Healthy Plant-Based Fats for Underweight? 1 Year Old

[Guest guest]

Danielle--First of all, let me congratulate you on not letting loose on that

poor, uninformed doctor! NO doctor (mainstream ped) that I have ever heard

about was in ANY way informed as to proper nutrition, vegan or otherwise!

 

I have one son who is significantly skinnier than any of his siblings. He is

EXTREMELY thin. I am overweight, my husband is just above normal weight, and

this child's two bio sibs are of average weight. Where'd THIS one come from,

anyway? LOL! But for HIM, it's HIS NORMAL. Maybe that's just YOUR kid's

" normal " . Why try to " bulk him up " for someone else's comfort? It probably

wouldn't work anyway.

 

One thing to consider, if you really feel something's not right about his

size is--has he grown in HEIGHT in that time? If so, great! If not, one

possibility to consider (and don't let this scare you please!) is Celiac

Disease--an

intolerance to gluten. Poor growth is often the first sign of CD in small

children. It's easily manageable with a dietary change, and you should see your

child's height and weight shoot up almost immediately, if that's the

problem.

 

But chances are it's just your child's body type, and nothing to worry

about, no matter who else says whatever else they think they need to say about

it.

Marilyn

 

 

 

**************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog,

plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com.

(http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014)

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Group,

 

First, we are a family of 5 who are all vegetarians. Our children

have been vegetarian since birth, when we as a couple/parents made

this decision.

 

At our daughter's 1 year pediatrician appointment, the pediatrician

noted that her weight was well below the percentage charts (no weight

gain since her 9 month appointment) for US children we presume. All

other developmental indicators (height, head circumference, muscle

tone, fine and gross motor skills, etc.) all seem to be on target.

(No discussion on how many calories she burns off during a normal day

of activity!)

 

He did however cautiously indicate some concern with her wieght and

indicated that we should work to help her put on a few more pounds /

bulk up. He of course offered animal fats in terms of dairy (knowing

that we do not eat meat) as an addition to her diet, suggesting that

we now start her on whole milk (as she is 1 years old). He even

suggested that we add butter to her food. I then probed him for

other healthier plant-based alternatives (I later began to question

whether she really needs to bulk up or to just add weight for

weight's sake). All I could think of on the fly at the appointment

were avacados and olive oil but the pediatrician did not respond to

my suggestions in any direct way. Granted, he is not a

nutritionalist.

 

Now, I am concerned with his message that 1) our daughter even needs

to bulk up (that weight is any measure of her proper development) and

2) that my breastmilk is insufficient and in some way the cause of

her low weight (asking me how often I nurse as if she was nursing too

much, filling up on breastmilk and not eating other foods, and when I

was going to wean her). Whole other discussion...

 

I am very concerned that he would just ask us to add animal fats to

her diet with no concern for long term, healthy dietary habits or the

nutritional value (or lack thereof) of animal fats. (While I eat

dairy and breastfeed, we have not directly given our daughter any

dairy and even made a vegan cake for her for her first birthday.)

 

I am sure this story will garner a lot of responses and discussions

in homes across Arlington as it has gotten us talking and asking

friends/families and reaching out to this resource.

 

So, in any account, we are looking to expand the variety of foods we

offer to all three of our children, being mindful of allergins, and

we eat ourselves, especially as I plan to continue breastfeeding. We

are interested in plant-based foods with healthy fats. Any

suggestions or input to inform our thinking would be greatly

appreciated as we are still trying to sort out what happened at that

appointment.

 

Thanks,

Danielle ( & Joe)

[Guest guest]

Our family doctor, while not vegetarian, is respectful of us and the way we

eat.  Medicine is a consumer good; clearly this doctor is not meeting your needs

and you need to find another.  You may also want to find a veg-friendly

nutritionist.  That said, there are wonderful books on child nutrition. 

 

There is no better milk for a one-year old than the one made by mom; the World

Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for a minimum of one year.

 

I know that nuts and nut butters are now not recommended before two, sunflower

seed butter is yummy, too, and a good source of fat. Adding flax or hemp oil to

foods will also get good fats into your daughter's diet.

 

Robin

 

--- On Sat, 9/6/08, Danielle & Joe <jdbdmob wrote:

 

Danielle & Joe <jdbdmob

Healthy Plant-Based Fats for Underweight? 1 Year Old

 

Saturday, September 6, 2008, 3:10 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group,

 

First, we are a family of 5 who are all vegetarians. Our children

have been vegetarian since birth, when we as a couple/parents made

this decision.

