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Barbara Zamost 415.389.0210
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Kathi Johnson, 310.649.4781
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Sharon Bice, 707.823.8250, x104
Sharon@redwoodhill.com

 

BACK-TO-SCHOOL FEATURE


CELEBRITY DIETICIAN AND AUTHOR OF ‘MOM ENERGY’ ASHLEY KOFF RD IDENTIFIES FIVE SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY BE LACTOSE INTOLERANT

 

Green Valley Organics Offers Back-to-School Lactose Free Recipes and Easy Tipsfor Busy Parents and Hungry Kids

 

SEBASTOPOL, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2011) – With an estimated 1 in 10 children being lactose intolerant, back-to-school meals and snacks can put parents to the test. Recipes like Oven “Fried” Chicken Strips and Homemade Ranch Dipping Sauce, give kids and parents an education in tasty, nutritious options that won’t cause tummy aches.

 

“Many parents may not recognize the symptoms of lactose intolerance in their kids, often mistaking digestive complaints as illness or stress-related or food avoidance as their kids ‘being picky,’” says Ashley Koff, R.D., celebrity dietician and author of a new book Mom Energy. To help, Koff offers five signs that could mean a child is lactose intolerant:

  1. Digestive complaints, especially gas, bloating and belly aches
  2. Avoiding or refusing dairy when offered
  3. Frequent loose stools 
  4. Bad breath despite proper dental care
  5. Body odor that isn’t explained by normal activities (i.e., played sports or forgot to shower)

 

“If you suspect your child is lactose intolerant, you should talk to your pediatrician before making any dietary changes for a complete evaluation,” Koff adds.  The good news, according to Koff, is that there are delicious, better quality dairy options that are lactose-free, like lactose free yogurt, kefir and sour cream, to use as simple swaps and versatile recipe ingredients in kids’ mealtime favorites.

 

Here a few easy tips and two kid-pleasing recipes (Oven “Fried” Chicken Strips and Ranch Dressing) with all of the great taste and health benefits, but no lactose

 

Breakfast – Pour lactose free kefir on hot or cold cereal instead of milk

  • Lunchbox – Ranch dressing is a staple for getting kids to eat fresh cut vegetables and adding flavor to green salads and chilled pasta salad.  To make a lactose free version that kids will love, combine Green Valley Organics lactose free plain yogurt with garlic powder, onion powder, fresh herbs, mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce.  It stores well in the refrigerator for after-school snacking and can travel in an insulated lunchbox for easy dipping during recess and lunch.
  • After-school snack – Use lactose free kefir or yogurt in fruit smoothies instead of milk, ice cream or frozen yogurt
  • Dinner – Oven “fried” chicken Green Valley Organics lactose free kefir replaces the traditional buttermilk called for in many classic fried chicken recipes to tenderize the meat. Breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch. EZ Tips: Busy families can make a double batch of this recipe and par baking (about 12 minutes) and freezing half of the strips. For a quick meal or snack later in the week, finish baking the strips (about 20 minutes in a 350º oven).  For families with gluten sensitivities, they can substitute rice flower and oatmeal for bread crumbs.

 

For more lactose free recipes, visit www.GreenValleyLactoseFree.com.

 

About Green Valley Organics Lactose Free

Green Valley Organics® Lactose Free yogurts, kefirs and new sour cream were created to help folks who are lactose intolerant enjoy all the health benefits and great taste of real dairy without the tummy troubles, bringing peace, love and dairy back into their lives. From the makers of Redwood Hill Farm®, a family-owned company committed to digestive health for more than 40 years, Green Valley Organics is a brand consumers can trust, made with organic milk that carries the Certified Humane Raised and Handled® label, which is considered the gold standard in third-party certification for humane animal treatment.  Redwood Hill Farm and Green Valley Organics are the only dairy brands with Flourish®, a custom blend of 10 live and active cultures that deliver millions of “good-for-you probiotics” in every spoonful. Dedicated to protecting the environment and green open spaces, Green Valley Organics is a proud supporter of the Climate Protection Campaign, Sonoma Land Trust and Sonoma Land Paths. Visit GreenValleyLactoseFree.com for tips on living with lactose intolerance, great recipes and more information about the company’s wholesome products and earth-friendly business practices, including the recent installation of a new solar energy system at the Green Valley Organics creamery.