If my mother would have done what you did (researching bringing up a veggie kid) I would have a veggie kid since the age of 3 or 4.

My son went through a phase like this. Morningstar Farms items were a hit with him (and still are for me now!).

I actually like the fact that he did that. It opened him up to trying lots more vegetables and now at age 14 (almost) he'll eat just about anything. Back during his phase he was a little hesitant, but I'd remind him that being a vegetarian meant you ate vegetables! He's back on meat now, but he's never been a huge meat eater.

Pastas are always good, too.

Actually my dad became a vegetarian at 5, he's 55 now, and he's always been healthy. Even though there werent meat substitutes back then (he still doesnt eat them), he has always eaten a lot of vegetables of course.