 

At our daughter's 1 year pediatrician appointment, the pediatrician

noted that her weight was well below the percentage charts (no weight

gain since her 9 month appointment) for US children we presume. All

other developmental indicators (height, head circumference, muscle

tone, fine and gross motor skills, etc.) all seem to be on target.

(No discussion on how many calories she burns off during a normal day

of activity!)

 

He did however cautiously indicate some concern with her wieght and

indicated that we should work to help her put on a few more pounds /

bulk up. He of course offered animal fats in terms of dairy (knowing

that we do not eat meat) as an addition to her diet, suggesting that

we now start her on whole milk (as she is 1 years old). He even

suggested that we add butter to her food. I then probed him for

other healthier plant-based alternatives (I later began to question

whether she really needs to bulk up or to just add weight for

weight's sake). All I could think of on the fly at the appointment

were avacados and olive oil but the pediatrician did not respond to

my suggestions in any direct way. Granted, he is not a

nutritionalist.

 

Now, I am concerned with his message that 1) our daughter even needs

to bulk up (that weight is any measure of her proper development) and

2) that my breastmilk is insufficient and in some way the cause of

her low weight (asking me how often I nurse as if she was nursing too

much, filling up on breastmilk and not eating other foods, and when I

was going to wean her). Whole other discussion.. .

 

I am very concerned that he would just ask us to add animal fats to

her diet with no concern for long term, healthy dietary habits or the

nutritional value (or lack thereof) of animal fats. (While I eat

dairy and breastfeed, we have not directly given our daughter any

dairy and even made a vegan cake for her for her first birthday.)

 

I am sure this story will garner a lot of responses and discussions

in homes across Arlington as it has gotten us talking and asking

friends/families and reaching out to this resource.

 

So, in any account, we are looking to expand the variety of foods we

offer to all three of our children, being mindful of allergins, and

we eat ourselves, especially as I plan to continue breastfeeding. We

are interested in plant-based foods with healthy fats. Any

suggestions or input to inform our thinking would be greatly

appreciated as we are still trying to sort out what happened at that

appointment.

 

Thanks,

Danielle ( & Joe)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

When you say her wieght was 'well below the percentage charts', are you saying '

off the chart low', or just 'low'? Usually it's ideal for height/weight to be

similar- if your kid's in the 50th %ile for height, they should be somewhere

around there for weight. If there's a difference of say, 25 percentile points,

that's a lot. That being said, I'm thinking about my 2 of 3 kids (the other

one's only 17 weeks old) who've been 1 year old, and they are SO extremely

active at that age. Usually learning to crawl and walk, at which time they

usually drop a bunch of 'bulk'. So perhaps your daughter was weighed at a bad

time- and she'll gain some once her appetite catches up with her activity.

You've got three children, for goodness sakes, it's not like you don't know what

you're doing!I agree with robin (I think it was) that perhaps you need to find a

new doctor. The idea that you should add butter to ANYONE'S food just so they'll

gain some weight is absurd and

I'm sure would make any nutritionist cringe. And you still nursing is only

adding to her nutrition, but you already know that! Your breast milk is not

causing her to avoid 'real foods' anymore than cow's milk would. Perhaps your

daughter is just one of those lucky slightly-built souls who will enjoy the

problem of 'gee I can't seem to gain any weight' for the rest of her life!

I like your idea of avocadoes- I don't know if you have a history of nut (or

egg, or...) allergies in your family, but I think trying them out now that she's

past the age of one is perfectly acceptable. Perhaps she'd like some smoothies

with soy protein powder, lots of fruits, etc.- and those would be easy for her

to drink from a sippy cup 'on the go'. Or maybe some trail mix-with or without

nuts-with raisins, cereal, dried fruits, whatever else you can think of that's

nutrient-dense by not too 'chokey' for a 1-year old. Do you have a kid-sized

table? When one of mine was little, I used to put non-perishable snacks out for

her to grab when she raced by since the toddler appetite can be so fickle at

'mealtimes'.

I'm sure many others (espeically Marilyn- she's got 9 kids...NINE!) will have

some great ideas...

jenni

 

 

 

 

Danielle & Joe <jdbdmob

 

Saturday, September 6, 2008 3:10:03 PM

Healthy Plant-Based Fats for Underweight? 1 Year Old

 

 

Group,

 

First, we are a family of 5 who are all vegetarians. Our children

have been vegetarian since birth, when we as a couple/parents made

this decision.

 

At our daughter's 1 year pediatrician appointment, the pediatrician

noted that her weight was well below the percentage charts (no weight

gain since her 9 month appointment) for US children we presume. All

other developmental indicators (height, head circumference, muscle

tone, fine and gross motor skills, etc.) all seem to be on target.

