The CDC conducted a study and found that 0.5% of U.S. kids are vegetarian. The article continues for an eternity while trying to build on that topic. The first half accomplishes it presentation of introductory information. Vegetarians don’t eat meat, although some self-described vegetarians eat fish and poultry. It’s the usual stuff. Then, this:
Eating vegetarian can be very healthy — nutritionists often push kids to eat more fruits and vegetables, of course. For growing children, however, it’s important to get sufficient amounts of protein, vitamins B12 and D, iron, calcium and other important nutrients that most people get from meat, eggs and dairy.
You think that’s going to be a way to introduce vegan nutrition with facts. Beans and nuts contain protein. Many vegan foods, such as soymilk, are fortified with B12. Broccoli contains calcium. Those are all factual statements that support vegan nutrition.
Instead, the AP writer follows with this:
Also, vegetarian diets are not necessarily slimming. Some vegetarian kids cut out meat but fill up on doughnuts, french fries, soda or potato chips, experts said.
It’s a good thing omnivore kids don’t fill up on doughnuts, french fries, soda or potato chips. That alternative universe might require the writer to research alternate, plant-based sources for protein, vitamins B12 and D, iron, calcium and other important nutrients that people can get from healthy food that 99.5% of kids eat. You know, foods like bologna, fried eggs, and ice cream. That’s where protein, vitamins B12 and D, iron, calcium and other important nutrients come from, right? As long as they’re eating meat, eggs and dairy, they’re healthy?