Tofu, soybeans, sprouts? Will you grow healthy if you eat this type of food?
Vegetarian, Lacto-vegetarian (include milk) and ovolactovegetarian diets (allow milk and egg in addition to vegetables) meet the needs of infants and children as long as they are well designed. Only restrictive diets, such as fruit-based (fruit-based) or raw (supported by raw fruits and vegetables), have been associated with impaired growth in children. When it comes time to introduce protein-rich foods, little vegetarians can have crushed tofu or legumes (pureed or sifted), soy or cow’s milk yogurt, cooked egg yolks, and cottage cheese. Then you can include other products such as tofu squares, cow or soy cheese and pieces of soy burger.
Frequent doubts
1. Soy milk: Every morning Sebastián ate fruit and a large bowl of cow’s milk with cereals. Now at home, my husband and I drink soy milk, we have substituted one for the other. Is there a problem?
Soy milk is a rich source of essential amino acids, which our body does not generate on its own. It facilitates the exchange of tissues, that is, it helps to grow. In addition, it has other properties: proteins practically equivalent to those of animal origin, cholesterol-free fat, polyunsaturated fat (the so-called? Good?), Iron, calcium, vitamins E and group B. It is not recommended before six months.
2. Sprouted seeds and tofu burgers: we like salads with sprouts like alfalfa or barley. We also eat tofu burger. Can we give them to Teo, our little baby?
Sprouts are high in nutrients and help strengthen defenses, so they are perfect for the little ones. As for tofu burgers, if Teo assimilates soy milk well, he will not have problems with its derivatives either. Thus, you will consume calcium without exposing yourself to allergens: this milk, unlike cow’s milk, is free of the proteins (such as lactose) that cause allergies.
3. Brown rice and yogurt with probiotics: I tend to take great care of my diet and only eat brown bread or rice. When I gave Ulises, my son, brown rice, his stomach didn’t tolerate him, so now I hesitate to give him yogurt with probiotics.
The integral products provide more vitamins, minerals and fiber than the refined ones since they are in their natural state. However, not all children tolerate them well. At the moment, it is best to eat white rice. As for yogurts and dairy products enriched with probiotics, no problem, they are good allies for children, as they help increase defenses.