Protein sources for a baby who won't eat meat?

[jellyben]

My 1 year old is going veg!! All meat/poultry goes off the side of his tray. He will eat his weight in fruits and veggies. He will eat cheese melted on toast. He might eat a few bites of yogurt. Hates eggs. Loves bread. But the only thing I know he will eat is fruit. So I am worried about the little guy. I don't want to turn this into a big issue but I worry when he will eat nothing that I serve him. Last night for example we had meatloaf, green beans and mashed potatoes, and he threw everything to the dog.

Any ideas? I have 4 kids and this is my first picky eater!

[ljt2r]

Rejecting meat is very common at that age--it's the texture. I recommend 2 things: first lots of legumes (peas, beans, lentils) and dairy. Second, have you tried pureeing a soup or stew with meat in it? My kids would not eat plain meat, but they ate chiles and stews with meat that were blended no problem.

[jellyben]

Not sure about the pureeing because he likes to feed himself but I'll give it a try! I have tried beans but he's not a fan, so I'll try lentils next.

Thanks!

[zwieback]

Some suggestions:
Beans, tofu (either firm diced, or silken blended into smoothies), soft cheeses such as cream cheese, Laughing Cow, small dices of Havarti cheese or string cheese, Boca burgers.

I certainly understand your frustration. I'm going through it right now, except my kids were the opposite -- they ate everything until about 2 years old. Then, they just wanted the bland stuff like bread and buttered noodles.

ETA -- cottage cheese (you could also mix in some of his favorite fruit)

[melis_d]

My son gave up meat / poultry at about the same age but added it back in at 2. He got very into dipping things into hummus. We also tried soy chicken nuggets and soy turkey / bologna. Although I'm not a fan of this kind of processed food in most cases, it worked as a protein source for us for a while. DS also liked fish when he wouldn't eat other animal protein -- cod and salmon were favorites.

[ljt2r]

Not sure about the pureeing because he likes to feed himself but I'll give it a try! I have tried beans but he's not a fan, so I'll try lentils next.

Thanks!

My dad, bless his heart (and similar people) used to be horrified at what a mess my kids made feeding themselves. But I'll tell you they ate nutritiously and it exposed them to tons of foods all pureed together, you know? And it allowed me to feed them what we were eating. I guess what I am saying is steel yourself for the mess. :p:p

[LaraW]

Does he drink milk? I would not worry too much at this age either, just keep at it.

My DD was a solid 2 1/2 before she would eat meat. Maybe try some ham? I think they like that salty taste for some reason. My sister says my niece is a fan of processed meat :o ;) so bacon might be another idea.

[2HUNGRY!]

My son likes these muffins:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Spinach-Cheddar-Muffins/Detail.aspx

He also likes baked beans I think because they are sweet.

I have the opposite problem -- loves meat but hates fruit.

[Aninha]

I was also going to suggest green peas, beans and chickpeas! White beans are so delicious, and chickpeas too, he might enjoy that.
What about tofu? You can season, cut into cubes and sautee in olive oil, and it would be easy for him to feed himself with the little cubes. Edamade is another idea if you are not opposed to soy.
Have you tried giving him some thick yogurt to dip his fruit into, show him how to do, say "yummm" when you dip and eat a bite and let him do it next, he might like that!
Same with veggies and hummus.
Have you tried making tortillas with potatoes and veggies and cutting into cubes? You can serve that at room temperature and he will be getting some eggs - and cheese if you add it to that.
But you know, if he drinks milk you don't need to worry much at this point. Even if he gets juts a couple bites of a protein dish or a few beans, he is still getting some protein and sometimes that's not too little for a 1 year old.
Oh, and my son also hated eggs at that age, now he loves it... go figure!
Ana

[dneilson]

As Laura indicated, kids that age have texture issues. I had two kids that were just lazy about chewing meat. Meats that were tenderized from long stewing seemed acceptable.

I would suggest, The Sneaky Chef by Missy Chase LaPine, if only for your piece of mind. The intro is not to be missed. I wish I would have had this book while bringing up my kids. The power struggle would have ended much sooner!

At this formative stage in his life, I personally would heed the warnings of several food scientists/ nutritionists, etc regarding soy products. It is too controversial. Though some dispute food expert's claims of any danger, I would err on the side of caution for obvious reasons.

Experts claim that in Asia phytic acids are removed from long fermentation...not so here in high-profit industry. Phyto-estrogens can be harmful for the endocrine system and the thyroid.

Additionally, there is the real issue of estrogen levels and the reason why menopausal women consume it to relieve discomfort. It is a part of natural estrogen therapy. If it alters hormonal levels in women, it certainly does so in young children.

You can google, "dangers of soy"...and decide for yourself.

Dolores

[margeslp]

You've been getting great advice from other posters.
When my first baby started foods other than breast milk, he did not like the pureed meats. I made all my own baby food
(70s - I am Woman, I can do everything). We also had way too many soy beans in the house from having read "Diet for a Small Planet." I cooked up and pureed the soy beans and he loved them. He gradually accepted every food and then in his late 20s became a vegetarian. When he (Veggie Boy) visit with his wife (Veggie Gal) I served a wide range of protein sources. I often focus on the legumes. I blenderize tofu for a cream sauce recipe since it absorbs the other flavors.
How about peanut butter and nuts? Great source of healthy protein and fat.

As with adult vegetarians, count the protein in the desserts, snacks and appetizers, not just your main course. Rice and other puddings are a good opportunity to add eggs and milk in the diet. I always serve hummus as an appetizer when I don't think there is enough protein in the main course. I personally don't like the traditional hummus but have a green chili version that is to die for. Since your son loves fruit, a good yogurt dip. Children need more fat than we do so I would talk to your pediatrician about the balance act.

[cookinginItaly]

have you tried giving mini hamburgers or meat balls (or chicken balls)?
My son won't eat "normal"meat but will this.

Another idea is lentil soup. Has a lot of iron so it's really good for them.
you can also make soy patties with soy flour. if you want I can give you the recipe.