Nutritional Nuggets
Expert Louise Goldberg answers your questions!
We’ve been reading more about how wheat has
changed over the past decade or so, and how
gluten intolerance is on the rise. Even though
no one in our family has been diagnosed with
Celiac Disease or a wheat intolerance, I notice we all tend to stay healthier when we limit
wheat, gluten, and dairy. Our youngest daughter really loves bread, though. What’s a good
way to wean her down and increase the amount
of real food, especially veggies she eats?
Regardless of food intolerances, it is important
for kids to consume a variety of foods without overdoing or omitting one group. Whole
grains provide essential nutrients for energy and
growth, as well as fiber, so a serving is good to
include at every meal. However, there are many
healthy gluten free choices available. Quinoa,
(gluten free) oats, amaranth, brown rice and millet are just a few great choices.
Our son is three years old, and he loves tomatoes. He would eat them (or a tomato product)
at every meal if we let him. I’ve heard that
when you crave a certain food, that can mean
you’re allergic to it. How cautious should we be
of this?
There is no scientific evidence to support a connection between cravings and food allergies. If
he is not exhibiting any symptoms of a food
allergy (e.g. hives, wheezing, swelling, coughing, blood in stool, etc.) it is most likely not an
allergy. Children go through phases called “food
jags” where they get hooked on a specific food
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and want to eat that-and only that-for a while. It
should diminish over time or change to a different food. As long as his tomato intake doesn’t
completely displace eating other foods, he should
be okay.
My daughter just started 2nd grade and said
that kids at school are calling her fat. I don’t
think it is ok for them to do that but she is a
couple pounds heavier than what is ideal (according to the pediatrician). At home she puffs
out her stomach and asks me if I think she is
fat. Should I be honest about her weight or let
her believe she is fine the way she is?
First, the issue of name calling at school must
stop. Talk to her teacher and the principal to
make them aware and to monitor the situation.
They need to review with the class that teasing
of any kind is not tolerated. Second, when she
asks you if she is “fat,” she is looking for validation that her classmates were right so the message from you needs to be supportive, accepting,
and loving, not in agreement with her peers. You
can turn the question around and ask her, “What
do you think?,” and “Why...” do you think that?”
This can be the beginning of an ongoing dialogue
with her about different body sizes and shapes
and that being healthy is more than just what you
look like. It’s about the food choices you make,
being active, and feeling good about yourself.
A pediatric dietitian can help guide you both
through this conversation if you want additional
help.