Thursday, January 15, 2009

Mr. Picky Pants and His Pita Pizzas

Anyone have a picky eater?

Now that my oldest is getting more independent he has an opinion on everything. Imagine that! He is putting his foot down and it is making mealtimes difficult. One day he will love a food and the next he wants nothing to do with it.

My youngest, on the other hand, will eat anything you give him and gets upset that he can't eat everything that we can.

See how happy he is eating his Mum Mum?

Back to my oldest. He used to be just like my youngest. He would eat just about anything we gave him. I figure that stage is coming for Kierbear too so I better learn some creative cooking techniques.

My big boy loves any type of crunchy food like chicken nuggets, toast, pizza or french fries. Well those items aren't exactly the healthiest. I am trying to come up with healthy crunchy foods.

So, yesterday for lunch, I took some whole wheat pitas and brushed them with (no salt added) plain tomato sauce then sprinkled on some cheese to make a healthier pizza for him. He seemed to like my creation and even helped me make it. I think next time I'll add a little shredded chicken and some veggies.

Here he is picking out some spices for his healthy pita pizzas.

Here he is getting Mommy a pot holder so she won't burn her hands. Such a caring, sweet boy. :)

And our finished product. Nothing fancy! lol

My question is... do you have any healthy recipes that fit my toddler's above mentioned criteria? I have heard that corn flakes makes a good "breading" for chicken nuggets but I haven't tried that yet. I'd love any recipes or ideas you may have.

11 comments:

Nancy said...

I have the same problem with my 22 month old. One meal he'll love something and the next he thinks it's nasty or something. But somehow he'll stick rocks in his mouth and I'm thinking, how in the world can he enjoy that over broccoli?! I remember my now 4 yr son doing this too so I think it's a phase.

Personally, I think your pizza looked yummy. :)

Megan said...

I came across a book by Jerry Seinfeld's wife recently (I forget what it is called) but, she came up with a great idea of mixing super healthy ingredients in with junk food and her kids never noticed. For example: She might suggest mixing pureed spinach in with your pizza sauce. I suggest looking it up. It may be helpful. Good luck! Oh and my little guy loves those mum mums too!

Amy Clary said...

I'll have to look through my books and see if I can't find something for you. Alex is starting to get picky too. yikes!

Christina said...

Shannon, have you made him a quesadilla? I put cheese, black beans (i smush them on there a little), and then sometimes a little bit of shredded chicken or corn. The kids like those...and they can be crunchy. Also, at times I make a chicken salad and put some in a mini icecream cone for a fun lunch...crunchy as well
;0)

jk said...

Yes, yes - I have a picky eater! My son is so picky that some nights he chooses to simply wait until breakfast (his favorite meal) to eat. His choice. I decided a long time ago that I was not going to give him the choice of eating cereal if he didn't like dinner as soon as I figured out he'd choose cheerios every night. I kid you not! Thankfully, my girls are much more adventurous with their eating...

Dennis and Leslie said...

So cute, he's so adorable helping you in the kitchen! Love the one of him on the floor with all the spices!

Anonymous said...

Oh Shannon the boys are super ADORABLE!!!! I love the spice pic as well. I'm not much help since Diego eats everything he is not suppose to. :)

Kari said...

The book that Jerry Seinfelds wife has is called Deceptivaly delicious. There is another book out there with the same recipies (from what I understand better) that is actualy suing her for plagirism. I don't know the name of it by I'm sure you can find it online and it is less expensive than the $30 for seinfeld's book.

Minxy Mimi said...

My kiddos are exactly like yours I have a hard time finding foods too. Sometimes for breakfast I mix dry plain cheerios and light yogurt together and its a crunchy parfait!

Jill said...

I have the deceptively delicious book. I'll look for some yummy recipes for mister fin!

Vanessa @ See Vanessa Craft said...

Aww adorable! Your pizza looks yummy!