(No discussion on how many calories she burns off during a normal day

of activity!)

 

He did however cautiously indicate some concern with her wieght and

indicated that we should work to help her put on a few more pounds /

bulk up. He of course offered animal fats in terms of dairy (knowing

that we do not eat meat) as an addition to her diet, suggesting that

we now start her on whole milk (as she is 1 years old). He even

suggested that we add butter to her food. I then probed him for

other healthier plant-based alternatives (I later began to question

whether she really needs to bulk up or to just add weight for

weight's sake). All I could think of on the fly at the appointment

were avacados and olive oil but the pediatrician did not respond to

my suggestions in any direct way. Granted, he is not a

nutritionalist.

 

Now, I am concerned with his message that 1) our daughter even needs

to bulk up (that weight is any measure of her proper development) and

2) that my breastmilk is insufficient and in some way the cause of

her low weight (asking me how often I nurse as if she was nursing too

much, filling up on breastmilk and not eating other foods, and when I

was going to wean her). Whole other discussion.. .

 

I am very concerned that he would just ask us to add animal fats to

her diet with no concern for long term, healthy dietary habits or the

nutritional value (or lack thereof) of animal fats. (While I eat

dairy and breastfeed, we have not directly given our daughter any

dairy and even made a vegan cake for her for her first birthday.)

 

I am sure this story will garner a lot of responses and discussions

in homes across Arlington as it has gotten us talking and asking

friends/families and reaching out to this resource.

 

So, in any account, we are looking to expand the variety of foods we

offer to all three of our children, being mindful of allergins, and

we eat ourselves, especially as I plan to continue breastfeeding. We

are interested in plant-based foods with healthy fats. Any

suggestions or input to inform our thinking would be greatly

appreciated as we are still trying to sort out what happened at that

appointment.

 

Thanks,

Danielle ( & Joe)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hi Danielle and Joe,

Oh, doctors - do we gotta love them? :-) Breastmilk has a huge amount

of fat and calories in it - but since it's the perfect food for humans,

it doesn't make babies/kids gain weight and become overweight because

our bodies process it perfectly. Okay, that point aside (poor doc that

doesn't know about breastmilk or vegetarian fats, yet wants to give you

advice . . . ). :-) Our family doc always says that it's not about

weight or where a kid falls on the charts, but it's about muscle tone

and overall health. Our son has always been on the low end of the

weight charts, and the high end of the height charts. Our doctor says,

if my partner asks about our son being too thin, " you have a tall, thin,

active, nursing kid who has a great diet and is advanced developmentally

- you could find something else to worry about. " :-) As far as

vegetarian fats, if you want to add them - avocado and oils, like you

said, are good, as are nuts, but you probably want to be careful of nuts

while she's young. I think we started with sunflower seeds and less

allergenic nuts, smashed or in butter form. But, really, at one year

old and since she's nursing, I wouldn't worry about her fats much . . .

we avoided dairy and allergens til our son was older, too, and he lived.

:-) He still nurses now at 3-3/4 years, but gets plenty of fats in his

diet now (I often warn him that he may turn into a stick of butter one

day) - and by the way, still thin as a rail. :-)

Have a peaceful weekend,

Lorraine

 

 

On

Behalf Of Danielle & Joe

Saturday, September 06, 2008 1:10 PM

 

Healthy Plant-Based Fats for Underweight? 1 Year

Old

 

Group,

 

First, we are a family of 5 who are all vegetarians. Our children

have been vegetarian since birth, when we as a couple/parents made

this decision.

 

At our daughter's 1 year pediatrician appointment, the pediatrician

noted that her weight was well below the percentage charts (no weight

gain since her 9 month appointment) for US children we presume. All

other developmental indicators (height, head circumference, muscle

tone, fine and gross motor skills, etc.) all seem to be on target.

(No discussion on how many calories she burns off during a normal day

of activity!)

 

He did however cautiously indicate some concern with her wieght and

indicated that we should work to help her put on a few more pounds /

bulk up. He of course offered animal fats in terms of dairy (knowing

that we do not eat meat) as an addition to her diet, suggesting that

we now start her on whole milk (as she is 1 years old). He even

suggested that we add butter to her food. I then probed him for

other healthier plant-based alternatives (I later began to question

whether she really needs to bulk up or to just add weight for

weight's sake). All I could think of on the fly at the appointment

were avacados and olive oil but the pediatrician did not respond to

my suggestions in any direct way. Granted, he is not a

nutritionalist.

