Guest guest Posted June 8, 2009 Report Share Posted June 8, 2009 Hi all, I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? Thanks for reading this long post. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Wow, you are going through a lot. I am so sorry that you're a single mom to twin boys. I am a single mom to a 13 year old, an 8 year old and a 5 year old, all boys. We have been and on and off again vegetarians for five years, mostly on. I don't really have any advice for you, because I never tolerated any pickiness at the table. Either you ate what I gave you or you didn't eat at all. Since not everyone is as strict as me, I guess you could give them healthy options of what they like. Slice bananas with fruit yogurt for breakfast, toast with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Smoothies are a great option because they taste great. My present favourite is soy milk mixed with bananas, mangoes, collards and almonds. Soak the almonds first to ensure they dissolve in the smoothie. Check out greensmoothiegirl.comfor lots of ideas. Give them pasta, quinoa, couscous, risotto, oatmeal, etc for their grains. Eventually they'll come around. Good luck. On Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 6:07 PM, Amelia Golden <agolden wrote: > > > Hi all, > > I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my > boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am > lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know > treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer > but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother > about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! > > I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced > healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't > have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys > will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). > They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes > their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu > (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. > > I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I > would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat > free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, > gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute > items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm > so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a > babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the > freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten > what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete > waste of time. > > Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things > to try? Recipes? > Thanks for reading this long post. > Amelia > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 I sympathize with you. toddlers are rebellious. Start with the list of things they do it and then hide stuff in those foods. my 4 and 1 yr old just inhled pancakes with hidden treasures inside. i never give details anymore. i mad buckwheat pancakes with ground pumpkin seeds and organice apple juice in them. smoothies for the sensory integration kid. i use coconut milk vanilla bean ice cream, berries, agave nectar, then hide a little spinach or avocada in them. if you use dark berries and cherries they never see the veggies in the smoothie.last week i even pulled one on my hubby and told him i made cheese fries. then after he inhaled 1/2 the batch i told him they were vegan chic pea fries that i adapted from and emeril green (lagasse) recipe. I switched the milk in the recipe to almond milk and the cheese to garlic granules and vegan parm. they were so good. he the carnivore has been begging for more. Batch freeszing in bulk one day a week will your single mom time management. hide all types of stuff in bulk batches of pancakes , waffles, muffins, healthy granola bars and cookies. we vegans and vegetarians sometimes forget to keep it simple with the kids. mix pureed yellow squash in the mac and cheese and pureed food ideas from the deceptively delicous cookbook. tonight i'm adding pureed red , yellow and orange peppers to the pizza sauce so my 4 yr old won't know shes eating more veggies. i hope this helps......hang in there....... Unita Walburn Mulberry Island Station Homestead Berefoot Books Stall Holder visit my site @ www.mybarefootbooks.com/UnitaWalburn ________________________________ Amelia Golden <agolden Monday, June 8, 2009 6:07:13 PM Problems feeding toddlers - long Hi all, I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? Thanks for reading this long post. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Sorry to hear about your troubles. Realize that you are not alone, though! Most kids are picky eaters or go through picky stages. Just hold on, it will change! However, I think a lot of the pickiness depends on how much parents allow. For example, if you fix a good meal and the kids won't eat it and then an hour later are eating snacks, then they know the next time you fix something they don't like they can hold out and something better will be along shortly after dinner. In my house my kids don't necessarily like everything I make. My daughter loves beans, carrots, potatoes, etc. but if I put them together in a potpie she won't touch it. On nights like that the rule is they eat what I make or they can have a PBJ (whole wheat bread, natural peanut butter and all fruit spread). Even if they don't eat the main item, they still eat the sides usually, which consists of veggies and fruits and whole grain bread (varies by meal of course). If they have a night where they don't eat much of anything they know later when they want a snack it's going to be whole wheat toast, oatmeal or something like that. But be patient and keep serving it! It takes kids many times trying or seeing a food to sometimes want to taste it or end up liking it. I can put food on my daughter's plate 10 times and finally she ends up eating it and loving it. But if you stop giving it to them they will never have a chance to taste and acquire a taste for it. Most parents struggle with this same issue. But I believe you have to keep fixing normal healthy family dinners, don't give in to their pickiness, and it all works itself out. Children test our limits and their boundaries all the time, including at the dinner table. Since you are busy, try batch cooking (making meals on one day and freezing them). That way you still have healthy meals that you can quickly make. But keep cooking and serving them up! Best of luck! Jacqueline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 amelia, I'm sorry for the struggles you're going through right now. You've got to try to ignore your critics about your choices regarding your family's diet. You're kids would still need to eat their veggies wether they eat meat or not right? Anyway, I have a 20 month old daughter who is a pretty good eater but recently I started getting extra veggies into her by making fresh juice every morning. I put everything in there and she loves it. We call it rainbow juice because it starts out as many different colors and when you mix it up it turns brown. I put spinach, bell pepper, carrots, celery, wheat grass, really what ever I have and then I add an orange or a couple apples to sweeten it a bit. She goes crazy for it and it makes me feel like even if she turns her nose up at something I've given her, that we're okay. I hope that helps. Good luck, Natalie , Amelia Golden <agolden wrote: > > Hi all, > > I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! > > I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. > > I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. > > Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? > Thanks for reading this long post. > Amelia > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Welcome! Your boys are at the picky age. If you cater to their whims, you will wind up with picky eaters for life. Frozen peas, blueberries and corn are all good foods at this age. Kids love to dip: cut up fruit in (soy or coconut) yogurt; cut up veggies in hummus or salad dressing; whole wheat pasta (full of fiber and protein) and steamed veggies dipped in marinara with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Quinoa is a great great with complete amino acids; I have been cooking it in water and apple juice for breakfast, mixed with dried cranberries and nuts. Be patient, don't make eating an issue, keep offering a variety of healthy foods, and one day they will be four... In our house we have the 3 bite rule; you try 3 bites of what is on your plate; if you don't like it, then you get whole grain toast with peanut butter and an apple. Robin ________________________________ Amelia Golden <agolden Monday, June 8, 2009 5:07:13 PM Problems feeding toddlers - long Hi all, I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? Thanks for reading this long post. