For the first 6 months after birth, babies should ideally be given breast milk and only breast milk. That’s according to not only the american academy of pediatrics but also the world health organization.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom if breast feeding is not possible, a commercial infant formula is the only other alternative. That’s it, for the first 6 months. Juice, cereals, plant milks, even soy milk are not the right foods for young infants and can lead to inadequate nutrition.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom breast milk and formula contain readily absorbed nutrients with ratios of protein, fat and carbohydrate that support the baby’s growth. Breastfeeding should continue at least through the first year with infant formula the only safe alternative as a primary beverage.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom when solids are introduced, after age 6 months, vegan infants should be given nutritious foods such as pureed fruits and vegetables, strained or mashed beans, tofu, and infant cereals.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom vegan diets can easily meet an older infant’s or toddler’s needs for protein, vitamins, and minerals.

If we look closely into the news reports of malnourished “vegan” infants, we see that they’ve been given “mainly soy milk and apple juice” or that they have “multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies.” infants whose mothers are well-nourished and who are breastfeeding successfully or who are getting adequate infant formula are not going to have multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom just as for any other infant, breastfed vegan infants need supplements of iron and vitamin D. Deficiencies of iron, calcium, and other nutrients that are reported in sensational news stories point to a lack of knowledge on the part of parents about what constitutes a healthy diet for an infant.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom yes, it does take time and thought to feed infants and young children nutritious diets but the result is worth it. For more information download our simple guides for feeding vegan or vegetarian infants and toddlers.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

It’s not surprising that this question continues to be asked. The societal belief that a well-balanced diet must include meat, fish, poultry and dairy foods is deeply ingrained and has some roots in the association of these foods with an individual’s ability to procure them, that is, one’s personal affluence.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom during world wars I and II, many foodstuffs were rationed including butter, sugar, meat, and coffee. Transportation of food was limited by fuel rationing and so people began to cultivate their own gardens and raise their own chickens.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom thus, victory gardens appeared where flowers once grew or cars once parked. The ‘eat locally’ movement had begun but with a slightly different intent than today’s locavores.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

It’s worth noting here that as countries around the world become increasingly more developed and affluent, their diets also change to include the very luxuries mentioned above; fat, sugar, meat and another, alcohol.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom patterns of disease in those countries parallel the dietary changes as both become more like disease and diets seen in western countries.

Take a look at the platter of food she compiled for her pregnant clients; its beauty belies its nutrient value.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom not only colorful but also displaying the recommended plate proportions of protein, vegetables and fruits, this meal offers enough for an individual to meet nutrient needs as well as support good health.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom all the foods are rich in vitamins and minerals, phytochemicals and fiber while being relatively low in calories and fat as well as being free of simple sugars and cholesterol.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom these characteristics help to maintain appropriate weight and reduce blood pressure as well as risks for heart disease and diabetes.

White lima beans are this meal’s primary source of protein, with one cup providing 16 grams or about 30 percent of an adult woman’s daily requirement.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the limas’ 30 grams of fiber meet the daily recommendation for adults and do a great job of modulating blood sugar, providing satiety and maintaining intestinal health.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom besides being rich in potassium, white lima beans pack iron to the tune of 60 percent of the adult recommended daily intake. There are 140 calories in one cup.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

The much-maligned watermelon also does its share to support good health by providing vitamins B 6, C and K, plus potassium and lycopene, a beneficial phytochemical found only in red-pigmented fruits and vegetables.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom one cup has about 50 calories, a trace of protein but no fat or cholesterol. What is fascinating about the protein is that it is comprised of amino acids that can metabolize to nitric oxide, a substance that helps to maintain artery function and thus improve blood pressure.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Without examining the familiar nutrient gifts of the mixed greens and herb salad, you can see that a lunch comprised of what we have just discussed can be not only quite filling but also nutrient dense, providing almost a third of a woman’s daily protein needs, wrapped in a wide variety of vitamins and minerals as well as including enough fiber for the day.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

But wait, will you really be eating for two? That phrase has been around for a long time and has been used to justify just about any eating advice given to a mother-to-be, including, “be sure to clean your plate.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom remember, you’re eating for two!” or “oh, go ahead and have an extra scoop; after all, you’re eating for two, aren’t you?” the concept of ‘eating for two’, while probably well intentioned, has confused countless pregnant women.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom let’s see what’s behind it.

While it is true that your baby is developing at a fantastic rate, initially your own stored energy is helping to support that rapid growth.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom if your pre-pregnancy weight was about average, your energy or caloric needs will not increase during the first three months; the first trimester.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom during the next three months or second trimester, your energy needs increase by about 350 calories a day. You could cover this with an apple, a handful of walnuts and a glass of soymilk, for example.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom increasing your intake by another 100 calories during the third trimester, to total 450 calories above preconception intake, will insure that your baby will grow well and that you will have sufficient energy for your own needs.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom these additional calories will support a total weight gain during pregnancy of 25 – 30 pounds.

So when they say ‘eating for two’ it doesn’t seem that they mean you should double your intake, does it?Cognitive learning theory in the classroom what is definitely more likely is that it’s a reminder to consistently choose nutrient dense foods to support two humans; one who is trying to remain strong and healthy and one who is growing rapidly.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom if you eat a variety of whole, unprocessed vegetables, grains and fruits in smaller meals, more frequently throughout the day, you ought to be able to meet your energy and nutrient needs easily.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom below is a short list of foods in 100-calorie portion sizes that you can choose from to build your meals and snacks.