Fruit or Veg?

L is now nearly 6mths old. I have started to think about (and experiment with)solids. Which are really more like gloopy fluids rather then actual solids.

I took L to daycare and they asked about what foods I have introduced L to. I mentioned a few things like banana, potato, peach, pumpkin, blueberries, grapes, avocado. The daycare lady was horrified that my list included mostly fruit. I got a huge lecture about how children will always go for foods that are sweet and if I want L to eat his veggies for the rest of his life then I should give him mostly veg and very little fruit.

At first I believed her. I mean - she works with children and has a diploma in childcare and I have not even been a mum for 6mths yet. So it makes sense that she has more idea on these things then I do. But - it really did bother me not to give L too much fruit. I mean - it is packed with vitamins and minerals and high in fibre with zero fat (except for avocado). How can it possibly be bad?

So I started investigating. Turns out that breast milk is very sweet and we have been told forever that breast is best. Also - almost all of the baby foods on the market have a combination of fruit and veg (sweet potato and pear, or pumpkin, carrot, and apple).
The new weight watchers pro points plan has zero points for most fruit and veg. The idea being that you can eat as much fruit and veg and as you want without counting it towards the total points for the day.

The most important thing for me though is to let L grow up without having the same hangups and problems with food that I have. I don't want to introduce him to a diet at 6mths old! And of course as long he is eating plenty of fruit and veg - how can that possibly be bad??

Here is a picture of L enjoying his first taste of watermelon. I think I will continue to introduce L to fruit and veg without feeling guilty.

Cheers,
S.