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Some things that have worked for us are: Not 'allowing' our son to say he doesn't like something if he hasn't eaten any of it (we are nice about it - and say that he can't say it's yucky if he's not even eaten a bite, because his tastes may have changed since last time). I do only allow one bite, if it's a good sized bite, otherwise it's 2. Sometimes I have let him help make things (at 2 they can maybe independently add spices or with help stir something not too complicated or help make a salad - using a salad spinner or something to get them involved). Maybe try a different way of cutting things - we found that for some reason my son will eat shredded lettuce, not torn pieces of lettuce (I decided to be 'fancy' one night and cut it into small thin strips and my son ate nearly the whole bowl I made for tacos! Still won't hardly touch it if I just tear it into bite sized pieces). We remind our son that he used to not like green beans, and he kept trying them and now they're one of his favorites (next to the yellow wax beans he's always loved). But that was us being consistent, and insisting on him having to eat the one small bean that was on his plate (I think I gleaned that bit of advice somewhere - you always give them a serving of the food, because then they get used to it being on their plate and they may just give in and surprise you by eating it, which is exactly what our son did with green beans - from 0 to a giant scoop out of nowhere). I'm trying to remember what else - around that age, we allowed our son to make his own dinner (with help/supervision of course) if he didn't want what we were having - basically pb & j because that was easy enough for him to do on his own w/out us getting too involved for the most part. But he never pulled that one too much for it to be an issue (we always let him help, so it wasn't just that it was fun to do). I think part of it is trying to be independent, and having little say in a lot of what they do all day. Maybe have them help you make something (tag team maybe? or have someone help you with the task - even letting them pick the veggies or whatever for dinner - or plan this day one child picks dinner and helps and the next time the other child does (or they both help with something they can do but one picks that night the other the next night - it may not be anything different that night than they have now, but the other nights you get to do what you want and hey - " we " all have to try it and taste what great food whomever made that night. Mommy gets to do it more often - but maybe getting them involved will help them feel more independant. I can't imagine how to do so with 2. But something like that maybe might help? Otherwise, they will eventually come around if you keep offering the healthier foods you do approve of. They are 2, they are picky and finicky. I can imagine that after a long day at work the last thing you want is to have a food battle with them. Just remember they won't starve themselves and they should come around if you keep offering. We have a friend whose son used to eat pretty much anything, but he started pulling the same thing and now, at 5 actually only eats about 5 different foods (much to their dismay, but they also just went along with it and thought it would work itself out, but never has and when they have tried, they meet more resistance now than maybe they would have otherwise). My son tried it, we didn't fall for it, but got him involved in the kitchen, and some help with decisions (I can now ask him what I should make when I can't think of anything and I get really good ideas!) Hope this helps! I know it can be rough, and I'm sure it's exponential when you've got twins and are a single parent. missie On Tue, Jun 9, 2009 at 8:25 AM, Vibeke Vale<vibekevale wrote: > > > Wow, you are going through a lot. I am so sorry that you're a single mom to > twin boys. I am a single mom to a 13 year old, an 8 year old and a 5 year > old, all boys. We have been and on and off again vegetarians for five > years, mostly on. > > I don't really have any advice for you, because I never tolerated any > pickiness at the table. Either you ate what I gave you or you didn't eat at > all. Since not everyone is as strict as me, I guess you could give them > healthy options of what they like. Slice bananas with fruit yogurt for > breakfast, toast with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Smoothies are > a great option because they taste great. My present favourite is soy milk > mixed with bananas, mangoes, collards and almonds. Soak the almonds first > to ensure they dissolve in the smoothie. Check out > greensmoothiegirl.comfor lots of ideas. Give them pasta, quinoa, > couscous, risotto, oatmeal, etc > for their grains. Eventually they'll come around. Good luck. > > On Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 6:07 PM, Amelia Golden <agolden wrote: > >> >> >> Hi all, >> >> I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my >> boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, >> am >> lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know >> treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same >> farmer >> but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother >> about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! >> >> I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced >> healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I >> don't >> have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys >> will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). >> They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes >> their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu >> (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. >> >> I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I >> would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are >> meat >> free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, >> gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute >> items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm >> so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a >> babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have >> the >> freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have >> eaten >> what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete >> waste of time. >> >> Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things >> to try? Recipes? >> Thanks for reading this long post. >> Amelia >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 I thought this was a really good response, especially what she said at the end, " Eventually they'll come around. " This is so important to remember, when you are going through this with a toddler (or two at once!) it seems like, ok this is the end, they are never eating those things they used to eat again! That's it! But it's not like that, they are going to go through this phase several more times and you just sort of have to live through it. You can go the " eat what I give your or don't eat route " , you can continue to offer things in different forms (I swear my daughter will refuse to eat baked tofu one day so a few days later I cut it up differently (cubes instead of slices, or if you really want their attention use mini-cookie cutters with cute shapes) and she gobbles it up. You can also try ok they didn't eat that this time so give it a few days and try it again the same way. In the meantime, for your own sanity, try the smoothies, I always tell people this. They have been my saving grace. When we don't have time or just somehow haven't gotten any fresh green veggies in our diet for a day or two it feels so good to get some healthy stuff into your kids, and the smoothies have always been a hit. Someone on this list gave me the first nudge and we've been doing them for a couple of years now. My favorite recipe is: fill the blender (not stuffing, just dropping) with fresh greens (i like kale especially since I don't cook it much so it's a way to get it in my diet), add roughly half an orange to an orange per person depending how big/juicy they are, pour in about a cup of almond milk, about a cup or two of frozen mangoes, and about a cup of ice. After blending a bit, add frozen bananas (all important - they really cut any bitterness and make them sweet). All this will vary depending on how much you want to make, of course and how big your blender is. But this works great in my standard sized blender and this is the best order I've found to make it work. You can also sneak in flax seed oil if you feel they need more fats which they may at that age, flax seeds, wheat germ, lots of different things. My daughter loves to