What to Cook?

Hi B.,

All children find their way, their wants, their likes and dislikes in their own time. Since you know he likes pasta (mac & cheese) try buying the vegetable pasta and adding spaghetti sauce or for more nutritional value chicken spaghetti sauce. These are located by all the other pastas and have green, orange, and white noodles. They do not taste any different and have veggie value. I buy the spiral ones and it seems to make eating fun. I don't encourage them to play with their food, but if it keeps them eating healthy a little discovery play along the way is worth it.

Also, you may want to consider dicing up some fruits and mixing them with yogurt. Mine always preferred it with strawberry yogurt. You can add bananas, strawberries, grapes, peaches, etc. plus the yogurt and it makes for a healthy snack. If you notice a little hesitation try adding a little whip cream on top. This makes them feel like it's a special treat while eating healthy.

Just remember, he can probably eat anything you cook as long as it is cut up or make into mush. I have also found that cheese makes everything better. For example, on broccoli, mashed potatoes, green beans, scrambled eggs, etc. Eggs are a very easy meal and full of nutritional value. Try the eggs first and if that doesn't go well because they are too bland, add cheese, diced ham, finely ground sausage, etc. until you find what works for him. Also, give him the chance to feed himself so eating becomes more intriguing. OH,I can't forget this one...corn on the cob. This is awesome if they are teething! They get to gnaw on the corn, which helps cut teeth and alleviate the pain and he also gets to be feel like a big boy. For better nutrition, I would encourage you to get fresh corn if at all possible, but frozen works if it helps with teething and you find yourself making it daily. I know I did when mine were teething. One final thing, remember to keep introducing new things. Even if he doesn't eat it always put it on his plate. As we know, we all learn through repetition and he will be more inclined to try it if he keeps seeing it. Just remember to pair it with something you know he already likes, so you avoid the pushing away of the plate and crying episodes that can accompany it. Best of luck to you and please email me and let me know how it goes.

J. F.
The M.O.M. Team
www.4MeAndMom.com

Have your tried the baby finger foods that he can feed himself? He probably just wants to assert his independence and feed himself. Try giving him the spoon and allowing him to feed himself the baby food. Yes he will make a mess, but so what.

Otherwise whatever you make for dinner, just give him some small bites that he can feed himself. Like grilled chicken, cut up soft veggies, etc.

Hi B.-

The vegetable that come in the steamer bags are great! They're easy to make and you can just reheat the leftovers for future meals for him. Of course you can cut up banana, pears, peaches, etc. As far as meat goes, pretty much anything you're eating you can just shred up into very small pieces to let him try. All kinds of pasta work of course too.

Good Luck!
K.

I was told to cut the formula/milk down substitute it with water but not too much cuz they can fill up on that too. I also tried not to stress over food issues since I didn't want them to have food issues. When my son was little and didn't want what I prepared, I'd put it up until he was hungry. No arguing, no begging just offering when he was hungry. If he didn't eat that night, he'd usually eat a good breakfast. It is possible that he just isn't hungry. Kids do go through a phase where they don't want to eat or they want nothing but pnut butter all the time. It's normal. Dr. Laura once said that kids have a different kind of taste buds than adults. That food is one thing that kids keep a control of. Meaning that she noticed when her son was going through a lot of changes he didn't want to branch out and be adventerous with his food. He wanted normal, familiar foods. When he got about 12 he started branching out. My son did the exact same thing. He eats anything now. Give your son some vitamins, offer small healthy foods. Maybe carrots or brocoli dipped in ranch dip. Trail mix with cheerios & raisins. He may be teething, freeze some grapes and then let him chew on those. Really watch what he takes in he may be getting more food than you think! He still has a really small stomach so maybe offering small snacks throughout the day might help. I don't think he'll starve himself so I wouldn't worry too much.