Everyday foods revamped...

I secretly curse my girlfriend's two boys who will pretty much either eat or try anything.  Her 5 year old will pick fish as his favorite food any day of the week.  Mine, a little different, they prefer their meals to be in nugget form.   So it turns into a power struggle but as you remember I've committed to end the struggle and begin anew.  Things are going surprisingly well and I feel confident that they will continue to improve.

But what do you do when your kid's still don't want to eat anything but the nuggets.  I guess let them eat nuggets.  I've taken a cue from Beth, a fellow knitter and mom who does not have a blog, and decided to let them pick out dinner for one night each week.  So o course, as I was explaining this to them, their eyes got as big as pie plates - "We can pick WHATEVER we want."  I was expecting an immediate chorus of nuggets but my youngest surprised me and immediately yelled out "COOKIES - I WANT COOKIES ."  This was followed by a "no dear, you can have cookies after dinner but for dinner."  Then followed by an "awe man..i want nuggets."  My older daughter surprised me with tacos.  If they are going to choose tacos and nuggets every week I might as well try to make them healthy and pack in some extra goodness where I can.  Viola, tacos revamped.

   

The recipe was inspired mainly from this book.  A child's exposure to veggies should by no means be limited to "hiding" them in their food, but a little sneakery here and there is just fine by me.

The taco filling itself was the big change and it was a little different but surprisingly good!  I used 1 1/2 lbs of ground turkey, 1/2 pureed sweet potatoes (lots of vitamins,), a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes(hello lycopene) and a regular packet of taco seasoning sans the MSG.  The whole ting got wrapped in a yummy organic spinach tortilla from the market - the kids thought it was hilarious that the tortilla was green - and finally garnished with local sharp cheddar as well as organic lettuce and avocado from my CSA and it really was a truly green meal.   

The best part, both my daughters actually ate it with no complaint and Amelia glowed with pride at the fact that she picked it.  I might win this battle yet.  Next up - revamped chicken nuggets - lord help me now!   

Comments

[Mama Urchin]

I will say, having them pick or help does seem to increase the likelihood that they'll eat it.

[Beth L]

Wow! Those look delicious! It really looks like you and your kids will be trying all kinds of new things before you know it. Having the kids involved with meals has saved my sanity many weeks. Keep it up! :)

[Ruinwen]

How clever of you to use one of the most powerful motivatiors to your advantage; choices. Now you've created a healthy meal that will be asked for again and again and no hassles or power struggle is necessary. Bravo...I bow to learn from your example. My son only eats cereal.

[Machelle]

When I got custody and raised my sisters four little ones they would not eat anything but noodles. I got them to help me cook and they started trying everything. Also, my friend got that same book and I love it.Keep up the great work. Yummy

[Trish]

That looks yummy! The more you get them involve the more likely they are to pick something other then nuggets. My oldest is a tad picky but not horribly so. When she was 3 she would only eat chicken nuggets and PB&J sandwiches. Now the only veggie she will not eat is broccoli so I'm counting my blessing. My 22 month old will eat pretty much anything you put in front of her...she loves food. :~)

[Macoco]

Oooh that looks like a delicious taco. That is smart thinking asking the kids to participate and pick a meal.