put things in the blender with me, although some people hide the ingredients from their kids. Figure out what works best for you. So the main thing to remember is that kids go through cycles, usually they are in an up-cycle about halfway through a year and they seem more complacent and willing to try new stuff and just more fun to be around. Then they cycle down somewhere around a few months before their bday and that's when you enter the wonderful world of temper tantrums and it seems like picky eating goes along with this. I can't remember exactly why this happens but it has to do with learning new skills and becoming comfortable with them, growing etc. And this is of course generally speaking, every kid is so different. My daughter (4 1/2) LOVED avocado when she was two. And lots of other things. Then at 3 she was refusing them completely. This month out of the blue she asked for avocado on her sandwich. So even though it seems like they are down to nothing but mac-n-cheese (which I used to make my own sauce using zuchini/yellow squash, soy cheese, soy milk yay for the blender again), it won't be forever. And don't let your mom on your case. I mean duh, moms always are on your case, but don't let it get to you. As a vegan caterer, you probably know a lot more about nutrition than she does. If you are still unsure, do a little research and find out their exact daily requirements, looking at the serving sizes, its easier than you think to get it. And don't think of each meal as all important, but think about the weekly intake. And if all else fails, a multi-vitamin at least helps. Good luck, don't give up and don't go crazy trying to cater to the picky palates of two year olds! :-) sorry this is even longer than your post! Dee On Jun 9, 2009, at 6:25 AM, Vibeke Vale wrote: > > > Wow, you are going through a lot. I am so sorry that you're a single > mom to > twin boys. I am a single mom to a 13 year old, an 8 year old and a 5 > year > old, all boys. We have been and on and off again vegetarians for five > years, mostly on. > > I don't really have any advice for you, because I never tolerated any > pickiness at the table. Either you ate what I gave you or you didn't > eat at > all. Since not everyone is as strict as me, I guess you could give > them > healthy options of what they like. Slice bananas with fruit yogurt for > breakfast, toast with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. > Smoothies are > a great option because they taste great. My present favourite is soy > milk > mixed with bananas, mangoes, collards and almonds. Soak the almonds > first > to ensure they dissolve in the smoothie. Check out > greensmoothiegirl.comfor lots of ideas. Give them pasta, quinoa, > couscous, risotto, oatmeal, etc > for their grains. Eventually they'll come around. Good luck. > > On Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 6:07 PM, Amelia Golden <agolden > wrote: > > > > > > > Hi all, > > > > I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time > feeding my > > boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't > eat meat, am > > lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that > I know > > treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the > same farmer > > but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with > my mother > > about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! > > > > I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very > balanced > > healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time > and I don't > > have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because > my boys > > will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice > (brown). > > They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that > comes > > their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will > eat tofu > > (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. > > > > I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs > which I > > would never ever have in my house previously because, although > they are meat > > free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, > tortellini, > > gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last > minute > > items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned > soups. I'm > > so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I > hire a > > babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and > I have the > > freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) > have eaten > > what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a > complete > > waste of time. > > > > Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? > Things > > to try? Recipes? > > Thanks for reading this long post. > > Amelia > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 Thanks for the suggestions. How old were they when you started the 3 bite rule? ________________________________ robin koloms <rkoloms Tuesday, June 9, 2009 10:58:23 AM Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long Welcome! Your boys are at the picky age. If you cater to their whims, you will wind up with picky eaters for life. Frozen peas, blueberries and corn are all good foods at this age. Kids love to dip: cut up fruit in (soy or coconut) yogurt; cut up veggies in hummus or salad dressing; whole wheat pasta (full of fiber and protein) and steamed veggies dipped in marinara with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Quinoa is a great great with complete amino acids; I have been cooking it in water and apple juice for breakfast, mixed with dried cranberries and nuts. Be patient, don't make eating an issue, keep offering a variety of healthy foods, and one day they will be four... In our house we have the 3 bite rule; you try 3 bites of what is on your plate; if you don't like it, then you get whole grain toast with peanut butter and an apple. Robin ____________ _________ _________ __ Amelia Golden <agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com> @gro ups.com Monday, June 8, 2009 5:07:13 PM Problems feeding toddlers - long Hi all, I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? Thanks for reading this long post. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 HI- I generally have non-picky eaters who go though phases of pickiness. I totally agree with all the folks who said " Do NOT cater to the picky eating " . I always tell my kids we have too many people in the family for me to make sure everyone LOVES dinner every night. Some nights, Dad gets his favorite; some nights it's kids' turn, etc. I have a few suggestions: -The three bite rule sounds good to me, although I do know some people who would literally have spontaneous barf on the table if they made their kids follow this rule. It's not for everyone. At any rate, two seems like a good age to begin this- as soon as they can understand the concept of 'two' or 'more than one', or however many bites you decide to go with. -We absolutely have the rule that if there's dessert to be had that night, you don't get it unless you eat your food. I don't put a whole lot on my kids' plates (especially the two year old, as she's a light eater in general) and as such I feel comfortable saying 'you have to eat it ALL'. I refuse to play the 'how many bites do I have to eat?' game. Either you eat it, or you don't. I'm not arguing about whether it's enough or not. Does she throw an absolute fit? Sometimes. That's life. She KNOWS I'm not joking when I say, " Eat it or no_____ " . -With my older daughter (just turned 6) I have a peanut butter sandwich rule. If she doesn't like the meal, she is free to MAKE HERSELF a peanut butter sandwich. I DO NOT do it. I am not a short order cook. I plan to start this with my 2 year old soon, as she's almost three now and I feel reasonably comfortable that she can get out bread, peanut butter, jam, and go to it with a kids' knife. Oh, yes, it will be a disaster, but I think it's really important that I don't do it for her, or we're back to the short order cook thing. And the only choice outside of the meal is peanut butter sandwich. If that doesn't sound good to them, tough. I WANT it to be semi-boring and unappealing, although they often choose it for lunch. - One thing I've found that the kids all like is 'build your own dinner' (and this falls under 'NOT one of dad's favorite meals' category). Burritos, etc. I prep a tortilla for them, and have the beans, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. out for them. They get to pile it on themselves and really take pride in 'making' their own dinner. It's a mess, especially for the two year old, but quick to prep and they really enjoy it. Ditto with stir fry (spoon the rice, I do the sauce, veggies, tofu or whatever separately so they can build it). My 2 y/o also often eats the uncooked tofu off the cutting board (in fact I save some for her if she happens to not be standing there while I'm chopping); won't touch it cooked, usually. In this way I DO try to be sensitive to their likes/dislikes. Both of my older kids like to eat some veggies raw vs. cooked. So when I'm doing green beans, for example, I let them wash them and then I save a healthy raw portion out for them to munch on becasue they don't like them cooked. I figure it's a concession I can make in a nod to their individual taste that doesn't really csot me any time/effort, prep wise. -I also try to involve them in food prep as much as possible- the rinsing of the veggies, the pouring in the pan, etc. I start this at 2 y/o or earlier- really, every kid can have a job once they're proficient at standing on a chair without falling off. I would even let my 13 month old do some jobs-at the kids' table- like stirring, etc.