How I got Hayden to eat spinach two times a day

Smoothies

One of my friends got me started making smoothies for Hayden everyday.  It sounds weird, but it is delicious, my husband and I drink it with him now too!

Smoothie for one little one

3 strawberries

1 small handful of blueberries

1 small handful of spinach

1/4 of an avocado

1/2 banana

1 YoBaby yogurt (organic whole milk yogurt)

Top off with orange juice

Blend until smooth and I serve it in a straw cup (so no mess!)  Sometimes I add blackberries, mango or peaches, basically whatever frozen fruit I have on hand.

Juice

My mother in law bought me a juicer (Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer) and I love it.  Hayden asks for juice ("duce") every time he walks into the kitchen.  I make him fresh juice for a snack almost everyday and he sucks it down before I am done cleaning up.  The juicer comes with recipes but here is my go to combo:

Apple-Carrot Juice ("Sponge Bob Juice" when I make it for my 4 year old nephew)

1 Cup of Juice

2 carrots

1 apple

1 handful of spinach 

4 strawberries

1/2 lemon

What I love about this juicer is that I don't have to peel or core anything.  Just trow it in as is after you cut off the carrot tops and lemon/apple stems.  It is so easy and delicious!  I asked my pediatrician about it and he said that counts as fruit and veggie servings.  As long as you drink it within 20 minutes, you get all the nutrients.

Sauteed Spinach

It took Hayden a little time to believe be that this was food.  He would put it in his mouth and not quite know what to do with it.  But now, he will willingly eat and and ask for more.

1 giant handful of spinach

1 garlic clove

1/4 lemon

sea salt

olive oil 

Saute garlic in olive oil.  Add spinach and cook until all leaves are soft (not any longer).  Toss in sea salt and squeeze in lemon.