The Food Wars

We've had quite a week at the Gilmore household. I had had enough of my picky eater (Jackson) and his love for the PB&J sandwich. There's nothing wrong with a PB&J. I love it myself..but Jackson was starting to ask for it at EVERY meal. He had written off his love for mac n cheese, chicken, eggs, sweet potatoes..and I was getting frustrated. Lana and I went to lunch the other day at a restaurant and Jackson wouldn't eat because there was nothing on the menu he liked. So he sat there and sulked. I decided it was time to put my size 7 1/2 foot down and tackle this beast.

Wednesday night I made Poppyseed Chicken, green beans, and rice pilaf. I put it on Jackson's plate at 5:30pm and presented it to him. Not to my surprise, he rejected it. Told me it was nasty. I left it on the table and went on about my business. 8:30 rolls around and guess who comes up to me and says, "Mommy, I'm hungry." So I direct him to his food and tell him he has to eat this or nothing. Now, there have been many nights that Jackson has gone to bed hungry because he wouldn't eat what I prepared. He doesn't care. Of course the next morning his first words out of his mouth are "Mommy, I need breakfast." I bet you do buddy...Anyways, I asked him to eat one bite of green beans. It took lots of coaxing and many airplane motions to the mouth, but he ate it. And he ate a lot of it. His bribe was a handful of chocolate chips. So I kept reiterating the dessert bit and he took it. Meanwhile, Charlie is sitting next to him housing his green beans and Poppyseed Chicken...that's a whole other story! Charlie doesn't have a shut-off valve and we have to decide when he's had enough... Last night I made chicken and green peas. He ate that also. I don't know what has clicked in him, but he's doing much better with food. At least he will try something now, even if it's only one bite. I read somewhere that it can take up to 12 times of presenting a food to a toddler before they will accept it....well, I'm on a mission now and I plan on sticking with it. I admit, it's easier to give in and let them have whatever they want, but I don't want to raise a picky eater or have to deal with child obesity. I don't think I'll have any problems with Mr. Charlie. He hasn't rejected anything I've given him yet...in fact, he just put down an entire veggie burger patty and a peach....and is eyeing his brother's plate.
So if anyone has any suggestions for me for meals or advice, I would be grateful. I've been rewarding Jackson with a small dessert after he cleans his plate. It's working for us so far...

Since we're on the subject of food, I thought I'd share my new favorite snack...for those of you who are interested...(I don't even know if anyone really reads this blog I pour my heart into.) Anyways, they are granola bars, and they are delicious! I found them at Wal-Mart. They are the perfect blend of salty/sweet, not to mention only 160 calories...perfect for a snack! I always have them stocked in my pantry now. Get some for yourself and see!

Note: I was not paid for this endorsement:)

Just a pic of the boys. Jackson likes to hitch a ride on Charlie's walker and Charlie pulls him all over the place. They giggle and it's the cutest thing...