Recipes Needed for Low Fat Diet in Picky Three Year Old

Dietary cholesterol is only found in meat, so maybe she should eat more beans and whole grains to form complete proteins instead of eating the meats. And also giving her a high fiber diet will bring down her cholesterol because the fiber will bind with the cholesterol and she will pass it out with her stool. Maybe see a dietician to help you come up with a food plan for her. This is serious and using a registered dietician could really help and save you some money while shopping for good items. Trader Joes has a bag of dried beans and barley, it has a soup recipe on the back and it is very high in fiber and really yummy, especially with it being fall now. Good luck.

This may seem kind of harsh but my philosophy is kids only can eat what is provided to them. There is no reason for them to not eat healthy foods (unless we are parents provide unhealthy foods). (I'm not saying you do...). So, give her healthy, UNPROCESSED foods. If she doesn't eat them, try again and again. Kids will not starve themselves. Do not force her to eat anything, just keep reintroducting it. It is okay to give her ranch dressing to dip her uncooked veggies in, or spray a little butter something on the veggies (key is a little) or sprink a little cheese on the broccoli.

Chicken can be baked, grilled and cut into little pieces to dip in something too. Presentation is key. Give her lots of healthy options.

Here are some articles from the internet that talk about foods that help to lower cholesterol. Believe it or not, she doesn't need meat in her diet to be healthy and get the nutrients she needs. So don't worry about that so much. Just make sure it's a balanced diet. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts can provide what she needs.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/CL00002

http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/cholest...

The good news is she doesn't NEED to eat meat to get her protein! If she'll eat rice and beans, that combo is a complete protein. PLUS NO CHOLESTEROL! Bread and peanut butter is another good source, corn and lima beans... Whole grains and legumes (nuts and beans) have lots of protein in them and are totally cholesterol free foods. They in themselves are not complete protein, so eat combinations and she'll be fine.

I'd avoid all processed meats as they are all the leftover parts and NOT the best source of animal based protein. Dairy products and eggs are high, but they have cholesterol as does meat.

I'm sure you can be successful! I know eating whole grains is one of the best ways to fight cholesterol. Best wishes, and thank you for taking care of your child!

J.,
Something I make for my boys that they love is boneless skinless chicken breasts ( or the boneless skinless chicken strips/tenders) in the crock pot covered with bottled BBQ sauce, and let it simmer until it is falling apart. Then just shred the chicken with a fork (or cut it up in small bits so its finer and easier to chew).
The BBQ sauce is sweet and it may get her to eat it.
Good luck.

When did they start testing cholesterol for kids?!?! They little ones NEED fat and cholesterol to develop properly. My little guy's first foods was pure organic butter - he would have a hunk of butter for a snack. When we have a roast, he loves to eat the fat. When the roast has been in the fridge, he'll ask for me to break off the white layer of fat that is floating on the meat juices. I don't know my son's cholesterol level, and I don't care. Half of all adults who have heart disease have "normal" levels of cholesterol, the other have have "high" cholesterol. I would be more concerned about sugar intake (juice, cereal, candy, etc).

Here's a great website regarding children and fat:
http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/diet_children.html

A snippet from the above link:
Pediatric clinicians noted a number of years ago that children who were put onto lowfat and low-cholesterol diets failed to grow properly. It seems that during the critical growing years, children need levels of fat substantially in excess of the levels recommended in the US dietary guidelines. After all, mother’s milk contains 55 percent of calories as fat, much of it saturated fat. Children need high levels of fat throughout the period of growth and development. Milk and animal fats give energy and also help children build muscle and bone. In addition, the animal fats provide vitamins A and D necessary for protein and mineral assimilation.

Hi J.,
Sorry to hear about her high cholesterol. Eating fruits and veggies is the best thing she can do. Actually hot dogs are probably the worst thing for her- high in fat and low in nutrition, not to mention that they contain chemicals that are potential carcinogens. All processed meats contain preservatives and that is not good. One thing you could do is to put oatmeal in a blender to make it into flour and use some of this for baking. Try to use whole wheat flour, too. Yu could buy crushed flax seed and put it into things like yogurt- will just give it a nutty, crunchiness. Try to get as much fiber into her as possible- this will help to reduce cholesterol.
Good luck,
M.

Regular hot dogs are not a good idea but how about turkey or chicken hot dogs? Give her lots of ketchup and she won't know the difference.
Also, as far as being "picky" our kids are what we make them, if you only offer health foods she'll sooner or later eat them. Make it a rule that she has to eat 3 bits of everything. I always tell my kids I wouldn't feed them food that doesn't taste good. They usually eat all of whatever they were fighting once they try it. Get rid of all the junk food so she's not wanting it. Tell her they they don't make it anymore if she asks for something she shouldn't have. She's only 3 she's not going to know the difference. If she goes shopping with you maybe leave her home for awhile so she doesn't see the stuff at the store.
Remember that she's not going to starve to death if she misses a meal or only eats a few bits. Be firm and don't give in to foods she should have. Bad habits are hard to break but it is possible if you stay strong!
I know kid of off your question but just a few thoughts I had while reading your post. I hope you are successful getting the number down!

