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OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, September 30, 2009 · 22 Introducing dairy to toddlers (NC)--We all want to provide our children with the necessary building blocks to promote healthy development. As infants become toddlers, their nutrition requirements change and extra nutrients are needed to develop healthy teeth, bones and muscles. Dairy foods are simple and practical; however, many parents are confused about when to introduce these foods to toddlers ­ mainly because they are advised not to give cow's milk before one year of age. Here are some simple tips on how to introduce dairy products into your child's diet: Steps and stages While it is true that you do not want to totally replace breast milk or formula with cow's milk until after age one, you can still introduce small amounts of dairy products to your baby before their first birthday. Most pediatricians recommend starting infants on dairy around nine months of age. Some pediatricians also recommend yogurt as the first dairy product to introduce since it is easy to digest. How much dairy? Beginning at age two, it is recommended that toddlers have two servings of dairy products a day to achieve their dietary requirements. Yogurt is an extremely nutritious food ­ it's a good source of calcium and it contains active bacterial cultures which help to maintain a healthy gut. Selecting a yogurt made from whole milk is most beneficial as toddlers need fats in their diet for proper growth. Having trouble picking the right yogurt brand? Follow these simple tips: · Look for yogurts that are naturally sweetened with fruit juice. · General guidelines when introducing yogurt to your toddler include opting for flavours that are familiar and common such as vanilla, banana or grape. This helps to ensure your child will enjoy the taste. · When looking for healthy yogurt options, try to find a yogurt that contains the omega-3 fatty acid called DHA. Most children's and toddlers' diets lack sufficient quantities of DHA, which is required for optimal brain and eye development. Pediatricians recommend buying products with DHA to supplement a toddler's diet. Health Canada has acknowledged the physiological functions of DHA. Following these simple tips and instructions will allow you to slowly introduce dairy into your child's diet and have them reap all the positive health benefits. Get a bright start in the morning NC)--Well-nourished students perform better in school. Yet, 31% of elementary school and 62% of secondary school students do not eat a healthy breakfast daily. Help ensure children and youth receive the proper nutrition they need for healthy development. A good day begins with a good breakfast, like this delicious recipe from the Canadian Living Test Kitchen. Blueberry Yogurt Muffins Ingredients: 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tbsp (15 mL) baking powder 1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda 1/2 tsp each salt and nutmeg 2 eggs 1 cup (250 mL) plain yogurt 1 tbsp grated orange rind 1/4 cup (50 mL) each orange juice and vegetable oil 1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries In large bowl, stir flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. In separate bowl, whisk together eggs, yogurt, orange rind and juice and oil; pour over dry ingredients. Sprinkle with blueberries; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon into greased or paper-lined muffin cups, filling to top. Bake in centre of 375°F (190°C) oven until golden and tops are firm to the touch, about 25 minutes. Let cool in pan on rack for 2 minutes. Transfer to rack and let cool completely. Nutritional Information per muffin: cal 215, pro 5 g, total fat 6 g (sat. fat 1 g), carb 35 g, fibre 1 g, sodium 282 mg, %calcium 7%, iron 9%, vit A 2%, vit C 7%, folate 15% SAVE MONEY & TIME Lock-in food prices for 2 years! ALL YOU CAN EAT! 10% OFF (with coupon) Shop at Home Food Service Custom made delivery on all of your grocery needs! FOOD P from $6LA3NS 15 P ER WEE O.A.C. K ORDER AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT! OVER 100 ITEMS LIMITED TIME OFFER! · Minimum order required · Limited quantities FREE with every food order delivery Your Choice of One of These Exciting Christine Gemmiti President $100 Gift Cards TRAFALGAR RD. AMAZING DECOR! Making Your Life Easier! When it comes to food, we deliver. And if we don't have it, we'll get it. You have my word and our 100% quality guarantee. Christine Gemmiti, President X QEW Shopease Foods Inc. Bulk Food Delivery 905.815.9888 745.4242 or 1.800.361.3418 www.shopeasefoods.com