 

Now, I am concerned with his message that 1) our daughter even needs

to bulk up (that weight is any measure of her proper development) and

2) that my breastmilk is insufficient and in some way the cause of

her low weight (asking me how often I nurse as if she was nursing too

much, filling up on breastmilk and not eating other foods, and when I

was going to wean her). Whole other discussion...

 

I am very concerned that he would just ask us to add animal fats to

her diet with no concern for long term, healthy dietary habits or the

nutritional value (or lack thereof) of animal fats. (While I eat

dairy and breastfeed, we have not directly given our daughter any

dairy and even made a vegan cake for her for her first birthday.)

 

I am sure this story will garner a lot of responses and discussions

in homes across Arlington as it has gotten us talking and asking

friends/families and reaching out to this resource.

 

So, in any account, we are looking to expand the variety of foods we

offer to all three of our children, being mindful of allergins, and

we eat ourselves, especially as I plan to continue breastfeeding. We

are interested in plant-based foods with healthy fats. Any

suggestions or input to inform our thinking would be greatly

appreciated as we are still trying to sort out what happened at that

appointment.

 

Thanks,

Danielle ( & Joe)

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Avocados are great. You can add them to just about anything and

babies love them. Mix them with fruit and it's like pudding. Flax or

another omega fatty acid rich oil is a good addition to any of her

food and they make them with veggie forms of DHA. If she's already

been introduced to them using the 4-day wait rule, try things like

nut butters, coconut meat or oil, and soy yogurt. My 10 month-old

loves all of them. Babies do need a lot of calories to burn with all

the energy they have. I just started making smoothies in order to

get " extra " calories into my daughter. I'll use breast milk, hemp

milk, banana, and frozen mango or peaches. Sometimes I'll even throw

in a little of the green powder made for toddlers. She loves her

smoothies and sips from it all day long. Hope some of this helps...

 

, " Danielle & Joe " <jdbdmob

wrote:

>

> Group,

>

> First, we are a family of 5 who are all vegetarians. Our children

> have been vegetarian since birth, when we as a couple/parents made

> this decision.

>

> At our daughter's 1 year pediatrician appointment, the pediatrician

> noted that her weight was well below the percentage charts (no

weight

> gain since her 9 month appointment) for US children we presume.

All

> other developmental indicators (height, head circumference, muscle

> tone, fine and gross motor skills, etc.) all seem to be on target.

> (No discussion on how many calories she burns off during a normal

day

> of activity!)

>

> He did however cautiously indicate some concern with her wieght and

> indicated that we should work to help her put on a few more

pounds /

> bulk up. He of course offered animal fats in terms of dairy

(knowing

> that we do not eat meat) as an addition to her diet, suggesting

that

> we now start her on whole milk (as she is 1 years old). He even

> suggested that we add butter to her food. I then probed him for

> other healthier plant-based alternatives (I later began to question

> whether she really needs to bulk up or to just add weight for

> weight's sake). All I could think of on the fly at the appointment

> were avacados and olive oil but the pediatrician did not respond to

> my suggestions in any direct way. Granted, he is not a

> nutritionalist.

>

> Now, I am concerned with his message that 1) our daughter even

needs

> to bulk up (that weight is any measure of her proper development)

and

> 2) that my breastmilk is insufficient and in some way the cause of

> her low weight (asking me how often I nurse as if she was nursing

too

> much, filling up on breastmilk and not eating other foods, and when

I

> was going to wean her). Whole other discussion...

>

> I am very concerned that he would just ask us to add animal fats to

> her diet with no concern for long term, healthy dietary habits or

the

> nutritional value (or lack thereof) of animal fats. (While I eat

> dairy and breastfeed, we have not directly given our daughter any

> dairy and even made a vegan cake for her for her first birthday.)

>

> I am sure this story will garner a lot of responses and discussions

> in homes across Arlington as it has gotten us talking and asking

> friends/families and reaching out to this resource.

>

> So, in any account, we are looking to expand the variety of foods

we

> offer to all three of our children, being mindful of allergins, and

> we eat ourselves, especially as I plan to continue breastfeeding.

We

> are interested in plant-based foods with healthy fats. Any

> suggestions or input to inform our thinking would be greatly

> appreciated as we are still trying to sort out what happened at

that

> appointment.

>

> Thanks,

> Danielle ( & Joe)

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Danielle,

 

My 16-month-old son has always been around the 5th percentile, so we've been

keeping

an eye on his weight. One important factor is how the child's height compares to

their

weight -- are they in proportion with themselves? My son looks perfectly " juicy "

so the

pediatrician doesn't think he's starving; he's just a little guy.

 

I know it's hard not to worry, even when you " know " everything is fine. If your

daughter is

otherwise developmentally normal and is active, then she just may be small. Some

children

do go through a period during which they do not grow, and it is something to

monitor.

