The Weston A. Price Foundation promotes traditional dietary principles that emphasise nutrient-dense foods to support overall health. For children, following these principles can help ensure they receive the essential nutrients needed for growth and development. In this post, we’ll explore the key Weston A. Price principles and how they can be applied to children’s diets.
Key Principles for Children’s Nutrition
Whole, Unprocessed Foods: Focus on natural, unprocessed foods that are rich in nutrients. This includes fresh fruits, vegetables, grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, and raw dairy.
Healthy Animal Fats: Include fats such as butter, lard, and tallow, which are essential for brain development and overall health. These fats provide vital fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and K.
Bone Broths: Use bone broths regularly for their rich mineral content and gut-healing properties. Bone broth is abundant in collagen, glycine, and gelatine, which support joint health and digestion.
Fermented Foods: Incorporate fermented foods like sauerkraut and yoghurt to support gut health. These foods are rich in beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy digestive system.
Organ Meats: Provide nutrient-dense organ meats, such as liver, which are packed with vitamins and minerals. Liver, for example, is high in vitamin A and iron, essential for growth and development.
Raw and Cultured Dairy: Choose raw and cultured dairy products for their beneficial bacteria and enzymes, which improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Proper Preparation: Prepare grains, nuts, and seeds properly to neutralise anti-nutrients and improve digestibility. Techniques such as soaking, sprouting, and fermenting enhance the nutritional value of these foods.
Benefits of Following Weston A. Price Principles for Kids
Improved Growth and Development: Nutrient-dense foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that support physical and cognitive development.
Stronger Immune System: Traditional foods like bone broths and fermented vegetables can help strengthen the immune system.
Better Digestive Health: Raw dairy and fermented foods support a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestion and overall health.
Sample Meal Plan
Here’s a quick sample meal plan that aligns with Weston A. Price principles:
Breakfast
Coconut Flour Pancakes: Made with coconut flour, eggs, and coconut milk, topped with a drizzle of raw honey and fresh berries.
Lunch
Salmon Salad with Cucumber and Dill: Wild-caught salmon mixed with cucumber, dill, and homemade mayo, served on a bed of mixed greens.
Dinner
Lamb and Vegetable Skewers: Grass-fed lamb pieces and assorted vegetables grilled on skewers, served with a side of fermented sauerkraut.
Snack
Yoghurt and Berry Parfait: Full-fat Greek yoghurt layered with fresh berries and a sprinkle of homemade granola.
Incorporating Weston A. Price principles into your child’s diet can provide numerous health benefits and support their growth and development. By focusing on traditional, nutrient-dense foods, you can ensure your child receives the essential nutrients they need.