Food Fights

I recently met a new mom with whom I have a lot in common. She has a 15 month old son (Baby Flava is 18 months) and we seem to frequent all of the same mommie-and-me haunts in suburban Baltimore. My new mom friend is also wholly committed to feeding her son healthy, homemade, well-rounded meals. We share recipe ideas, talk about how to use whole grains, and of course -- we swap stories about food fights. It seems like there is nothing more stressful to a young mom than lovingly preparing a delicious and nutritious meal for their little one only to have it thrown back in their face, literally!

My advice to this new friend, and to myself is to take a deep breath and keep plugging along. Although you may loose many a food fight, in the long run you will win the war. By feeding your child a wide variety of healthy foods and exposing him/her to many different flavors and textures you are paving a path for great eating habits in the future. Plus, you are in the process of building a person! All of the whole grains, veggies, and good protein you can get into them now will help them in growing strong bones and a big 'ol brain. So, when your little one flings cucumber sticks over the side of the high-chair for the third time today, just retire the cukes for today and try again later.

Two important things to remember in the heat of battle!
1) Your little one is -- LITTLE. Consider those five bits of spinach a victory!
2) Let them eat peas! Baby Flava loves peas and I feed then to her almost every single day. If there is one veggie that works for your kid, load them up on that veggie during what is usually the most stressful meal. Save the experimentation for the time when you have the most patience.

- Mama Flava -