- as soon as she shows some interest. This, too, shall pass. That's my mantra, some days. j. ________________________________ Amelia Golden <agolden Tuesday, June 9, 2009 12:33:26 PM Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long Thanks for the suggestions. How old were they when you started the 3 bite rule? ____________ _________ _________ __ robin koloms <rkoloms > @gro ups.com Tuesday, June 9, 2009 10:58:23 AM Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long Welcome! Your boys are at the picky age. If you cater to their whims, you will wind up with picky eaters for life. Frozen peas, blueberries and corn are all good foods at this age. Kids love to dip: cut up fruit in (soy or coconut) yogurt; cut up veggies in hummus or salad dressing; whole wheat pasta (full of fiber and protein) and steamed veggies dipped in marinara with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Quinoa is a great great with complete amino acids; I have been cooking it in water and apple juice for breakfast, mixed with dried cranberries and nuts. Be patient, don't make eating an issue, keep offering a variety of healthy foods, and one day they will be four... In our house we have the 3 bite rule; you try 3 bites of what is on your plate; if you don't like it, then you get whole grain toast with peanut butter and an apple. Robin ____________ _________ _________ __ Amelia Golden <agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com> @gro ups.com Monday, June 8, 2009 5:07:13 PM Problems feeding toddlers - long Hi all, I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? Thanks for reading this long post. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 My daughter is 13, so I don't remember exactly when. I know that we started easing her into family dinners around 18 months, so the three bite rule probably started somewhere around 2. My husband has been known to have the PB sandwich and an apple on occasion... ________________________________ Amelia Golden <agolden Tuesday, June 9, 2009 2:33:26 PM Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long Thanks for the suggestions. How old were they when you started the 3 bite rule? ____________ _________ _________ __ robin koloms <rkoloms > @gro ups.com Tuesday, June 9, 2009 10:58:23 AM Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long Welcome! Your boys are at the picky age. If you cater to their whims, you will wind up with picky eaters for life. Frozen peas, blueberries and corn are all good foods at this age. Kids love to dip: cut up fruit in (soy or coconut) yogurt; cut up veggies in hummus or salad dressing; whole wheat pasta (full of fiber and protein) and steamed veggies dipped in marinara with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Quinoa is a great great with complete amino acids; I have been cooking it in water and apple juice for breakfast, mixed with dried cranberries and nuts. Be patient, don't make eating an issue, keep offering a variety of healthy foods, and one day they will be four... In our house we have the 3 bite rule; you try 3 bites of what is on your plate; if you don't like it, then you get whole grain toast with peanut butter and an apple. Robin ____________ _________ _________ __ Amelia Golden <agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com> @gro ups.com Monday, June 8, 2009 5:07:13 PM Problems feeding toddlers - long Hi all, I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? Thanks for reading this long post. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 I have two boys -3 yr old and 18 mo old - and was dealing with the same thing you are! Well, one day I had ENOUGH! I knew their diets weren't healthy and I had to change their eating habits before it was too late. I admit that I was scared, I knew it was going to be a battle but I did it anyways. I served them the same healthy foods I made for myself (usually beans, a grain, veggies) and that was it - if they didn't want to eat it they didn't have to but there was no more food, snacks or treats the rest of the night (this was more for the 3 yr old - I think 18 mo is too young to understand what's going on and he needs to eat food no matter what). Thankfully, my 18 mo old ate everything without any problems. But my 3 yr old gave me hell the first week - a few nights he went to bed without eating. Each week got better and better (less crying, more eating). It's now 6 weeks later and they always eat their food (well, once or twice they have refused but much better than before!). Some of you might remember me posting a while back about how my boys WILL NOT eat beans.....well, they chow them down now!! I also bought " Deceptively Delicious " by Jessica Seinfeld and that was great. Most of the recipes have meat but can easily be made vegetarian. Good luck - just be firm with them and I swear they will eat the healthy stuff in time! On Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 6:07 PM, Amelia Golden <agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com> wrote: > > > Hi all, > > I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my > boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am > lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know > treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer > but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother > about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! > > I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced > healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't > have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys > will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). > They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes > their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu > (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. > > I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I > would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat > free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, > gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute > items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm > so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a > babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the > freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten > what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete > waste of time. > > Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things > to try? Recipes? > Thanks for reading this long post. > Amelia > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Just a side note about all the forcing of children eating things... (two bites, three bites, all of it, eat it or no dessert, etc.). This type of thing is not good. Children are born with the ability to listen to their body cues about hunger and to stop eating when they are full. Parents come along and tell them to ignore their body and eat by the clock, eat because of what it is, eat to feel better when you are sad, eat to please people, etc. What happens is that it helps lead to lead to eating disorders. It teaches children to ignore their body signals as to whether or not they are hungry or full and just eat because (fill in the blank). It often continues to adutlhood and can create weight problems as people feel they must clear their plate, must eat all their dinner to have dessert, must eat up to please, etc. It's an unhealthy eating pattern. I never make my kids eat anything. I offer the food and if they are hungry they eat. If they are not, they don't. I don't make an issue out of it. I also don't make them eat anything or bribe them with dessert if they will eat their meal. If they don't eat their dinner, their dessert/snack will absolutely be something healthy (which it usually is anyway), but I wouldn't try to get them to consume more calories or ignore their body telling them they are not hungry so they can get some dessert later. Just my two cents... (I have a lot of