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One day meal plan for picky eaters

The one-day meal plan for picky eaters is designed to accommodate selective tastes while ensuring nutritional needs are met. It includes familiar, simple foods presented in an appealing way.

This plan aims to gently introduce variety without overwhelming. It’s about making mealtime both enjoyable and nutritious.

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Meal plan grocery list

  • Pancake mix
  • Maple syrup
  • Berries
  • Bananas

  • Bread
  • Cheese slices
  • Tomato soup
  • Apples

  • Peanut butter
  • Chicken tenders
  • Potatoes
  • Corn

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Meal plan overview

One Day Meal Plan for Picky Eaters: A guide through meals that are both appealing and nutritious. This meal plan is for those with selective tastes, where the meals are familiar but healthy. We will be looking at simple, delicious meals to please even the most finicky eaters. Learn how to make a balanced meal that caters to preferences while pleasing the health quotient of food.

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 alongside their favorites, but in a fun and creative way, like making faces or shapes with the food.

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 One Day 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.

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🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

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Protein

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Other

Food alternatives

A meal plan for picky eaters should include familiar foods while introducing new flavors and textures. Here are some suitable alternatives:

  • Pancake mix can be replaced with waffle mix, offering a similar taste but different shape and texture.
  • Maple syrup can be swapped with honey for a natural sweetener option.
  • Instead of berries, try apple slices, which are easy to eat and kid-friendly.
  • Cheese slices can be exchanged for cream cheese, providing a creamy texture that pairs well with bread.
  • Chicken tenders can be swapped with fish sticks, introducing a new protein source in a familiar form.

How to budget on this meal plan

Items such as pancake mix and maple syrup come in bigger sizes, which are better value. For fruits, seasonal fruits like berries or bananas are cheaper and can be applied to many dishes. Making homemade tomato soup is not only cost-effective but healthier, too. Buying bread and cheese in bulk can also lead to savings.

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Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Snacks for picky eaters combine health and taste in an appealing way:

  • Homemade pizza bites with whole grain crust
  • Fruit kabobs
  • Mini cheese and fruit plates
  • Yogurt popsicles with fruit pieces
  • Whole grain pancakes with maple syrup
  • Vegetable chips or fries
  • Peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat bread
What should I drink on this meal plan?

Offering both attractive and healthy drinks to picky eaters is quite important. Some of those would be nutritious smoothies with hidden veggies and fruits, flavored water with natural fruit slices just to make it fun, low-fat milk or fortified plant-based milks for calcium, natural fruit juices since they provide vitamins in moderation, and herbal teas for a caffeine-free soothing drink option.

How to get even more nutrients?

Dealing with picky eaters, especially children, requires incorporating nutritious foods in a way that is appealing to them. Offering a variety of proteins like tender chicken strips, fish cakes, or bean patties can provide essential nutrients. Pair these with whole grains like pasta or rice and sneak in vegetables through sauces or as sides. Offering healthy fats through foods like avocado slices or nut butters can also contribute to their overall nutrient intake.

Meal plan suggestions

One Day Meal Plan for Picky Eaters

  • Breakfast: Pancakes with maple syrup and a side of fruit
  • Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwich with a side of tomato soup
  • Snack: Apple slices with peanut butter
  • Dinner: Baked chicken tenders with mashed potatoes and corn

Calories: 1400  Fat: 57g   Carbs: 180g   Protein: 59g

These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.

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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.