From Ruth Palatnik
Re: Getting children to eat solids
My Down's syndrome daughter, Rina, had extreme trouble
learning to eat solids, but the food-in-cheek method [see
previous LETTERS] helped. We started with slices of Bamba.
However, I was upset by the recommendation of `chunky' food.
I was told by an expert speech therapist that any food of a
mixed texture is confusing for a child learning to eat
solids. Perhaps your source didn't intend `chunky' to mean
something of a mixed texture, but rather something like
pieces of a very soft meatball. Still, your readers might
interpret it wrong. Mixed textures require different types of
chewing motions and can be confusing to a child.
Detailed information can be gotten from an article by Joan
Medlen, a registered dietician who edits Disability
Solutions magazine.
I am looking for someone willing to volunteer to translate
things for me from English to Hebrew from the above magazine,
to distribute here to those needing such information. You can
call me at 03-579-4996 or drop by at 4 Bartenura, Bnei
Brak.
DIETING TIPS [Bayit Ne'eman]
Successful dieting consists of fooling your system, rather
than remaining hungry from a lesser intake.
Which foods create more / which create less of a satisfying
feeling?
* Heavy bread, rather than light bread, is more
satisfying.
* Foods with volume and bulk are more filling. Gram by gram,
popcorn is far more satisfying than canned corn. Also, it
takes longer to chew.
* Proteins are more satisfying than the other basic foods --
followed by starches and last, fatty foods.
* Fiber foods increase the bulk, volume, weight and
elasticity of food.
* An apple or orange is more satisfying than yoghurt.
* Sweet mezonos are less satisfying.
* Mezonos food heavy in fats is also less
satisfying.
DID YOU KNOW?
* Sheep's milk has three times more calcium than goat's or
cow's milk.
* Sheep's milk has three times more vitamin B-12 than cow's
milk.
* Goat's milk has a composition closest to mother's milk.
