Toddlers can be picky eaters, so sometimes it can be difficult to please their tastebuds. Offering up your toddler a variety of foods during the week can keep him interested in lunch and provide a well-balanced diet. You shouldn't force your child to eat, but you can give him creative foods prepared in a healthy way to encourage good eating habits.
Chicken Soup
For a healthy and easy meal, make your child homemade chicken soup. For this recipe you will need 1 cup of chicken broth, 1/2 cup cooked, diced chicken, 1/4 cup of alphabet or ditalini pasta, pepper and garlic powder. Toss in 1/2 of a diced onion, if desired. Bring the broth to a boil with the chicken. Then add the pasta and cook until tender. Add in frozen carrots or peas and heat until hot and serve.
Nuggets
Almost every child loves nuggets, but unfortunately chicken nuggets are not the healthiest food. Serve your child a healthier alternative to this favorite with spinach nuggets. For this recipe you will need one 16 oz. package of frozen spinach, cooked through, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1.5 cups shredded cheese and three large eggs. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with olive oil and put aside. Mix thoroughly all of the ingredients in a bowl, and season to your toddler's liking. Shape the mixture into nugget-like pieces and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Pinwheel Wraps
A pinwheel wrap makes a fun, bite-size lunch for your toddler. Begin by laying a wrap out flat. Layer the wrap with some healthy choices such as hummus, vegetables and lean chicken or turkey. Tightly roll the wrap, then cut into inch-sized pieces. Serve with fruit.
Cheesy Quesadillas
A quesadilla is a fun and healthy lunch for your toddler. Your child will love making a gooey mess with melty cheese. You will need one flour tortilla, two slices of cheese or 2 oz. of shredded cheese, and a cup of cooked veggies, such as broccoli, onion, asparagus and peppers. Lay tortilla flat and spread out veggies, then top with cheese. Bake until the cheese has melted. Serve by folding in half and cutting into bite-sized pieces.
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