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Feeding a picky eaters can be a challenge. But with the right combination of ingredients and preparation, you can come up with delicious and healthy lunches that your toddler will love! In this article, we bring you 10 ideas for tasty and nutritious lunches that are easy to prepare. So let’s get started!
Introduction: Healthy Eating for Picky Eaters
As a parent, you want your child to eat healthy and nutritious meals. But if your child is a picky eaters, getting them to eat anything other than their favorite foods can be a challenge.
Here are some tips for preparing healthy, delicious, and easily prepared lunches for picky eaters:
- Serve fruits and vegetables that are in season. Seasonal produce is typically more affordable and tastes better than out-of-season produce.
- Get creative with dips and sauces. Picky eaters often like food that is dipping or dunking. Try making healthy dips and sauces using yogurt, hummus, or avocado.
- Try new foods in small amounts. If your child is resistant to trying new foods, start by serving them in small amounts. For example, if you’re introducing a new vegetable, add it to their favorite soup or pasta dish instead of serving it as a side dish.
- Make lunchtime fun! Try using fun shaped cutters to make sandwiches and snacks more appealing. Serve food on colorful plates and let your child help with meal prep whenever possible.
5 Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters:
If you’re looking for some delicious, healthy, and easily prepared lunch ideas for your picky eaters, look no further! These five recipes are sure to please even the most finicky of appetites:
- Peanut Butter and Banana Wrap: A classic combination that’s always a hit! Simply spread some peanut butter and sliced bananas on a whole wheat tortilla, roll it up, and enjoy.
- Turkey and Cheese Pita Pockets: A healthier twist on the traditional PB&J, these pita pockets are packed with lean turkey and low-fat cheese. They’re perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a light lunch option.
- Sunbutter and Jelly Sandwich: If your child is allergic to peanuts, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative! Spread it on some whole wheat bread along with their favorite jelly or fruit preserves for a tasty sandwich they’ll love.
- Veggie Wraps: For a more substantial lunch, try wrapping up some of your child’s favorite veggies in a whole wheat tortilla. Add a little bit of ranch dressing or hummus for dipping and they’ll be sure to clean their plate!
- Fruit Kabobs: A fun and easy way to get kids to eat their fruit! Simply thread some chopped fruit onto skewers and serve with yogurt dip or honey for dipping.
Option 1: Sandwich and Fruit Kabobs
If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious, and easily prepared lunch for your picky eaters, look no further than sandwich and fruit kabobs!
These easy-to-make kabobs are perfect for little ones who like to eat with their hands, and they’re a great way to sneak in some extra fruits and vegetables. Simply thread some sandwich meat, cheese, and chopped fruits and vegetables onto skewers, and voila – a healthy and tasty lunch that your picky eaters will love!
Option 2: Yogurt and Fruit Salad
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious lunch option for your picky eaters, look no further than yogurt and fruit salad! This easy to prepare meal is packed with nutrients and flavor that your little one is sure to love.
Yogurt is a great source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D, all of which are essential for growing children.
Fruit salad is a perfect accompaniment to yogurt, adding in important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Plus, this lunch option is easily customizable to your child’s taste preferences.
Simply mix together their favorite fruits with some plain yogurt and voila! A nutritious and delicious meal that they’ll be sure to enjoy.
Option 3: Egg Muffins and Veggies
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious lunch option for your picky eater,
egg muffins and veggies are a great choice! Egg muffins are easy to make and can be customized to your child’s liking.
Simply add some cooked eggs, cheese, and their favorite veggies to a muffin tin and bake!
Pair these with some roasted or raw veggies and you’ve got a nutritious and tasty lunch that your picky eater will love.
Option 4: Quesadillas and Salsa
If your picky eater is looking for something a little more substantial than a sandwich, quesadillas are a great option.
You can use whole wheat tortillas and fill them with healthy ingredients like shredded chicken, black beans, and salsa. Add a little cheese to hold it all together and you’ve got a tasty and filling lunch that’s easy to eat on the go.
Salsa is a great condiment to have on hand for quesadillas (or any other Mexican-inspired dish). It adds a ton of flavor with very few calories, and it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, it’s always nice to have a little something extra to dip your quesadilla in.
Option 5: Rice Bowl with Veggies and Protein of Choice
If your picky eater is anything like mine, then they probably love rice.
This is a great way to get them to eat their veggies and protein, without even realizing it.
Simply cook up some rice in advance and let them choose their own toppings.
I like to include a variety of chopped veggies and a protein of their choice (chicken, tofu, etc.). This is a healthy and delicious lunch that can be easily prepared ahead of time.
Option 6: Cold Pizza Roll Ups
Is your picky eaters tired of the same old PB&J sandwich every day? If so, try out this fun and easy cold pizza roll up recipe! All you need is a slice of bread, some pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.
Simply spread the sauce on the bread, top with cheese and pepperoni, and then roll it up into a cute little pinwheel. Your picky eaters will love this tasty twist on their favorite food!
Option 7: Other Picky Eaters Selection
If your picky eaters is tired of the same old PB&J or turkey sandwich day after day, then it’s time to mix things up with some new and exciting lunch ideas! Here are seven delicious and healthy lunch ideas that are sure to please even the most finicky of eaters:
- Grilled cheese and roasted vegetables – This classic sandwich gets a healthy makeover with the addition of nutrient-rich roasted vegetables. Just layer your favorite veggies (we like tomatoes, onions, and peppers) between slices of whole grain bread, then grill until golden brown.
- Turkey pinwheels – These fun finger foods are perfect for little ones who might be hesitant to try new things. Simply spread some cream cheese on a whole wheat tortilla, top with thinly sliced turkey breast, roll it up, and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Peanut butter and jelly sushi – A creative twist on the classic PB&J, this sushi is made by spreading peanut butter and jelly on a rice cake, rolling it up, and then slicing it into bite-sized pieces. It’s a fun and easy way to get kids to eat their veggies too!
- Cheese quesadillas – A favorite Mexican dish gets a kid-friendly makeover with the addition of gooey melted cheese. Just fill a whole wheat tortilla with shredded cheese and your child’s favorite toppings (we like tomatoes, onions, peppers), then grill
