At first I was in denial. My son loves Baby Led Weaning--that is giving him a soft fruit or veggie that he can mush into his ear, the chair, the floor, the dog's fur. Then one day, I found myself sitting at the table that was littered in dish towels and wet cloths, my hands were sticky and he was sticky. I was frustrated and wanted to cry. He was crying. And hungry. It was going to take me half an hour to clean up this mess once he went to sleep. I gave up. I bought a baby bullet. I have since ventured into the world of the "dreaded puree."
Funny thing is, I love it. Wildly adventurous me, each day is a challenge: try a new blend. Each one combined with either banana or avocado (or sometimes both) as the "base." I never knew zucchini or sweet potatoes could taste so good! I've determined, EVERYTHING is better with avocado. Naturally, I try everything that Gabriel eats. I won't give him something I don't like.
Fun combinations:
Zucchini, Banana, Avocado
Sweet potato, broccoli, avocado
Plum, pear, apple, avocado
Blueberry, apple, avocado
Gabriel looks at this oddly coloured puree like it's a decadent chocolate cake--eyes wide open, tongue out, drool down his chin. He leans forward, smacking his lips, making emphatic "Ummmmmm" sounds. I think it's the avocado.
And look at this. The nutritional value of an Avocado (thanks to Wikipedia).
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 670 kJ (160 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 8.53 g |
| - Sugars | 0.66 g |
| - Dietary fiber | 6.7 g |
| Fat | 14.66 g |
| - saturated | 2.13 g |
| - monounsaturated | 9.80 g |
| - polyunsaturated | 1.82 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Water | 73.23 g |
| Thiamine (vit. B1) | 0.067 mg (6%) |
| Riboflavin (vit. B2) | 0.130 mg (11%) |
| Niacin (vit. B3) | 1.738 mg (12%) |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 1.389 mg (28%) |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.257 mg (20%) |
| Folate (vit. B9) | 81 μg (20%) |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg (12%) |
| Vitamin E | 2.07 mg (14%) |
| Vitamin K | 21 μg (20%) |
| Calcium | 12 mg (1%) |
| Iron | 0.55 mg (4%) |
| Magnesium | 29 mg (8%) |
| Phosphorus | 52 mg (7%) |
| Potassium | 485 mg (10%) |
| Zinc | 0.64 mg (7%) |
| Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Databas | |
It's basically a superfood. And best of all, any veggie or fruit can be hidden amongst avocado, and suddenly, it tastes amazing. Really. It does. You should try it. Really, avocado is a metaphor for the small joys of every day life--chocolate, wine, a latte, a walk to the park, wearing your favorite shoes, a trip to Ikea, a telephone call, a visit, a favorite television program, a photograph, something you read, a cuddle. These are the moments that get us through when things go sideways: your baby is screaming, you have run out of diapers or groceries, a guy cuts you off on the highway, you know, the every day "mini disasters." Avocados are the silver lining.
We are big avacado eaters in our house. They are remarkably versatile - I've even eaten raw chocolate cheesecake, where the avacados replaced the cream cheese. It was amazing!
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