, include calcium-fortified soy and rice milks and orange juice, tofu and dark green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin D: Children regularly exposed to appropriate levels of sunlight -- 20 to 30 minutes per day on the hands and face, two to three times per week -- apparently have no dietary requirement for vitamin D. Children with darker skin or who have limited exposure to sunlight may require vitamin supplements. Dietary sources of vitamin D include fortified cow's milk, some brands of soy or rice milk and most dry cereals.

Iron: Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common childhood nutritional problem, but it's no more likely to occur in vegetarian children than non-vegetarians. Good sources of iron include whole or enriched grains, iron-fortified cereals, legumes, green leafy vegetables and dried fruits.

Vitamin B-12: Vegan children should eat foods fortified with vitamin B12, including fortified soy milk, fortified nutritional yeast and some breakfast cereals. Zinc: Sources include legumes, hard cheeses, whole grain products, wheat germ, nuts and tofu.

Offer choices of foods: Letting the child make some decisions can increase the acceptance of foods.

Make foods fun: Make pancakes in different shapes or with faces made from fruit, offer vegetables and dips, hide small pieces of fruit in yogurt.

Set a good example: Let children see you eating healthy foods.

Involve the child in food preparation: Young toddlers can tear up lettuce and put pieces of vegetables into a pot. Older preschoolers can wash vegetables, stir a fruit salad and help measure dry ingredients.

Keep mealtimes pleasant: Don't force a child to eat or use food as a reward. Try to stay calm about food refusals.

Parents seeking more information about raising their children as vegetarians can turn to resources available at The American Dietetic Association.

The ADA's Consumer Nutrition Hotline offers recorded food and nutrition messages and referrals to registered dietitians who offer individual and group nutrition counseling services. The number is 1-800-366-1655.

The ADA's web site, www.eatright.org, also offers consumer tips and a wealth of timely and practical food and nutrition information.

The Chicago-based ADA is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. With nearly 70,000 members, ADA serves the public by promoting nutrition, health and well-being.