Hey everyone!
I’m doing a lot of catch up studying this week from the nutrition school, and realized I haven’t been sharing as much along the way as I had hoped to. I have lots of fun info swirling around in my brain and hope to get it to you soon- specifically, what I’m learning from Aryuveda, how to be a vegetarian well, and tips for digesting grains and beans.
But for today, I’m going to get back to the classic what I ate Wednesday and Munchkin Meal post.
Serving everyone tea and cupcakes
L is now 3, and has increasing opinions and preferences when it comes to everything, food included. It’s much, much harder to get veggies into her these days… gone are the days when split pea soup and veggie stews were gobbled up without complaint.
She certainly has original ideas. She reminds me of my friend Laura, with her “strange but good” combinations. While traveling last week, L made a roll up with a piece of turkey and stuffed it with her banana, peas, and a cracker. Ummm…?
Her other favorite snack lately is to dip raisins in peanut butter, two of my favorite things, so the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree there. Or she’ll mix canned pumpkin with yogurt.
And she cannot get enough blueberries. She will down a large bowl of frozen blueberries, and usually insists that we sprinkle them with cinnamon first. Today she needed hemp seeds in her oatmeal. I had no idea three year olds could be so demanding.
Here’s what we were eating yesterday:
[Breakfast: Two eggs with onions, pepper and avocado (me), one egg and oatmeal with blueberries for L; Snack: two mini "healthy" pb cookies (me); Lunch: I packed L a pb-carrot sandwich, sweet red pepper, clementine, and more blueberries; I had roasted sweet potatoes with lentils, sauerkraut and mushrooms and hummus; Dinner: Spaghetti Squash bake (yum!) for us all, plus a slice of nitrate-free turkey for L; Post spin snacking: Plain yogurt with bananas and flaxseed, pistachios]
Roasted carrots have been another favorite lately:
Carrot “Chips”
- 3-4 large carrots, sliced thinly
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano or thyme
- dash of salt to taste
Toss carrot slices with olive oil, oregano and a little salt, and roast at 375 for 20 minutes, or until done.
Note: Carrot chips do not taste like chips! But they’re great dipped in hummus or organic ketchup.
I’ve also bookmarked these recipes to try soon, as she does eat anything covered in cheese:
Grain Free Cheesy BreadSticks (made from cauliflower!)
Reminder- Tomorrow is the 5 by the 5th link up- I’ll announce the winners from March, and you can link up your post about the race, if you wrote one!
So a banana wrapped in turkey, yay or nay? 
Do you re-name healthier foods to encourage kids (or a spouse) to eat it?
As my kids grew it was harder and harder to get good veggies in them as well. It’s a whole new challenge once they hit school and see some of the junk in other’s lunch boxes. Mine both went through a mega blueberry phase. They’re still a huge favorite! Yes to fun names for good food!
Marcia recently posted..Tuesday Tidbits and a Winner
i think we’d get along great! peas, bananas, turkey? mmm, i’ll try it! hehe. she’s just so cute
We are on th same wavelength again. I’ve got a post similar to this for tommorow. My kids would eat anything when they were younger. People would be shocked at what they liked. Then age 2 came along with pickiness. However it seems like my little guy is more open to veggies than my daughter. She’s all carbs and fruit. At least they both love that!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..#Cathe XTrain: Tabatacise Review
Yes! Sounds just like us… glad we can deal with this together.
Laura recently posted..Wiaw Munchkin Edition + Carrot Chips
OMGOSH the munchkin!! so so so cute.
mine has been so easy to get to eat veggies etc—and then she turned seven.
Miz recently posted..Preview of coming MizFit’tractions.
L can keep her mixes. I’ll leave ‘em to the expert. BUT I am inspired by your creations. I need to meal plan. I’ve left it way too long. I’ll come back tomorrow and stalk yours and Jill’s meal-planning advice.
Kate recently posted..We’re splitting up
LOVE the eats! YUmmmy!
Kierston recently posted..Competition Prep: Kitchen Creations!
I really like the sound of carrot chips – will try!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted..Dinner at Vino Nadoz Wine Bar
LOL – love that you say she’s like Laura with the strange but good
Maybe we should pay more attention to kids’ concoctions! I know i love roasting carrots so these sound perfect to me.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Plantar Fasciitis Woes & Way to Go Wednesday Shout Outs
Wow, you’ve got a little foodie on your hands! That’s adorable.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..Ironing Out This WIAW
The carrot chips sound yummy. I remember when my kids were toddlers and they loved soups and stews. I thought I was getting away with something. I didn’t realize they would get pickier as they got older.
But they are getting better again. It fluctuates I guess.
Joann @ Woman in Real Life recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday with a cookie giveaway
That’s what I keep telling myself, lots of phases- good and bad!
