One of the questions I get ALL THE TIME is what I feed my toddler and if kiddos HAVE to eat Keto!

So that sparked my JOY and I wanted to start to document some of the things that Noah LOVES and some of the thoughts behind Kids and Keto!  I will eventually have an entire blog post up about the need for kids to eat keto or not but until then I will leave you with this. Children, for the most part, have not developed any sort of insulin resistance in their bodies. Therefore they do not need to restrict their carbohydrates in the way an adult who has insulin resistance would need to. However, the body, no matter the age, does not tolerate large amounts of sugar in any form-fruit, juices, grains, etc.  My encouragement would be to focus on GOOD brain healthy fats, clean protein sources, tons of veggies and complex carbs in moderation

My child loves bananas right now.  LOVES THEM.  I do choose to limit them since they are a tropical fruit and rich in simple sugar… but they sure are convenient when we are strolling the aisles of Target and are SO filling.  I also limit any sort of grains and try to choose starches I can prepare at home (Like sweet potatoes) and balance any carb with a good fat and protein so his body can break it down slowly.

The only other thing I am PERSONALLY 100% committed to is NO GLUTEN OF ANY FORM in his diet. I have my reasons as someone who suffers from celiac, but with the research surfacing right now of the impact gluten has on inflammation in the body, I find it a wise choice to just stay away from. There are so many amazing breads and muffins I can make him with coconut flour or almond flour and I know that the lining in his gut is going to stay reduced while he is still developing. I am no expert on this subject, but there are some real affects gluten has on the body. (Especially with the impact of GMO’s and the way our wheat is not processed vs. 30+ years ago. Again, do your own research and have no guilt if you choose to include it)

*I am of course NOT a doctor or nurse NOR DO I offer ANY advice, treatments or diagnosis in regards to health. What I share is my own opinion and what I have found to work for my child and family. Please consult your doctor before starting any new way of healthy eating and ALWAYS do your own personal informed self care!

Back to my bitty babe!
I stayed Keto for most of my pregnancy (most because I ate my body weight in yogurt and Cheerios the first trimester to keep the morning sickness at bay) and had minimal weight gain because of it. From the information I gleaned from other doctors and experts, some of the best ways to support babies brain development, even in the womb, was FAT! Our brains are composed of large amounts of fat and is SO healthy and healing to this vital organ. (The brain is an organ, right? See… I told you I am not a medical professional LOL). 

So when Noah was born, I fought hard to breastfeed (and it was a hard fight for me till 10 months when we ended our journey!!) BUUUUUT the MAIN reason I chose to fight for it was… DING DING DING… THE FAT! Breastmilk is all kinds of miraculous but one of the most amazing aspects is how chock full of good fats it is! (A natural producer of KETONES!) So when we started solids at 4 months, our pediatric doctor suggested supplementing with avocado and hard boiled egg yolks. Noah actually struggled to gain weight the first 4-6mo of his life, so I felt SO good about these nutritious foods that were packed with fats. He slowly started gaining and is now a really great eater!

(*I know that ALL babies are different and we ALL go through different journeys. Be it that you couldn’t breastfeed or your child is a picky eater, I want you to know mama that you are the PERFECT MOM for your baby and you are FEEDING your child. You are doing an amazing job and I want you to OWN your journey and never allow comparison to steal your abundant joy of nurturing and taking care of your child. I share what I do simply to offer support and context for some of the highs and lows we went through. You do the best you can and know I am 100% cheering you on!!! Much love to you!!!)

Still to this day he loves avocado and eggs! If I let him, I think he would eat it for EVERY meal. That’s why this rendition of a Keto Egg Salad was a HUGE hit the other day and we were chuckling as he smeared and inhaled the entire bowl, smothering and covering his face! What a joy it is to watch him enjoy such great foods for his body to grow!

Avocados contain more potassium than bananas and are an amazing superfood!  They are loaded with healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants and are so satiating!  Its considered a fruit, however is low low in carbs and an incredible fat source for both kids and adults!  

Eggs are considered the PERFECT protein and such wonderful foods for babies. My naturopath encouraged me to start with the YOLKS only, until 10-12months of age since some of the egg allergies are actually from the WHITES.  I saw that as a good thing since the yolk has ALL the amazing benefits! Egg Yolks are rich in folate and vitamin B12 and tons of great Omegas for baby’s brain.  My mom also helped me understand that yolks are rich in CHOLINE, which is a member of the B vitamin family and is necessary for the proper function of our liver, helps with the structural nature of our cells and imperative to our cognitive health!

That’s why I love this recipe for kiddos and parents alike! SO easy to make and free from any mayo as well! (Don’t get me wrong, I loooooove me some mayo.  Just not ready for my tiny tot to have it). That’s why I decided to use some MCT oil for all of its amazing nutritious values and cognitive support! (If you don’t use MCT oil daily, go do a simple google search of its value. SO. GOOD. FOR. YOU. )

This base is super simple, fast to make and something you can play around with when it comes to spices and seasonings! Make some STUPID EASY BAGELS to go along with it and smear some on for yourself while your kiddos enjoy this amazingly nutritious meal!

Cheers & Ketones!

Rachael Dee

INGREDIENTS
-2 to 3 hard boiled eggs
-1/2 of a ripe avocado
-1 to 2 tsp MCT OIL (This is the one we use and LOVE)
-Salt and seasoning to taste (pictured above is Trader Joes Everything But the Bagel seasoning and a family FAVORITE!!!)

DIRECTIONS
Mix ingredients together in bowl and ENJOY immediately!
This recipe can keep in the fridge for a day but you will notice the ripening of the avocado turning brown. Its not that the avocado has gone bad, but oxidation from the air will start to turn the color. I suggest making enough for one sitting and keep some hard boiled eggs on hand for when you need more!