 

I think as long as you can explain to the pediatrician how you are seeing to

your child's

nutritional needs, they should be okay with it. Otherwise, you might want to

find a new

pediatrician. I do think it's okay for them to express some concern, especially

if they are

not familiar with a vegan diet. But if they are still pushing the meat

consumption out of

their own ignorance, have them refer you to a nutritionist who is familiar with

healthy

vegan diets. That way, you don't have to argue with the pediatrician and you can

get some

useful advice from the nutritionist. (Well, hopefully you can. A lot of

nutritionists seem to

be horribly ill-informed of healthy vegan diets...)

 

Anyway, I do try and push high-fat and, to a lesser extent, high-protein foods

at EVERY

meal or snack for my son. Here are some of the goodies I give my son:

 

-avocados

-full-fat coconut milk -- mixed with his food, used to make oatmeal, etc. May

need to be

thinned a little with soymilk (or breastmilk), especially after it's been

refrigerated.

-sunflower seed butter or nut butter -- mixed with oatmeal or served on toast

-ground nuts -- usually almonds or cashews, ground in a coffee grinder or small

blender

-ground pumpkin seeds

-ground flax seeds

-drizzle olive oil and mix in with food; fry tofu or veggies in olive oil

-soy yogurt -- not extremely high-fat, but he likes it a lot

-soy milk -- mixed with food; offered in a straw cup if not exclusively

breastfeeding

-toast with soy butter

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

Valerie

[Guest guest]

Nuts are a fatty addition to our diet on a daily basis. Raw nuts, nut butter,

and nut milk are now part of what we eat.

Also, you are correct about avocado- my daughter's first " solid " food.

And, I am still breastfeeding at 27 months with no end in sight, or at least

until next summer. If you are maintaining a healthy weight yourself, and it

sounds like you are well-read on vegetarian diets, I don't see why your milk

would be insufficient. Filling up on breastmilk helped your daughter grow those

first 9 months, doubling her weight if not more than that.

IMO, mother's milk is for the mother's child. I had to supplement with soy

formula at times. Almond and rice milk were an easy switch from soy. Trail mix

is a daily snack (raw nuts, coconut, raisins, sunflower seeds). Avocado can be

added to most anything needed thickened/smoothed while cooking and baking (even

to make a chocolate pudding). Oh, and flax oil. Added to smoothies or other

things

 

Cassie

" life's a garden, dig it! "

 

Sent from my iPhone

 

On Sep 6, 2008, at 4:10 PM, " Danielle & Joe " <jdbdmob wrote:

 

Group,

 

First, we are a family of 5 who are all vegetarians. Our children

have been vegetarian since birth, when we as a couple/parents made

this decision.

 

At our daughter's 1 year pediatrician appointment, the pediatrician

noted that her weight was well below the percentage charts (no weight

gain since her 9 month appointment) for US children we presume. All

other developmental indicators (height, head circumference, muscle

tone, fine and gross motor skills, etc.) all seem to be on target.

(No discussion on how many calories she burns off during a normal day

of activity!)

 

He did however cautiously indicate some concern with her wieght and

indicated that we should work to help her put on a few more pounds /

bulk up. He of course offered animal fats in terms of dairy (knowing

that we do not eat meat) as an addition to her diet, suggesting that

we now start her on whole milk (as she is 1 years old). He even

suggested that we add butter to her food. I then probed him for

other healthier plant-based alternatives (I later began to question

whether she really needs to bulk up or to just add weight for

weight's sake). All I could think of on the fly at the appointment

were avacados and olive oil but the pediatrician did not respond to

my suggestions in any direct way. Granted, he is not a

nutritionalist.

 

Now, I am concerned with his message that 1) our daughter even needs

to bulk up (that weight is any measure of her proper development) and

2) that my breastmilk is insufficient and in some way the cause of

her low weight (asking me how often I nurse as if she was nursing too

much, filling up on breastmilk and not eating other foods, and when I

was going to wean her). Whole other discussion...

 

I am very concerned that he would just ask us to add animal fats to

her diet with no concern for long term, healthy dietary habits or the

nutritional value (or lack thereof) of animal fats. (While I eat

dairy and breastfeed, we have not directly given our daughter any

dairy and even made a vegan cake for her for her first birthday.)

 

I am sure this story will garner a lot of responses and discussions

in homes across Arlington as it has gotten us talking and asking

friends/families and reaching out to this resource.

