Meal Plan For Picky Eaters
Feeding picky eaters at home? Our 7-day meal plan for picky eaters tackles this challenge with tasty, kid-friendly options. Plus, we'll help you convert these meals into a smart shopping list. Let's make mealtime enjoyable for everyone!
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Meal plan grocery list
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Whole grain bread
- Turkey
- Lettuce
- Apples
- Chicken
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Pepperoni
- Cereal
- Milk
- Tuna
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Whole grain bread
- Turkey
- Lettuce
- Apples
- Chicken
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Corn
- Macaroni
- Pork chops
- Applesauce
- Strawberries
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
Eggs Cheese Whole grain bread Turkey Lettuce Apples Chicken Sweet potatoes Carrots Tortillas Guacamole Beef Rice
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Dec. 19, 2023.
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024.
Meal plan overview
Feeding picky eaters? Our 7-day meal plan for picky eaters tackles this challenge with tasty, kid-friendly options. It's designed to make mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
With a variety of flavors and foods, this plan is a great way to introduce new tastes while keeping meals fun and appealing.
Foods to eat
- Simple Proteins: Grilled chicken, turkey slices, or fish sticks.
- Whole Grains: Plain pasta, brown rice, or whole grain bread.
- Mild Vegetables: Carrots, cucumbers, or peas, either raw or lightly cooked.
- Fruits: Apples, bananas, or berries, which are often more acceptable to picky eaters.
- Dairy Products: Cheese sticks, yogurt, or milk.
- Smoothies: Combining fruits with yogurt or milk for a nutritious treat.
- Simple Snacks: Rice cakes, plain crackers, or popcorn.
✅ Tip
Introduce new foods slowly and pair them with familiar favorites to gradually expand their palate.
Foods not to eat
- Spicy Foods: Anything with too much heat or strong spices.
- Complex Mixtures: Dishes where ingredients are heavily mixed, like casseroles or stews.
- Strong Flavors: Foods with intense or unfamiliar flavors, such as blue cheese or olives.
- Overly Textured Foods: Items with unusual or challenging textures, like tofu or certain seafood.
- Large Pieces: Foods that are not bite-sized or easy to handle.
- Highly Processed Foods: While often preferred, they should be limited for health reasons.
- Unknown Foods: Introduce new items slowly and in small amounts.
Main benefits
The Meal Plan For Picky Eaters is crafted to accommodate individuals with selective taste preferences. This plan focuses on introducing a variety of flavors and textures gradually. It includes familiar favorites while incorporating new and nutritious options. By promoting a positive and relaxed approach to trying new foods, the plan aims to broaden the palate and encourage a diverse and balanced diet over time.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
A meal plan for picky eaters should include familiar, yet healthy options. Here are some suitable alternatives:
- Replace whole grain bread with pita bread for a different texture and shape that might be more appealing.
- Instead of fish sticks, try chicken tenders for a familiar taste that is often more accepted by picky eaters.
- Switch green beans with peas, which are sweet and typically more favored by picky eaters.
- Use smoothies instead of fruit salad to pack in fruits and vegetables in a more appealing form.
- Substitute spaghetti with macaroni to offer a familiar shape that is often more appealing to kids.
How to budget on this meal plan
To budget this meal plan better, focus on buying in bulk, choosing generic brands, and utilizing sales. Prioritize versatile staples like rice, oats, and potatoes. Plan meals around seasonal produce like apples and tomatoes for savings. Consider homemade alternatives for items like granola, marinara sauce, and guacamole to cut costs.
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Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Simple, appealing snacks for picky eaters:
- Peanut butter and banana slices
- String cheese with whole wheat crackers
- Apple slices with caramel dip
- Cheese quesadilla
- Homemade trail mix with cereal and raisins
- Fruit smoothie with yogurt
- Carrot sticks with ranch dip
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For picky eaters, enticing and nutritious beverage options are essential. Fruit smoothies with yogurt offer a delicious and healthy treat. Milk, whether cow's or plant-based, provides essential nutrients. Freshly squeezed fruit juices, like orange or apple, are great for a vitamin boost. Lastly, herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile can be soothing and enjoyable.
How to get even more nutrients?
Dealing with picky eaters can be challenging, but it’s about finding nutritious foods that appeal to their preferences. Try incorporating their favorite fruits and vegetables into meals and experiment with smoothies that include a mix of fruits, vegetables, and a protein source like yogurt or a protein powder. Offering a variety of whole grains can also introduce new textures and flavors in a subtle way, and using healthy fats like avocado in dishes can enhance their appeal.
Meal plan suggestions
7-Day Meal Plan for Picky Eaters
Note: This meal plan is designed for picky eaters, focusing on familiar and simple flavors while incorporating a variety of nutrients. The goal is to gradually introduce new foods in a non-intimidating way. Portions can be adjusted based on age and appetite.
Day 1
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with cheese and whole grain toast
- Lunch: Turkey and cheese sandwich with lettuce on whole wheat bread, and apple slices
- Dinner: Homemade chicken nuggets with sweet potato fries and steamed carrots
Calories: 1600 Fat: 65g Carbs: 150g Protein: 90g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with honey and sliced bananas
- Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup
- Dinner: Spaghetti with marinara sauce and a side of green beans
Calories: 1500 Fat: 55g Carbs: 180g Protein: 60g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Yogurt with granola and berries
- Lunch: Ham and cheese roll-up with cucumber slices and ranch dip
- Dinner: Baked fish sticks with mashed potatoes and peas
Calories: 1600 Fat: 60g Carbs: 170g Protein: 85g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Pancakes with maple syrup and a side of fruit salad
- Lunch: Chicken quesadilla with a side of guacamole
- Dinner: Beef meatballs with rice and steamed broccoli
Calories: 1700 Fat: 70g Carbs: 180g Protein: 80g
Day 5
- Breakfast: French toast with strawberries
- Lunch: Peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole grain bread with carrot sticks
- Dinner: Homemade pizza with cheese and pepperoni, and a side salad
Calories: 1750 Fat: 75g Carbs: 190g Protein: 85g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Cereal with milk and sliced banana
- Lunch: Tuna salad sandwich with a side of apple slices
- Dinner: Grilled chicken with baked potato and corn on the cob
Calories: 1600 Fat: 60g Carbs: 170g Protein: 90g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Smoothie with banana, yogurt, and honey
- Lunch: Macaroni and cheese with a side of steamed green beans
- Dinner: Pork chops with applesauce, roasted sweet potatoes, and peas
Calories: 1650 Fat: 65g Carbs: 175g Protein: 85g
Snacks: Options like fresh fruits, cheese sticks, yogurt, and whole grain crackers can be offered between meals.
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
Remember to encourage trying new foods in small amounts, and adjust the recipes to suit the specific preferences and dietary needs of the picky eater.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.