Last week, around midnight, I had an epiphany: I must coerce Moose {and Monkey} to eat greens. Period.
Well, the boys love guacamole, so why not take the flavors of that, and “hide” kale and other necessary greens in their diets?
Most 3 and 1 year olds aren’t going to dine on a arugula salad{present company included}, so time to sneak it in. I still offer the greens in their real state, of course, but they end up as fodder for the dog.
After two trials of my “kale-a-mole”… it was a success. So, I now share my trade secret with you.
*Kale-a-mole*
Ingredients
1 cup of kale
1 can of garbanzo beans {drained and rinsed}
1 lime {juiced}
1/2 cup of cilantro
1 small onion {don’t even chop it…the processor will do it for you}
2 T of extra virgin olive oil
Steps
1.) Toss all the ingredients above in a food processor.
2.) Serve with rice chips, veggie chips, etc.
Think of this like humus meets guacamole dressed in a kale tuxedo.
It looks like guac, but it’s not!
Breakfast is served. This also takes me less time than the old days of making pancakes and eggs.
Moose liked this so much he was licking it off the chips and giving the chips to the dog.
Moose dining on kale.
Monkey as well…
This time last year, Moose was on what I call THE SAD diet {Standard American Diet}. A sad time it was indeed. He was so delayed. So sick.
Here was our dairy funeral. April 27, 2010
{the date on the camera was wrong}
Moose craved only bread products and dairy. He was in therapy. 4 days a week. He didn’t respond to his name being called. He never hugged or kissed me.
Hi. I’m Moose. I was addicted to yogurt.
A year later, he’s off gluten, dairy, and soy after food intolerance testing showed marked sensitivities. That’s been an adjustment, but we are used to it now. After nearly 7 months on “the diet” {GFCFSF}, there have been major improvements in eye contact, communication, and socialization. He’s still behind in speech, but knows all his letters and sounds. He improves every day.
The catch now? He’s refusing to eat all meat products.
Which basically, means he’s a part-time vegan: he will only eat my “oven-fried” chicken. Lately, he’s also been refusing the alternative milks as well.
I think his food choices are telling me something. It’s time to listen. Lately, I’ve been reading up vegan and raw diets to see what the thoughts are in that camp of wellness.
So, enter kale. Our new weapon.
Also, I dusted off the juicer I inherited when my dad died, and now, I am focused on getting greens in the boys daily. Even if I have to dip them in chocolate.
Kidding.
Stay tuned as I try to heal my son {and myself} through food, not therapy and doctors and specialists.
Something’s working, because Moose gave me his first hug last week.
That is seriously the best idea EVER! Love it!
Oolala…Can’t wait to get my kale and try it!
I’ve been folowing the Green Smoothie Girl philosophy for myself and it’s really amazing. If you are interested, I will email you the book of recipes =)
Congratulations!Getting kids to eat healthy is difficult. I’m happy that your son is improving. You must feel awesome!
Ohhh this sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it. I make a very simple green soup using kale or spinach (or any other big leafy green) and my kids love it: http://www.homemademothering.com/2010/01/you-pay-for-what-you-get.html
I LOVE this and it’s something I never would have thought of… since I have kale phobia. I just never knew what to do with it, until now! You should come link up your recipe with ‘Fun for Kids Friday’ http://www.localfunforkids.com/
1st hug = it’s working Mom!! Yea for steps in the right direction!
Great idea to get more greens into the little ones! I just found your blog through Peas and Crayons last night. Enjoying your posts!
…and I am including this fun recipe on this week’s blog meal plan. Thanks for sharing!