My friend Alina, had a toddler who wouldn’t eat. Today she’s going to share some great tips that worked for her fussy eater and some awesome recipe ideas that her picky toddler loves.
If you are lucky enough to parent a good healthy eater, then you are one lucky mama!
For us, the journey to getting my toddler to eat a variety of foods wasn’t so straightforward.
Offer Your Picky Toddler A Variety of Foods
I used to cook different meals for my toddler, meals that I knew he would like. I stopped introducing new foods because I thought it was a waste of time and I was getting frustrated, to say the least.
That was simply wrong.
Now I just prepare one main dinner for all the family, and he can pick and eat what he likes from the plate, this makes him feel more in control too.
Keep It Simple
Usually, I would cook one main meal per day sometimes lunch and for dinner have the leftovers from the day before. I keep it simple and I involve him where possible. We love to sit down and chop vegetables together, him with a plastic knife and a chopping board.
Some Awesome Meal Ideas That My Picky Toddler Loves
Dr Orlena's Tip: These are great recipes to give you some ideas for simple meals for your toddlers. Remember that a healthy diet for kids is half fruit and vegetables. (I often offer more because I know my kids won’t eat all the veggies!)
Dr Orlena's Tip 2: I also really love these recipes as Alina has offered her toddler a large variety of different foods. It's really tough when toddler's refuse new foods (or foods that they used to love) but we have to keep offering variety (even if it's only a small portion of the new food.)
If your plate doesn’t fit the bill, just add more veggies!
Toddler Meal Idea 1: Steamed Rice with Vegetables and Mince Pork Patties
Cook up some rice with a few veggies. You can see that I’ve used carrots, peas and sweetcorn. The patties are just minced pork made into a burger shape. You could use small sausages instead. Or these delicious sneaky meatballs.
Toddler Meal Idea 2: Gnocchi with Homemade Mascarpone Sauce and 2 Fish Fingers
I use shop bought gnocchi, with a simple tomato and vegetable sauce and some fish fingers.
Toddler Meal Idea 3: Mashed Potato with Sausage, Gravy, and Steamed Carrots
No instructions needed! Remember to offer lots of veggies, we’re aiming for half a plate. You could also add peas, mushrooms, courgettes. Don’t worry if they don’t eat them. (More for you!)
Toddler Meal Idea 4: Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Oven Baked Sweet Potato and Homemade Ketchup
Hallumi is easy to grill and these sweet potato chips are easy, healthy and delicious.
Toddler Meal Idea 5: Pasta with Parmesan Cheese and Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are simple. Just chuck them in the oven with some olive oil sprinkled on top. A great way to include loads of veggies.
Toddler Meal Idea 6: Risotto with Parmesan Cheese, Sausage and Vegetables
Risotto is a great meal for a picky toddler, or any child, fussy or not! The basic recipe is easy and you can vary it to add lots and lots of vegetables!
Toddler Meal Idea 7: Mash Potato with Steak, Sweet Corn, and Cranberry Sauce
Sweetcorn is a great vegetable for picky eaters. It’s delicious and full of fibre.
Dr Orlena's Tip: If your toddler can't cope with cutting up tough things like meat, then help them. Present food that is easy for them not that will make them frustrated as they struggle with it. (They can practise their chopping up skills on something softer and easier.)
Toddler Meal Idea 8: Potato and Bacon Stew with Oven Fresh Baked Baguette
Stews are a great way to provide a healthy and nutritious meal full of veggies. You can just make them up. Or check out this Spanish chorizo Stew that’s super easy.
Toddler Meal Idea 9: Rosemary Oven Baked Potatoes with Homemade Beef Burger
Delicious and will definitely go down a treat. Remember to add extra veggies on the side.
Toddler Meal Idea 10: Potato and Chickpeas Morrocan Tagine with Couscous
Never cooked a tagine? Don’t worry, here’s one to get you started.
Cute Lunch Box Notes
Meet Alina
This post was written by Alina from Wellies and Lemonade.
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