Sunday, December 14, 2008

Eat Your Vegetables!


Recently I have found myself becoming frustrated with Annabel's eating habits. Some days she loves cereal in milk, some days she throws it at me like she can't believe I would give her something so disgusting. Some days she gobbles up her applesauce like its going out of style, and other days she starts screaming when she sees the jar. She is a toddler, after all! And then I get frustrated with myself, because I find myself finding quick fixes for her, such as toast (usually whole-wheat at least), pre-packaged snack crackers or cookies, or spaghetti-O's, just because I don't really know what to give her and I don't want to put a lot of effort into something that she's not going to like. It is frustrating, because I put so much care into her babyfood, choosing the freshest, tastiest vegetables and fruits to make into puree for her. But now, I guess I thought it would be easier because she can eat what we eat, but now I realize that it takes just as much planning and care to feed an older baby as it did before. It gets kind of stressful trying to find a good balance of proteins, iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, etc. I found this really cool website - www.wholesometoddlerfood.com. It gives dietary recommendations, meal ideas, sample menus and recipes. Score! 
So anyway, I'm going to use this time over the next few weeks while things are slowed down to work on a more structured diet for her (and us!). Its something that is really important to me but I've neglected for too long! Wish me luck! 

4 comments:

Rock 'n Roll Momma© said...

i am SO with you on the eating issues...javen used to eat all sorts of good stuff but now he could pretty much live on mac and cheese ONLY. it drives me nuts. he hates veggies and will NOT eat meat at all. i just don't know what to do! hopefully his dr. will have some helpful tips when we go for the 2 year well visit!

Lynsey Grant said...

Laura,
Have you tried the "Deceptively Declicious" cookbook? I haven't, but I've heard a lot of mommas say great things about it. I may try to find it used on Amazon!

Tera said...

I understand too. I've heard mixed reviews on the Seinfeld book...seriously, spinach in brownies?! It's worth a try though. Since you mentioned Spaghettios, I thought I'd mention my trick with them. (BTW, I tried the organic ones and the girls wouldn't eat them.) I have been dumping in some peas and carrots into the spaghettios. Brynna gobbles them right up! Braylee takes a bit more coaxing but at least I know she's getting a few veggies in with their quick lunch.

Rock 'n Roll Momma© said...

i haven't heard of the book but i might check into it!