Hi LEA fam!
We can’t believe 2025 is already coming to a close. What a year it’s been. Full of big milestones (aka our official launch!), meaningful moments, and plenty of learning curves along the way.
Reflecting on this year at home, I’m constantly amazed by just how much little eaters can change in such a short time. I started the year with a wobbly 15-month-old who could barely manage an open cup, and I’m ending it with a full-blown two-year-old who loves making smoothies, helping crack eggs, and is attempting to cut her own food.
It’s a powerful reminder that long-term progress matters far more than the day-to-day spills, refusals, tantrums, and messy meals.
That said, this time of year can make feeding feel like one more thing on an already very full plate. Between travel, school closures, holidays, big emotions, and shifting routines, it’s completely normal for meals to feel a little off.
For December, we’re keeping it simple with just a few grounding reminders to help you head into the new year with more confidence and less pressure.
FIVE FEEDING TRUTHS FROM 2025
Appetites ebb and flow. Some days your child will eat more, some days less, and that’s normal. Keep offering regular meals and snacks without pressure.
Familiar foods count. Comfort foods help build trust at the table. New foods are important, but familiar ones belong there too.
Protein needs are often overestimated. Most toddlers ages 1-3 only need about 15 grams per day. Variety matters more than tracking numbers.
One meal (or week) doesn’t define anything. “Off” days don’t undo progress or predict future eating.
Consistency > perfection. Keep offering, keep modeling, and keep eating together when you can. Calm, predictable meals go a long way.
EASY GO-TO MEALS + SNACKS
When you don’t want to think about food these next few weeks, here are some of our most-used combinations this year. Simple, flexible, and easy to adapt across ages and stages.
Meals
Make-ahead overnight oats
Yogurt bowl bar with whole-milk yogurt + fruit + chia/flaxseed/hemp seed + granola/cereal
Scrambled eggs + avocado toast strips or halves
Siete cheese quesadilla (can use other tortillas too) + avocado + cucumber/tomatoes
Pasta (we like Brami or 365 brand chickpea) + tomato sauce/pesto/butter + frozen broccoli
Store-bought rotisserie chicken + canned black beans + bell pepper slices
English-muffin pizza (can make in the toaster oven) + fruit/veg of choice
Snacks
Apple or pear (cut age appropriately) + cheese
Frozen berries + whole-milk yogurt
Cottage cheese + nut butter + cinnamon
Seaweed snacks + sliced avocado
Cucumber + hummus cup
Smoothie made with liquid of choice + whole-milk yogurt + strawberry + banana + flaxseed + riced cauliflower
LEA FAVORITES FROM 2025
A few products we genuinely loved and shared often this year because they made feeding a little easier and a little less stressful.
Ahimsa stainless steel dishware for durable, kid-friendly mealtime eats
Alec’s ice cream cups for a sweet treat you can feel good about giving littles
Brami bean-based pasta for a simple, fiber-packed meal ready in 15
Ezpz utensils and mealtime accessories for every stage of self-feeding
GrowHappy ImmunoButters for easy and delicious allergen introduction
Hiya Health multivitamins for that extra layer of nutrient assurance
Kitchen helper for letting your little eater explore
Once Upon a Farm oat bars for a more filling snack that’s also nut-free for school (I think I may even like these more than my daughter)
Silicone muffin holders for muffins, egg cups, or lunchboxes
Snack containers for keeping food cool on the go and stacking well on the shelf
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
As we head into 2026, we want you to know we’re here, whether you’re starting solids, navigating selective or picky eating, or simply wanting reassurance that you’re on the right track. From our cozy group sessions to private 1:1s and custom memberships, we are here to guide you & your family every step of the way.
Thank you for being part of the Little Eaters Academy community this year. We’re so grateful for your support and can’t wait for all the exciting things 2026 has in store!
Wishing you a warm & nourishing end to the year,
Jennifer
