Beef for Life Beef for Life_E_7.2018_eBook | Page 5

REAL FOODS tO StARt yOuR BABy OFF Right
The need for iron-rich foods is critical in the early years for
optimal brain development and growth. In fact, iron is so
important for your little ones that Health Canada now recommends
iron-rich foods like meat be baby’s first solids. And by the toddler
years, children should be served iron-containing foods up to three
times per day.
Your baby needs an Iron Chef! Babys’ iron needs are high but their
tummies are small. Make every spoonful count. Choose the best
food sources of iron and serve them daily.
Start your family off right by sharing meal times with baby. After all,
the sooner you establish good meal habits, the better. Your
healthy meals can easily be adapted for your baby or toddler with
a few simple tweaks.
IRON COMES FIRST!
Health Canada now advises
that first solid foods for
infants be iron-rich. By about
6 months of age, baby should
be served meat, fish, poultry,
or meat alternatives daily.
WHY? Baby needs iron for
optimal brain development
and growth. At 6 months
baby’s iron stores are
depleted so a food source is
needed. The type of iron found
in beef and other meats is
more easily absorbed than the
iron from plant-based foods
like infant cereal or beans.
Here's how to turn a delicious family supper into a nutritious
meal for Baby. No special recipe required.
Beef Steak & Lentil Salad
INGREDIENTS
1 tsp
1
⁄ 8 tsp
1 lb (500 g)
SALAD
⁄ 2 cup
⁄ 4 cup
2
2 tbsp
1
⁄ 2 tsp
2 cups
EACh italian seasoning, coarsely ground pepper and salt
garlic powder
Beef Grilling Steak (e.g. Strip Loin or top Sirloin), 1-inch thick
minced red onion
EACh olive oil and chopped fresh basil
cloves garlic, minced fresh or roasted mashed
red wine vinegar
EACh salt and dried oregano
assorted grilled vegetables (e.g. zucchini, sweet red
pepper, asparagus, etc.), cut into chunks
2
plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 can (540 mL) lentils, drained and rinsed
1 jar (170 mL) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
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1
METHOD
Combine Italian seasoning, pepper, salt and garlic powder in small bowl.
Rub mixture over steak; let stand for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together red onion, oil, basil, garlic, vinegar, salt and
oregano in large salad bowl. Add grilled vegetables, tomatoes, lentils and
artichoke hearts. Gently toss together and season to taste.
Grill steak over medium-high heat for 12 to 14 minutes, turning at least
twice or more for medium doneness 160ºF (71ºC). Let stand for 5 minutes.
Cut steak into thin slices; serve with lentil mixture. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Baby’s Blend (6 to 7 months)
Combine 1 slice of cooked steak
with 1 ⁄ 4 cup of the lentils and
cooked veggies along with 2 to
3 tbsp water, breast milk or
formula. Blend in food processor
or blender until smooth.
Mashed Mix (7 to 9 months)
Combine 1 slice of cooked steak
with 1 ⁄ 4 cup of the lentils and
cooked veggies. Pulse in food
processor or blender until dinner
is minced.
Finger Food Fun (9 to 12 months)
Baby can eat the same dinner as
the family; just cut the foods into
bite-sized pieces that can be
managed by baby him/herself.
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