Milking into health

Milk is essential for your child's growth. My relationship with milk only started when I first tried the Canadian 2% milk at my aunt's , wow, such creamy natural milk taste that suits my taste bud, and there the story begins..

The milky differences

There are a wide variety of milk out there, which one won the heart of the consumers? which one is over-rated by advertisement? but which one is the best? To my dismay, the price of milk is somehow over-priced in PJ(RM6/L) compared to in Canada, ($CA1.6 /L). Being a basic essential comfort food, how affordable would it be for a huge family, especially for those with meagre earnings?

Nutritional values is the first that matters.

-Whole milk, known as full cream milk has nothing added nor removed during its process. This is highly recommended for growing children for optimal development. Don't be afraid of fat.

Being one of the major macronutrients, it is actually a good source of energy and contains essential FA.

- Low fat milk, contains <1.5g of fat per 100ml of milk. Unless bounded by weight concern, lower fat product is not always "the choice". Therefore, not recommended for children.

- Skimmed milk, or fat-free milk is the most processed milk with removed fat contents, along the line, results in reduced level of fat-soluble vitamins eg. vit A,D,E,K. Not recommended for children as well.

- Formulated milk are usually in powdered forms, fortified with various nutrients, e.g. Vit A, B, E, calcium, Zinc, Iron and Mg. Familiar and well-known to us, other fortified nutrients also includes essential fatty acid (FA) e.g. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Arachidonic acid (AA) for better brain cells development, or prebiotic and probiotics for healthier immune/digestive system, as well as antioxidants e.g. lutein.

- Flavored milk, actually carries the same essential nutrients, but has additional flavors, which are sometimes children's choice due to better taste.

Milky Goodness- not only rich in Calcium, also comprise of important nutrients , e.g. protein, essential FA, pack with Vit A, D, B12, B2 and mineral Zinc, all needed for child's growth. One serving of milk (250mL / 1 cup) provides 36% of daily value of protein; 46% of calcium (based on RNI for children age 4-6).

It is indeed a complete food, rich with nutrients, and versatile too. To incorporate milk into daily life for your child's balanced diet , the following can be applied:

- Prepare milk the way your child likes it, e.g. cooking, smoothies, dipping etc and serving in temperatures they prefer. Note: For babies, it is not advisable to heat up milk with electrical appliances due to the existence of hot spot.

- Child may be more attracted with flavoured milk. On the other hand, different milk color may be interesting as well, try fruit- blending e.g. with dragonfruit (pinkish), banana (yellow), berries (purple), carrot (orange)

- Try other dairy products, e.g. yoghurt / yoghurt drinks, cheese.

- Add milk into common food e.g. cereals, pancakes, oatmeals, pudding, cake, waffles, mashed potatoes, cream soups

If drinking milk resulting from constant bloating/diarrhoea/stomach upset, please check with his paediatrician in case of lactose intolerance.

All in all, milk is full of natural goodness. Milk-ing into habit at an early age is beneficial and brings advantages.

This is adapted from The Star, Fit For Life, 7th Aug 2011.

Singapore Story

Have been away for three days accompanying my brother back to his "second home" , playing his role as a 2nd year- student, " 又回来了" , he sighed. I was certain that it was a feeling of dislike, but what are the other options? Only to comfort him ,"God has His will....”, but deep inside, I understand (or maybe couldn't even) the sorrow , stress , sufferings, struggles in him.

My brother transformed into a mature person since the last time I saw him, is a relief to my family. His appreciation through words, action was felt. Praise God. He toured me around Sg. First day, I hooped off the plane 30mins earlier than his, however, I was worried when his silhouette is nowhere to be found at our rendez-vous place. However, I was at ease when he said he's on his way. I begin my adventure with my first MRT-ride with the ez-link card, so convenient, I thought. (Changi Airport --> Boon Lay). From the last stop west of the trail to almost the most east station, I recalled my days at Mac Campus located in a rural area, it was this far too from the city..A journey of 1.5 hour.. But a journey is enjoyable when shared.

After dropping our stuff at his hostel, we had mixed rice for our grumbling stomach at Canteen One, 5 mins walking from his room. We met Yee Chong there, and we started to relocate my brother's stored stuff from his relative's apartment to my brother's new room. Whenever we are in a foreign country, alone, good friends will be helpful in time of needs. I reminisced over my moving experiences, was thankful that there was a storage room for the summer, and Nicole was always willingly renting a car to help out with.

Still, we headed to the City Hall after a tiring afternoon. The esplanade, The Durian, Casino, Infinity Pool, Merlion, Bugis, Orchard road and visualized lots of man-made sculptures, I walked through these destinations with a sore leg!! After a long waiting, I finally "check-in" into one of the unknown girl's double room at 1 am ish, located 15 mins walk from my brother's room. " Cuz she has to organise the frosh camp, and just came back...Later she has to plan tomorrow's game, so don't kacau her..." My brother commented it was ordinary that students go to bed late midnight and wake up at 6-7.. Ohhh, that was a sleepless night spent on the floor. But I managed to catch up with some sleep the next day after breakfast at my brother's room, thanks to his MIA roommate.. Feeling more energised and the rain pour brought the heat away, I met up with Grace from Canada at VivoCity and headed to Sentosa during the evening. I was surprised with the floating crowd when we were heading back to hostel close to almost midnight, indeed this a busy city!

Another fun fact : Guess who is Singaporean's best friend? iPhone!! You could easily trace them together, always occupying with each another anywhere you go.. Such manners, are becoming a “trend"..

Time flies and it was time for me to head back, being reluctant to leave, i began acting like a mom, pouring my bro with long-winded advise... At the airport terminal, I waved to my bro from a distance, and he said " See you in a few years" .. Awgh. That's true. Stepping onto the stairs leading to the plane, I looked up to the glaring sky , " that's the end, bye bye Singapore." I wanted to capture such beautiful ending, but to my realization, " WHERE IS MY CAMERA??? " oh yea, I've left it with my bro.................