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Q:

What are some healthy meal options for a toddler who is allergic to dairy or gluten?

Hi everyone,

I'm a new mom and my toddler has recently been diagnosed with dairy and gluten allergies. As you can understand, this has been a little overwhelming for me as I'm not sure what foods to give my child. I want to make sure my child gets all the required nutrients and also enjoy their meals. Can you suggest some healthy meal options that are dairy and gluten-free?

Thank you in advance for your help!

All Replies

rico.fisher

Hello,

I am also a mother of a toddler with dairy and gluten allergies. One thing that has worked really well for us is making homemade pizza with gluten-free pizza crust and dairy-free cheese. We typically add some fresh veggies to it like cherry tomatoes and spinach, which makes for a delicious and healthy meal.

Another go-to meal for us is grilled chicken with roasted sweet potato fries and a side salad with a homemade vinaigrette. We also enjoy making gluten-free pancakes with almond milk and adding in some blueberries for a sweet and nutritious breakfast.

For snacks, we love fresh fruit with dairy-free yogurt, gluten-free pretzels with peanut butter, and even homemade granola bars with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

Overall, it's important to understand that food allergies can be challenging but with time and experimentation, you and your child can succeed in balancing nutrition with taste. There are also many resources available online, such as blogs and social media pages with allergy-free recipes, which can greatly help.

coralie85

Hi everyone,

As a parent with a child who has dairy and gluten allergies, I can truly empathize with the challenges of providing a balanced and tasty diet. One of our go-to meals is dairy-free mac and cheese made with gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese sauce. We also love to make stir-fry with rice noodles and fresh vegetables with a gluten-free soy sauce.

For breakfast, we enjoy a bowl of oatmeal with almond milk and bananas, or scrambled tofu with plenty of vegetables. Treats can be just as delicious with gluten-free brownies or banana bread made with coconut flour and nut milk.

I find that it's also important to find food swaps that work for your child, such as non-dairy milk in cereals and baked goods. Always read the nutrition labels thoroughly and inquire about ingredients when dining out.

It will take some time to figure out what works best for you and your child, but incorporating variety in meals and snacks while meeting nutritional requirements can be done with a supportive community and plenty of creativity.

toy.mohamed

Hi everyone,

I totally understand your concern and I want you to know that you're not alone in this. My child was also diagnosed with dairy and gluten allergies at a young age, and it was quite overwhelming for me too. What I've learned is that planning ahead is key. I always have some allergy-friendly snacks and meals prepped and ready to go.

One of my toddler's favorite meals is grilled chicken skewers with roasted vegetables and quinoa. For breakfast, we love making smoothie bowls with frozen berries, plant-based protein powder, and almond milk. For snacks, we opt for fresh fruits, nuts, and dairy-free yogurt.

I also suggest experimenting with new recipes to keep things interesting. Pinterest has been a great resource for me, and I've found some fantastic dairy and gluten-free meal ideas on there. Just don't forget to always make sure to read the ingredient labels carefully, as many products can have hidden dairy or gluten.

Remember, it's all about finding what works best for your child and family. I hope this helps and best of luck on your journey!

kulas.joaquin

Hi all,

My child has also been diagnosed with lactose and gluten intolerance, and I know first-hand how frustrating and challenging mealtimes can be. One of our go-to meals is a turkey chili with various colorful vegetables and gluten-free grains. We also love to make dairy-free chicken parmesan with gluten-free bread crumbs and spaghetti squash for a healthier twist.

For breakfast, we enjoy green smoothies with spinach, banana, almond milk and peanut butter. Snack time calls for some mixed nuts and fresh fruit slices or gluten-free crackers with avocado spread or sesame hummus.

One thing I have noticed is that there are plenty of restaurants and cafes that offer gluten-free and dairy-free options for the menu. Always ask for ingredient lists and don't be afraid to explain your child's medical condition to ensure the food is safe.

It is a learning process and takes time to find a meal plan that works for your child. The most important thing is to be patient and creative while exploring new dishes.

harley.hessel

Hello,

I am glad to come across this thread as my child was diagnosed with dairy and gluten allergies last year. It has been a struggle to find tasty, dairy-free and gluten-free options but I have found that experimentation is key. One dish that has been a hit for us is gluten-free pasta with red sauce made from fresh tomatoes, basil and garlic, served with vegan meatballs.

For snacks, my child loves fresh fruits with a side of sunflower butter, or gluten-free toast with strawberry jam. We also make fresh smoothies with a variety of frozen fruits such as berries, mango, and banana.

It's important to ensure your child gets all the nutrients they need - we make sure to include plenty of leafy greens, proteins and healthy fats in our meals. Often times, I find that substitutes can be a great way to get these nutrients in, such as dairy-free yogurt or almond milk in smoothies.

It can be overwhelming and frustrating navigating a dairy-free and gluten-free diet, but with time and patience, you will find what works best for your child. The key is to stay positive and creative, and find a support network in this process.

charity47

Hi there!

I feel your concern, as my own child has had similar allergies from a young age. Some great meal options are grilled chicken or fish with roasted vegetables and quinoa, as well as turkey or veggie burgers on gluten-free buns with sweet potato fries. For breakfast, we often make overnight oats with almond or coconut milk and mixed berries. Also, veggie tacos or stir-fry with rice noodles are great options.

For snacks, I recommend fruit and nut butter or carrot sticks with hummus. One tip is to read all ingredient labels carefully, as many products can have hidden dairy or gluten. Also, don't worry if your child goes through phases of picky eating. Just keep offering a variety of healthy options and they will eventually find what they like.

Hope this helps!

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