Getting my kid to eat is probably one of the most frustrating aspects of parenting for me. It’s not really getting him to eat. It’s getting him to eat what I want him to eat. I offer plenty of nutritious snacks but L’il E is only happy if the snack is a cookie, Goldfish or Gummy Bears (thanks Gran!) – at least I’ve been able to get him hooked on apples.
His paediatrician told me that a toddler diet can be carbs, carbs and more carbs and not to get hung up on it. That’s given me some solace, but when I see him take one bite and then tell me he’s “all done” it sends my blood pressure through the roof. I think to myself – I just slaved away making you something I thought you would eat and now you’re “all done”?! Gah! Pass the wine please 🙂
Fortunately, last week his daycare sent him home with several recipe cards provided by Real Food For Real Kids – the catering company that supplies nutritious meals to pretty much every daycare in Toronto. These little cards are amazing because they’ve given me new ammo for my dinner and snack repertoire. So this week I preplanned our dinners Monday thru Thursday and so far I’m two for three – he wasn’t into the chicken and rice I made tonight (sad face).
So, just in case you’re looking for new recipes to add into your rotation I’m at your service with two that really worked for us this week.
Chili Chili Bang Bang and Granola Pucks!
For the Chili Chili Bang Bang you’ll need:
- 1 onion diced
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 1 red pepper diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup crushed tomatos
- 2 1/4 cups canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- pinch of ground salt and pepper
Then you:
- Sweat veggies in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat in oil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, beans and spices and bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer covered for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve in bowls with grated cheese and biscuits/bread for dipping.
Yum!
Do you have food frustrations?
My kids have their favourite snacks, but when we have dinner, they are expected to eat what is put in front of them. They will eat one bite to try it – no exceptions. But if they choose not to eat, then they will be hungry until the next meal. I am of the opinion that they will not starve. It’s worked for me and our four children 🙂