If your toddler has been exhibiting symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating or gas after drinking milk or eating dairy foods, she may be lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is the inability to fully digest milk sugar. This occurs if your toddler has a deficiency in lactase, an enzyme in your the small intestine. If your toddler is lactose intolerance you may be wondering what to feed her. You can still provide nutritious meals without lactose-containing foods.
Canned Salmon with Sauteed Spinach and Fruit
One of the dangers your toddler faces if she is lactose intolerant is the potential that she may not get enough calcium in her daily diet. It is important for you to serve her foods that contain calcium, which she needs for strong bones and teeth. Canned salmon is a nutritious source of calcium and can be served plain or in a sandwich. Sauteed spinach is full of nutrients, and also contains calcium. Many fruits, particularly citrus fruits, also contain calcium and can help your lactose intolerant toddler get plenty of this important mineral. A glass of soy or rice milk will add additional calcium, too.
Grilled Chicken with Vegetables
Another nutrient your lactose intolerant toddler may not get enough of without diary foods is protein. Protein is crucial for your little one's continued growth and development, but there are many foods that can make up for the protein she is not getting from milk and other dairy foods. Grilled chicken is a healthy source of protein you can serve with your toddler's favorite vegetables for a nutritious meal that does not contain lactose. Other lean meats, such as fish, beef or pork, will also add some protein to your toddler's diet.
Aged Cheese Sandwich with Broccoli
Many brands of bread are fortified with calcium, which makes them a smart choice if your toddler cannot digest lactose. iParenting notes that many aged cheeses, such as cheddar, contain little lactose, because it is removed during processing. A slice of cheddar cheese on calcium-fortified bread will help replace the calcium your toddler would normally get from a glass of milk. Cheese is also a nutritious source of protein. A side of broccoli will add important vitamins and minerals, as well as extra calcium.
Yogurt with Nuts
Yogurt is a dairy food, but because it is fermented, it is less likely to cause the symptoms associated with drinking a glass of milk. Yogurt also contains beneficial bacteria, which can help your toddler digest any lactose that may be left after fermentation. Add finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to a carton of yogurt because they contain calcium and protein. A glass of calcium-fortified orange juice will help round out this meal that can be served as a healthy breakfast.
