Top Ten: Best Foods for Your Toddler

The Judgey Moms care about nutrition, a lot. 

We believe food is our medicine, and we don't eat for fun, we eat food purposefully, to nourish our bodies and think this is an important message to teach our children. Walking into a common supermarket can send us into a frenzy, and sheer horror as we watch case after case of soda-pop wheeled out in fun kiddy flavors like diet, orange, and root beer. There is an absolute epidemic of overfed and malnourished youth and it is causing some big problems. Children do not deserve to suffer and we should educate ourselves and each other to provide the best health and wellness we can for our children.

1/3 of all US children are obese. ( Kids Health from Nemours)

Poor diet and inactivity are the second leading cause of preventable death after smoking. Over 400,000 deaths a year are related to poor diet and physical inactivity. In fact, deaths from obesity are soon expected to surpass deaths from smoking.

Diet is a leading risk factor for diseases that kill most Americans. These top 3 diseases include cancer, heart disease, and strokes. For the first time in history, cancer has now surpassed heart disease as the top killer of Americans under 85. Research from both the American Heart Association and the National Cancer Institute have shown that people who eat a low fat high fiber diet and exercise regularly are less likely to have heart disease or cancer. (Lisa Ford @HealthTeacher)

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. When diabetes strikes during childhood, it is routinely assumed to be type 1, or juvenile-onset diabetes. However, in the last 2 decades, type 2 diabetes (formerly known as adult-onset diabetes) has been reported among U.S. children and adolescents with increasing frequency. (CDC)

ADHD  2 to 3% of children have ADHD.  In a typical classroom at least one child is ADHD.

(National Institute of Mental Health )Dr Liddy Pelsser isolated diet as the root cause of 64% of ADHD diagnoses in her subjects. Her results are published in The Lancet.

ADHD has been thought to be caused by many things, some suspect food additives, colorings, petrochemicals, and malnutrition among others. Regardless of speculation about the causes of ADHD, a specific diet is recommended for those diagnosed.

IQ  Three year olds who ate a 'junky' diet, had IQ scores 5 points lower than the nutritious toddlers, five years later.

Good nutrition is crucial in the first three years of life when the brain grows at its fastest rate.

Young children eating a diet packed with fats, sugar and processed foods consume too few vitamins and nutrients, which means their brains never grow to optimal levels.

 The effect of a poor diet on brain development could persist forever, even if the diet improved.

 (Researchers Dr Pauline Emmett and Dr Kate Northstone, Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, Project at Bristol University)

Here are some foods you can easily to integrate into your familys diet. We consume these daily in our home, toddlers included. These are all nutrient rich, amazing foods. Some of these you will have to get at a health food store or specialty store. We always suggest buying organic when possible, especially for the children.

TOP TEN FOODS TO FEED YOUR CHILD (toddlers too!)

 COCONUT PRODUCTS

We suggest coconut 'meat', coconut oil, and coconut water. We LOVE coconut in our house! Try some coconut oil in a smoothie, kids love it! My son likes some in his oatmeal. We also love coconut water for babies when they are dehydrated from diarrhea  or vomiting, or lowering fevers. I use the oil also for lotion and diaper rash treatment also. It is a staple for health.

Nutritional Profile:

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It contains a very healthy form of fat called medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). MCTs are very digestible, which makes them ideal for people with digestive problems such as ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.

Benefits of coconut, in one form or another:

Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.

Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.

Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.

Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.

Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.

Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.

Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.

Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.

Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.

Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.

Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.

Helps protect against osteoporosis.

Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.

Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.

Improves digestion and bowel function.

Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.

Reduces inflammation.

Supports tissue healing and repair.

Supports and aids immune system function.

Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.

Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.

Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.

Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Functions as a protective antioxidant.

Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.

Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.

Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.

Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).

Reduces epileptic seizures.

Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.

Dissolves kidney stones.

Helps prevent liver disease.

Is lower in calories than all other fats.

Supports thyroid function.

Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.

Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.

Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.

Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.

Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.

Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.

Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.

Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.

Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Helps control dandruff.

Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.

Has no harmful or discomforting side effects. Is completely non-toxic to humans.

