Mommy Trick of the Day!

Today I got my toddler to eat a healthy muffin I had baked with shredded zucchini and pureed butternut squash by "frosting" it with chocolate pudding. She thought it was a cupcake and was none the wiser! Mommy and baby were both satisfied by a little trick!

Stephanie Nielson

I was touched by a woman, a mom Stephanie who appeared on Oprah today. I would like to be her friend. Her story is one that will stay with me in my daily life. Here is a link to her blog:

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Stephanie, you are a courageous, lovely woman and I truly admire you.

Day 4 Successful Smoothie!!

I can't believe it - my picky toddler is eating smoothies every morning loaded with fruits and veggies. I am so proud! This morning's version included:

Butternut squash puree
Zucchini
Frozen blueberries
Banana
Applesauce
Ground flaxseed
Canned peaches
Orange juice

Ordinarily NONE of these healthy foods would go near my feisty little one's mouth. I feel like I've already packed her belly with nutrients and it isn't even 9:00 AM!

Day 3 Successful Smoothie!

My toddler is super picky so I'm always happy when she eats what I prepare! We made a successful smoothie again this morning:

Frozen blueberries, and strawberries
Vanilla yogurt
Frozen spinach
Sweet potato puree
1/2 Banana
Pomegranate limeade juice
1 canned peach

Yum!

Sweet potato puree

Three quick uses for sweet potato puree:

1. Add to pancake batter
2. Add to smoothie!
3. Add to muffin mix

These options have been toddler approved!

Smoothie of the Day is the Dana Smoothie

This smoothie won the seal of approval from my 16 month old!

Fresh or canned peach
Vanilla yogurt
Frozen berries like cherries, blueberries, raspberries
1/2 banana
Pomegranate Limeade juice from Trader Joe's
1/2 avocado

Fruit and veggie smoothies great for kids!

Smoothies are a great way to get your kids to eat enough fruits and veggies.

Charlotte mom Kara Cozier of Navmak Enterprises, LLC has two toddlers who regularly enjoy the smoothies that she has perfected after some trial and error.

The key is to incorporate a good balance of frozen berries, veggies like carrots, avocado or spinach, a liquid like juice and/or milk or non-dairy substitute, and then add in other healthy ingredients such as banana, or any other fruit, yogurt, flaxseed, and even immunity boosters or other needed remedies.

A good blender is the final ingredient.

Check out Kara's blog for some great smoothie recipes like this one:

bananas (fresh or sometimes I have some that I froze)

mixed frozen fruit blend (peaches, assorted berries, melons)

carrot, blueberry, and pomegranate juice

soy milk

spinach

ground flax seed

Roasted butternut squash puree

Roasted butternut squash puree is a very versatile food that can be added to muffins, pancakes, disguised with fruit like applesauce, or even blended with yogurt. It is also a seasonal treat for picky kids!

Squash is a great source of Vitamins E, B6, A and C, as well as calcium and potassium according to NutritionData.com.

The preparation is very easy. Simply buy butternut squash already cubed if possible. Trader Joe's in Charlotte sells the item cubed in their produce section.

Roast in the oven at 400 degrees, coated with a thin layer of olive oil, for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir up the cubes about halfway through so they cook evenly on all sides. Once you can easily pierce the squash with a fork, and it feels soft, take it out of the oven.

Once cooled, place the cubes in a blender or food processor with a little water. You may wish to add more liquid depending on the consistency desired. Store the puree in your refrigerator and add to pancake or muffin mixes, or blend with a food like applesauce that your child enjoys.

Zucchini cheddar pancakes

The healthy kid friendly recipe of the week is zucchini cheddar pancakes.
A lot of kids do not like eating vegetables or proteins. This recipe for zucchini cheddar pancakes "tricks" kids into eating both.
2 cups of pancake mix (Multigrain Baking & Pancake Mix from Trader Joe's works great)
1 cup milk
2 eggs (or 4 egg whites)
2 tablespoons oil
Approximately one cup of shredded zucchini
Approximately one cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Mix together and brown on griddle with a little oil.
Add syrup if desired (Organic syrup is best).
Enjoy!