
Have you ever used PediaSure or Pedialyte to help with baby's health or dehydration? Pediasure's second ingredients is sugar, then GMO corn, soy oil, soy protein...this is NOT a healthy product.
INGREDIENTS: Water, Sugar, Corn Maltodextrin, Milk Protein Concentrate, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Whey Protein Concentrate, Medium-Chain Triglycerides. Less than 0.5% of the Following: Soy Protein Isolate, Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Cellulose Gel, Magnesium Phosphate, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Phosphate, Salt (Sodium Chloride), Cellulose Gum, Choline Chloride, Ascorbic Acid, Soy Lecithin, Monoglycerides, C. Cohnii Oil, m-Inositol, Potassium Hydroxide, Carrageenan, Taurine, Ferrous Sulfate, dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, L-Carnitine, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Niacinamide, Manganese Sulfate, Thiamine Chloride Hydrochloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Cupric Sulfate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Folic Acid, Chromium Chloride, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenate, Sodium Molybdate, Phylloquinone, Cyanocobalamin, and Vitamin D3. Contains milk and soy ingredients.
Babies suffering from diarrhea can benefit extremely by adding in coconut and coconut water; as this fluid can help calm their digestive tract, prevent dehydration and malnutrition.
Coconut oil most resembles a woman's breastmilk! Coconut provides B vitamins, protein, zinc, phosphorus and iron. It is also high in lauric acid, which also happens to be the main fatty acid found in breast milk. Lauric acid is what makes breast milk so digestible and protect sthe body from infection and boost the immune system.
Coconut oil helps cure jaundice. The first solid food eaten by a Thai baby is three spoonfuls of the custard-like flesh of young coconut fed to the baby by a Buddhist priest.
How Coconut Oil Helps Babies:
1. Immune system does not fully develop until 6 months old, only protection against everyday viruses comes by consuming lauric acid.
2. Helps ease an array of stomach and digestive tract problems that often plague infants. This is because the antimicrobial properties of coconut oil combat many of the bacteria, fungi and parasites that often contribute to infant indigestion.
3. Helps improve the body’s ability to absorb other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

4. Coconut oil is a great moisturizer for all skin types, including very dry skin and highly sensitive skin, such as that of a newborn infant. This is because it closely resembles human plasma; therefore it helps with Cradle Cap as the antimicrobial properties of this oil are highly effective at soothing this skin inflammation.
The fat in breast milk is filled with lauric acid and capric acid, IF the mother is eating a proper diet. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition claims that lactating mothers who eat coconut oil and other coconut products, have significantly increased levels of lauric acid and capric acid in their breast milk; therefore, the milk supply has increased amounts of the protective antimicrobials, which will give even greater protection to the nursing infant.
The next best food is organic egg yolks, rich in choline, cholesterol and other brain-nourishing substances, can be added to your baby's diet as early as four months, as long as baby takes it easily. (If baby reacts poorly to egg yolk at that age, discontinue and try again one month later.) Cholesterol is vital for the insulation of the nerves in the brain and the entire central nervous system. It helps with fat digestion by increasing the formation of bile acids and is necessary for the production of many hormones. Since the brain is so dependent on cholesterol, it is especially vital during this time when brain growth is in hyper-speed. Choline is another critical nutrient for brain development. The traditional practice of feeding egg yolks early is confirmed by current research. A study published in the June 2002 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition compared the nutritional effects of feeding weaning infants 6-12 months of age regular egg yolks, enriched egg yolks, and an otherwise normal diet. The researchers found that both breastfed and formula-fed infants who consumed the egg yolks had improved iron levels when compared with the infants who did not. In addition, those infants who got the egg yolks enriched with extra fatty acids had 30 percent to 40 percent greater DHA levels than those fed regular egg yolks. No significant effect on blood cholesterol levels was seen.
The best choice for baby is yolks from pasture-fed hens raised on flax meal, fish meal, or insects since they will contain higher levels of DHA. Why just the yolk? The white is the portion that most often causes allergic reactions, so wait to give egg whites until after your child turns one. Don't neglect to put a pinch of salt on the egg yolk. While many books warn against giving salt to babies, salt is actually critical for digestion as well as for brain development. Use unrefined salt to supply a variety of trace minerals.
