PALEO Protein Pudding and Baby's 1st Foods

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Sadly, parents often think that rice cereal is the first food to introduce to a baby. Avocado and Organic Egg yolks are much healthier for our babies. A recent Swedish study suggests that when infants are given substantial amounts of cereal, they may suffer from low concentrations of zinc and reduced calcium absorption. Dr. David Ludwig of Children's Hospital Boston, a specialist in pediatric nutrition, says some studies suggest rice and other highly processed grain cereals actually could be among the worst foods for infants.

"These foods are in a certain sense no different from adding sugar to formula. They digest very rapidly in the body into sugar, raising blood sugar and insulin levels" and could contribute to later health problems, including obesity, he says.

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,1 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. Around six months is a good time to start offering cod liver oil, which is an excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA (also important for brain develoment) as well as vitamins A and D. Start with a 1/4 teaspoon of high-vitamin cod liver oil or 1/2 teaspoon regular dose cod liver oil, doubling the amount at 8 months. Use an eye dropper at first; later baby can take cod liver oil mixed with a little water. Click HERE to find supplements essential for babies and young children.

If you are interested, I have an online class called "HEALTHY FAMILY." It is only $25. To watch this helpful class, please email me at mariamindbodyhealth@gmail.com

PROTEIN PUDDING!

I know this recipe sounds crazy, but you must try it! My son Kai hates eggs...Micah eats scrambled eggs every morning, but Kai hates the texture. So here is what he loves for breakfast:

10 hard boiled eggs (use only the yolks if under age 1)
1 can (full fat) coconut milk
1-2 tsp stevia glycerite (or to desired sweetness)
1-3 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla

Peel the eggs. Place all the ingredients in a blender and puree until VERY smooth! Store in airtight container. I use it for easy breakfasts all week for Kai. I use this BlendTec Blender (which is on sale now). It purees food like no other!

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (Makes 10 Servings)
Jell-O Pudding = 104 calories, 0.2g fat, 2.4g protein, 23.2g carbs, 0.1g fiber (23.1 effective carbs)
Paleo Pudding = 157 calories, 13.8g fat, 6.5g protein, 2.8g carbs, 1.0g fiber (1.8 effective carb)

Why do I love coconut milk? Let me count the ways...

1. DIABETICS: Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose. Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
2. INTESTINAL DISORDERS: 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. Supports tissue healing and repair of the intestines. Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
3. ATHLETES: Provides ketones for a quick source energy. Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance. This also helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
4. IMMUNE SYSTEM: Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
5. Kills fungi and yeasts that cause thrush, candida, ringworm, athlete's foot, diaper rash, and other infections.
6. Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body. Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
7. OSTEOPOROSIS: Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
8. HEART DISEASE: Reduces inflammation. It is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease. Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
9. AGING: 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. Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
10. KIDNEY STONES: Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections. Dissolves kidney stones.
11. WEIGHT LOSS: It is lower in calories than all other fats and it supports thyroid function. It promotes weight loss by increasing metabolic rate. Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats. Medium chained triglycerides produce ketones (energy) rather than being stored as fat.
12. SKIN DISORDERS: 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. Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion. Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Helps control dandruff.