What Our 1 Year Old Ate Lunch & Dinner

It’s so true, dinner time with a 1-year-old can be an adventure! Just like my little one, yours is probably developing their own strong opinions on food. I totally relate to those nights where some meals go better than others. One evening, I might serve up a fantastic spread, only to find most of the 'taco meat' pushed to the side, while other nights, they'll devour 'mashed potatoes' and 'corn' with gusto! The key, I've found, is consistency and a dash of patience. When it comes to dinner for my little one, I try to think about balance and making it enjoyable. It’s not just about what they eat, but how they experience mealtime. For instance, sometimes I'll deconstruct a meal, much like how a 'peanut butter and jelly sandwich' might be served separately, letting them pick and choose. This gives them a sense of control and reduces mealtime battles. I also love offering a variety of colors and textures; alongside the main dish, I often include a small portion of fruit like 'diced cantaloupe' or a handful of 'blueberries' – these are usually a hit! Here are a few dinner strategies that have worked wonders in our household: Involve Them (Safely!): Even at 1-year-old, small tasks can make a big difference. Let them help wash some veggies (with supervision, of course!) or put their plate on the table. It builds excitement for the meal. Keep Portions Small & Offer Choices: Toddlers have tiny tummies. Start with small, manageable portions to avoid overwhelming them. If they finish, they can always ask for more. Offering two healthy options can also empower them – "Do you want broccoli or green beans with your chicken?" Embrace Deconstructed Meals: My little one loves to explore food separately. Instead of mixing everything, I might put a small dollop of 'mashed potatoes', a spoon of seasoned 'taco meat', and a few kernels of 'corn' in separate sections of her divided plate. This way, she can explore each flavor and texture individually. Don't Force It: This is a big one! We all know the feeling of spending time preparing a meal only for it to be rejected. It's easy to get frustrated, but pressuring them can create negative associations with food. If they don't eat much at dinner, offer a healthy snack before bed, like yogurt or a banana. Remember the phrase "What I served vs. what she ate" – it's often not the same, and that's okay! Creative Presentation: Sometimes, just cutting food into fun shapes or arranging it appealingly can spark interest. A smiley face made of 'mashed potatoes' with 'corn' eyes? Why not! Some of our go-to easy dinner ideas, apart from the classic 'taco meat' and 'mashed potatoes' combo, include: Mini Meatloaf muffins: Easy for little hands to hold. Pasta with hidden veggie sauce: Blend carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes into a smooth sauce. Scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach: Quick, nutritious, and often a favorite. Shredded chicken with sweet potato fries: Another great finger food option. Remember, every day is different, and what works one day might not work the next. The most important thing is to create a positive and relaxed mealtime environment. Before you know it, their taste buds will be expanding, and those 'minimal food on the floor' days will become more frequent. Keep doing a fantastic job, mamas and papas!