Protein help

[JennŠ]

I'm wondering if DD is getting enough protein these days.  I also need ideas to get it into her.  We are almost done changing from formula to lactose free cows milk.  She will happily eat yogurt anytime it is offered.  Cheese, so far, only on pizza.     Tried several different types, nope.  She eats some meats at daycare, less so at home unless it's the jarred baby food.  I can get her to eat meat at home if I chop it really fine and add it to something else.  Any thoughts out there?   

[shelliz]

Have you tried refried beans? They have lots of protien and they are yummy. Not sure where you are from but if you aren't familiar w/ them they are just pinto beans that are really mashed and usually served w/ Mexican food. My dd loves them!
Don't have too many other ideas. Oh...there is also a pea-like vegetable that is really high in protein. They are called Edimommies (not sure of the spelling??).  They are sweet and you can buy them in the frozen section, pop some in the microwave and serve them right up!

  Shelby

[tylersmommy]

They are called Edimommies

So that's how you pronounce the name! I think they're spelled edamames, and they're soybeans of some kind. I've always wondered how you say it, though! Tofu is a good source of protein, and so are nut butters.

[estherofi20]

i give my DS like 2 times a week this mixture: i put two egg yolks, 1 slice of cheese, and 1 slice of ham really chopped into little pieces, and the i mix it all togheter, and put in the cooking pan with a touch of PAM spray, till the eggs are cooked and the cheese has melted, and then i make tiney little balls with it, and he loves them.

[JennŠ]

Oops!!!!!! I forgot to mention one important detail.  She is not allowed eggs until  she is 2.   (mama was allergic as a babe.)  Which is not to say that those don't sound yummy!     

[estherofi20]

Awww bummer

[Zoey]

I think beans is brilliant.  Also, they are good for your heart, and they make ya fart!  That should be some interesting Mousey fun!  (Owen farted in the tub tonight and looked at me like I did it - goof) 

Have you tried the string cheese, I think its fun.  Maybe try using cookie cutters and making fun cheese shapes to munch.
Mac and cheese?
Hummus?
Fish sticks?
I am not sure I have ever met a legume - but they are supposed to be high in protein.
If no eggs, does that mean no chicken?
Make a fruit smoothie thingy with yogurt and some fruits she loves (make me one too please)?
Tuna?
Maccaroni and meat sauce?

Ok, that's all I got for now.

Zoe

[carolyn]

You have some great ideas alreay.  One thing to remember is that she doesn't need as much protein as you think. I can't remember exactly, but I believe she only needs about 16 grams. If she is eating yogurt and drinking milk, and a little bit of meat, she is probably getting enough.  We are vegetarian so I was very concerned about it too.  I realizedd that I could find good protein sources that weren't meat or eggs. (although John did eat eggs).

hummus and pita (John's personal favorite)
yogurt
cottage cheese (very good source....an individual container has 9 g in it) mix it with fruit or spreadable fruit
lentils and rice cereal (I used canned lentils)
refried beans are a great idea (mix it with rice or rice cereal)
tofu fingers (cut firm tofu into fingers and bake)

[JennŠ]

Ok, breathing easier.  Thanks for all the ideas!!!!!!!!   

[Lilah'sMommy]

DD really loves cottage cheese!  And like Carolyn said, it's a really efficient way to get calcium into them.

For the record, legumes are everything in the bean and pea family, like lentils, chickpeas, any bean... I think they're "pulses" to you UK and Australian folk.  DD really likes beans of all kinds-- she finger feeds them-- and she also likes a rice and lentil pilaf I make often for dinner, served with a cucumber-yogurt sauce (though she's not keen on the yougurt sauce yet).  The pilaf is super easy; here's the recipe:

1 cup lentils (brown or green)
1 cup rice (you can use brown or white)
1-2 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion
1 tsp. salt
black pepper to taste

Soak the lentils (and the rice, if you're using brown rice) in enough water to cover plus 2 or three inches for 2 hours.  About 20 minutes before you're ready to drain them, chop the onion and saute it in the olive oil until browned.  When the onion is ready, add the drained lentils, rice, salt, pepper, and two cups of water.  Bring to a boil, then cover and lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.  Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are tender (remember that brown rice will still be chewy even when done) and all the water is absorbed.  Turn off the heat and let stand for about 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

For the yogurt sauce, I just grate cucumber (and dice some nice tomatoes if I have them), chop a couple green onions (scallions), put them in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, then stir in enough plain yogurt (full-fat, low-fat, non-fat-- depending on what I have on hand and how indulgent I'm feeling) to make a nice saucy consistency.  Then I taste it and add more salt if it needs it.  I usually do this after I start the lentils soaking and then stick it in the fridge till dinner, so the flavors have time to blend.

The pilaf served with the sauce make a really great, filling, protein-rich dish.  Lilah used to pick out all the lentils and eat them alone, but now she eats the whole thing with a spoon.

[GG]

This is some great advice!!  Just thought I'd add my 2 cents.  Apparently kids that age should be getting a lot more carbs than anything, then fats (like in whole milk) and protein. Don't fret too much about it, though. Concentrate more on getting some veggies in her system.