(Coconut Research Center)

HEMP SEED

These are the seed of the plant Cannabis Sativa. Although related to marijuana, it contains much less THC and therefore does not produce a 'high' if smoked. Hemp seeds can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, sprouted, made into hemp milk, made into tea, and used in baking. We really like them in salads also. My son really likes hemp and coconut milk together also, sometimes we put spirulina in it.  Hemp seeds are one of the earth’s best sources of easily digestible, high-quality protein. 65% of hemp seeds protein is high-quality edestin, making them the highest vegan source of this simple protein that’s required for proper immune system function. With live enzymes intact, hemp’s digestible proteins are easily assimilated into the body.

NOTE:

When exposed to high temperatures, the polyunsaturated fatty acids in hemp seeds and hemp seed oil can turn into peroxide. Hemp seeds and oil should only be used in recipes that keep the food's temperature below boiling.

Nutritional Profile:

All the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. No other single plant source has the essential amino acids in such an easily digestible form, nor has the essential fatty acids in as perfect a ratio to meet human nutritional needs.  A diet without any one of them will eventually cause disease and death. 

Benefits:

Growth & Development

Heart Function

Brain Function

Globulin proteins make up Antibodies- destroying antigens (any substance eliciting a response from lymphocytes: bacteria, viruses, toxins, living and dead tissue, internal debris, etc.)

(Global Healing Center)

(Jenny Wiltz @ Livestrong)

 

SPIRULINA

This is a blue-green microalgae. It is thought to be one of the most ancient life forms, found in both fresh and salt water environments. Animal studies have evaluated spirulina in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced heart disease, stroke recovery,and age related declines in memory. My son enjoys spirulina and honey with water. Be careful, it is a dark green pigment and will stain!

Nutritional Profile:

Contains high concentrations of 18 Vitamins and Minerals

Rich in Chlorophyll

Contains ALL essential amino acids

65% of Spirulina is Protein

Rich in gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) - an anti-inflammatory Omega 6 Fatty Acid

100x the Vitamin A of Carrots

50x the Iron of Spinach

10x the Beta Carotene of Carrots

7x the Calcium of Milk,

6x the Protein of Eggs,

 3x More Iron Than Beef ,

 Rich in Phytonutrients and antioxidants

Benefits:

Boost the Immune System

Improve Digestion

Reduce fatigue

Build Endurance

Nature's Detoxifier - Cleanse the body

Boost Energy Levels

Control Appetite

Maintain Healthy Cardiovascular function

Support the Liver and Kidneys

Reduce Inflammation

Benefit People Who Suffer from Allergies

(Power Discovery)

BLUEBERRIES

Nutritional Profile:                                                               Benefits:

Vitamin K                                                                           Anti-inflammatory

Manganese                                                                         Lowers bad cholesterol  

Vitamin C                                                                           Raises HDL cholesterol

Fiber                                                                                   Lowering of triglycerides

Phytonutrients                                                                      Nervous system and brain health

                                                                                           Can improve memory

                                                                                           Supports healthy blood pressure

                                                                                           Blood Sugar Benefits

                                                                                           Eye Health

                                                                                           Cancer Prevention

                                       

                                                                      (The George Mateljan Foundation- Worlds Healthiest Foods)

AVOCADO

Avacado is an almost perfect food, meaning it has nearly all the nutrients to sustain life! This was both of our sons first foods,  my son is now 18 months and has one a day.

NOTE:
If you have a latex allergy, you may very likely be allergic to chitinase enzymes contain foods including avocado.

Nutritional Profile:

Fiber

Folate

B5

B6

Omega-3 fatty acids

Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E

Glutathione- Antioxidant

Vitamin K

Carotenoids- - beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, neochrome, neoxanthin, chrysanthemaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and violaxanthin.

Oleic acid

Benefits:

Anti-inflammatory

Prostate Cancer Prevention
Oral Cancer Defense
Breast Cancer Protection
Eye Health
Heart Health

Lower Cholesterol
Raising HDL in Cholesterol

Stroke Prevention
Better Nutrient Absorption

Bone Support

Glutathione- antioxidant important in preventing aging, cancer, and heart disease.

