Tasty Treats for Picky Eaters

I like to think that I got pretty lucky with my daughter. Although she did go through a 'picky' phase as an infant because she detested jarred baby food and baby cereals with a fervor that I would never have thought possible of a 6-month-old, it didn't last long. I gave up on the jarred stuff and just started throwing a portion of my meal into the blender for her until she could chew the more solid stuff and she was happy. In fact, she became the opposite of a picky eater - she would try whatever was put in front of her. If she removed it directly from my plate, even better - it pretty much guaranteed she would want more of what I was eating. 

Now she is 9 and her favorite foods include everything from ramen noodles to lobster (which she called monster until she was four). She loves pizza, mac and cheese, and sushi. 

For my little girl, the only foods she avoids are the ones she can't eat because they make her sick... because that is the one place I didn't get lucky. I may not have a picky eater, but having a child with food allergies can be pretty daunting too. 

Here are a few recipes you can try to tempt your picky eater into trying something new - or you can use these as alternatives for foods that your child is allergic to. Feel free to modify these recipes to fit your child's dietary needs and restrictions. 

Honey, Almond Butter & Banana

Spread 2 slices of whole-wheat bread with almond butter or peanut butter. Top 1 bread slice with a drizzle of honey (for kids 1 and up) and a layer of banana slices. Cover with the other slice, butter side down.

Pear & Avocado

Mash 1/2 ripe avocado in a bowl. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Spread the avocado evenly on 2 slices of sourdough bread. Add a layer of thinly sliced Bosc or Asian pear to 1 bread slice. Cover with the other slice and press gently to adhere. Swap in pomegranate seeds for the pear, if you like.

Tuna Pasta Salad

Mix whatever shaped cooked pasta you like with some mixed veggies. Once it’s cooked mix in some tinned tuna or other fish, a drizzle of olive oil and some dried oregano – serve it hot or cold. Delicious and so simple!

Strawberry & Goat Cheese

Split an English muffin and lightly toast the halves. Spread each half with softened goat cheese or plain whipped cream cheese. Top with a thin layer of strawberry slices. Place the top half of the muffin over the bottom half and press gently.

Slice It Right

If it seems like that sandwich you packed in the morning makes a soggy return uneaten in the afternoon, swap in Pepperidge Farm Goldfish—shaped bread. It’ll remind him of a familiar snack and get him to eat up. $3 to $4; grocery stores.

Turkey Pinwheels

Spread a dollop of store-bought hummus on a whole-wheat tortilla and then add a layer of sliced of turkey and some spinach leaves. Roll up and cut.

Pita-Butter and Jelly

If your child’s main food staple is PB&J, but peanut butter is a no-no at her school, here’s a peanut-free option. Substitute butter or cream cheese in for peanut butter and spread on whole-wheat pita bread. Top with jelly, or if she loves apple pie, try cinnamon apple butter.

I Heart Turkey

A plain ol’ turkey sandwich gets a little love with this Thanksgiving-inspired, heart-shaped version. (Kid not a heart-lover? Stars or dinosaur shapes work, too.) Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce on two pieces of whole wheat bread. Layer two slices of roasted turkey breast and sliced cheese. Use a cookie cutter to cut the sandwich into the shape of a heart.

Mini Pizzas

This kid-favorite gets a healthy makeover to fuel your child’s busy body all day long. Make these the night before to save time in the morning. Top English muffin halves with jarred marinara sauce (if your child won’t object, add chopped steamed broccoli or spinach to the sauce.) Sprinkle pre-shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Let cool, then wrap up.

Brunch for Lunch

Who says French toast and eggs are just for breakfast? This traditional morning meal makes a power-packed lunch. Feel free to make these the night before. French toast cinnamon sticks: Add pureed squash or sweet potatoes to the egg-milk batter for an extra boost of beta-carotene. Cook French toast and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Let cool and slice into sticks for an easy-to-eat fork-free option.

Have some yummy healthy recipes of your own you want to share? Feel free to add them in the comments!