Book Review “First Meals and More”

I have two children under the age of five, and both are very active lil’ bees! And that’s a good thing, because an active early life helps promote health in the long term. But honestly, sometimes, I wish they would preserve their calories more!

You see, my children are born with allergies to dairy, eggs, nuts and seafood. Yeah, all the “good stuff” of calorie-bearing food. No mac-n-cheese, no ice cream or cake or pastry, no peanut butter. I breastfed both of them, which was a savior in the first year (but a pain for me to abstain from food that might be passed to my milk). But it became increasingly difficult as they transitioned to baby and toddler food to find calorie-filled healthy alternatives. And because my children seemed to have inherited my metabolism, they struggle to stay hanging on to the last percentile of the growth chart!

And so when I read Annabel Karmel’s “First Meals And More: Your Questions Answered” I knew here was a book I can use in all its practical sense!

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Like “What to Expect”

“First Meals And More: Your Questions Answered ” is like the version of  “What to Expect the First Year” for nutrition and good eating habits. The book is divided into stages of growth up to the first three years, and answers all the common questions moms have about healthy eating habits. The book’s format is an easy question-and-answer so the reader gets straight answers right away. And that’s really what makes this book stand out. Busy moms don’t have time to read a whole detailed book (although I know we wish we have time). And we face our days dealing with issues as we go. So if we can find fast answers to the thought that bugs us, that’s the best way to deal with it.

Oh, the bonus part is that the book has 50 recipes to sample out a healthy diet, at each stage! Great, huh?

The book sections

So onto the book. The first section is from 0-6 months, and is focused on the new mom. Breastfeeding tips and issues, as well as the new mom’s diet is discussed. A sample question – what’s a good diet for the mom while breastfeeding? Calcium-filled food would be the first answer. But did you know a diet high in unrefined carbs gives extra energy and helps in digestion? The author goes on to discuss the foods to avoid while breastfeeding, among other questions.

The next section is from 6-9 months, when the child is ready for food. Questions we ask at this age are when to introduce certain foods like fish, eggs, even yogurt. Allergies are also discussed in this section. For someone who has had no experience with allergies, the one thing you may ask is how do you know if your child has allergies. As Karmel pointed out in “First Meals And More: Your Questions Answered ” – and experienced with my children – babies with eczema are particularly at risk. Another indication is immediate reaction to the food. Any of the following symptoms may indicate food allergies: vomiting, diarrhea, flushed or swollen face or mouth and tongue area, difficulty breathing, wheezing, runny nose and watery eyes, or itchy or scratchy mouth and throat.

The next sections – 9 to 12 months; 12 to 18 months; and 18 to 36 months – all explore the child’s growing palate. Of special issue to me was how to increase their weight in a healthy manner. One of best advice I took was giving my children 2 small extra meals in between major feeding. Since a child’s stomach is not big enough to keep him filled until the next mealtime, healthy snacks add some needed calories. Now I give fruits and yogurt as snacks, instead of part of their main meals. Somehow, the acid in fruits stimulates their appetite for lunch or dinner. Fruit and yogurt are also filling enough without ruining their appetite, while cookies and milk given too near the next meal is a culprit for passing on the food.

Other issues you may have with your families are fussy eaters, special diets, serving exotic or ethnic cuisines, and of course healthy weight gain. The book totally answers those questions, “and More”!

What the book is NOT

“First Meals and More” is NOT a serious cookbook for families with young children. The 50 recipes are easy to do and delicious, but they are not enough if you’re looking for variety to feed your family daily. And I have to say I didn’t get to use much of the recipes on my children because of their allergies. But my other concern – healthy weight gain in spite of allergies – was certainly answered well.

The UK-based author, Annabel Karmel, is a leading children’s author and a trained Cordon Bleu cook. The book has a list of consultants of doctors, nurses and pediatric nutritionist.

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