Healthy Meals for Picky Eaters: 10 Quick & Easy Recipes
Hi Adventurers! Gourmet Gus, the food adventuring raccoon, I know that finding healthy meals for picky eaters, especially kids, can be challenging. But, as a foodie, I believe that every meal can be a delicious adventure. That’s why I’ve put together a list of ten healthy meal recipes that are easy, nutritious, and kid-friendly.
Picky eaters are tough, regardless it is essential to ensure kids are eating healthy meals for proper growth and development. With healthy meal recipes, you can make sure kids are getting the nutrition they need while enjoying a delicious meal. The healthy meals below can cater to picky eaters, such as baked chicken nuggets for super picky eaters to sushi rolls for the more adventurous.
Not only are these healthy meal ideas delicious and nutritious, but they are also easy to prepare. Albeit we are all busy, we understand the importance of quick and easy meals that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition. Although, with these healthy meal recipes, you can cook healthy meals in no time, leaving more time for adventures.
Sushi Rolls
First off let’s start with Sushi is not raw fish, but rather vinegared rice! Sushi rolls may contain cooked ingredients as well. Sushi is a great way to introduce new types of foods and push those boundaries from picky eater to adventurous eater. For picky eaters start with simple rolls like cucumber & avocado and work your way up to more adventurous rolls like salmon and eel.
Mango Curry
Curry is a flavorful dish that is a great way to expose your child to other worlds of cuisine like Indian food. Although, there are many types of curry and mango curry is a great place to start as it is sweet, flavorful, and a healthy meal! (Both favorites with kids in our house).
Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas are a fun meal that any kid will love. The bright flavors and the sizzle will engage those picky eaters and hopefully get them to try their first bite. Let your child assemble their fajita with grilled chicken, peppers, onions, and other toppings.
Homemade Pizza
Making your pizza is a fun way to get your picky eater to try new flavors in the form of toppings. Experiment with different cheeses and meats and let your child create their culinary masterpiece for the family to enjoy.
Pineapple Fried Rice
A flavorful fried rice is a great way to incorporate new vegetables and flavors into any picky eater’s diet. We find in our home that having a sauce to go with things really goes a long way to trying something new and this is no different try adding some Yum Yum Sauce to the top.
Vegetable Stir Fry
Stir fry is a secret tool for parents to introduce new vegetables. Stir fry can feature many foods a picky eater likes and start mixing in new flavors to fit your picky eater’s taste. Familiar veggies, like carrots and broccoli, can take a starring role and adventurous veggies can supporting, like snow peas, water chestnuts, & bok choy.
Tacos al Pastor
These tacos are a staple in Mexico for good reason, they are bursting with flavor! Pork is marinated in spices and traditionally cooked on a spit. Top with fresh cilantro, pineapple, onions, and cotija cheese for a delicious and flavorful meal.
Baked Chicken Nuggets
Fair these are not the most adventurous food on the list, but that is not where the adventure comes from. There are always a variety of sauces that can go with this blank-slate food. In turn, those sauces can be applied to other foods in the future to help with picky eaters.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas can be a fun and healthy meal to introduce new vegetables to your picky eater. Never the less, kids do not always love vegetables, here they get a free pass with tasty cheese, tortilla, & protein. Fill with peppers, onions, and other veggies that your picky eater may not have tried before. Roasting veggies beforehand brings out their natural sweetness!
Gourmet Gus’s Final Thoughts on eating a Healthy Meal
Although, at Gourmet Gus, we believe cooking healthy meals together encourages picky eaters to try new foods. Additionally, as caregivers we should push these foods on children and it can backfire. Alongside these ten healthy dinner recipes, we can introduce your picky eaters to new flavors, textures, and experiences while ensuring that they are getting the nutrition they need.
Finally, remember that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or bland. Using tools such as creativity and simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy. So, whether you’re making sushi rolls or baked chicken nuggets, have fun with it and enjoy the adventure of cooking and eating together as a family!
