At our house, breakfast is a several hour event.  For breakfast, the boys often start out with a bowl of grapes, an apple, or some other type of fruit that we have in the fridge.  Then, round 2 is usually a grain like pancakes, toast, or cereal.  Round three is fruit again.  Lunch is usually pretty simple.  We often have macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, or soup with more fruit and fresh, raw vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli).  The boys will usually eat sugar snap peas and green beans, too, if we have them.  Supper is where the “pickiness” comes in.  A often refuses to even try any of the meals I make.  He will usually eat all the ingredients separately (cheese, tortillas, lentils, salsa, chips) but won’t eat them together (lentil tacos with chips and salsa).  K will usually try one bite of whatever I make.  He often says he likes it.  Then, he proceeds to eat only the fruits and veggies and breads that are available.

Earlier this week, I asked an online friend if she had any thoughts on this topic.  After thinking about what she said, talking with some other friends, and watching my children’s choices, I’m wondering if I am too concerned about this.  Many parents work daily to get their children to eat fruits, veggies, and proteins.  I am working to get my kids to combine these foods into what I consider to be meals.  Is it really a problem if I have to leave some sweet potato and some chickpeas out of the soup instead of serving them as a soup to the boys?  Should I really worry if they don’t want chili but will eat the beans, veggies, and bread?

I’m starting to think that no, in fact, this is just fine, and probably age appropriate.  I’m starting to think that because I don’t have to worry about my kids eating fruit, vegetables, proteins, or whole grains, I should probably stop looking for concerns where there aren’t any.

Are your kids picky?  Are you picky?  Should we really spend so much time and energy on things that are probably developmental and are probably a stage anyway?

I really like the hummus from the store. It’s so expensive though for such a little container. I should be able to make my own for a fraction of the price, right? Well, I can make my own, but it’s missing…something. Mine seems to have a bland taste and not be rich and deep like the flavor of the store bought hummus.

My recipes are all pretty similar. They all contain chickpeas/garbanzo beans, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and salt. I just vary the proportions of each ingredient, but I just can’t get it right! Heather! Do you have any gourmet magic? Anyone else? Even sitting here, I’m getting a craving now for some really good hummus. Too bad the stuff I made on Sunday is just okay.