them!). :-) Best, Jacqueline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 There is a pattern here... it happens to most parents and it shows it is a normal part of childhood. The fix? Keep cooking healthy meals, force nothing, and lead by setting a good example. Discuss healthy eating, what is healthy, and don't bring junk food into the house. Leading by example (making/eating healthy foods each day) is the most powerful tool there is! Jacqueline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Well, Jacqueline, I'm glad that works with your kids. As for my two year old, she will tell you, " I'm full " and ten minutes after her plate is off the table, she's miraculously hungry for dessert- which at the moment would be leftover cake from her sister's birthday. I totally agree with you about the eating disorders, the 'clean your plate' mentality, etc., but the fact remains that what we consider food that's 'good to eat' is often a matter of conditioning. We all know this here, since we keep telling our family/friends that what we eat is so delicious-but most Americans would probably beg to differ! We cannot get that conditioning without a certain amount of exposure to the desired foods. The idea that children are born with the internal cues is true- but also true that our body's drive for 'optimal foraging' is probably skewed from an overabundance of food- especially of the wrong types. I would never want my kids to ignore their hunger signals one way or the other (part of my resistance to the 'number of bites' rule, aside from the fact that I would find it just annoying to count bites/deal with), but a fact of life is that treats are ALWAYS available within arm's reach in our society, and I think it's an important part of teaching my kids healthy eating habits to show them (and model for them) the 'first this, then this' rule of eating. Take care of the nutrition our bodies need for optimal function, then an occasional treat. There have been plenty of times (more often than not, actually) that Stella opts to not eat the dinner, and then forego dessert. Good for her- and I'm really fine with the non-eating of dinner if she's not hungry. But I tell you, she WOULD, every single time, go for dessert if we have it after telling me she's all done with dinner. And I'm really not fine with her doing that, even if it's only on the rare occasion that we have something sugary, etc. She's just a sugar fan- interesting because her two sisters, not so much. At any rate, I think every family has to figure out what works for them. I have decided that with four kids, I can't do the short order cook thing, the count-the-bites thing, the forcing to eat something thing (as I mentioned before, I have a friend whose son would literally spontaneously barf those bites- a lesson his dad learned quite quickly!) etc. I prefer dinner to be a peaceful family time, and to me, these sorts of battles really compromise that- so we've figured out what works for us. j. ________________________________ Jacqueline Bodnar <jb Tuesday, June 9, 2009 6:42:19 PM RE: Problems feeding toddlers - long Just a side note about all the forcing of children eating things... (two bites, three bites, all of it, eat it or no dessert, etc.). This type of thing is not good. Children are born with the ability to listen to their body cues about hunger and to stop eating when they are full. Parents come along and tell them to ignore their body and eat by the clock, eat because of what it is, eat to feel better when you are sad, eat to please people, etc. What happens is that it helps lead to lead to eating disorders. It teaches children to ignore their body signals as to whether or not they are hungry or full and just eat because (fill in the blank). It often continues to adutlhood and can create weight problems as people feel they must clear their plate, must eat all their dinner to have dessert, must eat up to please, etc. It's an unhealthy eating pattern. I never make my kids eat anything. I offer the food and if they are hungry they eat. If they are not, they don't. I don't make an issue out of it. I also don't make them eat anything or bribe them with dessert if they will eat their meal. If they don't eat their dinner, their dessert/snack will absolutely be something healthy (which it usually is anyway), but I wouldn't try to get them to consume more calories or ignore their body telling them they are not hungry so they can get some dessert later. Just my two cents... (I have a lot of them!). :-) Best, Jacqueline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Amelia, Sorry if its a repeat but have you tried Quinoa. I just tried it last week and i am very impressed with it both the taste and nutrients , and its taste is v.close to rice so ur kids might like it. u can google for different recipes. I just replace it in the place of rice in our usual cooking. Also how old are your kids, in my experience kids likes and taste for different food keeps changing every other week so something my son would like this week he would just dislike it the next and vise-versa so Don't get discouraged by their dislike of your food... keep introducing them every now and then and they will start eating them one day. Shree --- On Wed, 6/10/09, wrote: Digest Number 2715 Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 12:25 AM There are 24 messages in this issue. Topics in this digest: 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Amelia Golden Messages ______________________ 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Posted by: " Amelia Golden " agolden momtoe2twins Tue Jun 9, 2009 5:58 am ((PDT)) Hi all, I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? Thanks for reading this long post. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 I've tried quinoa but not for a while now. I think what I'm getting out of these posts is that we should really be doing family dinners. I don't get home until 5:30 or 6:00 and they go to bed at 7:15 (they just turned 2) so I've been having my caregiver feed them dinner (hence the veggie fast food like tofu dogs). I usually eat after they go to bed and, likely as not, it's toast or cereal. I'm just too tired to cook and I go to bed around 8:30 (my kids are early risers and I really need a good nights sleep) so it just doesn't leave much time. I think I'll make a concerted effort though especially now that it is summer time and I could be making more grain and bean salads so it won't matter much if they were made before hand. It's funny, considering I was a caterer, my absolute least favourite thing to do with my kids since they started solids is feeding them. I just can't stand putting the effort into making meals for them and have them not appreciate it....not to mention the mess and the dumping of food on the floor. Oh well, I guess I'm going to be feeding them for a long long long time. Amelia ________________________________ Shreelakshmi Krishnamurthi <shreelak Wednesday, June 10, 2009 12:22:37 PM Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long Amelia, Sorry if its a repeat but have you tried Quinoa. I just tried it last week and i am very impressed with it both the taste and nutrients , and its taste is v.close to rice so ur kids might like it. u can google for different recipes. I just replace it in the place of rice in our usual cooking. Also how old are your kids, in my experience kids likes and taste for different food keeps changing every other week so something my son would like this week he would just dislike it the next and vise-versa so Don't get discouraged by their dislike of your food... keep introducing them every now and then and they will start eating them one day. Shree --- On Wed, 6/10/09, @gro ups.com <@gro ups.com> wrote: @gro ups.com <@gro ups.com> Digest Number 2715 @gro ups.com Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 12:25 AM There are 24 messages in this issue. Topics in this digest: 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Amelia Golden Messages ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Posted by: " Amelia Golden " agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com momtoe2twins Tue Jun 9, 2009 5:58 am ((PDT)) Hi all, I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? Thanks for reading this long post. