Babies (and kids) (and me!) don't eat the same amount of food consistently. Some days we eat a lot, then our appetite drops for a few days, then a growth spurt comes on and they eat up again, then they're way full and become more focused on other things (crawling! walking! ooh so fun, who wants to stop and eat?! also, ouchy gums too.)
Bottom line is, your tot is not going to starve herself, and sounds like she normally eats a good amount so good for her to ease up on the food every once in a while!
That said, if she really isn't eating (and needs to) then try cold stuff. I throw frozen fruit, add scoop of lemonade powder (or use OJ for an even healthier option), add bananas, whatever fruits you have. Give it a whirl in the blender, pour into popsicle trays (or icecube trays or those little bathroom sized paper cups) and then let your kid gnaw on it.
(I also make plain ice popsicles for mouth owies of any kind.)
Frozen yogurt is good too. Of course with an 8mo, you gotta watch and make sure they're sitting at the high chair while they're gnawing and munching the frozen fruit or yogurt or whatever.
Also, you can wet a corner of a good thick washcloth and freeze it. Then the cold corner soothes their gums like a cold teething ring, and the rest of the washcloth is great for their drool!!!
(And it doesn't stain like a fruit pop will!)
