A foodie she is not
But her Mama is.
La belle is tucking into a fine, varied meal. We have peas, corn, cheese cubes, tomatoes, red peppers, and crackers. Just look at all that colour - ok, I admit the cheese crackers are not exactly 'natural but everything else basically comes from nature. Although she LOOKS happy, it was a few bites into this meal that she pushed it away and declared "all done" (the most common phrase to be uttered at our table). She followed this up with some high octane apple sauce (which includes blueberries, raspberries, mangoes, papaya, peaches and cinnamon) so I left the table somewhat satisfied. 
I'll admit that we've resorted to pretending to feed Mama or Papa her food. Usually the threat of someone else eating her food gets a few more mouthfuls in.
I shouldn't complain. She likes beans. She eats very little sugar. Her dream food is whipped cream. It's not all bad. Sometimes it feels like my efforts are for naught and I have to keep repeating to myself that small victories count, and that we're doing things right. The other day, at the Farmer's Market, Margo marched around, weaving in and out of all the groups of people, munching away on snow peas. She ate a strawberry on the way home, fresh and ripe and juicy, straight off the field. She's a bright, active, toddler who would rather eat toast with cream cheese than broccolli. She's pretty normal, I guess.
One thing that's been paying off is having her cook with me. She's gotten into the habit of pulling a chair over to the counter to "hep Mama" whenever she notices I'm up to something. Last night as I grated purple cabbage and carrots in the food processor for coleslaw, she said "Bye-bye carrots , bye-bye cabbage", and grabbed a few handfuls of the finished product, declaring it "good." High praise, indeed. I've found that she often loves to try things she's helped make, and at the very least will give it a try. I've read tht you have you expose your kids to foods anywhere from 10 to 20 times before they'll accept them, so I'll keep at it. In the meantime, until I have another baby to lavish with my gourmet meals, Margo keeps me hopping and plotting on how to get good things into her. Tonight's dinner wil consist of "better" mac and cheese . . .infused with carrot and sweet potato purée. I wonder if it'll meet her ever changing standards!
- Donna
Ok, folks. Here's the dish: my daughter is not a foodie. She even tends towards the picky. She doesn't eat very much, and only ocassionally is adventurous. This is contrary to my way of life, but she fits right in over in toddler town.
You all know I like to cook, and love to eat. I enjoy trying new flavours, and testing out new recipes. Thing is, Margo is just not that receptive. And while I haven't read EVERY book/cookbook about how to get your kids to try new foods, eat vegetables, etc, I've read many. They litter the house like so many good intentions. I scour the internet for bright and fun ideas. Case in point - Muffin tin meals . . . check this out:
I'll admit that we've resorted to pretending to feed Mama or Papa her food. Usually the threat of someone else eating her food gets a few more mouthfuls in.I shouldn't complain. She likes beans. She eats very little sugar. Her dream food is whipped cream. It's not all bad. Sometimes it feels like my efforts are for naught and I have to keep repeating to myself that small victories count, and that we're doing things right. The other day, at the Farmer's Market, Margo marched around, weaving in and out of all the groups of people, munching away on snow peas. She ate a strawberry on the way home, fresh and ripe and juicy, straight off the field. She's a bright, active, toddler who would rather eat toast with cream cheese than broccolli. She's pretty normal, I guess.
One thing that's been paying off is having her cook with me. She's gotten into the habit of pulling a chair over to the counter to "hep Mama" whenever she notices I'm up to something. Last night as I grated purple cabbage and carrots in the food processor for coleslaw, she said "Bye-bye carrots , bye-bye cabbage", and grabbed a few handfuls of the finished product, declaring it "good." High praise, indeed. I've found that she often loves to try things she's helped make, and at the very least will give it a try. I've read tht you have you expose your kids to foods anywhere from 10 to 20 times before they'll accept them, so I'll keep at it. In the meantime, until I have another baby to lavish with my gourmet meals, Margo keeps me hopping and plotting on how to get good things into her. Tonight's dinner wil consist of "better" mac and cheese . . .infused with carrot and sweet potato purée. I wonder if it'll meet her ever changing standards!
- Donna
This entry was posted
on Thursday, July 03, 2008 at 2:48 p.m..
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5:24 p.m.Good gravy, Mom - you're not alone. How many moms with ages 0 to 20 year old kids planned their menus around their kids only to hear the dreaded words, "I don't like that". Sigh!
I know it's hard, especially for a foodie but she will come around. You are doing the right thing in exposing her and making her help. That 20th or 30th time will eventually sink in. In the mean time have a chipotle infused chicken wing and wash it down with a lime margarita or watermelon granita.
Love Tatij
4:19 p.m.
Margo......You have to eat so you can get stronger.
Your Mommy has such a good idea to put your different foods in the muffin tins, like on the picture.
That should have been fun for you but...if your not hungry, what canshe do?
Cooking with M ommy is also a very good idea, but you must eat what you fix!!!!!
However, I love the blog, good work Donna.
I can't remember my kids being picky.
I did buy baby foods but not for long, I use to mash everything with potatoes.
Margo doesn't seem to be suffering for not eating everything.
You look good Margo.
Love you all, Grandmaman.
12:05 p.m.
The unfortunate Law of Toddler Food Consumption in our house is that the chances of Thomas eating what is put in front of him is inversely proportional to the amount of time and effort put into preparing the meal.
However, the sneaky Mac&Cheese is a real hit in this house - pasta, minced beef, chicken or pork, a bunch of different veggie puree cubes and lots of yummy cheese.
I'm dreading him growing tired of it!
I will try the muffin tin thing - looks fun!
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