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 I guess all this depends on the exact age of the child. My almost two year old wouldn't have the slightest clue if I tried to force her to have three bites. I give her the dinner we're eating, but I always throw something on her plate that I know she'll eat - like chickpeas cooked in broth. We don't really ever have dessert because I have no motivation for that; maybe popsicles. I've never had a child quite so resistant to eating, but I still can't see trying to force it on her. As for my five year old who recently gives me the " eww " for everything but tacos, she gets what we're having and I say she can have a pbj after dinner if she doesn't eat. But she has to wait until we're done so she almost always ends up just eating what we're having but picking out the offender - onions, tomatoes or whatever. --- On Wed, 6/10/09, Shreelakshmi Krishnamurthi <shreelak wrote: Shreelakshmi Krishnamurthi <shreelak Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 4:22 PM Amelia, Sorry if its a repeat but have you tried Quinoa. I just tried it last week and i am very impressed with it both the taste and nutrients , and its taste is v.close to rice so ur kids might like it. u can google for different recipes. I just replace it in the place of rice in our usual cooking. Also how old are your kids, in my experience kids likes and taste for different food keeps changing every other week so something my son would like this week he would just dislike it the next and vise-versa so Don't get discouraged by their dislike of your food... keep introducing them every now and then and they will start eating them one day. Shree --- On Wed, 6/10/09, @gro ups.com <@gro ups.com> wrote: @gro ups.com <@gro ups.com> Digest Number 2715 @gro ups.com Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 12:25 AM There are 24 messages in this issue. Topics in this digest: 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Amelia Golden Messages ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Posted by: " Amelia Golden " agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com momtoe2twins Tue Jun 9, 2009 5:58 am ((PDT)) Hi all, I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? Thanks for reading this long post. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 One thing they might like is " blueberry " pudding. You take a couple avocados, about half that amount or more in blueberries and add some agave nectar to your taste preference and a little coconut oil if you'd like, too. Blend/Vitamix it all up and they will never know it was full of avocado. It's great for all ages and I love it, too. You can even use frozen blueberries if not fresh... I guess the hard part is finding the avocados year round as well. Good luck and keep it up, they are lucky boys to have you. , Shreelakshmi Krishnamurthi <shreelak wrote: > > Amelia, > > Sorry if its a repeat but have you tried Quinoa. I just tried it last week and i am very impressed with it both the taste and nutrients , and its taste is v.close to rice so ur kids might like it. > > u can google for different recipes. I just replace it in the place of rice in our usual cooking. > > Also how old are your kids, in my experience kids likes and taste for different food keeps changing every other week > so something my son would like this week he would just dislike it the next and vise-versa so Don't get discouraged by their dislike of your food... keep introducing them every now and then and they will start eating them one day. > > Shree > > > --- On Wed, 6/10/09, wrote: > > > Digest Number 2715 > > Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 12:25 AM > > There are 24 messages in this issue. > > Topics in this digest: > > 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long > Amelia Golden > > Messages > ______________________ > 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long > Posted by: " Amelia Golden " agolden momtoe2twins > Tue Jun 9, 2009 5:58 am ((PDT)) > > Hi all, > > I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! > > I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. > > I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. > > Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? > Thanks for reading this long post. > Amelia > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 I hear you. Feeding kids can be a real pain. One thing I do is try not to make extra-messy food unless I'm willing to give them a bath afterwards. My 13 month old eats for about 2 minutes in the high chair, and then fusses to get down, proceeding to eat all the junk off the floor she just threw off her high chair tray! It WILL get better as they get older- although I can't promise anything spectacular in the 'appreciation' department. I have to say almost everything I make, someone complains about. Ah, well. Part of being a mom I guess. I just try to ignore it or make a sarcastic comment that my husband gets but most of the kids don't. Sarcasm always makes me feel better. j. ________________________________ Amelia Golden <agolden Wednesday, June 10, 2009 11:59:05 AM Re: Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long I've tried quinoa but not for a while now. I think what I'm getting out of these posts is that we should really be doing family dinners. I don't get home until 5:30 or 6:00 and they go to bed at 7:15 (they just turned 2) so I've been having my caregiver feed them dinner (hence the veggie fast food like tofu dogs). I usually eat after they go to bed and, likely as not, it's toast or cereal. I'm just too tired to cook and I go to bed around 8:30 (my kids are early risers and I really need a good nights sleep) so it just doesn't leave much time. I think I'll make a concerted effort though especially now that it is summer time and I could be making more grain and bean salads so it won't matter much if they were made before hand. It's funny, considering I was a caterer, my absolute least favourite thing to do with my kids since they started solids is feeding them. I just can't stand putting the effort into making meals for them and have them not appreciate it....not to mention the mess and the dumping of food on the floor. Oh well, I guess I'm going to be feeding them for a long long long time. Amelia ____________ _________ _________ __ Shreelakshmi Krishnamurthi <shreelak > @gro ups.com Wednesday, June 10, 2009 12:22:37 PM Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long Amelia, Sorry if its a repeat but have you tried Quinoa. I just tried it last week and i am very impressed with it both the taste and nutrients , and its taste is v.close to rice so ur kids might like it. u can google for different recipes. I just replace it in the place of rice in our usual cooking. Also how old are your kids, in my experience kids likes and taste for different food keeps changing every other week so something my son would like this week he would just dislike it the next and vise-versa so Don't get discouraged by their dislike of your food... keep introducing them every now and then and they will start eating them one day. Shree --- On Wed, 6/10/09, @gro ups.com <@ gro ups.com> wrote: @gro ups.com <@ gro ups.com> Digest Number 2715 @gro ups.com Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 12:25 AM There are 24 messages in this issue. Topics in this digest: 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Amelia Golden Messages ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Posted by: " Amelia Golden " agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com momtoe2twins Tue Jun 9, 2009 5:58 am ((PDT)) Hi all, I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? Thanks for reading this long post. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 Great idea! It looks like my blender and food processor is going to get a workout! Amelia ________________________________ ecnegrevnoc <ecnegrevnoc Wednesday, June 10, 2009 11:35:46 PM Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long One thing they might like is " blueberry " pudding. You take a couple avocados, about half that amount or more in blueberries and add some agave nectar to your taste preference and a little coconut oil if you'd like, too. Blend/Vitamix it all up and they will never know it was full of avocado. It's great for all ages and I love it, too. You can even use frozen blueberries if not fresh... I guess the hard part is finding the avocados year round as well. Good luck and keep it up, they are lucky boys to have you. @gro ups.com, Shreelakshmi Krishnamurthi <shreelak@.. .