One suggestion I would make is to find foods she likes that reduce the bad cholesterol and increase the good.

Oatmeal is supposed to do that I think. Grapeseed oil, (my company sells it) is supposed to be good for it. I don't have a problem with cholesterol but people who do have said that switching to grapeseed oil has made a difference in their numbers. Just make some changes to how you cook things and that might help the number go down.

As for meals what about getting a kid's cookbook for ideas on how to make the food cute. If it's cute maybe she will start trying things and liking things. Maybe even have her help. Kids just seem to be far more into trying something when they helped make it.

Hi J.,

Some of the foods that we used to help lower my husband's cholesterol were yogurt with flaxseed mixed in, oatmeal, and raw almonds. My son loves all of these things also. If you go to Canada at all, there is a margarine that I get over there called Becel that is trans-fat free and it is still soft and tasty. Not like the hard, tasteless lumps of heart smart margarines that I have found here. I use that to cook also when I need butter. I also use Extra Virgin Olive Oil for most of my cooking now instead of butter.

Hope this helps.

T.

I'd suggest Cheerios - good ol' basic original Cheerios. It's a simple breakfast (and easily paired with fresh fruit, yogurt, etc.), but also an easy snack throughout the day. Eventhough my kids are older now, I still carry Cheerios (or some version of a Cheerios trail mix) in my purse for a snack during outings.
Also, try original oatmeal. It's a great way to start her day and fill her tummy and it is oh-so-good-for-you. Original oats are a little harder to sell, but when my kids were little I mixed it with applesauce.
I would suggest getting in touch with a Registered Dietician or Nutritionist for more kid-friendly suggestions. There are lots of ways to incorporate healthy eating habits and still enjoy fun meals and good food. It never hurts to talk to the pros.
Good luck!

It is great that you found out about this, while your daughter is still young. Lifestyle changes can be incorporated gradually and just become habie and receptive at 3 years old.

My husband has had high cholesterol and triglycerides too. What I have done for him (he has taken it upon himself as well): more fruits and raw vegetables, less pop (juice may be the case for your daughter vs. pop), significantly reduced processed foods, and he has a soy protein (non-GMO) smoothie every day. Since June he has lost over 20 pounds, dropped 5 notches in his belt. Now I just have to get him to the doctor to get his cholesterol and triglycerides checked.

Also, he was and is not a sedentary person. Getting pure protein in the body develops health cells, balances blood sugars, and helps the immune system.

Make suttle changes so that your daughter is more receptive.

Hope this helps. If I can be or more help, contact me at ____@____.com

M.

Hi J.---Wow, you must have been really suprised by a diagnosis of high cholesterol in a 3 year old. It's really important to remember that cholesterol is a VERY important part of every cell in our body. It is NOT the bad guy. But we must protect cholesterol from being damaged by free redicals and oxidative stress. That's when cholesterol gets sticky and starts to deposit in artery walls.

The first thing that you should do is to stop feeding any family member processed meats and then reduce all animal protein that your family eats. This way to eliminate or greatly reduce the amount of dietary cholesterol in the diet. This also means no milk, even fat-free (check out www.strongbones.org). The next step is to eat lots and LOTS of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes. These foods will provide the antioxidants and phytonutrients needed to protect cholesterol from oxidation. Another post talks about eating foods that lower cholesterol, which is very good advice. I have collected several documents with lists of foods that reduce cholesterol and I would be happy to share them with you. I am currently studying to be a Wellness Educator and I strive to help others build and maintain health through a good diet.

So, I have access to recipes, shopping lists and other helpful info. I also have information on the dangers of statins, if you would like that as well.

The thing is, you need to be the mom who can and will deal with a little unpleasantness from a 3 year old. You can find some helpful tips for picky eaters at www.askdrsears.com. Until then, give her choices you want her to choose from. She won't starve herself, and in time, she will start to eat a more varied diet. Authorities say that it can take you 10 or so different times offering a food before it is accepted. But you can't give her hot dogs because that's the only thing she will eat. Think of your challenge in this way, would you let her in the car without a seat belt? No, it's not in her best interest because she is safer wearing a seat belt. Do you want your daughter eating health promoting foods? Then think of the foods she eats as a seat belt for disease prevention. It will be much easier to change her food preferences now than when she gets into school.

Oh, to get you started, you can find many kid friendly recipes at www.eatingwell.com.