Laura recently posted..Wiaw Munchkin Edition + Carrot Chips
The carrot chips look really yummy. I think that they would taste great w/hummus. I love hummus so any excuse I can get to eat it I like it!
Tasha @ Healthy Diva recently posted..Core Routine
You’re a creative healthy kitchen goddess!
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..A letter of apology to my body
Carrot chips sound really yummy and I know my kids would love that. I like your daughter’s sense of adventure with food! I guess it’s all her way of exploring and seeing what she does/doesn’t like. But the turkey/banana combo? Hmmm…. ; )
misszippy recently posted..The 10-year rule
Cute, cute. She sounds like a great eater for a 3 year old! My kids go through major phases on what they like, don’t like, how it has to be presented, etc. They do love food though so I am glad about that!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats recently posted..Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potato and Cabbage Salad
So glad you liked the spaghetti squash bake!
Banana wrapped in turkey is definitely not something I’ve thought to do before. Hmmmm. Carrot chips though–I’d try that!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance recently posted..KISS: Tempeh Sloppy Joe’s
HA! We rename just about everything!
Edemame are “beans” and for whatever reason he loves the name plus I can slip pretty much any bean in there now and he’ll eat it.
Katie @momslrb recently posted..Wednesday Words of Wisdom
Ok this post just made me really hungry!!! Yum!!!
Mindy @ Road Runner Girl recently posted..March 5 by the 5th Virtual Race!
You have a cutie!
I’m still laughing about the “I had no idea 3-year olds could be so demanding.” – just wait!!!
I’m gonna pass on the banana -turkey combo but the carrot chips look good!
Kim recently posted..Stress – How do you Cope?
Oh, I know… it’s getting more… fun?.. every day.
Laura recently posted..Wiaw Munchkin Edition + Carrot Chips
Those carrot chips sound really good & a great idea for a side dish, which I’m always lacking inspiration for! Will have to make those soon!
And as always, love the picture of L serving tea & cupcakes! So cute
MassachusEATS recently posted..WIAW #47
I am so impressed with what you get your child to eat. Seriously!!! There is no food variety for Jasper and he will not eat anything mixed together. You really are doing good on the kid eating front….I don’t think you have any reason to worry if she isn’t doing as many vegetables!
Clea recently posted..The 50K and the Treddie…
Thanks, Clea… you’re right, there are much pickier kids out there. I really can’t complain!
Laura recently posted..Wiaw Munchkin Edition + Carrot Chips
I loooove roasted carrots with rosemary. And dipped in ketchup, yes please!
I need to make Michelle’s squash bake! And the spaghetti one that Laura will be posting soon!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning recently posted..WIAW 30: A Colorful Day
The carrot chips look great… i may try that.
and ummm, turkey, banana and what ever else? Ya, she can keep that one.
Pavement Runner recently posted..#RunThisYear March Challenge
OMG your little girl = CUTIE PATOOTIE!!
GiGi Eats Celebrities recently posted..Angelina Jolie and Kale: Separated At Birth
I made roasted carrots after seeing your post. I cooked them longer (larger pieces) and used Italian seasoning. They taste much better than the plain steamed ones I almost made! Thanks for the idea!
Tina@GottaRunNow recently posted..Homemade Arm Warmers & Good Food
Oh yay! Glad you enjoyed them!
Laura recently posted..Wiaw Munchkin Edition + Carrot Chips
Can you please bring L to BLend so we can cook together? I swear we must be related.
PB and carrot is the jam! I need to put it on a sandwich – I usually just dip.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Designer Whey Protein + WIAW
Haha, oh wouldn’t that be fun. I’d bring her if you’d promise to watch her all weekend… mama needs a break.
I so would! I don’t know if I should be trusted though… LOL!
ah, aren’t kid preferences the best? it’s like, you won’t eat delicious vegetable stew, but a banana, pea, cracker, turkey roll-up is good?
david is the same way, he won’t even TRY sweet potato fries, but he has no problem licking my husband’s deodorant…over and over and over.
Amanda K. recently posted..Snow day
Roasted carrots are one of my favorites. Pretty sure I know what is going to happen with my bag of carrots tonight. They taste like candy roasted!
Gianna @ Run, Lift, Repeat recently posted..Gnarly Training!
Laura: after this baby comes, I might need you to send email me and explain how it is you manage your weekly cooking, little L, work, and your workouts! =) You seem to do it pretty seamlessly. I hope to follow in those (speedy) footsteps!
Crystal@TheFastFitRunner recently posted..Race Against Violence – My 2nd 5k (and 5 months pregnant)!
Carrot chips, interesting
An opinionated 3 year old, no idea what that is like 
! hahaha
Jen recently posted..St. Patrick’s Day Virtual Race
Ohhh I love this. Here’s what I love about L. She’s adventurous, she knows what she wants and she asks for it. Sounds like you are raising an awesome little girl!!! I know it’s only food but don’t you just love seeing glimpses of your little persons personality. A creative strong woman in the making I think!
