So here's part 2 of my food introduction with Clara. So as I was saying, we're doing things differently. It's part Weston-Price Foundation, part Baby-led weaning...but don't get overwhelmed by the terms and theories, there's a large portion that's just plain intuitive!
So if you're overwhelmed and not sure where to start, definitely visit a few websites such as
http://www.westonaprice.org/and
http://nourishedkitchen.com/ to find out the basic thoughts on this approach.
My patients probably know that my favorite book for children's nutrition is 'Whole Foods for Children' by Jude Blereau. I love this book because it discusses the importance of healthy fats being introduced into the diet from day one. Many other resources just recommend veggie or fruit purees without any added fats - when you think that breast milk is nearly 50% fat, it makes sense that we include healthy fats in foods as well. Babies need it for their developing adrenal glands and brain. The book takes you through food introduction into the toddler years and beyond. It discusses soaking grains (making them more digestible) and fermenting (developing healthy gut bacteria). I also like the fact that the emphasis early on is veggies, meat and fruit, then later on the gluten-free grains like quinoa, amaranth etc.
Looking back my middle child already had a healthy intro to foods than my first child - we did veggies and fruits first, and left grains till later, but I wish I had done more fats and nourishing foods like egg yolks, liver and broths! When I look back on my last pregnancy, I'm convinced that the reason it was my best (felt the best, great energy throughtout) was that I ate LOTS of healthy fats in my diet - it became by 'Aha' moment with my last pregnancy. I'm talking about avocado, raw nuts/seeds, nut butters, fish oils, lots of flax seeds, coconut oil and olive oil. Those around me couldn't believe my energy levels. Even post-partum I've had more energy than I've ever had with the other kids. So eat your fats!!
Yesterday Clara didn't get any solids (part of baby led weaning is not stressing about food intro since baby is still getting most of their nutrients from milk - it needs to be laid-back and enjoyable, not forced). I need to go to the farmer's market and get more veggies for her - I want her experience with veggies to be positive, so it means getting the sweetest, freshest in-season veggies. Today I put some banana slices in her tray, but they just slipped out of her hands! So I finally gave in and mashed them! I also pulled her carrot/apple/coconut oil puree out of the freezer and gave her that. I'll try to post more shortly but I think this is a good start for resources!
Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND.
Naturopathic Doctor & Clinic Director
Vitality for Life Health Center
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Vitality for Life is an integrative health clinic in Barrie, Ontario. We offer the services of a Naturopathic Doctor, Chiropractor and massage therapists.
Dr. Anna Falkowski HBSc, ND
Naturopathic Doctor, Clinic Director
info@vitalityforlife.ca
www.vitalityforlife.ca
Twitter: @NaturoDoctor
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I'm a little obsessed with these two items at the moment. Sometimes when we get bored with our flavors it's nice to experiment with something a little different:
