Getting Kids to Eat Meat

One question I get over and over again is how do you get kids to eat meat? First, this was a challenge I have faced with my own daughter. She has never ever eaten red meat - it's totally gross according to her refined 2 year old palate and honestly I am totally okay with that. She does eat turkey and chicken on occasion as well as Salmon. When it comes to protein and iron I really on things like veggies, grains, legumes, beans, etc.. Again, I'm totally okay with that. There was a time she wouldn't eat chicken or turkey either until I found out how to prepare it the way she likes it. Chicken Scallopine with salt and pepper, turkey sandwiches on thin whole grain bread with cheese and a little mayo, and salmon with honey and mustard. Basically the way I would eat it with seasoning and not dry and overcooked. Her new thing is soup she loves soup and I found this recipe the other day that I tried this week and she loved it. I bought a roasted chicken from Costco and shredded it so the pieces where easy for her to get onto her spoon. We all loved this recipe! So if you are having trouble getting your kiddo to eat meat, first step is to let it go and give them plenty of iron and protein rich foods from other sources, second change up how you give it to them one bite at a time with lots of flavor and moist never dry, and if nothing works don't worry simply fill their bellies full of a healthy vegetarian based diet. Just keep presenting it to them allowing them to try new foods from your plate and keep it light and fun. Praise them for tasting even if they spit it out - getting them to try it is just as big of a win as them actually scarfing it down!

Chicken Tortilla Soup


2 cups water
14 ounce can chicken broth (or 1 1/2 c water and two bouillon cubes)
29 ounce can crushed tomatoes
11 ounce can enchilada sauce
4 ounce can chopped green chilies
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried cilantro
1 heaping teaspoon minced garlic
2-3 cups chicken, cooked and shredded (can use more if you like)
2 cups frozen corn (or 2 cans corn, drained)
1 small onion, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
4-5 six inch corn tortillas
Toppings: cheese, sour cream, etc for toppings

Dump everything except toppings and corn tortillas in a large pot. Place over medium to medium high heat and bring just to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer thirty minutes.
Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut each tortilla into thin strips. Place in soup and cook ten minutes more before serving.

Serve soup with desired toppings such as plain Greek Yogurt, and cheese.

recipe courtesy of www.fullbellies.blogspot.com.