It is a well known fact that one of the best things you can do to jump start your child’s brain is to provide a nutritious breakfast. I also know that with things like your life and your child’s temperament in the way, sometimes moms come up against a brick wall (even if it’s only 3 feet tall)
At our house Kefir has alleviated some of my worries.
When my son was about six months old, I found I could no longer nurse him. For unknown reasons, my milk dried up. I tried all the tricks known to moms to continue breastfeeding but it was not working and I was angry, sad and tired. I also knew formula alone was not going to be enough to support my child’s brain, body and immune system. I had been drinking Lifeway brand organic kefir for years and it had served me well during my pregnancy, so I began giving him 1/4 a cup or so at breakfast and at bed.
Kefir is a 2000 year old fermented milk drink that is the predecessor to yogurt. Now that may not sound very appetizing to some and I admit the plain kefir I don’t drink (fine for recipes though) but now companies make fruit flavored ones that are very much like a yogurt smoothie. Every morning my son starts his day with a cup of fruit flavored organic Lifeway Kefir. I love this product because it’s available locally at my regular supermarket and it comes in so many great flavors plus a low fat version.
The benefits are numerous. Here is the nutritional information from our favorite flavor
Low Fat Blueberry:
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
SERVING SIZE 1 CUP (240mL), SERVINGS 4
Calories 160 Fat Cal 20
Total Fat -2g
Total Fat -2g
Sat Fat - 1.5g
Cholesterol - 10mg
SodiumTotal - 125mg
Carb - 25g
Fiber - 3g
Sugars - 21g
Protein - 14g
Vitamin A 10%, Vitamin C 4%, Calcium 30%, Iron 0%, Vitamin D 25%
Vitamin A 10%, Vitamin C 4%, Calcium 30%, Iron 0%, Vitamin D 25%
As you can see, it beats cereal and milk hands down!
If that’s all he has in the morning, I am ok with it. Also I must add that compared to most children his age, his visits to the doctor are few and far between. He has never had an ear infection or a stomach virus. He fights off colds in about 24 hrs and rashes are non-existent.
If that’s all he has in the morning, I am ok with it. Also I must add that compared to most children his age, his visits to the doctor are few and far between. He has never had an ear infection or a stomach virus. He fights off colds in about 24 hrs and rashes are non-existent.
* Note: Kefir works for us, but you should always check with your family doctor if you have questions about nutrition for your child.
6 comments:
I can't imagine not being able to breastfeed! That must have been incredibly frusterating! I'm glad that you were able to come up with a good alternative though :)
Yes, I was very upset at the time, but I was even able to add omega 6 and omega 3 supplement (fish oils)to the kefir and he didn't even taste it! Now he loves salmon and eats flaxseed bran bread so I don't have to supplement.
interesting for sure
Heheh, i know its healthy and good for digestion and all but i just can't stand the taste of Kefir. Ehh I don't really like yogurt either.
but its cool to hear that you're a fan of it. I find very few people have ever heard of Kefir in the United States. When I was living in Ukraine, it was found in everyone's fridge.
Very interesting, I actually have never tried the stuff, but I'm gonna give it a try! thanks!
Our household loves Kefir! My now 18 month old daughter decided to stop nursing at 12 months and I knew formula or milk was not the solution. She's been drinking Plain Whole Milk Lifeway Kefir ever since. She's never had an ear infection or major illness. My husband and I love to mix the falvored kefir with the plain so they aren't so sweet.
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