TRICKS & TIPS PART 2

Last night we had brussel sprouts for dinner.  Luke ate about a dozen baby sized brussel sprouts (which make them sweeter and more tender).  When they were all gone he cried!  It was the only time he ever threw a really big tantrum where it really did not upset me at all.  I felt even a tiny bit of joy knowing that he was longing for my delicious brussel sprouts :)  Truth be told he was so tired that no matter what we had run out of he would have gotten worked up about it, but it is nice that he still enjoys a good brussel sprout.  One of the things we did when he was little was talk about eating veggies A LOT!!  We did not do it in a parent "You must eat your veggies" sort of way but rather we would talk about how much we love each item.  When we were playing store we always asked for broccoli or brussel sprouts or fruit.  If we played with our little men and he was feeding them my man always would request a healthy treat for dinner.  I involve Luke a lot at the grocery store in helping me find the special treats: brussel sprouts, asparagus, etc.  Eating needs to be fun not a chore so the more it becomes part of our play the better we are.  To that end I have noticed that if he helps in cooking in even a small way : cracking an egg, pushing the button on the blender, he is more likely to eat it.  Kids sense your enthusiasm so it has to be authentic!  

2)PROTEIN PACKED FRENCH TOAST

* The key to this is the bread.  Almost all kids enjoy bread but if you introduce them to the white UNHEALTHY kind it is hard to make the switch.  Instead keep a good whole grain bread in your house that does not have any sugar in it.

* We eat sprouted wheat bread that is full of nuts, berries and protein!

* Also this recipe calls for Almond Butter which I recommend over Peanut Butter.  It is much higher in protein, calcium and lower in fat.  If your child is introduced to it instead of peanut butter then to them it is a treat.

1. Take two eggs and and two teaspoons of whole milk and beat together in a shallow dish for dredging.  Add cinnamon and a drop of vanilla extract.

2.  Take two pieces of sprouted bread and spread organic Almond Butter onto one piece

3.  On the second piece of bread drizzle a TINY bit of agave and spread it along the bread

4.  Then slice one banana and place it on top of the agave side of the bread.

5.  Put the two pieces together into a sandwich and cut in half

6.  Dredge the two halves in the egg mixture and then place in a hot pan and cook like french toast.

7.  IF needed serve with St. Dalfour's Jam (all fruit)

8.  Serve with a side of fresh fruit for added fiber.

* this recipe is both kid friendly and yummy.  It is a favorite in my house.