healthykids Six Powerhouse
Foods for Kids With Palate-Pleasing Tips by Susan Enfield Esrey
A
s parents, feeding children nour- ishing foods is one of our most important jobs. Although most new moms and dads start with impec- cable intentions (homemade baby food, anyone?), maintaining high family stan- dards can be a challenge when many easygoing babies become toddlers and school-age kids are picky about what’s on their plate. It’s unfortunate, because the stakes
are high. According to the American Heart Association, about one in three American kids and teens today is over- weight or obese, and thus at greater risk for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovas- cular disease. A recent Australian study by the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, in Perth, also has linked the “Western diet”—high in processed sugars, fats and starches, meats and salt, and low in fresh fruits and veg- etables—to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescents. “When we
looked at specific foods, having an ADHD diagnosis was associated with a diet high in takeaway foods, processed meats, red meat, high-fat dairy products and confectionary,” adds Professor Wendy Oddy, Ph.D., the
38 Collier/Lee Counties
swfl.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
nutritional epidemiologist who led the study. She notes that more research is needed to determine the specific nature of the relationship. The good news is that it’s never too late to introduce healthy foods to a child. Here are six nutritional power- houses children might actually eat. Avocado: Loaded with healthy
monounsaturated fats, potassium and folate, creamy avocados are a natural early-childhood favorite, says Pe- diatrician Dr. Robert Sears, author of HappyBaby: The Organic Guide to Baby’s First 24 Months. How to eat: Spoon it out straight from the rind. Mash into guacamole with garlic and cilantro if de- sired. Use the spread (instead of butter or mayo) on whole- grain toast or a sandwich. Or, blend avocado’s goodness with cocoa powder, agave nectar, vanilla and water for an irresistible dip for fruit. Berries: Anti- oxidants in blueber- ries, raspberries and blackberries are well-known aids in helping to prevent illness and im- prove brain func- tion, says Sears. Choose organically grown berries to avoid pesticide residues. Nutrition- ally, frozen berries are just as good as fresh, although fresh tastes best. Also try
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