Toddler Meals for Busy Moms with Picky Little Ones

I think kids turn one and decide they like what they like and we just have to deal with it.

At least in my situation that has been true.

My son ate everything and anything as a baby and now he will literally throw food on the floor if its a certain color.

Thats where the idea for this article came into place. I have found ways to sneak in the fruits and veggies he needs even if he doesn’t like them on their own so I knew I needed to share with other moms struggling with me.

These are all quick options because I think we all have a lot to do in our days on top of the fact that my son has the “hangry” mentality and will go from 0-100 when he gets hungry.

So let’s go a head and get into this.

First things first, homemade toddler meals.

Top 5 Homemade Toddler Meals / Snacks

Oatmeal Bites

These are an absolute staple in our house. I talk about these on Instagram all the time and I actually have a reel of me making them with the full recipe.

It is basically a baked oatmeal that I puree a fruit blend or fruit and veggie blend into. I can also add nut butters if I feel he needs more protein as well.

He will eat 3 or 4 of these at a time for a snack or with breakfast.

Pasta with Red Sauce

Pasta is a kids classic, never met a little one that didn’t love pasta. We use the Banza chickpea pasta and I make a homemade pasta sauce that I freeze in servicing sizes. The pasta sauce includes tomatoes, onion, zucchini, bell peppers and spinach. I then season with garlic powder and Italian season blend. he LOVES this, try it out, I bet your kids will too.

Toast with Jam and Nut Butter

Toasted wheat bread is a classic for us, I use a natural peanut butter that is strictly nuts and sea salt. I then top it with a berry mash, like strawberries, blue berries or raspberries. My son won’t eat these on their own but gladly on his toast, kids are so funny.

Loaded Eggs

Loaded eggs are so great, I sneak in bell peppers, onion, spinach and cheese. I scramble them up or turn it into a little omelette.

Loaded Grilled Cheese

Similar to the eggs, this is a great way to pack in bell peppers, onions, spinach, while getting the dairy in from the cheese. We use whole wheat bread to get some grains as well and an unsalted butter. You can also add different types of cheese into this for variety.

Store Bought Snacks / Meals

store bought is definitely not the healthiest option but sometimes it is needed. These are great for snack time, quick meals after your child is already hungry and cant wait or on the go meals.

Good & Gather Meals

I recently came across the Good and Gather brand of kids meals and I was so impressed. A bunch of basic meals like pizza, mac and cheese and pasta but with hidden veggies. Things that I would never think to add myself. Cauliflower pizza bites, carrot and butternut squash mac and cheese, so many great options check them out on your next Target trip.

Chicken Nuggets

I know some parents hate these and some love them. Our household loves chicken nuggets. I typically get whole grain or gluten free to make them “healthier” but I recently found out that Perdue makes chicken nuggets that have chickpeas and cauliflower in them.

Chicken Sausage

Great added protein for a breakfast option. Normally I pick up the Applegate chicken maple sausage. We don’t eat these all the time because the sodium is high but once or twice a week we do, sodium in anyone’s diet isn’t bad as long as it’s in moderation.

Yogurt / Apple Sauce Pouches

you can find these most places but we love the once upon a Farm pouches, I like them because of the freshness and the no preservatives. Aldi also has a nice variety for applesauces or the Good and Gather brand at Target. My son will also eat a bowl of plain greek yogurt or homemade apple sauce that I freeze in serving sizes for him.

Dried Fruit and Veggies

Fresh Bellies makes dried fruits and veggies that are seasoned. Typically savory or spicy which is my sons favorite. You can find these are most grocery stores and on the fresh bellies website.

Toddler Meal Subscription

We Recently signed up for Little Spoon, I don’t have a huge option yet, we receive our first box this week but I am so excited. They have about 28 plate options, pouches and vitamin boost packs. You can also do a baby food subscription with them if you have younger kids as well. I love that they have a ton of different flavor options that I would never think of making him. I can wait to see how he likes them and I will keep you guys updated on Instagram.

Okay guys, that was it for all of my go to meal and snack options. Let me know if you try and of these out and tell me what you think ! I would also love for you to share your go to meals for your little ones in the comments below or send me a DM on Instagram.

If you like this article check out my sensory play article!

XOXO
Gabby Koren