Being a mother and a health advocate is always challenging especially when it comes to feeding your kids with healthy and nourishing options that heal them and support their growth and development. There are so many theories and diets out there, no wonder it's confusing. I am also a big believer in that we are all different and what works for me might not necessarily work for you! It's important to trust your gut and follow your intuition and listen to your body as it is the best guide to telling you what you and your family needs. You need to find your own way and what makes you feel good!
I chose the plant based path as it is the one that has worked best for me so far. And I have been able to heal myself in so many ways with this approach. It's tough with kids though as we are mothers and constantly worry about the fine line between imposing our own ideas and keeping them healthy and strong. A guilt trip indeed!
But as we move along and watch our kids grow we also learn what works for them and what doesn't. The thing is that they are usually even more connected to their intuition than we are, so I tend to ask and listen to my son as he will usually tell me what he needs and it does make sense especially when he is going through disease and the food he craves is usually directly supporting his symptoms. (Unless they ask for candy and ice cream of course:)
I have studied food and its healing properties for as long as I can remember and I have probably tried most diets out there. But I find that nothing works as well as plant based food and lots of fruits and raw options. Although in winter time I tend to gravitate towards warmer soups and stews as my body craves that. I also ask my body what it wants and I will usually know and feel in the morning what food recipe will satisfy my needs:)
B12 Supplement
Most people today are lacking B12 because we have changed our ways and we don't grow our own foods and the animals we eat do not go outside as much and are deficient as well. B12 is produced by bacteria and can be found in soil, water, and on vegetables. Because we don't grow our own veggies and fruits anymore and we wash everything thourohly we also don't get as much as we used to. Neither do animals the way they are kept and treated today. We supplement to make sure we are healthy as deficiency can get very serious. I personally prefer liquid B12 and I like vimenergy because it contains both methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin which is key and helps your body absorb it better.
As for my son and because children are picky eaters, I have a few things that I find vital to ensure he gets all the vitamins, minerals and proteins that he needs:
Sweet potatoes:
Highly nutritious and a great source of fiber, vitamins, anti oxidants and minerals. They promote gut health and may have cancer fighting properties. Sweet potatoes are also rich in beta-carotene and supports healthy vision. The beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A which is crucial in supporting your immune system.
Broccoli:
High in vitamins, and minerals, including calcium, potassium, folate, and carotenoids that support eyesight, and ward off cell damage.
Leafy greens:
Packed with vitamins, minerals and fibers, leafy greens are one of the most important superfoods for anyone. They support brain function, fight belly bloat, make your skin glow, relieve stress, support bone health, improve inflammatory response, help balance sugars, support gut health, and help detoxify and cleanse your liver. They also boost digestion and support the immune system. I usually sneak them into smoothies, hummus and other dishes as kids can be a bit difficult with these:)
Lots of fruit!
Fruits are one of the most important if not the most important foods. Medical Medium (Anthony Williams) describes fruits as the most healing food available to us. And even though fruit has been feared in the last few decades, the truth is that it's crucial, especially when healing from chronic disease. Fruit is packed with vitamins, including vitamin C. Fruit is antiviral and antibacterial and stops pathogens in their tracks. MM also mentions that our cells run on sugar, which is why it's so important to include fruit in our diet and kids that are constantly active and need energy.
Wild blueberries:
A super food you don't want to miss out on! I try to include them in our food everyday as they are extremely high in antioxidants and they prevent all types of cancer. They are one of the most effective heavy metal detoxing foods and the most potent prebiotic there is which helps restoring your liver. (Definitely one of my top favorite foods)
Avocado:
contains a wide range of nutrients and healthy fats. Amongst them vitamin K, C, B5, B6, E, folate, potassium, magnesium, manganese + more. They contain more potassium than bananas. They are also loaded with fiber and powerful antioxidants that can protect the eyes and an easily digestible food. Therefore great for babies and small kids.
Mushrooms:
It is said that edible mushrooms are superfood and one of the most health promoting foods on the planet! They can help prevent and treat many diseases according to studies and while packed with nutritional value, they are also a great source of protein and fiber. They boost the immune system improve digestion and are said to fight cancer. Furthermore they contribute to the health of our planet! We love them and eat them often! When I was a child my grandfather used to take us to the woods and pick them and I learned to tell the difference and still enjoy going mushroom picking when in Europe! I am a great fan of chanterelle mushrooms and eat tons during the summer season:)
Chia Seeds:
Loaded with antioxidants, fiber and proteins, these tiny seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and are high in nutrients supporting bone health such as: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein.
Supplements and vitamins especially during winter time to boost the immune system:
Spirulina:
We love spirulina powder because of its endless benefits! It is said to be the most nutritionally complete of all foods and it removes toxins and heavy metals from your body. It's rich in iron, vitamins K, A, and B complex. It also contains beta carotene and is packed with protein! This superfood is also great for boosting your immune system! Hawaiian spiraling is said to be the best! Add it to smoothies, juices or other foods.
Barley grass juice powder:
Rich in vitamins A, C, B and minerals iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. Strengthens the immune system, alkalinizes the body, increases energy and aids digestion.
Vitamin C, D3, A, B12 are important to supplement, especially during winter when we don't get enough sunlight and our immune systems need that extra boost!
Herbal teas are great and very healing for many different reasons and my son loves them. It's a great alternative to artificial juices and sodas and store bought fruit juice. He got used to just water and that is all he wants.
Water: Always drink lots of water as it's crucial to flush out toxins from our bodies + help filter the kidneys and liver as well and keeping your body healthy. An adult should drink about 2 liters of water a day and keep in mind that juice, tea, soda, beer or other fluids do not count. It has to be pure water. Also make sure to drink filtered water that is free from fluoride and chlorine + heavy metals, and more. We use Berkey which is amazing to say the least and stainless steel instead of plastic. No plastic is safe to use no matter if BPA free or not, as plastic releases toxins no matter what and resent studies point out that the chemicals used instead of BPA might be even worse.
These are some of the incredibly healing and detoxing foods to add to your kids (and your own) diet, no matter if you are a meat eater, pescatarian or vegetarian or vegan! Stay healthy!
Sources: Healthline.com, medicalmedium.com, foodrevolution.com
THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL FIRST.