 

So, in any account, we are looking to expand the variety of foods we

offer to all three of our children, being mindful of allergins, and

we eat ourselves, especially as I plan to continue breastfeeding. We

are interested in plant-based foods with healthy fats. Any

suggestions or input to inform our thinking would be greatly

appreciated as we are still trying to sort out what happened at that

appointment.

 

Thanks,

Danielle ( & Joe)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hi Danielle and Joe,

To clarify, I should have said that breastmilk does make babies and kids

gain weight - but not usually make them overweight since it's perfect

for their metabolism. Sorry if that sounded misleading . . . shouldn't

speed up my messages just because plastic bugs are being set all around

my desk here or because someone took my computer mouse and gave it to

the cat . . . :-)

Have a great day,

Lorraine

 

 

On

Behalf Of Lorraine

Saturday, September 06, 2008 4:36 PM

 

RE: Healthy Plant-Based Fats for Underweight? 1

Year Old

 

Hi Danielle and Joe,

Oh, doctors - do we gotta love them? :-) Breastmilk has a huge amount

of fat and calories in it - but since it's the perfect food for humans,

it doesn't make babies/kids gain weight and become overweight because

our bodies process it perfectly. Okay, that point aside (poor doc that

doesn't know about breastmilk or vegetarian fats, yet wants to give you

advice . . . ). :-) Our family doc always says that it's not about

weight or where a kid falls on the charts, but it's about muscle tone

and overall health. Our son has always been on the low end of the

weight charts, and the high end of the height charts. Our doctor says,

if my partner asks about our son being too thin, " you have a tall, thin,

active, nursing kid who has a great diet and is advanced developmentally

- you could find something else to worry about. " :-) As far as

vegetarian fats, if you want to add them - avocado and oils, like you

said, are good, as are nuts, but you probably want to be careful of nuts

while she's young. I think we started with sunflower seeds and less

allergenic nuts, smashed or in butter form. But, really, at one year

old and since she's nursing, I wouldn't worry about her fats much . . .

we avoided dairy and allergens til our son was older, too, and he lived.

:-) He still nurses now at 3-3/4 years, but gets plenty of fats in his

diet now (I often warn him that he may turn into a stick of butter one

day) - and by the way, still thin as a rail. :-)

Have a peaceful weekend,

Lorraine

 

 

@gro <%40> ups.com

[@gro <%40>

ups.com] On

Behalf Of Danielle & Joe

Saturday, September 06, 2008 1:10 PM

@gro <%40> ups.com

Healthy Plant-Based Fats for Underweight? 1 Year

Old

 

Group,

 

First, we are a family of 5 who are all vegetarians. Our children

have been vegetarian since birth, when we as a couple/parents made

this decision.

 

At our daughter's 1 year pediatrician appointment, the pediatrician

noted that her weight was well below the percentage charts (no weight

gain since her 9 month appointment) for US children we presume. All

other developmental indicators (height, head circumference, muscle

tone, fine and gross motor skills, etc.) all seem to be on target.

(No discussion on how many calories she burns off during a normal day

of activity!)

 

He did however cautiously indicate some concern with her wieght and

indicated that we should work to help her put on a few more pounds /

bulk up. He of course offered animal fats in terms of dairy (knowing

that we do not eat meat) as an addition to her diet, suggesting that

we now start her on whole milk (as she is 1 years old). He even

suggested that we add butter to her food. I then probed him for

other healthier plant-based alternatives (I later began to question

whether she really needs to bulk up or to just add weight for

weight's sake). All I could think of on the fly at the appointment

were avacados and olive oil but the pediatrician did not respond to

my suggestions in any direct way. Granted, he is not a

nutritionalist.

 

Now, I am concerned with his message that 1) our daughter even needs

to bulk up (that weight is any measure of her proper development) and

2) that my breastmilk is insufficient and in some way the cause of

her low weight (asking me how often I nurse as if she was nursing too

much, filling up on breastmilk and not eating other foods, and when I

was going to wean her). Whole other discussion...

 

I am very concerned that he would just ask us to add animal fats to

her diet with no concern for long term, healthy dietary habits or the

nutritional value (or lack thereof) of animal fats. (While I eat

dairy and breastfeed, we have not directly given our daughter any

dairy and even made a vegan cake for her for her first birthday.)

 

I am sure this story will garner a lot of responses and discussions

in homes across Arlington as it has gotten us talking and asking

friends/families and reaching out to this resource.

 

So, in any account, we are looking to expand the variety of foods we

offer to all three of our children, being mindful of allergins, and

we eat ourselves, especially as I plan to continue breastfeeding. We

are interested in plant-based foods with healthy fats. Any

suggestions or input to inform our thinking would be greatly

appreciated as we are still trying to sort out what happened at that

appointment.

 

Thanks,

Danielle ( & Joe)

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Be careful with Flax oil. I had an string bean child (16lbs and 32

inches at a year, 21lbs 37 inches at 2) and so I added flax oil to

his smoothies and applesauce thinking it would help. We were lucky

enough to find a vegan dietition to talk about his lack of weight

gain, and she pointed out that flax oil is a laxitive...coupled with

his whole grain, 90% raw and mostly plant based diet (ovo-lacto

outside, vegan at home)..everything was running through him, with no

time to absorb. We took the flax oil down to 1/2 tsp a day, cut

down on fruit, started cooking some veggies, and added some

starchier starches (potatoes, some refined flour)...he gained 6lbs

in 3 months, and looked infinitely healthier.

 

Anyway, flax oil IS a laxative, so be very aware of your childs

bowel habits if you use it...stupid me thought that pooping 4-7

times a day was ideal..and it my sons case, it obviously wasn't.

 

 

 

, Cassie Dixon

<roxy87cabriolet wrote:

>

> Nuts are a fatty addition to our diet on a daily basis. Raw nuts,

nut butter, and nut milk are now part of what we eat.

> Also, you are correct about avocado- my daughter's first " solid "

food.

> And, I am still breastfeeding at 27 months with no end in sight,

or at least until next summer. If you are maintaining a healthy

weight yourself, and it sounds like you are well-read on vegetarian

diets, I don't see why your milk would be insufficient. Filling up

on breastmilk helped your daughter grow those first 9 months,

doubling her weight if not more than that.

> IMO, mother's milk is for the mother's child. I had to supplement

with soy formula at times. Almond and rice milk were an easy switch

from soy. Trail mix is a daily snack (raw nuts, coconut, raisins,

sunflower seeds). Avocado can be added to most anything needed

thickened/smoothed while cooking and baking (even to make a

chocolate pudding). Oh, and flax oil. Added to smoothies or other

things

>

> Cassie

> " life's a garden, dig it! "

>

> Sent from my iPhone

>

> On Sep 6, 2008, at 4:10 PM, " Danielle & Joe " <jdbdmob wrote:

>

> Group,

>

> First, we are a family of 5 who are all vegetarians. Our children

> have been vegetarian since birth, when we as a couple/parents made

> this decision.

>

> At our daughter's 1 year pediatrician appointment, the

pediatrician

> noted that her weight was well below the percentage charts (no

weight

> gain since her 9 month appointment) for US children we presume.

All

> other developmental indicators (height, head circumference, muscle

> tone, fine and gross motor skills, etc.) all seem to be on target.

> (No discussion on how many calories she burns off during a normal

day

> of activity!)

>

> He did however cautiously indicate some concern with her wieght

and

> indicated that we should work to help her put on a few more

pounds /

> bulk up. He of course offered animal fats in terms of dairy

(knowing

> that we do not eat meat) as an addition to her diet, suggesting

that

> we now start her on whole milk (as she is 1 years old). He even

> suggested that we add butter to her food. I then probed him for

> other healthier plant-based alternatives (I later began to

question

> whether she really needs to bulk up or to just add weight for

> weight's sake). All I could think of on the fly at the appointment

> were avacados and olive oil but the pediatrician did not respond

to

> my suggestions in any direct way. Granted, he is not a

> nutritionalist.

>

> Now, I am concerned with his message that 1) our daughter even

needs

> to bulk up (that weight is any measure of her proper development)

and

> 2) that my breastmilk is insufficient and in some way the cause of

> her low weight (asking me how often I nurse as if she was nursing

too

> much, filling up on breastmilk and not eating other foods, and

when I

> was going to wean her). Whole other discussion...

>

> I am very concerned that he would just ask us to add animal fats

to

> her diet with no concern for long term, healthy dietary habits or

the

> nutritional value (or lack thereof) of animal fats. (While I eat

> dairy and breastfeed, we have not directly given our daughter any

> dairy and even made a vegan cake for her for her first birthday.)

>

> I am sure this story will garner a lot of responses and

discussions

> in homes across Arlington as it has gotten us talking and asking

> friends/families and reaching out to this resource.

>

> So, in any account, we are looking to expand the variety of foods

we

> offer to all three of our children, being mindful of allergins,

and

> we eat ourselves, especially as I plan to continue breastfeeding.

We

> are interested in plant-based foods with healthy fats. Any

> suggestions or input to inform our thinking would be greatly

> appreciated as we are still trying to sort out what happened at

that

> appointment.

>

> Thanks,

> Danielle ( & Joe)

>

>

 

[Guest guest]

Ha ha! I just laughed out loud at that one. I feel your pain.

