Green Protein, Super Veggies, and the Dreamy Inglesina Table Chair

Whether you're starting your kids out to be veg-heads or just can't get your little one to chow down meat, there are plenty of quality, alternative sources out there to attain the daily amount of protein. Tofu is always an easy go-to choice because it cooks and purées quick, but don't overlook the less obvious providers of protein: fruits and veggies.

Avocados, peas, broccoli, spinach, and lima beans all have significant amounts of protein. Here are the numbers compliments of the Vegetarian Resource Group:

1 cup broccoli, cooked = 4 grams
1 cup spinach, cooked = 5 grams
1 cup peas, cooked = 9 grams
1 cup lima beans, cooked = 10 grams
med avocado = 4 grams

It's also important to note that ALL whole foods have protein in them, so the more whole foods you consume everyday (fruits, veggies, and grains), the less protein you'll have to worry about at the end of the day.

Recipe:

Super Veggies

I started making this for Lilie as soon as she graduated to blends. It's an easy way to get numerous vegetables and their nutrients into a child's growing body, and the leftovers can quickly be stored in freezer trays for later use.

Ingredients

sweet potatoes
organic carrots*
cauliflower
zuchinni (unpeeled)
garlic or leeks
(feel free to use any other vegetables you have around like broccoli, green beans, organic spinach*, organic kale*, and swiss chard, but don't use too many greens or the end product may end up too bitter for baby's liking.)
goat cheese

*For babies and young children using all organic produce is best, but if it's not possible, try to buy organic fruits and veggies for the worst offenders (aka Dirty Dozen).

1) Prepare medium sized pot with steamer basket and enough water in the bottom to steam for about 20 min.

2) Peel and chop vegetables into quicker-to-steam chunks, then toss into steamer basket. Cover. Bring water to a boil, then turn down to simmer. Steam until a knife slides through the densest veggie. Take off heat, and uncover to cool.

3) Put cool veggies in food processor and process until smooth.

4) If eating now, scoop out desired serving and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of goat cheese. Heat in microwave for 20 seconds to soften, then stir to combine. Freeze remaining veggies, and add goat cheese after defrosting.


Product: Inglesina fast table chair

Oh, let me count all the ways this chair is great. It is light, sturdy, easy to set up, easy to wash, flattens down for travel and comes with a bag, and it contains very little plastic. Also, maybe most importantly, it makes your little one part of the family when you have meals together. For a little table protection you can put cloth placemats underneath, which are held in place by the arms of the chair.

While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about. -Angela Schwindt