Butter, a small amount even for the obese child, is an essential part of a healthy nutrient-rich diet. Not the “devil” fat many individuals and health care practitioners purport it to be. Let me share how a little butter helped a diet coaching client of mine. She was at an unhealthy weight range contributed to by the stress and anxiety over the health of her child. 

Della’s 18-month-old child was underweight, allergic to all soy-based formulas, eggs and was lactose intolerant. The child also had a terrible skin condition that top pediatric dermatologists at a major metropolitan hospital said was eczema-like, but not. The conclusion of the consulting pediatricians was that the child was failing to thrive. They could find no medical reason for her eczema-like skin condition that resisted any treatment. They wanted her admitted to the hospital immediately so they could monitor her.

Della was distraught to say the least and decided to try to help her child with a more natural approach and called me. After a thorough intake and review of all the test results, I suggested we begin working with the child where she was and take small steps forward. One of the first things was to add a transcultural dietary choice: ghee or clarified butter to the child’s food intake. Della mixed in a dot on the few foods the child could tolerate and enjoyed. Slowly we introduced calcium fortified, lactose-free beverages. Within a week Della called me with good news. The skin condition was getting better. The child was eating, smiling and had gained a few ounces. At my suggestion, Della took the child to the pediatrician to document the improvements.

I worked with Della over many months. With my support Della orchestrated numerous changes to the family lifestyle and food intake. Her child continued to thrive. As the child grew healthier, stronger and met developmental markers, Della’s unhealthy weight also normalized setting the stage for a healthy weight child rather than a future obese child.