THE SENSORY MADE SIMPLE PODCAST

Transcript

Welcome back to episode number 21 of the Food Explorers Podcast.

Before we start this episode, I have a special request for you.

If you've been listening and loving this podcast, would you consider leaving me a rating and review?

When you do this, it tells Apple and Spotify you are enjoying the podcast and connects other parents to the podcast so they too can bring the magic back into mealtime.

So if you're willing to help me out with that, you can pause the podcast now, go rate and review, and then come back.

Okay, ready?

Today, we are talking all about alternative forms of protein for children with feeding challenges.

Recently, I asked on Instagram at DrSamGoldman if you're not following me already.

So I asked on Instagram how many of your children struggle to eat a variety of proteins.

And honestly, the feedback was overwhelming.

Children with feeding challenges struggle with proteins for so many reasons.

If you are a member of the Food Explorers membership, don't forget to log in and check out this month's training, which is all about why this happens and what you can do to help.

Today, I wanted to focus on one way you can help, and this is using alternative forms of protein.

So what do I mean by alternative forms of protein?

When we think about protein, we usually think about chicken, meat, fish, deli meat, eggs, and pork.

But these foods can be very difficult for children with feeding challenges.

What we don't think about is those lesser known food options that also contain protein and can be a bit easier depending on your child.

Do they contain as much protein?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

But for a child who isn't eating any, these can start to add up and start opening them up to those new types of foods, like those proteins you typically think about.

So today, I thought I'd share a couple with you.

In this episode, I'm focusing on plant-based alternatives.

Please remember throughout this episode, I am not a registered dietician.

I don't offer nutrition advice.

Merely these are products you could look at the packaging and see that they have protein in them.

I talk about these from a sensory and an oral motor perspective.

Number one, chickpeas.

According to the can, one half cup of chickpeas contains about six grams of protein.

Now, most children I know don't love chickpeas straight from the can.

However, these can come in different forms.

For example, hummus.

Hummus is pureed chickpeas with some olive oil and other spices and ingredients added in.

Children who are still developing their oral motor skills or who prefer soft and pureed textures often do pretty well with hummus.

The really cool thing is that they now come in a huge variety of flavors, from lemon to everything but the bagel to buffalo ranch, which is a great way to work on variety.

On the other hand, you can also go the crunchy route, like crunchy chickpeas.

Crunchy chickpeas are essentially chickpea chips.

You can find them in the nuts and fruit section of the grocery store.

They also come in a huge variety of flavors.

Most often, I find that kids really enjoy the honey version of it.

Of course, no honey under the age of one, and these can be a choking hazard, so make sure this is okay for your child's age and oral motor skills before introducing them.

I personally wouldn't give these to any kids under the age of four.

And the third option for chickpeas is incorporating them into a recipe like falafel.

Falafel is basically a ball of chickpeas that's made into a dough and air-fried or fried.

Some kids like the crunchy outside, while others do well with the soft inside.

Number two, edamame.

Edamame is one of those foods that I think is just so underrated.

First of all, eating it straight from the pod is a lot of fun.

Kids love popping them out and seeing where they land.

They also have an extremely mild flavor, which makes it a great option.

Like chickpeas, these come in a variety of options from edamame hummus to veggie burgers to crunchy edamame.

Again, crunchy edamame can be a choking hazard, so make sure these are appropriate for your child before introducing.

And third, tofu.

Okay, I love tofu.

And growing up, it's not something I really thought I would be interested in, but once I finally got over that mental block, I realized that I absolutely love the texture.

Tofu is really cool because it absorbs flavors really well, and because it can be made in so many different ways.

For kids who like crunchy foods, you can stick it in the air fryer.

For kids who like soft foods, you can make it into a pudding.

You can bread it and make it crispy, or shred it and cook it soft.

It's a really mild flavor on its own, and one most people don't think to try with kids.

So these are three alternative plant-based forms of protein that you can try at home with your child.

Remember, even if they don't like it served one way, they may do better with it in another form.

So consider which foods pair best with your child's personal sensory preferences and needs.

If you struggle with knowing and connecting with your child's sensory system, then I highly recommend you check out my Making Sense of Eating program.

In this program, I teach you all about the eight sensory systems, how they impact eating, and how to identify your child's personal sensory preferences and needs and leverage them.

Join us today at www.drsamgoldman.com/makingsense of eating.

See you there.