We’ve hardly been able to get Isabella to eat lately. She’s gotten pickier, more easily distracted, and independent to a fault. Sitting at a table for any length of time and – gasp – being fed by Mommy or Daddy seems downright frustrating to her. For us, it’s an exercise in futility. She’s been waking up early and napping terribly, due in part, I’m sure, to being hungry.
I’ve always said I’d rather have her eat two bites of some whole, nutrient-rich food instead of a stomach-full of something processed, or sugary, or whatever. But, when she’s whining and hungry it’s SO tempting to give her whatever I have, right away. I’ve found that the best way to get her to eat lately is to give her something she can eat without help, ideally as she wanders around the house. Finger foods are the best way to get something in her, which means she finds herself eating graham crackers and Pirate’s Booty more often than I’d like to admit.
Today I came up with something that’s quick – almost as quick as opening a package of chips – and just as delicious. At least, Isabella seemed to think so. Best of all, it’s healthy and not super messy.
Carrot Rounds with Parmesa
- 1 or 2 medium carrots
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- salt to taste
You’ll need a pot with a tight-fitting lid and a steamer basket.
Peel the carrots.
Cut them into 1/4 inch thick rounds and throw them in the steamer basket.
Put about an inch of water in the bottom of your pot, maybe more depending on what kind of steamer you have. You don’t want so much water in your pot that it’s bubbling into the basket and actually boiling the carrots. Steaming actually preserves more of the nutrients compared to boiling.
Steam for 5-10 minutes to get the carrots to their desired tenderness. I go shorter now that Izzy has molars to chew with.
Transfer the carrots to a small bowl. Dust with parmesan cheese and a little salt and toss to cover.
I like to just set the bowl out and she picks and grazes as she plays – and so do I!
What finger foods – healthy or unhealthy – do your kids love?
ittybittyfoodie 