PS – I will be trying those carrot chips!! :=)
Jenelle @ mummylovestorun recently posted..6 weeks – Canberra marathon
Oh yes, you nailed her! She’s been strong willed and opinionated from day one… makes for some tough parenting days, but overall I know it’s a good thing.
Laura recently posted..Wiaw Munchkin Edition + Carrot Chips
I love carrot chips but I can’t get the family to eat them. Ugh!
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..13 in 2013 Virtual Race Series
Hemp seeds in oatmeal and coming up with fun food creations at age three already? Looks like you’re definitely raising a little health foodie!
While I have no children myself yet (duh!) I may or may not rename foods for myself. Well, there’s the inner child in all of us after all, right?!
Miss Polkadot recently posted..Going green for success
She’s such a cutie : ) I love any and all roasted veggies – they all taste so delicious! I made sweet potato ‘chips’ tonight. Couldn’t get the boys to eat them, but I devoured them! Crispy on the edges, and chewy in the middle – mmmmm!!!!
I can’t wait to try those carrot chips! I love how you incorporate your healthy lifestyle in with your family ad children. They are lucky to have healthy role model!
Laura recently posted..Sources of Motivation
I’d have to say nay on the banana wrapped in turkey. Separate, good. Together, not so much. I do love blueberries though!
L is so cute in that photo!
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted..Birthday Vacation
haha. I love the creative combinations that kids come up with. It boggles my mind but hey, if that means that they’re eating healthy food, I’m all for it! We do come up with silly names for meals which somehow encourages my kids to eat it. We had a “green” dinner one night and E, who is the pickiest, gobbled everything up because he thought it was so funny.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Dear Body
My father never wants to eat anything healthy. So I don’t rename stuff. However, I just neglect to tell him I use ground turkey instead of ground beef, applesauce instead of oil, and Greek yogurt instead of everything else. He can never tell. Then after he eats it and loves it I rub it in;) I guess he is as bad as a little kid.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted..Strength Training
You have a very healthy-eating three-year-old! My daughter comes up with some odd combos, too.
jan recently posted..Snow Day
I tell my girls peas are green corn, because they love corn! Awesome post! Kids are hilarious!
Jess recently posted..Parental Criticism
She still seems like a pretty adventurous eater, but I still feel you on the demandingness. Even with giving food cute names I still can’t get Cupcake to eat it most of the time. And I’ll pass on the turkey and banana. I like them both, just not together!
Heather @ What Does She Do All Day? recently posted..Munchkin Meals: A Snowy Wednesday
She is such a cutie! L still pretty much eats what I put in front of her but it sure seems like every kid goes through this phase with little interest in veggies…I am mentally preparing myself for that!
Kelly @ Runmarun recently posted..Munchkin Meals: 17 months
Yum! Carrots are one of the few veggies The Love Nugget enjoys. Plus, I’m obsessed lately so we’ll definitely be making these!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome recently posted..Munchkin Meals – 21 months
I LOVE her “crazy” combinations! My son will only eat yogurt if it’s greek and has raw oatmeal and chia seeds in it – because that is the way I had it the first time I let him have some of mine. I’ll have to try out these carrots too, they look amazing!
Casey recently posted..Munchkin meals: 17 months
I was planning on making 1 cauliflower pizza crust and 1 whole wheat for dinner tomorrow night. Now I think I am going to do the one whole wheat and then jsut make the breadsticks! I need to roast carrots again, i always forget about cooking them since we eat them raw all the time.
Lindsay @ Fuel My Family recently posted..Beef and Barley Vegetable Soup Recipe
Hey Laura,
Ok so now I want to know all about what you are learning at school. I love learning anything that has to do with Aryuveda and alternative healing. My hubby is Indian, but really has no interest in any of that, so I think it’s kind of funny, lol.
I would love to educate myself even more, but there are no schools around here that teach that kind of thing
Your food looked great, and your daughter so adorable with her food demands. That is so cute that she even knows what those things are, hemp seeds for example. Way to go teaching here mom!!
I am constantly trying to educate my kids on healthy food, making good choices even when I’m not there, and yes it is hard. Thankfully they listen most of the time
So glad I stopped by! Have a great day girl
P.s. After coming back from an extended blogging break, I’ve started a 40 day challenge to get HEALTHY by my birthday. If you get a chance to check it out, I could sure use the support!
Hugs, Bella
Bella’s 40 Day Challenge
Hah! I do rename things and I always sneak in some veggies! I hid cabbage into my last batch of Mac n Cheese and you can’t even tell its there! Those quinoa bites sound yummy!
Travel Spot recently posted..What I Love: Not