(HealthDiaries.com)

(The George Mateljan Foundation- Worlds Healthiest Foods)

KALE

Kale might usually be hard to get a toddler/ picky eater to eat raw, but I would suggest buying some kale chips. They are ADDICTING. They contain all the nutrients of raw kale also because they are dehydrated at a low temperature that keeps  them intact. They are a great snack alternative to chips, my son loves them. Kale’s risk-lowering benefits for cancer have recently been extended to at least five different types of cancer.

Nutritional Profile:

Fiber

Vitamin A

Calcium

Minerals

Phytonutrients

Vitamin C

Potassium

B6

Folic Acid

Benefits:

Keeps homocysteine levels down

Protection from cataracts

Prevents Cancer

Heart Disease Prevention

Prevent OsteoperosisPrevents Dementia

(Consumer Guide, How Stuff Works Inc.)

RAW JUICE

Raw is better than pasteurized, as the process kills many vitamins and enzymes for the purpose of shelf life. To get the most out of your fruits and veggies, juicing is the way to go, you can consume large amounts of produce without much preparation or eating. You can also sneak in ingredients you normally would not enjoy, or your picky eaters for optimum nutrition. I always get my son a beet, carrot, and apple juice and he really enjoys it and it doesn’t have to be all fruit juice. It is hard to write about juicing because it is such a broad spectrum of topics. I found out about juicing from the documentary Food Matters, it talks about the gerson therapy which has been curing cancer and heart disease among MANY other diseases since the 20's. This movie change my perspective on health.

Nutritional Profile:

Phytochemicals

Large quantities of vitamins, minerals, enzymes

Benefits:

Detoxifying and cleansing the body

stimulating and healing the elimination and detoxification organs such as the gall bladder, liver, intestines and kidneys

(Dynamics of Motion)

GOJI

This is a berry also known as Wolfberry. Not commonly found in the Western World, you can find Goji in dehydrated or juice form.  I also buy them frozen and they are very  good.
Goji berries have the highest ORAC score among 46 foods.  

Nutritional Profile:

Antioxidants

Amino Acids

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Essential Fatty Acids

Selenium

Polysaccharides

Calcium

Betaine

B-Complex Vitamins

Zeaxanthin

Benefits:

Protects the Liver

Improves Vision

Strengthens weak legs

Protects from Cancers

Improves Immune System

Promotes Longevity, anti-aging

(anti-oxidentfruits.com)

MACA
This is a root, commonly sold in powder form.  Best used in smoothies or baked goods.

Nutritional Profile:

Fiber

Calcium

vitamins B1 and B2, B12,

Fatty acids

Phosphorus- primary building block in Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P).

Trace elements of Zinc

Vitamin C

 

Benefits:

Endocrine System Adaptogen:

          -Adaptogen- enable the body to enhance its power of resistance and adapt to external conditions

          -Endocrine System- Hypothalamus, Adrenal Glands, Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands, Pancreas,        Thymus, Ovaries, Testes, Pituitary Gland.

Rebuilds weak immune systems

Stimulates the appetite and aids in digestion

Re-mineralize poorly nourished bodies

Increase energy and endurance

Improves sexual function in men and women

Reduces hormonal dysfunction especially in menopause

Speeds wound healing

Reduces anemia

Enhances memory, learning and mental ability

Healthy teeth and bones

Acts as an antifungal, antibacterial

Helps build muscle (non addictive alternative to anabolic steroids)

Saponins and terpenoids may aid as a sedative, expectorant, pain reliever, anti-tumoral, and analgesic.

(Herbs America Company, Maca Magic)

QUINOA

This is a seed related to the spinach family. It cooks and tastes like a grain. Quinoa is close to one of the most complete foods in nature because it contains amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Excellent replacement for grains that are hard to digest and feed candida (yeast). Compared to other grains, quinoa is higher in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc than wheat, barley or corn. It is also gluten free.

Nutritional Profile:

Complete protein- all 9 essential aminos

Magnesium

Fiber

Manganese and Copper

 

Benefits:

Blood Pressure

Acts as a prebiotic feeding good intestinal flora

May be effective in preventing or treating:

Breast Cancer

Diabetes

Insulin resistance

(Body Ecology)

What super foods do your children eat?
Do you have any recipes or tips to share?