Olivia eats very well. If she requests macaroni, she expects that it will be wheat (or regular) pasta, with bar cheese shredded in it. The boxed Mac and cheese, you ask? Oh, of course she will eat it! The point is, she will eat pretty much any type of macaroni I place in front of her. This is just one of many examples. I am not telling you this so that I can get a pat on the back...
I would like you to be able to enjoy the same thing I have-a child that is not picky! I am realizing the importance of this as I learn how other children make the choices of what to eat off of their plates. I know each of us enjoys eating at home because we know who and how something was made. This is the most important place for a small child to learn healthy eating habits. After all, home is usually where a child is most often, except maybe daycare.
Here are a few of the ideas that have seemingly worked in our household that we mothers may accomplish our goals to instill healthy eating our children:
-As SOON as the baby begins tasting vegetables and fruits, grind at least some of your own baby food. This isn't only for those who have much time on their hands...it is vital to a child learning the way whole foods taste from the beginning, without all the sugar additives. Easy ways to start this are with green beans and with banana. I don't remember ever purchasing baby food bananas or apples. Broccoli is another easy veggie to steam and purée.
-Eat whole food yourself. I have seasons where I do really well with this. Then, other times of the year, it seems like everything is stirred together, baked sweets, casseroles, infrequent fast food. Try the hardest you can to avoid this, although if you are anything like me, you are human:)
-Biggest thing yet----at least once a week, try a new fruit or veggie. The entire family, I mean. Make it, build it up, make a song about it, talk about the color of it. Repetitive and new introductions have led Olivia to like soybeans, brown rice, homemade sauces, different fruits, sunflower seeds, and many different homemade "unboxed" cakes, biscuits, waffles, tacos, etc.
-Let a preschooler decide. Ask, "Olivia, would you rather eat broccoli or Lima beans with your dinner?" This choice may help your child feel like they are playing a part in what they are eating.
-Buying less pre packaged stuff does not always mean you have to have more time to cook, or even enjoy cooking. For instance, Spanish rice (whole grain rice, can tomatoes or fresh, small tomato paste, spices), biscuits for breakfast (self rising flour, milk, oil or butter), taco meat (ground turkey or beef, cumin, flour, water, season salt)...there are plenty more. Once you have a good stock of "single" ingredients, it is much cheaper at the store to not have to include pre packed items.
The main reason for this post is that I am seeing what a challenge it can be to make sure children that
come to my home get their fruits, grains and veggies. If you start with simple whole foods combined, you will not have to backtrack when the children get a little older, which will be difficult. Will Olivia always eat what I set in front of her? No. Are there a couple things she refuses to touch? Yes. But, she will eat or at least try mostly everything.
It is worth this extra effort fellow moms...we don't want to have to please a 4 year old that will only eat 1 fruit, rare veggie, maybe white milk if your lucky, and chicken nuggets. We can teach our kids' brains and bellies from an early age what to enjoy. Happy eating!
