Monday, December 28, 2009

Toddler Milk Allergies - Milk Alternatives

My son, like many, may be allergic to milk. He has very dry, scaly skin (no creams or prescriptions have helped), and a constant runny nose. After a little research I found that all these symptoms may be due to milk allergies. My husband was also allergic to milk when he was young and outgrew it. So I went searching for an alternative and found many opinions on rice, soy, hemp, oat milk, etc. I have decided to limit my son's exposure to soy due to the debate over phytoestrogens, but am not concerned with low-moderate consumption based on the various research. So whatever alternative you may decide to use, none of them really have as much fat as whole milk. Also, there is no reason that you need to choose any milk alternative as long as you find an alternative source of calcium, fatty acids, B12, and fat. Many cereals and juices are fortified with these nutrients. Fats can be replaced by oils (walnut butter, macadamian nut butter, ect.) or avacado. I have experimented with ways to supplement my son's diet while avoiding milk. Here are a couple NO BAKE ideas:

Breakfast or snack:
Oatmeal with 1 tsp. Macadamion nut butter, 1 tsp peanut butter, 1/2 banana, sprinkle of wheat germ and cinnamon.
Mix together! Nutritionally complete breakfast!

or

mix whole wheat flour, macadamian nut butter or walnut butter, peanut butter and wheat germ (optional cinnamon or honey)
This creates a dough kids can play with and eat with their fingers. Great for toddlers!

Let us know your thoughts on milk alternatives or supplementing kids diets for those with milk allergies.

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