For some parents, getting their choosy toddler to eat can be a difficult task. Parents need to balance their toddlers finicky preferences for a desire to give them healthy, well-balanced meals. Making it more difficult, parents of toddlers rarely have the time or energy to prepare elaborate meals. Fortunately, there are some simple, healthy meals that most toddlers will enjoy.
Breakfasts
Parents know that breakfast is an important meal. Fortunately, many toddlers are most likely to eat first thing, so this is a good time to give them as much nutrition as possible. At the same time, make it fun without resorting to sugary cereals. For example, egg smiles are an easy, healthy breakfast. Take a slice of bread, and cut out circles for the eyes and a curved hole for a mouth. Butter one side of the bread and put face down in a frying pan. As the bread starts to fry, scramble an egg and pour over the bread. Flip the bread when the egg in the eyes and mouth becomes firm. Before taking it out of the pan, add some cheese for hair. Another idea is to make a breakfast "soup," using yogurt, honey, fruit and wheat germ. Blend together and serve with a spoon.
Lunch
Offer finger foods that are easy to eat. Peanut butter or grilled cheese sandwiches are quick and easy. If it will make your child more likely to eat them, use a cookie cutter to cut into fun shapes. Quesadillas can be enhanced with chicken, beans and vegetables. Use pita bread or tortillas for roll-ups or pocket-type sandwiches filled with protein and veggies. If you hit on a dinner your toddler ate the night before, don't hesitate to serve the leftovers for lunch the next day.
Dinner
Most kids will eat pasta, and the variations are endless. Use different colored pastas to get his attention, and fortify with any fruits and vegetables. Experiment with different kids of sauces or dressings, and serve either hot or cold. Make your own chicken nuggets and french fries, simply seasoning and baking them instead of frying them to keep them healthier. Offer with a pinwheel platter--veggie and cheese slices arranged in a pinwheel pattern. If you'd like, stick a toothpick in each section for decoration, and let your toddler pull it out.
Snacks
Most toddlers need a snack or two every day. Fresh fruit is a healthy bet and can be cut up and placed on a skewer for a colorful kabob. Let your child dip his fruit into a cream cheese dip. Or, make a smoothie with milk or yogurt. If you're looking to get more calories into your toddler, offer dried fruit instead. Make a trail mix of nuts, dried fruit and candy-coated chocolates. You can also make your own cookies or granola bars with healthy, natural ingredients.
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