> wrote: > > Amelia, > > Sorry if its a repeat but have you tried Quinoa. I just tried it last week and i am very impressed with it both the taste and nutrients , and its taste is v.close to rice so ur kids might like it. > > u can google for different recipes. I just replace it in the place of rice in our usual cooking. > > Also how old are your kids, in my experience kids likes and taste for different food keeps changing every other week > so something my son would like this week he would just dislike it the next and vise-versa so Don't get discouraged by their dislike of your food... keep introducing them every now and then and they will start eating them one day. > > Shree > > > --- On Wed, 6/10/09, @gro ups.com <@gro ups.com> wrote: > > @gro ups.com <@gro ups.com> > Digest Number 2715 > @gro ups.com > Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 12:25 AM > > There are 24 messages in this issue. > > Topics in this digest: > > 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long > Amelia Golden > > Messages > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ > 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long > Posted by: " Amelia Golden " agolden momtoe2twins > Tue Jun 9, 2009 5:58 am ((PDT)) > > Hi all, > > I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! > > I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. > > I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. > > Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? > Thanks for reading this long post. > Amelia > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 We don't have to remind you of the importance of family dinners for child development. It doesn't have to be fancy; on busy nights we have been known to have bagged salad and canned soup. I try to cook on weekends and keep at least cooked brown rice and burritos in the freezer at all times. ________________________________ Amelia Golden <agolden Wednesday, June 10, 2009 1:59:05 PM Re: Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long I've tried quinoa but not for a while now. I think what I'm getting out of these posts is that we should really be doing family dinners. I don't get home until 5:30 or 6:00 and they go to bed at 7:15 (they just turned 2) so I've been having my caregiver feed them dinner (hence the veggie fast food like tofu dogs). I usually eat after they go to bed and, likely as not, it's toast or cereal. I'm just too tired to cook and I go to bed around 8:30 (my kids are early risers and I really need a good nights sleep) so it just doesn't leave much time. I think I'll make a concerted effort though especially now that it is summer time and I could be making more grain and bean salads so it won't matter much if they were made before hand. It's funny, considering I was a caterer, my absolute least favourite thing to do with my kids since they started solids is feeding them. I just can't stand putting the effort into making meals for them and have them not appreciate it....not to mention the mess and the dumping of food on the floor. Oh well, I guess I'm going to be feeding them for a long long long time. Amelia ____________ _________ _________ __ Shreelakshmi Krishnamurthi <shreelak > @gro ups.com Wednesday, June 10, 2009 12:22:37 PM Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long Amelia, Sorry if its a repeat but have you tried Quinoa. I just tried it last week and i am very impressed with it both the taste and nutrients , and its taste is v.close to rice so ur kids might like it. u can google for different recipes. I just replace it in the place of rice in our usual cooking. Also how old are your kids, in my experience kids likes and taste for different food keeps changing every other week so something my son would like this week he would just dislike it the next and vise-versa so Don't get discouraged by their dislike of your food... keep introducing them every now and then and they will start eating them one day. Shree --- On Wed, 6/10/09, @gro ups.com <@ gro ups.com> wrote: @gro ups.com <@ gro ups.com> Digest Number 2715 @gro ups.com Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 12:25 AM There are 24 messages in this issue. Topics in this digest: 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Amelia Golden Messages ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Posted by: " Amelia Golden " agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com momtoe2twins Tue Jun 9, 2009 5:58 am ((PDT)) Hi all, I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? Thanks for reading this long post. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 Are family dinners really that important if it is with 2 kids who don't even have 2 word phrases yet? The conversation is pretty limited (ball, car, duck, puppy...) And there is no other adult in the room for them to hear us speak. I thought I'd wait until they were a little older and staying up a little later before I make the mammoth effort it will take for me to do family dinners. Or maybe I'm just trying to rationalized. By the way, how do you freeze cooked grains? I've never had them defrost with a decent texture. ________________________________ robin koloms <rkoloms Thursday, June 11, 2009 12:24:41 PM Re: Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long We don't have to remind you of the importance of family dinners for child development. It doesn't have to be fancy; on busy nights we have been known to have bagged salad and canned soup. I try to cook on weekends and keep at least cooked brown rice and burritos in the freezer at all times. ____________ _________ _________ __ Amelia Golden <agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com> @gro ups.com Wednesday, June 10, 2009 1:59:05 PM Re: Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long I've tried quinoa but not for a while now. I think what I'm getting out of these posts is that we should really be doing family dinners. I don't get home until 5:30 or 6:00 and they go to bed at 7:15 (they just turned 2) so I've been having my caregiver feed them dinner (hence the veggie fast food like tofu dogs). I usually eat after they go to bed and, likely as not, it's toast or cereal. I'm just too tired to cook and I go to bed around 8:30 (my kids are early risers and I really need a good nights sleep) so it just doesn't leave much time. I think I'll make a concerted effort though especially now that it is summer time and I could be making more grain and bean salads so it won't matter much if they were made before hand. It's funny, considering I was a caterer, my absolute least favourite thing to do with my kids since they started solids is feeding them. I just can't stand putting the effort into making meals for them and have them not appreciate it....not to mention the mess and the dumping of food on the floor. Oh well, I guess I'm going to be feeding them for a long long long time. Amelia ____________ _________ _________ __ Shreelakshmi Krishnamurthi <shreelak > @gro ups.com Wednesday, June 10, 2009 12:22:37 PM Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long Amelia, Sorry if its a repeat but have you tried Quinoa. I just tried it last week and i am very impressed with it both the taste and nutrients , and its taste is v.close to rice so ur kids might like it. u can google for different recipes. I just replace it in the place of rice in our usual cooking. Also how old are your kids, in my experience kids likes and taste for different food keeps changing every other week so something my son would like this week he would just dislike it the next and vise-versa so Don't get discouraged by their dislike of your food... keep introducing them every now and then and they will start eating them one day. Shree --- On Wed, 6/10/09, @gro ups.com <@ gro ups.com> wrote: @gro ups.com <@ gro ups.com> Digest Number 2715 @gro ups.com Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 12:25 AM There are 24 messages in this issue. Topics in this digest: 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Amelia Golden Messages ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Posted by: " Amelia Golden " agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com momtoe2twins Tue Jun 9, 2009 5:58 am ((PDT)) Hi all, I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? Thanks for reading this long post. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 While you're trying everyone's great suggestions, I highly recommend offering Dad's Sneaky Pudding as a snack. It will ease your anxiety a little knowing their getting some good stuff. I teach toddler snacking classes and have only had one little one not like this. I've had a lot of success hiding steamed greens, quiona, etc. in this for my little one, Dad's Sneaky Pudding Makes 2 servings This recipe was created by Earthsave International's Chair of the Board ofs, Louisville Lawyer and chef, John Borders. • 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries • 1 banana • 1-2 tsp. carob or cocoa powder • 2 tsp. flaxseed oil • 3-5 Tbsp. nut butter (cashew or almond) • 2-3 Tbsp. orange juice or other healthy juice such as carrot juice • 2 Tbsp. fortified soymilk • 1/8-1/4 avocado Set your little companion up on a stool beside you, ready to toss in the ingredients and push the button. Place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender. This works best in a food processor; you might add a bit more juice or soymilk if you use a blender. Blend until smooth. Per serving: 336 calories, 7 g protein, 40 g carbohydrate, 19 g fat. For a toddler aged 1-3 years, using 3 Tbsp. cashew butter for the whole recipe, a serving of this pudding provides approximately: • 100% of