Ayurveda and Nutrition

Ayurveda (science of life)is a holistic system of healing that has been practiced in India for over 4,000 years.  It is a sacred science, not lonlbecause its aim is to balance the body and mind, but also because it supports one’s spiritual journey.

Ayurveda is particularly easy for kids to understand because it is simple and based in nature and it can be taught in a fun and playful way.  Most kids are grounded in their physical bodies and can relate directly when an explanation of health also describes the natural world they see around them.

The Basics of the Five Elements

Kids understand that the universe and our bodies are composed of five elements. Maybe it’s not obvious at first that those elements are earth, water, fire, air and ether. Children can easily give examples of things in nature that are made of these elements. Lets translate the Ayurvedic doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata is described as Wind and have the children describe wind. They all know what that feels like. Kapha is easy to describe – “phlegm,” since they all have stuffy noses in winter.  For Pitta, all kids know what it feels like to have indigestion after eating a spicy food.

It is important for children to understand that Ayurvedic treatment is based on the principle of opposites.  Children learn the quality of the elements and the opposite.  For example cold is the opposite of hot, for example, in the heat of summer, we enjoy watermelon, popsicles, and lemonade, whereas, in the winter we like soup and hot foods.

Kids already know that they are a part of nature, feeling close still to the source. So it is easy for them to make healthy choices when they understand why & that they are each made of the 5 elements with each person a unique expression of them.  This is an incredible gift with them being able to be in control of their bodies and able to develop responsibility for their own health. As parents it is important to support this by providing wholesome food options. 

Categorizing Foods As Windy, Fiery and Phlegmy

This is easy to do.  For example, ask your child this. Tell me what foods are airy? I have heard children say, hallow bread or bread with holes in it. For Kapha – What foods are phelgmy? Ice cream! For Pitta – What foods are hot?  They say – spicy, hot peppers.

Feeling The Elements In Their Bodies

This is what kids say when there is fire in their bodies. “Fever!” How about wind, -”Like a headache.”  Kids learn quickly that the elements in nature (outside of them) are also inside of them.  Phlegm is a substance with which most kids have a lot of personal experience. But kids are in Kapha stage of life anyway, so are more prone to congestion.

To be continued — Next time “Getting to know your child’s Dosha (constitution)”

Nutritional Guidelines for Children

Here is a great link to review the Health Canada nutrition guidelines for children.  Children can be small eaters and not wanting to eat all kinds of foods.  Have a look at the tips for children, how to give snacks, small frequent meals etc. as well as making food a fun activity in a child’s day.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/choose-choix/advice-conseil/child-enfant-eng.php
Here is a quick glance at the site.

Children

By eating the right amount and type of food recommended in Canada’s Food Guide, children can get the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Young children can have small appetites which can sometimes make meal time a challenge. Check out some ideas on how to meet their needs.

Serve small nutritious meals and snacks each day.
Because preschoolers and young children have small stomachs, they need to eat small amounts of food more often throughout the day. One Food Guide Serving from a food group can be divided up into smaller amounts and served throughout the day. For example, half a Food Guide Serving of Meat and Alternatives can be served at two different meals such as one egg at lunch and about 30 g (1 oz.) of chicken for dinner.

Learn more about Food Guide Servings divided throughout the day with some sample menus for young children:

• 3 year old girl
• 7 year old boy
• 10 year old boy
• 12 year old girl

Do not restrict nutritious foods because of their fat content. Offer a variety of foods from the four food groups.

Offer a variety of nutritious foods, including some choices that contain fat such as 2% milk, peanut butter and avocado.

Satisfy their thirst with water.

Encourage young children to drink water to quench their thirst and replenish body fluids. Canada ‘s Food Guide recommends that children and adults choose vegetables and fruit more often than juice. Children also need a total of 500 mL (2 cups) of milk every day to help meet their requirement for vitamin D.

Respect your children’s ability to determine how much food to eat.

While parents and caregivers determine the selection of foods offered, young children can determine how much food they need. Throughout the day, children are able to adjust their intake. This explains why some children eat more at one meal than at another.

Be a good role model.

Be a role model for healthy eating. Start by having meals together as a family as often as possible. Turn off the TV. Set a good example. If your child sees you eating your vegetables – he/she will be more likely to eat them too!

Be patient.

If an unfamiliar food is rejected the first time, it can be offered again later. The more often children are exposed to a new food the more likely they are to accept it.

Organize fun physical activities.

Young children rely on parents and caregivers to provide opportunities for physical activity. Some ideas include: bicycling, walking, dancing, games of ball or tag in the summer and sledding or building a snowman in the winter. For more great ideas check out tips for being active.