Lentils are a great solid food for babies! Not only are they easy to eat, but they're chock full of nutrition. Lentils have the most iron of any vegetable, and they are full of other vitamins, minerals and fiber. They're a great substitute for red meat, for those like myself who are withholding red meat from their babes.
I'm sure Buttercup didn't know how good for her these little gems were when she was eating, though it might explain the little 'happy dance' she was doing while eating this meal. I have a recipe for slow cooker lentils that has lots of other veggies and savory goodness. It's one of our family's favorites, and Buttercup concurred.
We noticed a few new developments during this meal. Firstly, Buttercup now only picks up as much in her hand as she can comfortably chew. This means much less spitting food back on the tray. Also, she is getting much better at moving food around with her tongue and chewing it up. She even chews with her mouth closed. Watch out, Miss Manners!
All in all, this will be a great staple to add to Buttercup's diet.
PROS: great nutritional value
CONS: none
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog... so helpful! Not sure if the answer to this is already posted somewhere on your blog, but I was wonering if you offer Buttercup her solids before she nurses, afterwards, or somewhere in the middle?
Thanks!
Hey there!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I posted this elsewhere on the blog either! I personally do not nurse Buttercup right before a solids meal. I know a lot of people do, since it can take the hunger edge off and make the little one focus better at the task at hand. Buttercup has never been particularly demanding for food. So, our current routine (at 9 months) is:
Nursing: 7am, 9am, 1pm, 4pm, 6:30pm, 10pm
Solids: 11:30am, 5:30pm (with a bit of cereal at 8am)
I'd LOVE if other people would weigh in and share what they do, too. I don't know how to get conversations going. Maybe I'll add to the post and see if we can get a thread going...
Great - thanks for sharing! I'll post our routine under your new post.
ReplyDeleteI have no experience with lentils. I'd love to have your recipe if you're willing to share it!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Jill
I also would love the lentil recipe! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOkay! Here it is:
ReplyDelete1 pound lentils, rinsed
2c chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
2c diced tomatoes
2c chicken broth
2 large carrots, sliced
1 diced bell pepper
1/2 c diced celery
1 bay leaf
2 Tbsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
pepper/cumin/other spices to taste
Dump it in a slow cooker and cook it all day. For parents, you can serve with sour cream and cheese for extra yumminess.
ENJOY!