Nutritional Nuggets |by Louise Goldberg
What are ‘sprouted grains’? Grains start out as seeds, which we grind up to make flours, cereals and other products. When the seeds are allowed to sprout before we grind into flours, they are converted from starch form into a plant form (think grass seed vs. grass). This process allows the body to more easily access the nutrients within the grain. There are only a few companies that produce sprouted grains at this time. Visit the Whole Grains Council for a list of these companies and more information about their health benefits.
My daughter is not a picky eater. She loves food, which has been wonderful in the past, but now she is gaining weight too rapidly. What can I do? Discuss the importance of eating the right types of food to fuel her body and the right amounts that will give her the energy to play with her friends but not slow her down. Include her in activities that provide her 72
with an opportunity to learn about portion sizes and the components of a healthy meal; for example, ask her to help you pack her school lunch or plan dinner using the My Plate visual as a guide. If you don’t have this discussion with her, it may be difficult for her to self-moderate when she is older and making decisions on her own.
What foods should I feed my baby right before bedtime to help him sleep through the night? Unfortunately, there is no magic food that will guarantee a full night’s sleep. If your baby has already started solids, offer foods that are high in tryptophan, like poultry, fish, beans, and soybeans, which may help by stimulating production of the sleep hormones melatonin and serotonin. A rumbling tummy can also keep little ones awake. If your baby eats dinner several hours before bed, consider offering a small evening snack before she goes down. There are many other reasons why a baby might have difficulty falling asleep though so it’s important to always discuss with your pediatrician or naturopath if your concerns continue.