We introduced beets into Belén’s diet this week. Don’t ask me why. Neither Andy or I particularly like them ourselves, yet for some reason we feel compelled to subject our daughter to them.
To be honest, I asked Andy to buy them at the store because I recall my friend Laura serving them to her son, so I figured they must be good for kids. From my vantage point, she is the baby food making/feeding expert. She even has a piece of paper hidden behind glass magnetized to her fridge that has boxes for all of the servings of each food group that she checks off as they are consumed throughout the day. This helps her ensure her son has received the proper nutrients on any given day.
Before I pealed and steamed the strange-looking vegetables, I looked up the health benefits online just to ensure that they were worthy of the taste.
The ancients believed them to have many different powers. According to one website, “ancient peoples believed that the color of beets was indicative of their power. Folklore mentions that beets were eaten to aid the blood: Greeks used beets to “cool” blood, and Romans used beets to fight fever.” Not exactly what Belén needed, so I kept searching. The modern day literature says they contain lots of vitamin C, plus potassium, magnesium and folic acid. They are credited with an impressive array of health benefits, including cancer prevention (due to their anti-oxidant content), the ability to boost the immune system AND the potential to reduce blood pressure in later life.
Seems pretty darn good from a mom’s perspective. What was the verdict from the baby? Let’s just say she was not thrilled about them. In the spirit of not allowing her to become a picky eater, she ate five more spoonfuls than she probably enjoyed but not to worry, there are more in the freezer for later.
Do you think it is hypocritical to serve something to an eight-month old baby that I don’t even enjoy myself?
The best part about beets (besides the nutritional benefits) is the pictures. They look like a baby version of CSI sans creepy bugs.
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Ha! So cute… a few bites is better than nothing, right? My children are terrible when it comes to eating a variety of veggies… I am partly to blame, of course, but even when I steam broccoli and put cheese on top they hate it!
I LOVE the photo. So cute.
What kinda crazy OCD friends you hangin’ around, girl? ;o)
Definitely not hypocritical! I hate beets, too. Don’t forget Dr. B’s advice to introduce a particular food (prepared exactly the same way) 10-15 times before deciding the kid doesn’t like it. You’re doing great! She might just love beets if no one tells her she shouldn’t. Or not… but it’s worth a try, right?
Your picture is priceless. I love the naked baby + bib, just for extra protection during the Beet Event.
That is an awesome picture… the look on her face is priceless…
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