the requirement for magnesium, folate, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids. • Over 66% of the requirement for copper and potassium • Over 50% the requirement for pyridoxine and zinc • 42% of the protein requirements • 25% of the needs for calories and selenium • 20% of the needs for iron My Suggested Add-in/Substitutions • Chocolate Flavored Green Powder (Amazing Grass for Kids) • Figs • Hemp Seeds • Coconut Milk • Leafy Green Vegetables • Hemp Milk • Calcium Fortified Orange Juice , Amelia Golden <agolden wrote: > > Hi all, > > I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! > > I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. > > I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. > > Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? > Thanks for reading this long post. > Amelia > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 IMHO family dinners are essential to the proper development of a child. It is a time for bonding. It establishes a time that is set aside to do a daily task as well as a time to reconnect after a long day of being a way. Just because children cannot form full thoughtful sentances and have a conversation doesn't mean that they doent recieve important benifits from this time. It helps them learn to socialise. Children learn by example. It is very important that you set an example of how to eat as young as possible. At a young age they learn better by mimicking what they see done around them. Talk to your children about your day, even though they cant understand you it will be theraputic for you and they will get some extra mommy time. Try having a friend with children that are a bit older over for dinner once a week. They can see that the bigger kids are eating what they are given and you will have a chance for adult conversation and interaction, which is very important as well. Sometimes as busy parents we forget that taking good care of ourselves is as important as taking care of our children. It becomes to easy to make excuses and take the conveniant way out even though in the long run it ends up costing us more. Also, and I forgot where I heard this, but it takes at least 11 times of trying something for us to truely know if we like it or not. When I was a nanny I didn't alow the little boy (he was 2-5) to say he didn't like something unless he tried it first. The next ime we would have something he had previously said he didn't like he would again have to try it before he could say he didn't like it. I would remind him that taste buds change and maybe his did since the last time he gave it a whirl. Many times he would like something in one form but not in another. He loved to drink silk soy milk out of the single serve carton with the nifty pull out straw but wouldn't drink it out of a cup from the larger carton. Sorry for the rambling. I guess my point is keep trying and don't give up! All the hard work you put into it now will really pay off in the long run, and understand that you can't always see the forest through the trees but when they are older and you look back at this time you will see that the things you do today have impacted them for life. Best of luck!! Amity On Thu, 6/11/09, Amelia Golden <agolden wrote: Amelia Golden <agolden Re: Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long Thursday, June 11, 2009, 3:37 PM Are family dinners really that important if it is with 2 kids who don't even have 2 word phrases yet? The conversation is pretty limited (ball, car, duck, puppy...) And there is no other adult in the room for them to hear us speak. I thought I'd wait until they were a little older and staying up a little later before I make the mammoth effort it will take for me to do family dinners. Or maybe I'm just trying to rationalized. By the way, how do you freeze cooked grains? I've never had them defrost with a decent texture. ____________ _________ _________ __ robin koloms <rkoloms > @gro ups.com Thursday, June 11, 2009 12:24:41 PM Re: Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long We don't have to remind you of the importance of family dinners for child development. It doesn't have to be fancy; on busy nights we have been known to have bagged salad and canned soup. I try to cook on weekends and keep at least cooked brown rice and burritos in the freezer at all times. ____________ _________ _________ __ Amelia Golden <agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com> @gro ups.com Wednesday, June 10, 2009 1:59:05 PM Re: Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long I've tried quinoa but not for a while now. I think what I'm getting out of these posts is that we should really be doing family dinners. I don't get home until 5:30 or 6:00 and they go to bed at 7:15 (they just turned 2) so I've been having my caregiver feed them dinner (hence the veggie fast food like tofu dogs). I usually eat after they go to bed and, likely as not, it's toast or cereal. I'm just too tired to cook and I go to bed around 8:30 (my kids are early risers and I really need a good nights sleep) so it just doesn't leave much time. I think I'll make a concerted effort though especially now that it is summer time and I could be making more grain and bean salads so it won't matter much if they were made before hand. It's funny, considering I was a caterer, my absolute least favourite thing to do with my kids since they started solids is feeding them. I just can't stand putting the effort into making meals for them and have them not appreciate it....not to mention the mess and the dumping of food on the floor. Oh well, I guess I'm going to be feeding them for a long long long time. Amelia ____________ _________ _________ __ Shreelakshmi Krishnamurthi <shreelak > @gro ups.com Wednesday, June 10, 2009 12:22:37 PM Re: Problems feeding toddlers - long Amelia, Sorry if its a repeat but have you tried Quinoa. I just tried it last week and i am very impressed with it both the taste and nutrients , and its taste is v.close to rice so ur kids might like it. u can google for different recipes. I just replace it in the place of rice in our usual cooking. Also how old are your kids, in my experience kids likes and taste for different food keeps changing every other week so something my son would like this week he would just dislike it the next and vise-versa so Don't get discouraged by their dislike of your food... keep introducing them every now and then and they will start eating them one day. Shree --- On Wed, 6/10/09, @gro ups.com <@ gro ups.com> wrote: @gro ups.com <@ gro ups.com> Digest Number 2715 @gro ups.com Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 12:25 AM There are 24 messages in this issue. Topics in this digest: 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Amelia Golden Messages ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _ 1a. Problems feeding toddlers - long Posted by: " Amelia Golden " agolden (AT) rogers (DOT) com momtoe2twins Tue Jun 9, 2009 5:58 am ((PDT)) Hi all, I just joined this group because I'm having a heck of a time feeding my boys ( just turned two year old twins). I'm mostly vegan (don't eat meat, am lactose intolerant, but I do eat eggs from a Mennonite farmer that I know treats his chickens well). The boys eat dairy and eggs from the same farmer but don't eat any meat. Besides the all out war I am having with my mother about this, the main problem is that their diet stinks! I used to be a vegan caterer and cook all the time and ate very balanced healthy meals. Now, well, I'm a single mom and I work full-time and I don't have a lot of time for cooking. And I don't make the time because my boys will not eat any legumes. The only grains they eat is fried rice (brown). They don't eat any vegetables but will eat any piece of fruit that comes their way. They used to eat almond butter but no longer. One will eat tofu (only raw and cut in cubes, not in a cooked dish), the other won't. I'm feeding them canned soup with pasta to bulk it up, tofu dogs which I would never ever have in my house previously because, although they are meat free, they still have tons of chemicals and nitrates, cereal, tortellini, gnocchi and bread. I used to consider pasta and bread really last minute items to only be used in a food emergency, the same with canned soups. I'm so upset that I'm feeding my children this way. But even when I hire a babysitter or get my parents to take the boys for a few hours and I have the freedom to spend that time cooking, they never (and I mean never) have eaten what I've cooked for them...and it just takes so long and it is a complete waste of time. Any words of wisdom out there? Ability to normalize the situation? Things to try? Recipes? Thanks for reading this long post. Amelia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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