How to Introduce Solid Foods for Your Baby?
The structure of the baby's digestive tract suggests that whole cereal grains
and other vegetable products are the ideal baby foods once solids are
introduced. Unlike the digestive tract of the carnivore, the human digestive
system is long and convoluted. It is better suited to the digestion of whole
grains and other plant fibers that do not rapidly decompose and produce toxic
bacteria as animal proteins do. The putrefaction of animal proteins in the
digestive system also destroys beneficial bacteria, including those that
synthesize the B vitamins that are necessary for the proper functioning and
development of the brain.
The structure of the teeth and digestive system suggests that Homo sapiens
evolved on a mixed diet consisting largely of whole cereal grains, beans,
seeds, fresh local vegetables, and other vegetable foods, with animal
products comprising a minority of average consumption. Animal quality
food-mother's blood-was the only source of nourishment during the period of
life in the womb. More yin quality animal food-mother's milk-is the most natural
source during the period of nursing. Once the baby stands and teeth come in,
the milk-drinking stage comes to an end. From then on, it is preferable for
nourishment to come primarily from cooked vegetable foods.
The development and refinement of consciousness beyond the milk¬ drinking
stage depends on the introduction of properly prepared vegetable foods. If
some animal foods are eaten, it is recommended that they comprise only a
small portion of the child's diet. The consumption of a large volume of animal
food tends to limit the development of consciousness to the sensory and
mechanical levels. The higher and more refined stages depend more upon the
intake of vegetable foods. The intake of milk or other dairy products beyond
the normal milk-drinking period often limits the development of consciousness
to the emotional or sentimental levels. The remaining levels of consciousness
may fail to develop properly as a result.
Aside from having a fundamental influence on the development of
consciousness, childhood diet is a primary factor in future health and
well-being. Two health problems that are medically linked to a poor
diet-obesity and heart disease-begin with eating habits acquired during
infancy and childhood. Dr. Anthony Gotto, president of the American Heart
Association, stated, "The important thing is to get kids eating the right foods
as early as possible. If they develop good eating habits when they are young,
they are more likely to eat healthily when they are older."
A naturally balanced diet-a diet that lowers or eliminates the risk of obesity,
heart disease, cancer, and a host of physically and mentally debilitating
disorders-is a fundamental aspect of macrobiotic child care. Starting children
on the road to lifelong health and well-being is one of the most essential tasks
of parenthood. Ideally, proper diet should begin even before birth in the way a
mother and father eat prior to and during pregnancy. When parents eat a
balanced natural foods diet, they provide their children with the foundation for
future health and the development of the highest level of consciousness. With
good health and clear judgment, children will be well equipped to deal with
life's struggles and may realize their dreams and experience much happiness
throughout their lives.