Monthly Archives: June 2017

3 posts

Help your Baby FALL in LOVE with GREENS!

In the fall of 2013 I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes during my first pregnancy I became very interested in healthy eating and pregnancy. Just what exactly do the babies get, can they taste?

I’m not sure if they can actually taste like we do outside the womb, but tastes are being developed from inside the womb, and eating a healthy diet while you are pregnant is a gift to you AND your baby.

Once you start introducing solids to baby, I like to start giving greens as soon as possible. My pediatrician chuckled when I told him I wanted to start my first born on Kale as soon as he thought it would be okay.  Around 7-9 months is when I introduced greens to my girls, but be sure to talk it over with your pediatrician when starting any new foods.

I am thankful to report that my girls all LOVE Spinach and will even have Kale in smoothies from time to time without an argument, and it’s all thanks to this quick and easy recipe.

Greens Recipe for Baby


Ingredients: 

  • Spinach (or Kale)
  • Apples 
Instructions:
  1. Wash and Peel Apples
    • I like to use a variety of green and red apples to make the flavor more interesting 
  2.  Steam Apples until soft
  3. Steam Spinach for about 2 minutes 
  4. Blend 
  5. Enjoy! 
It’s THAT easy friends!! 
Why I LOVE Spinach? 
Spinach LOADED with essential vitamins such as iron, vitamin A, C and so many more.  Just like leafy greens are recommended for healthy digestion in adults, this fiber rich meal can help keep things moving with your baby. 
I remember with my oldest daughter she would often get constipated when we started introducing solids, every since introducing spinach as a regular part of our children’s diets this has not been a problem. 😉 
Question of the day: Do you prefer Spinach raw or cooked? 
I prefer steamed spinach, but my husband prefers raw spinach to be eaten in a salad. 

(Affiliate Links) My Favorite baby food making products! 

Ninja Blender: http://amzn.to/2qDsTXO
Baby food Storage: http://amzn.to/2r1YfZ2
Space Saver High Chair: http://amzn.to/2rWCeLr
*This post contains affiliate links, it costs nothing extra to you but does help support our family. 


PIN FOR LATER 



Sweet Potato Lentils

Do you LOVE Lentils? 

Growing up, I’m sure I never finished a bowl of lentils or requested them like my kids do (sorry mom).  To be honest, if it weren’t for the recommendation of my pediatrician and mother in law I probably would have never considered making them for myself OR my children! 

With its low in fat, high in protein, iron and fiber properties, this little legume packs a serious health punch for you and your little one. Not only is it super healthy for you, a small bag at the grocery store costs about $1.50, and will last your family for several meals! 

*When did/do I introduce Lentils to my Children? 
Around 7-9 months, I begin introducing Beans and other proteins to my children. I follow the recommendation of my pediatrician and do it very slowly.  So far, all three of my children have been EXCELLENT eaters (as babies…)

*always talk with your personal pediatrician about when and 
how to best introduce new foods to your little ones*


MOM HACK:
Lentils are one of the few legumes that you don’t have to soak overnight before making – so not only is this a great budget friendly meal it’s also quick! 


Sweet Potato Lentils
Ingredients: 
  1. Lentils
  2. Sweet Potato
  3. Carrots
If you are making this for your family and not only  for baby food add some seasonings like Salt, Pepper and Onions. 

Cooking Instructions:
  1. Rinse Lentils
  2. Fill Pot with plenty of water to cover the lentils
  3. Add Sliced / Peeled Sweet Potato
  4. Add Sliced / Peeled Carrots  
  5. Bring to a Boil and let Simmer for about 45 minutes
  6. Enjoy

When making this dish for my baby, I like to blend it in my food processor. It gives a nice smooth consistency and the sweet potato gives it a nice creamy texture. The color isn’t all that pretty, but the flavor is amazing!


This dish is also great for the whole family, you can either serve with some of your favorite rice as a meatless meal, or cook up some pork chops to serve. 

Lentils have become a family favorite in our home, and I hope they will become a family favorite in yours too! 

(Affiliate Links) My Favorite baby food making products! 

Ninja Blender: http://amzn.to/2qDsTXO
Baby food Storage: http://amzn.to/2r1YfZ2
Space Saver High Chair: http://amzn.to/2rWCeLr
*This post contains affiliate links, it costs nothing extra to you but does help support our family. 

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The SECRET to a SWEETER Sweet Potato!

As a mom of three children, three and under I’ve had to develop systems and find ways to make the healthiest and tastiest recipes for my children. I’m no chef, in fact, I personally believe i’d benefit from being on one of the worst chef type shows you see on T.V. However, I have mastered the art of making healthy, and delicious baby food recipes, and I’ll be sharing some of my favorites with you during the month of June!

My tried and tested way of making the BEST and SWEETEST Sweet Potatoes EVER! Before I give you my secret, I wanted to give a little background on how I used to prepare them for my first born.

Before I discovered this amazing hack for cooking sweet potatoes, I would spend hours chopping sweet potatoes and squash to either boil or roast and then blend. Making baby food often felt overwhelming because it took SO long. Then, one day read a little secret, and it completely changed my world!

The longer you roast a sweet potato, the more the natural sugars begin to release and the potato becomes this creamy, yummy dessert WITHOUT adding ANY sugar, or sweeteners.

So, how does a Mom of three accomplish roasting such amazing sweet potatoes?

Hello Slow Cooker. 

Yes, wash those sweet potatoes and throw them in the slow cooker and let them roast for a few hours. It is the PERFECT way to make baby food for your infant, and a side dish for your family.  I use this hack for making sweet potatoes for our family, baby food and even sweet potato casserole.  This hack also works for different types of squash as well.

In order to make this into baby food, just let it cool for a little while then add to your blender with a little bit of water and blend, it makes the perfect first food for your baby.

If you are starting to introduce meat to your baby, these sweet potatoes make the perfect addition to
the meat.

Instructions for Sweet Potato & Chicken Baby Food

  • Roast Sweet Potato
  • Bake Chicken in Oven 
  • Let Cool
  • In your food processor, blend the chicken
  • Add Sweet Potato & Water and blend until smooth
We like to mix all our meats with sweet potato or other squashes, and now that I know I can cook them in the crock pot, no more chopping, peeling or spending additional time in the kitchen prepping the food. Making baby food is easier than you think! 
_ _ _
My Favorite Products for making Baby Food*
Ninja Blender: http://amzn.to/2qDsTXO
Baby food Storage: http://amzn.to/2r1YfZ2
*This post contains affiliate links, it costs nothing extra to you but does help support our family.