Diary of a Nutritionist

One of my clients, asked an outstanding question regarding the post entitled:  ”What Else is in that Bowl of Milk and Cereal?”  It was such a great question that I wanted to address it in an article.

Crystal writes…

Dear Diary of a Nutritionist,

“… I’m switching to almond milk! I was wondering what you’d suggest for young children… the AAP recommends whole milk for children after 1 year of age for healthy development (bone and brain)… my guess would be almond milk, etc. lacks the needed fat content that whole cow’s milk has, so would using organic cow’s milk be the compromise until the fat content wasn’t an issue and children could be switched over to less horrific alternatives, like almond milk?”

Crystal, you are a wonderful and intuitive mother, I can tell this already.

As I addressed in the Multi-Post Series about Milk, Cows milks, is fit for a calf… Not a grown cow, not an infant, not an adolescent and most certainly not for an adult. While organic milk is lacking chemicals and hormones, it is still pasteurized, killing off healthy bacteria, and any vitamins and minerals.  It is also important to note that it still contains the slow-digesting, and mucous-forming, protein– casein.

Children that consume milk, organic or not, generally suffer from chronic sinus infections, painful ear infections, and even hyperactivity disorders, such as ADHD.

It is entirely correct to point out that almond milk would not be sufficient nourishment for a growing child.  Fat is necessary for all humans, especially infants, when healthy bone and brain development is crucial. All fats are not created equal of course, and therefore it is important to choose the right fats.

Lets take a look at two different fats.  Milk fat and Avocado Fat.

1 cup of Whole Milk contains approximately 8 grams of pasteurized milk fat, and 8 grams of the slow-digesting protein, casein.  1 cup of pureed avocado, provides 35 grams of digestible, nutrient dense, raw fat, and 5 grams of easily digestible plant protein.  Look at the nutrition facts below for further comparison.

Information was taken from NutritionData.com and commented on by author of this publication.

So… if infants should not have cow milk, how do they receive the proper nutrition necessary for healthy bone and brain development?

Natalia Rose, mentor, renown Clinical Nutritionist, author, and mother of two, beautiful and radiant children (both of which, I have had the pleasure of meeting), suggests combining different variations of fruit, greens and raw fats.

My personal favorite drinks, formulated for optimal growth and development, consist of the following combinations:

1. Freshly-pressed Organic Carrot Juice +  Organic Romaine Juice  + Organic Romaine leaves + Avocado
2. Freshly-pressed Organic Carrot Juice + Banana + Avocado + Organic Romaine Leaves
3. Organic Peaches + Banana + Organic Romaine Juice and leaves
4. Freshly-pressed Orange juice + Banana + Avocado
5. Freshly-pressed Organic Pear juice + Avocado + Organic Romaine Leaves
6. Freshly-pressed Apple juice + Avocado + Organic Romaine Leaves + 1 stalk celery

Most of these recipes rely on avocado as their main source of fat.  It is recommended, and entirely possible to interchange “avocado” for other fats such as:

1.  A raw, cold-pressed flax oil.

I recommend organic, cold-pressed oils by Barleans.

2.  A tbsp, or two, of raw almond butter.

Make sure that the nut butter is raw and without additives.  If you have a high speed blender, you can make this nut butter yourself.

Always make sure the shake is blended until it entirely without lumps.  There should be no pointy romaine leaves, or lumps of almond butter.  Add water if needed.

Important Note:  Do not feed infants raw honey, strawberries, peanut or soy products.

Play around with the combinations.  I personally like using Organic Romaine leaves, as they rich in enzymes, and their water is nutrient rich.  Organic cucumbers are great for building volume, as they are a very watery vegetable.  I do not suggest juicing spinach.  A perfect combination is one that contains something green, something sweet, and is balanced with a raw fat (avocado, flax oil, or almond butter).  A mother’s milk contains a plethora of nutrients, natural sugar and fat.  With the right combination, your baby will love these sweet and nourishing drinks.  These nutrient dense, milk alternatives are derived from nature, and raw, just as Mother Nature intended.

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Disclaimer:  I am not a Dr.  All information printed here is based on my own research and from discussions with other holistic nutritionists.  As always, it is important to consult your child’s pediatrician before implementing any diet program.