Momma's Gone Over the Wall: January 2013

Friday, January 18, 2013

Give Peas a Chance: Review & Giveaway

It seems like most of our days revolve around eating anymore. We get up, just in time for breakfast, usually sneak in a mid-morning snack, follow up a nap with lunch, and barely finish that before we start thinking about what's for dinner. But even with all the emphasis on food, it seems like my toddler barely eats throughout the day. I was even starting to consider him a picky eater (and dreaded the thought of that.)

I recently read Kate Samela's new book, Give Peas a Chance, which has been described as the "ultimate survival guide for any parent who has ever begged their child to try 'just one bite.'" The book contains a wealth of information, including what foods can provide your child with the needed nutrients, how much is really enough, and what you can do to make mealtime smoother.

(Giving peas a chance...Babycakes prefers his frozen.)

Give Peas a Chance helped change my perception of my little guy's eating habits. Samela suggests making a list of foods your child eats, even if it's only a bite. This includes items like butter or oils, as well as variations of foods, such grape and strawberry jelly. It may surprise you to see that there is quite a number of foods your child likes.

Some "picky-eating" tips I found very helpful from the book:

Look at what foods your toddler enjoys and expand from there. For example, if your little one likes sweet and squishy foods (like Babycakes adores waffles), than try sweet breads, muffins, french toast, or freeze-dried fruit.
Serve the same food to everyone at the table, so your toddler will see everyone eating what is served.
Allow your child to play with their food.
Think about balancing your child's diet over the course of the week (or day) versus at every single meal.

Win It: One lucky reader will win a copy of Give Peas a Chance.

Mandatory entry: To enter, tell me what your child's favorite meal is.

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Be sure to leave a way to contact you. Giveaway ends 1/31 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen with Random.org and notified via email. Open to US and Canada only.

I received a copy of the book for review. All opinions are my own.