I look forward to hearing from you. In health, D.
www.dianeshealthed.com ###-###-####

Cut the hot dogs off the menu..... they are very high cholesterol. If you absolutely can't let them go, switch to turkey hot dogs, chicken hot dogs or beef Kosher hot dogs, all of which have lower fat content. Stay away from that other favorite kid meat- bologna- also loaded with fat.
If you want more protien in the diet try egg whites (scrambled with no stick spray instead of butter). You can use hummus made with olive oil- nut butters or peanut butter made with peanut oil (if allergy is not an issue in your house). Make your own refried beans using vegetable oil instead of lard.... if convenience is an issue, start with canned beans.
Another trick to getting meat into children is in finger food size pieces with a "dip". BBQ sauce for my son, one daughter likes ketsup,the third, lo-fat ranch dressing. serve the dip in a little cup on the side for extra fun. I use ramekins, but have also had luck with bathroom sized Dixie cups. You can also buy the little souffle cups at places like Gordon Food Service. One bag will last years. Baked and breaded white meat chicken or turkey pieces work. Use a little milk or egg white to hold the breading on, or use a Shake and Bake type coating Also, pork loin is very low fat, and mild tasting. A hit with all my kids, who like to use little cups of applesauce for the dip.
good luck.... our family fights cholesterol too.
L.

Hi J. -

It's good that you are finding out about this now. Your daughter is still so young and it will be easier to change or manipulate her eating habits before she's gotten too set on anything. It's ok that she doesn't like meat, you don't have to have it in your diet to be healthy. Actually meat has a lot of saturated fat already in it, so the fact that she doesn't want to eat it can work in your favor. Cheese does also, so limit it. Lots of fruits, lots of veggies both cooked and fresh, lots of whole grains, oatmeal, and protein in the form of beans or tofu are great. Stay clear of processed foods as much as possible, white bread, fast food, fried food, sugar cereals, and sweets. My daughter still gets some type of sweet per day, but something like a butter cracker (similar to animal crackers), or dates, or dried apricots, or even one small piece of chocolate and that's it. Ice cream is a treat. And like your other poster said, it's doable for sure, you just have to be a stickler with it. Don't buy anything you don't want her to ask for or have. Keep it out of the house. She will not starve herself.

Some tasty recipes can be found at: http://www.chooseveg.com/vegan-recipes.asp
or
http://weelicious.com/index.php

Also, Dr. Joel Fuhrman's book, Diesease-Proof Your Child: Feeding Kids Right will give you a great deal of insight and information along with good recipes too.

There are a lot of wonderful, yummy, tasty things out there to eat that are good for you too, you just have to be willing to try new things and finding sources. It can be a big undertaking, start small and work your way to change. Every bit will help your daughter and family to be healthier! No one's perfect, do as much as you can and allow some not so good eating times to be special occasions. Finding a good balance is key, kids do need fats for sure, just the right ones. Good luck and feel free to email me if you like.

I am on Weight Watchers and find both their website and the hungrygirl.com website extremely helpful. I put a fat free Ball Park frank on a Kroger lite wheat bun, and it's great! You can buy canned fat free gravy which might entire your little one to eat meat. You can do cool things with ground turkey. Sometimes I even mix it with lean ground beef for more flavor and still a low-fat dish. Sara Lee has 3 new very low fat breads on the market. Weight Watchers has a pita bread that's very low. Good luck!

Hi J.,
I have the pickest eater on the planet so you are not alone.
My son is 7years old now.
I am deligent about feeding him well with the limited amounts of things he will eat.
I love to make fruit smoothies. I only use fruit and ice and sometimes a little organic yogurt. I can make them thick as ice cream and he loves them. He eats sprouted breads found in the frozen food section such as Ezekel bread.
If I do hot dogs I get the organic kind at Costco that don't have nitrates or nitrites in them or in a pinch I will use Hebrew Nation Hotdogs. My son loves peppers,cucumbers and carrots. He tends to like raw veggies rather then cooked.
He likes dry cereals to munch on. I by only organic brands
not cereals with all the sugars etc. We also live on soup.
My son loves any kind of soup. They are easy to make in a crock pot and you have full control of what goes in it. It is also a good way to get more veggies in them or chicken for protien. My son likes chicken tenders so I make my own (very easy). He will eat trail mix with nuts and rasins. If you don't have nut allergies in your house nuts provide a good source of protiens.
We love oatmeal for breakfast, we do soy sausage for a treat now and then which he likes.
I also feed him a lot of whole grain pasta and rice.
Well, there is a little bit to go with. Good luck
to your daughter. How did they diagnose her with high cholestrol at this young of age. What made them screen for it. I would be very interested to know because high cholestol runs in both sides of our family.
M.

You've asked for recipes, so i'm sure you want ones for the whole family...that interact with her needed diet...
here goes...

4 boneless skinless chix breast
put them in a baking dish
sprinkle with pepper and thyme
take a can of campbells healthy request 99% fat free cream of chicken soup, mix it with 1/4 cup of water
add a little pepper and thyme to it
pour over the chicken
bake for one hour at 350, covered

boil potatoes and mash with skim milk and fat free margarine

the soup will make a gravy for the potatoes...and you have low fat chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy....no one will ever taste the difference.

another one....
4 boneless skinless chix breast
some fat free "western" salad dressing (about 1/2 cup) mixed with a little chili powder and minced green pepper
dip the chicken in the seasoned dressing...
coat with corn flake crumbs....
bake at 350 for about an hour
top with western dressing, or offer it as a dip
serve with pasta mixed with the western dressing (add veggies to it if you'd like, fresh or boil them in the pasta water)

hope it helps!