Click HERE to find the brand I like, on sale now!
"HEALTHIFIED" BABY'S CUSTARD
5 egg-yolks
1/4 cup Just Like Sugar
3 cups whole coconut milk
OPTIONAL: 3 TBS coconut flour (makes it less liquid so babies can pick up chunks)
1 TBS vanilla extract (or other extract...Kai LOVES banana and strawberry) Click HERE to find organic extracts.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Heat the coconut milk in a small saucepan until simmers. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetener, coconut flour and vanilla extract. Slowly add the coconut milk, whisking constantly.
Pour the custard into 6 ramekins. Place ramekins in a deep baking pan and pour enough boiling water in the pan to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the custard sets. Do not over bake; it should be a little soft in the center. Cool in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to firm up. Makes 6 servings.
NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Custard = 360 calories, 32g fat, 5g protein, 16 carbs, 2.6g fiber
"Healthified" Custard = 327 calories, 32g fat, 5g protein, 7.4 carbs, 3.6g fiber
In any recipe you can use ZSweet, Truvia, Organic Zero, Xylitol or Just Like Sugar. In order to use a different product, use the same amount of sweetener for the amount of erythritol in the recipe and omit the stevia (except for Organic Zero, that is only erythritol and you will still need stevia for sweetness).
1 cup erythritol and 1 tsp stevia = 1 cup Swerve
1 cup erythritol and 1 tsp stevia = 1 cup ZSweet
1 cup erythritol and 1 tsp stevia = 1 cup Truvia
1 cup erythritol and 1 tsp stevia = 1 cup Xylitol
1 cup erythritol and 1 tsp stevia = 1 cup Just Like Sugar
1 cup erythritol and 1 tsp stevia = 1 cup Organic Zero and 1 tsp stevia
For more charts and information on sweeteners and why I use them, check out my book: The Art of Eating Healthy.
If I have a 4yo who is allergic to eggs, would this recipe be safe for her? Do eggs separate well enough that the whites don't get in?
ReplyDeleteI have been using coconut oil for some time now...but shelling out lots of money for unrefined organic coconut oil. I see here that you are showing refined organic coconut oil? Would love to save money, is the refined as healthy as the unrefined??
ReplyDeleteThanks for your interest!
DeleteSince coconut oil has such a high heat, refined coconut oil really isn't damaged.
Happy eating!
Hey! Wonderful recipe. I live in Australia and don't have access to Just Like Sugar, is truvia or erythrol/stevia glycerate a possible alternative for this recipe? And I own all your books...but with your delightful newest one, many of the recipes have Just Like Sugar...so am I able to substitute something for all of them? it's just near impossible to get JLS here in Oz unless paying huge shipping costs from USA. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm an Aussie too just like Naomi and would love to know an Australian Just Like Sugar substitute. I currently use crystallized erythrol and stevia drops.
ReplyDeleteI love this article too, thanks so much Maria. I am finding all your posts on baby health extremely helpful!
- Pinky
In any recipe you can use ZSweet, Truvia, Organic Zero, Xylitol or Just Like Sugar. In order to use
ReplyDeletea different product, use the same amount of sweetener for the amount of erythritol in the recipe
and omit the stevia (except for Organic Zero, that is only erythritol and you will still need stevia
for sweetness).
1 cup erythritol and 1 tsp stevia = 1 cup ZSweet
1 cup erythritol and 1 tsp stevia = 1 cup Truvia
1 cup erythritol and 1 tsp stevia = 1 cup Xylitol
1 cup erythritol and 1 tsp stevia = 1 cup Just Like Sugar
1 cup erythritol and 1 tsp stevia = 1 cup Organic Zero and 1 tsp stevia
Hi Maria!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good, but I'm not sure as to which coconut milk I should use. Are you referring to the milk found in cans or paper cartons? Could you point me in the correct direction via your Amazon Store?
Thank you!
Thank you for your interest!
ReplyDeleteI like this coconut milk: http://astore.amazon.com/marisnutran05-20/detail/B001HTJ2BQ
The stuff in the can:)
This tasted great, but mine was pretty runny. I baked it for 30 mins. Just wondering if you have any ideas to get it a little thicker. I want my toddler to eat it with a spoon with out it getting all over. (She will not let me feed her anymore).
