Alter Your Health

Kids are humans, too! And they, too, can THRIVE on plants.

That being said, there are for sure some considerations to kid-specific nutrition to ensure healthy growth and development.

Long story short, keeping toxins out while loading up on high quality fuel and nutrients matters a lot when it comes to keeping youngsters growing strong and healthfully.

Of course, there are individual considerations that change and evolve as we grow. These are some of the things covered in this science-packed episode!

Episode Highlights: 

• What nutrients and foods to focus on when feeding kids aged 4 all the way to 18
• Does anything need to change for kiddos of different ages?
• Where do “healthy processed” foods fit in when balancing nutrition for kids
• The equation to a balanced meal for children of all ages
• How  parenting styles can support kids in building healthy and nourishing relationships with food

Next up in the plant-based lifecycle nutrition series is TODDLERS!

We aren't there yet personally in our family with our little one, but it's helpful to know how to keep little ones thriving on plants.

In this episode, Dr. Susanna get's into the plant-based nutritional science to support growing kiddos. This is important info considering the importance of nutrition for childhood development... and "just eating plants" certainly does not equate to health, especially amongst little ones.

Episode Highlights

• Which plant milk is best for kiddos as a cow milk alternative
• What plant based toddlers need to eat differently than their plant based parents
• "Baby led weaning" and when/how to stop breast milk or formula
• Importance of omega-3 fatty acids for development and where to get them
• Are there any helpful or necessary supplements for plant-based toddlers?

Babies Thrive on Plants, TOO!

... but they still need mother's milk/formula.

It is generally advised that babies to start eating real, solid foods around 6 months. However through ~ 1 year of age, babies still get a dwindling majority of calories and nutrition from breastmilk.

So, what foods should plant-based babies be eating???

Most any real, whole food are wonderful for adults and babies alike. But of course since little ones generally lack teeth and fine motor skills of the tongue and mouth, choking is a real hazard.

We won't talk too much about the logistics of introducing foods as it is a nuanced and individualized topic. In this episode Dr. Susanna share's the general nutritional goals and considerations for raising strong and healthy plant based babies and what foods/nutrients should be prioritized.

Highlights from the episode:

• The important nutrients for development and how/where to get them
• Some examples of good and easy whole food staples to feed your baby
• What foods should NOT be given to babies (sugar, salt, honey, unpasteurized foods, chocolate/caffeine)
• How plant-based baby nutrition differs from plant based adult nutrition
• Why little ones may benefit from eating MORE processed plant foods

Nutrition is pretty simple when you're a baby... MILK.

Human breastmilk is the optimal source of nutrition for early infancy (0-6 months). Commercial baby formula (of which there are MANY) are considered the only acceptable alternative to breastmilk.

In this episode you'll learn the amazing properties of breastmilk and how it is indeed the perfect food... for babies!

One amazing fact is that breastmilk is pretty much the same in terms of nutritional status between breastfeeding mothers, regardless of the mothers' personal nutritional status (with the exception of toxins that may be in the mother's body). Your body knows how to manufacture a perfect product for the baby! However, this can also occur at the expense of nutritional depletion from a mother's body. SO, just a reminder to prioritize nutrition for breastfeeding mammas!

Highlights from the episode: