Zahava Turner, RD, CSP, LDN

We are happy to share today’s guest blog post written by ketogenic dietitian and Keto Ambassador Zahava Turner, RD, CSP, LDN, who shares her tips for families celebrating Passover with a child on the medical ketogenic diet. Thanks, Zahava!

Passover is a Jewish holiday celebrated in the springtime. Any holiday and occasion can be difficult to follow while on a special diet, especially one that revolves around food. However, of all the holidays, Passover might be the easiest to follow while on the medical ketogenic diet because we don’t eat any leavened bread. Many foods or drinks that contain even a trace of wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt or their derivatives, and which weren’t guarded from leavening, are excluded during Passover. This includes carb-heavy foods like bread, cake, cookies, cereal, pasta and most alcoholic beverages.

For children on the medical ketogenic diet, a small piece of matzah can be calculated into the meal consisting of chicken or meat and vegetables, which will be very similar to what the rest of the family eats. Of course, the quantities will need to be calculated to work with your child’s diet plan and additional fat will likely be required to meet your ketogenic ratio. If needed, ask your child’s dietitian for help ahead of time so that you don’t have to worry about calculating the recipe on the day of the feast. Almond flour or any nut flour can be used to create dessert recipes, similar to recipes already calculated for the ketogenic diet. Again, ask your dietitian for help if there is a specific dessert recipe that you want to make “keto-friendly”.

With a little extra planning and help from your dietitian, any person following the medical ketogenic diet should have no trouble joining the rest of the family in enjoying all of the Passover festivities.

-Zahava

I have been paid by Nutricia for my time to write this blog post but my opinions are my own. 

The medical ketogenic diet for epilepsy should be used under medical supervision. 

KetoCal is a medical food for the dietary management of intractable epilepsy and is intended for use under medical supervision. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if KetoCal is right for you.

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