 

:-)

 

Dee

 

-

Lorraine

Sunday, September 07, 2008 11:53 AM

RE: Healthy Plant-Based Fats for Underweight? 1 Year Old

 

 

Hi Danielle and Joe,

To clarify, I should have said that breastmilk does make babies and kids

gain weight - but not usually make them overweight since it's perfect

for their metabolism. Sorry if that sounded misleading . . . shouldn't

speed up my messages just because plastic bugs are being set all around

my desk here or because someone took my computer mouse and gave it to

the cat . . . :-)

Have a great day,

Lorraine

 

On

Behalf Of Lorraine

Saturday, September 06, 2008 4:36 PM

RE: Healthy Plant-Based Fats for Underweight? 1

Year Old

 

Hi Danielle and Joe,

Oh, doctors - do we gotta love them? :-) Breastmilk has a huge amount

of fat and calories in it - but since it's the perfect food for humans,

it doesn't make babies/kids gain weight and become overweight because

our bodies process it perfectly. Okay, that point aside (poor doc that

doesn't know about breastmilk or vegetarian fats, yet wants to give you

advice . . . ). :-) Our family doc always says that it's not about

weight or where a kid falls on the charts, but it's about muscle tone

and overall health. Our son has always been on the low end of the

weight charts, and the high end of the height charts. Our doctor says,

if my partner asks about our son being too thin, " you have a tall, thin,

active, nursing kid who has a great diet and is advanced developmentally

- you could find something else to worry about. " :-) As far as

vegetarian fats, if you want to add them - avocado and oils, like you

said, are good, as are nuts, but you probably want to be careful of nuts

while she's young. I think we started with sunflower seeds and less

allergenic nuts, smashed or in butter form. But, really, at one year

old and since she's nursing, I wouldn't worry about her fats much . . .

we avoided dairy and allergens til our son was older, too, and he lived.

:-) He still nurses now at 3-3/4 years, but gets plenty of fats in his

diet now (I often warn him that he may turn into a stick of butter one

day) - and by the way, still thin as a rail. :-)

Have a peaceful weekend,

Lorraine

 

@gro <%40> ups.com

[@gro <%40>

ups.com] On

Behalf Of Danielle & Joe

Saturday, September 06, 2008 1:10 PM

@gro <%40> ups.com

Healthy Plant-Based Fats for Underweight? 1 Year

Old

 

Group,

 

First, we are a family of 5 who are all vegetarians. Our children

have been vegetarian since birth, when we as a couple/parents made

this decision.

 

At our daughter's 1 year pediatrician appointment, the pediatrician

noted that her weight was well below the percentage charts (no weight

gain since her 9 month appointment) for US children we presume. All

other developmental indicators (height, head circumference, muscle

tone, fine and gross motor skills, etc.) all seem to be on target.

(No discussion on how many calories she burns off during a normal day

of activity!)

 

He did however cautiously indicate some concern with her wieght and

indicated that we should work to help her put on a few more pounds /

bulk up. He of course offered animal fats in terms of dairy (knowing

that we do not eat meat) as an addition to her diet, suggesting that

we now start her on whole milk (as she is 1 years old). He even

suggested that we add butter to her food. I then probed him for

other healthier plant-based alternatives (I later began to question

whether she really needs to bulk up or to just add weight for

weight's sake). All I could think of on the fly at the appointment

were avacados and olive oil but the pediatrician did not respond to

my suggestions in any direct way. Granted, he is not a

nutritionalist.

 

Now, I am concerned with his message that 1) our daughter even needs

to bulk up (that weight is any measure of her proper development) and

2) that my breastmilk is insufficient and in some way the cause of

her low weight (asking me how often I nurse as if she was nursing too

much, filling up on breastmilk and not eating other foods, and when I

was going to wean her). Whole other discussion...

 

I am very concerned that he would just ask us to add animal fats to

her diet with no concern for long term, healthy dietary habits or the

nutritional value (or lack thereof) of animal fats. (While I eat

dairy and breastfeed, we have not directly given our daughter any

dairy and even made a vegan cake for her for her first birthday.)

 

I am sure this story will garner a lot of responses and discussions

in homes across Arlington as it has gotten us talking and asking

friends/families and reaching out to this resource.

 

So, in any account, we are looking to expand the variety of foods we

offer to all three of our children, being mindful of allergins, and

we eat ourselves, especially as I plan to continue breastfeeding. We

are interested in plant-based foods with healthy fats. Any

suggestions or input to inform our thinking would be greatly

appreciated as we are still trying to sort out what happened at that

appointment.

 

Thanks,

Danielle ( & Joe)