Heart-healthy diet plan for picky eaters
Diet plan grocery list
Carrots
Cucumbers
Bell peppers
Cherry tomatoes
Baby spinach
Sweet potatoes
Green beans
Apples
Bananas
Berries
Oranges
Grapes
Chicken tenders
Lean ground turkey
Salmon
Eggs
Whole wheat pasta
Brown rice
Whole grain bread
Low-fat yogurt
String cheese
Almonds
Cashews
Sunflower seeds
Olive oil
Hummus
Peanut butter
Granola
Popcorn
Frozen mixed vegetables
Oatmeal
Greek yogurt
Diet plan overview
The heart-healthy diet plan for picky eaters offers tasty, approachable foods that even selective eaters will enjoy. This plan features easy-to-like options that are both heart-friendly and delicious, making healthy eating more accessible and enjoyable. It’s about finding meals that cater to your tastes while supporting heart health.
Eating for your heart when you're a picky eater doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right recipes, you’ll discover nutritious foods that are simple to love.
Foods to eat
- Sweet Fruits: Apples, strawberries, and grapes are often more palatable and still support heart health.
- Vegetable Blends: Smoothies with spinach or carrots blended with fruit can mask the taste of vegetables.
- Mild-Flavored Proteins: Chicken, turkey, and eggs are versatile and can be prepared in ways that suit various tastes.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, cashews, and sunflower seeds provide healthy fats and are usually well-liked.
- Whole Grain Snacks: Whole grain crackers and bread can be easier for picky eaters to accept.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Strong-Flavored Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale might be too intense for picky eaters.
- Spicy Foods: Hot sauces and heavily spiced dishes can be off-putting and hard to incorporate into a picky eater's diet.
- Greasy Snacks: Potato chips, cheese puffs, and similar items are not heart-healthy and often preferred by picky eaters.
- Sugary Treats: Candies and pastries should be limited due to their negative impact on heart health.
- Soda: Avoid soda and sugary drinks which are unhealthy and can set a poor dietary example.
Main benefits
The heart-healthy diet plan for picky eaters makes it easier to incorporate a variety of nutrients through simple, tasty foods. It helps in reducing resistance to new foods by offering flavorful, yet healthy alternatives. This diet can improve meal satisfaction by catering to specific tastes without compromising nutrition. Additionally, it supports gradual dietary improvements, making healthy eating more accessible.
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📊 Recommended food breakdown (Source)
How to budget on this diet plan
Focus on buying in bulk to save on frequently eaten foods like whole grain pasta and frozen vegetables. Use simple, versatile ingredients that can be repurposed in different meals to avoid waste. Opt for affordable, mild-flavored fruits like bananas and apples, which are often well-received. Take advantage of sales and coupons to stock up on favorite healthy snacks.
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Meal plan suggestion
Meal Plan for Heart-healthy Diet Plan for Picky Eaters
Day 1
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey
- Lunch: Baby spinach and cherry tomato salad with olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Chicken tenders with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans
- Snack: Apple slices with peanut butter
Calories: 1480 Fat: 55g Carbs: 160g Protein: 80g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek yogurt, berries, and a handful of granola
- Lunch: Carrot and cucumber sticks with hummus
- Dinner: Lean ground turkey meatballs with whole wheat pasta and bell pepper sauce
- Snack: Orange slices with a handful of cashews
Calories: 1500 Fat: 52g Carbs: 170g Protein: 82g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with almond butter and a side of grapes
- Lunch: Sweet potato and bell pepper salad with olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Baked salmon with brown rice and steamed green beans
- Snack: Banana with a handful of sunflower seeds
Calories: 1540 Fat: 54g Carbs: 178g Protein: 85g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Smoothie bowl with Greek yogurt, berries, and a handful of granola
- Lunch: Cherry tomatoes and cucumber salad with olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Grilled chicken tenders with roasted sweet potatoes and a side of frozen mixed vegetables
- Snack: Sliced apples with a handful of almonds
Calories: 1520 Fat: 50g Carbs: 172g Protein: 84g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with apples, sunflower seeds, and skim milk
- Lunch: Whole wheat pasta with lean ground turkey and bell pepper sauce
- Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and a side of green beans
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus
Calories: 1550 Fat: 56g Carbs: 175g Protein: 85g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, and flaxseeds
- Lunch: Brown rice and lentil bowl with roasted bell peppers
- Dinner: Chicken tenders with roasted carrots and frozen mixed vegetables
- Snack: Orange slices with a handful of cashews
Calories: 1500 Fat: 51g Carbs: 172g Protein: 83g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with peanut butter and sliced bananas
- Lunch: Baby spinach and cherry tomato salad with olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Lean ground turkey meatballs with brown rice and roasted bell peppers
- Snack: Mixed berries with a handful of almonds
Calories: 1480 Fat: 50g Carbs: 170g Protein: 80g
These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Jun 21, 2024
- Updated on Nov 1, 2024