Making the transition to vegan was pretty painless for my wife and me. Our five children continue to be works in progress, but will get there eventually. The easiest way to get your family to eat healthier is by fixing traditional meals and making them without animal products.

We began with the most important meal of the day. For breakfast, we started using waffle and pancake mixes in a box that had no dairy or eggs as ingredients. We then substituted almond milk for the cow’s milk and powdered-egg substitute for chicken eggs. The kids never knew the difference.

We then graduated to making them from scratch. Making pancakes and waffles from scratch is healthier for you and more fun to prepare. I received this waffle recipe from a physician at Parkview Hospital in Brunswick.

Dr. Tim Howe has been the head of the Lifestyles program for several years now. The two-week wellness course gets you on track to lower your cholesterol and weight by teaching you how to go vegan and why.

This recipe uses ingredients a lot of people probably haven’t even heard of. Some call flax one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet. It is a seed that is high in fiber and Omega 3. Meanwhile, millet is a grain and a good source of magnesium. Magnesium has been shown in studies to reduce the severity of asthma and the frequency of migraines, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack.

Mixed together with apples, nuts and oats, the Howe Family Whole Grain Waffle recipe is delicious and healthy. Add some pure maple syrup and your children will enjoy that vegan thing.

2 cups water

1 cup regular rolled oats

1/4 cup flax, ground

1/4 cup millet, ground

1/2 cup nuts (we use almonds)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup grated apple

Blend together and cook according to your waffle iron directions.

 

Jeff Peterson anchors the 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. news on WGME-TV and is a vegan.