Why Does My Child Need Calcium?

Picky kids need calcium for good bone and dental structure, for muscle growth, nerve transmission, proper blood clotting, regulation of cell division, maintenance of electrolytes and hormone synthesis.

What are the best dietary sources of calcium?

Contrary to popular belief, dairy products are not the only source. Green leafy vegetables are a great source. Kale is especially high. Try using baby kale which is less bitter and easier to incorporate into a picky eater’s diet. Almonds, Brazil and Hazel nuts are an excellent source and can be ground into a nut meal and sprinkled over fruit or salads or incorporated into treats such as friends. Sesame seeds, particularly when ground into tahini can be used a spread, in salad dressings and dips such as hommos. Below is the recipe for a calcium rich treat.

Recipe for Halva – A Great Source of Calcium and a Delicious Snack Treat

Ingredients:

1 ½ cup organic sesame seeds, hulled or unhulled
1 tablespoon (or to taste) raw honey or maple syrup
about 4-6 tablespoons spring water

Method:

1. Put sesame seeds in a blender. Grind to as fine a powder as possible. You may need to stop a few times to stir up from the bottom to make sure all seeds are ground evenly.

2. Transfer ground seeds to a mixing bowl. Mix in maple syrup or raw honey until well distributed throughout. Add enough distilled water (usually 4-6 tablespoons) to form a loaf or press onto a baking sheet.

3. Refrigerate a few hours to firm up before slicing.

This will keep at least a week in the refrigerator (if not eaten before!), much longer frozen.

Variations: