It is common for preteen girls to make forays into vegetarianism, as their moral conscience begins to sharpen. Honour her choice, and help ensure the diet is nutritionally sound.

If sources are varied – for example, whole grains, legumes, vegetables, seeds and nuts -plant protein can provide all the necessary amino acids. Soy protein (available as patties, sausages and tofu) is an excellent source.

Vegetarians do have a higher risk of iron deficiency and girls who have begun menstruation should be particularly careful. Dried beans, spinach, enriched products and dried fruit are good sources of iron. Don't restrict high-fat foods. Seeds, nuts and nut butters provide a concentrated source of calories and protein and vegetable oils are good.

Vitamin B12 comes naturally only from animal sources, and it is a good idea to give this in vitamin supplement form. Some breakfast cereals are fortified as are soy beverages and some brands of brewer's yeast.

Lacto-ovovegetarians, who eat dairy and eggs, should not have a problem getting adequate calcium but for vegans, vegetable greens such as spinach, kale broccoli, some legumes, soybean products, figs, sunflower seeds and sesame seed paste are good sources. Calcium-fortified soy and rice beverages also help.

Zinc is needed for growth and development: good plant sources include grains, nuts, legumes and wheat germ.

About the writer
Caroline Bateman is a freelance journalist and mother to Giulietta (10) and Raffaella (6). "This was a subject close to my heart as both my children are still "fussy eaters". I was interested to learn that there are very real physical contributing factors and that therefore one has to be patient and tolerant."