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I'm not sure how to make it thicker... Maybe add a tsp of guar gum. That is a great gluten free thickener.
DeleteHappy eating!
I just made this (for myself)instead of going for ice cream and it's awesome, I'm definitely making more tomorrow for the kids, thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThanks Crissy!
DeleteYou totally made my morning! I love reading things like this when I wake up!
Thanks for sharing information....Thanks
ReplyDeletekailua dentist
Ok, my little boy has been drinking Pediasure and I am desperately trying to find an alternative. He has cystic fibrosis and needs to calories to maintain his weight. I really want a more natural, less gmo/high fructose option. He however is addicted to the stuff so it will have to be very similar in taste. Any suggestions? Would like to be dairy free.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anonymous!
ReplyDeleteHe might like this recipe better:
Chocolate Mousse
1 can coconut milk
1/4 cup plus 1 T cocoa powder
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
... sweetener to taste (stevia, truvia, but any dry sweetener will do.)
Open the coconut milk, and leave the can (or transfer to a bowl) in the fridge overnight. (Don’t shake the can before opening.) It should get very, very thick. (If it doesn’t, you’ve gotten a bad can that won’t work for the recipe. Once thick, transfer to a bowl (you can opt to leave out the watery bit at the bottom of the can, if you want it even thicker) and whip in your cocoa, vanilla, and sweetener with a fork, or even beaters if you want to be fancy.You can pipe the mousse out using an icing tip. Stored uncovered in the fridge, the mixture gets even thicker.
I totally agree with you that if the mother eats coconut product more, she easily get enhanced levels of lauric acid and capric acid in their breast milk. It's fantastically looking one of great experienced source for me. I am totally surprised to see this one. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteInstead of cow's milk when a baby turns 1 do you suggest coconut milk in the can or the coconut milk beverage by So Delicious or the Almond Breeze unsweetended?
ReplyDeleteI would either do the coconut milk in the can or bone broth! Bone broth has amazing health qualities and this is what we started Kai on as soon as we got him home (at 13 months). :) http://mariahealth.blogspot.com/2011/10/chicken-dumpling-soup-and-intestinal.html
DeleteWow bone broth is really interesting and wonderful! How does Kai get his calcium?
DeleteWe use almond flour in baking and almond milk...which has twice as much calcium as dairy!
DeleteKai also eats sardines. The bones have tons of calcium.
We also eat broccoli, kale, Artichokes, Brussels sprouts...Calcium everywhere:)))
what about mixing coconut milk in the can with almond milk? That way they get the calcium along with the coconut milk??
Deletehow long does this recipe stay good for in the refrigerator?
DeleteThat is a good option too. There are even some coconut milk/almond milk blended products in stores now. :)
DeleteI wouldn't keep it for more than a week in the fridge. :)
DeleteI'm in the Phililppines where I can buy coconut [sap] sugar for far cheaper.... measurement suggestions?
ReplyDeleteHi, sorry, I don't recommend coconut sugar. Same amount of sugar per teaspoon and table sugar. Have you looked for Xylitol? Sometimes that is available cheaper. :)
DeleteMaria,
ReplyDeleteHi, I love your way of eating and want to get pregnant in the near future. I want my pregnancy and future baby to have the most healthful benefits as well. I wasn't aware of the coconut milk or almond milk being beneficial and am wondering what other things are also beneficial that we aren't aware of for eating during pregnancy and what to give our babies. Do you have any books on this or are there any books you recommend for learning about this? I definitely will be giving my child the coconut milk and almond milk since I just learned from you that it is highly beneficial. Thanks!
Thank you for your support! I have a bunch of information on kids nutrition in my book "The Art of Healthy Eating - Kids". Great ideas for baby's first food, etc. One other thing that is very beneficial is bone broth (it is what we had Kai on for about 6 months when we brought him home as his 'Formula'). Here is a recipe:
Deletehttp://mariahealth.blogspot.com/2011/10/chicken-dumpling-soup-and-intestinal.html
My book:
http://astore.amazon.com/marisnutran05-20/detail/147758935X
oh thank you! I will definitely check that out and find your book--I have your healthy metabolism book and one of your cookbooks so I'll look for the kids one too. I appreciate it!
Delete