I recently switched to eating only a Paleo diet. I don’t want to call it a diet because it really is a lifestyle change. (I will do a more in depth blog post on that later with the reason for the switch and a ton of informative links). One of the food groups that is eliminated in Paleo is dairy. In the extensive research I have done on dairy, it made me think about Henry and alternative milk substitutes for toddlers, even though I hate to think of my soon to be one year old as a toddler. When babies turn a year old, the American Academy of Pediactrics recommends the stop of formula and the start of whole milk. **This does not particularly apply to breast fed babies, as a lot of mothers choose to breast feed past a year, which is still viewed as best for baby** Henry had to switch to formula at 5 weeks because I got a breast infection which stopped my milk supply. He has since been on Similac Advance and loves it.
There are quiet a few options out there for a milk substitute; coconut milk, rice milk, almond milk, hemp milk, soy milk, oat milk, goats milk … but the one I am leaning towards the most as an alternative is Almond Milk. If you want to learn more about the many benefits of oats, check out this article named, The Health Benefits of Eating Porridge Oats for Breakfast.
Almond milk is a great substitute however there is not that much protein in it (1 gram per serving compared to the 8 grams in whole milk). But it is low in calories, at only 40 calories per eight ounce serving, and low in fat. It contains only three grams of fat per eight ounce serving. Almond milk is lactose, gluten, casein and cholesterol free; it’s also free of saturated fats. Henry eats tons of vegetables and meats, so protein isn’t really a problem in his diet. Same with vitamin D and calcium … there are plenty of leafy greens, fish and meats, etc. You may be thinking “shouldn’t young children avoid nuts?” Yes, this is true, but it’s mostly peanuts that are worrisome. Also, Henry has never had an allergic reaction to any food I have given him, even foods high on the allergy list. At this age kids really need the fat that is in milk in order for their brains and nervous systems to develop properly, but there are fats in many of the other foods Henry eats (avocados, coconut oil mixed in his purees, salmon, eggs).
Here is a great link with more information.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on whole milk and milk alternatives!
buynoprescriptionrxxonline.net
buynoprescriptionrxxonline.net/awc-canadian-pharmacy.html
buynoprescriptionrxxonline.net/canadian-online-pharmacy.html
buynoprescriptionrxxonline.net/greenline-pharmacy.html
I am not sure about the whole milk debate, but our pediatrician had us start B on peanut butter at 9 months. She said if she hadn't had any food allergies and there wasn't a family history it was better to expose her sooner. We did a little bit mixed with breastmilk and she loved it. Now she eats it on celery and crackers. Just throwing it out there – I know nuts are a touchy subject!
Maggie – that is a great idea and I have been thinking about exposing Henry to peanuts soon. Like B, there is no family history and Henry has never had an allergic reaction.
I recently switched my Lucas to almond milk. He was having major digestive issues & he was getting really bad excema on his face. I made the switch & his digestive issues aren't completely worked out (i'm pretty sure he has a sucrose intolerance as well) but his face is back to it's smooth nature 🙂
I also drink almond milk, I used to drink milk like crazy before kids & even during my pregnancies I could drink it by the gallon, but once those babies pop out – my body HATES me when I drink it.
That's so great! How old is Lucas? Henry will be 1 in 5 weeks and I definitely don't want him on cows milk. I love almond milk too and drink it daily … just the thought of drinking it makes my stomach turn.