As a parent of a picky eater I know the struggle of meal prepping for picky eaters. It’s like a culinary rollercoaster of negotiating with tiny food critics at the dinner table, trying to find the magic combination of flavours and textures that even the most stubborn little eaters will love. I know from my experience that is it hard work.
We understand the frustration and challenge of getting picky eaters to eat a balanced and healthy diet. But don’t despair, there is a solution!
Meal prepping is your secret weapon in the battle against picky eating. It’s not just about saving time (who doesn’t need that?), but it also gives you control over the food your kids eat and ensures they get the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
We’re not here to throw random ingredients together and hope for the best. We’re here to provide you with the strategies, tips, and recipes you need to transform your meal prepping game. Together, we’ll create delicious and nutritious meals that even picky eaters will adore.
So, what are you waiting for? Join us on this journey of meal prepping for picky eaters and transform mealtimes from negotiations into delightful family feasts!
Download my Dietitian Approved FREE 5 Day Meal Plan – click here.
Benefits of Meal Prepping for Picky Eaters
Creating a Structured Meal Plan
Ever feel like your kitchen is a chaotic food circus? We get it!
With meal prepping, you’re not just throwing ingredients into the mix—you’re creating a structured meal plan that turns mealtime mayhem into a well-choreographed culinary show. Think of it as your secret recipe for bringing order to the dinner table chaos.
Encouraging Variety and Exploration of New Foods
Variety is the spice of life, right? Well, it’s also the key to expanding those picky palates!
Meal prepping allows you to introduce a rainbow of flavours, textures, and shapes into your child’s diet. Imagine turning broccoli from a foe into a friendly green superhero as it had been given the flourish and flavour your child needed to try it.
Saving Time and Reducing Stress for Mealtime
Picture this: a kitchen where you’re not scrambling at the last minute, trying to whip up a meal that pleases everyone. That’s the magic of meal prepping!
By investing a bit of time upfront, you’re saving heaps of it in the long run. Plus, when mealtime rolls around, you get to be the calm chef, not a frazzled food ninja. Less stress, more smiles at the table—it’s a win-win!
Helping Maintain a Balanced Diet
We get it—making sure your little ones get the nutrients they need can be a puzzle. Meal prepping is like having your very own nutrition compass. It gives you the power to craft meals that are not only delicious but also have your child’s favourite foods and yours too. Say hello to a balanced diet without the dinner table drama.
So, are you ready to don your apron and become a meal prepping maestro?
Stick around as we dive deeper into the art of turning your kitchen into a haven for happy, healthy eaters!
How to meal prep for picky eaters
Let’s sprinkle some mealtime magic on your kitchen with these game-changing strategies for successful meal prepping—because feeding picky eaters can be an adventure, not an ordeal!
- Involving Picky Eaters in Meal Planning
Time to turn your kitchen into a family affair! Get your little sous-chefs involved in the meal planning process. Let them choose a veggie for the day or pick a theme for dinner. When kids have a say, they’re not just eating; they’re creating a culinary masterpiece with you. It’s a win-win—bonding time and a meal that they helped design!
- Gradual Exposure to New Foods
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are adventurous eaters! Introduce new foods gradually and without the food parade. It’s like planting seeds; with a bit of patience and time, you’ll watch their taste buds bloom. It took me 2 years to get my little girl to like carrots so don’t despair or give up.
- Using Familiar Ingredients in New Ways
You know that favourite ingredient your picky eater can’t resist? Time to get creative! Transform it into different shapes, sizes, or pair it with unexpected flavours. Suddenly, you’re not serving the same old, same old—you’re presenting a culinary surprise. Who knew pasta could be this exciting?
- Incorporating Fun and Creativity in Meal Prepping
Prepare for takeoff into the world of whimsical meals! Use cookie cutters, arrange food into smiley faces, or create food art on the plate. When mealtime becomes a canvas for creativity, it’s not just about eating; it’s about playing with your food which is all part of the steps to eventually eating the food.
- Prepping and Storing Meals Effectively
Ever wish you had a magic wand to make dinner appear? While we can’t promise a wand, we’ve got the next best thing—efficient meal prepping and storage. Batch cook like a pro and store individual portions for stress-free dinners. Your future self will thank you on those busy evenings when cooking feels like a distant dream.
Breakfast Meal Prepping for Picky Eaters
Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos
Say goodbye to morning rush and hello to handheld happiness! Wrap up a medley of scrambled eggs, cheese, and a favourite veggies (or fruit on the side if you are not quite there with veggies yet!) in tortillas. Pop these little wonders in the freezer, and voila—breakfast is served with just a quick reheat.
Overnight Oats with Customisable Toppings
Let’s talk about the superhero of breakfasts—overnight oats! Mix oats with milk or yoghurt, add a sprinkle of magic (aka toppings like fruits, nuts, or honey), and let it work its overnight charm in the fridge. In the morning, your picky eater gets to customize their bowl with toppings of their choice. It’s like crafting a breakfast masterpiece! Here is great overnight oat recipe to help.
Mini Frittatas with Various Fillings
Who says veggies can’t be rockstars at breakfast? Whip up mini frittatas with a variety of fillings—think cheese, ham, any veggies they like or whatever your little one fancies. These cute, individually-sized delights are not just packed with flavour and eggs provide lots of iron. Here is a great frittatas recipe with sweetcorn.
DIY Parfait Jars
Layer Greek yoghurt with granola and an assortment of colourful fruits in small jars. Seal them tight and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, your picky eater gets to dig into their personalized parfait jar, playing with different layers and textures.
Pancake Muffins
Turn breakfast into a grab-and-go affair! Pour pancake batter into muffin tins, add in chocolate chips, berries, or nuts, and bake. These fluffy pancake muffins are not just adorable; they’re a convenient way to enjoy the pancake goodness without the flipping fuss.
Homemade Breakfast Sandwiches
Elevate the classic breakfast sandwich by making a batch in advance. Use English muffins, bagels, or even mini waffles as a base. Layer with scrambled eggs, cheese, and their favourite breakfast toppings. Wrap them individually and freeze for a quick and satisfying breakfast on busy mornings.
Cereal Mix-and-Match Jars
Create a breakfast buffet in a jar! Fill small jars with a variety of cereals, dried fruits, and nuts. Your picky eater can customize their morning bowl by choosing their preferred cereal combination. It’s a fun way to make breakfast interactive and exciting.
Apple and Peanut Butter “Sandwiches”
Slice apples horizontally to create “sandwich” rounds. Spread peanut butter (or almond butter) on one side of each apple slice, then sandwich them together with granola or crushed nuts in the middle.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on your picky eater’s preferences, and let breakfast become a daily celebration of flavours!
Lunch and dinner meal prep options
DIY Lunchables
Create your healthier, homemade version of the classic lunchable by pairing sliced chicken or ham with cheese cubes and whole-grain crackers. Add in some cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices for a refreshing touch.
Pasta Salad Jars
Layer cooked pasta, colourful veggies e.g peas and sweetcorn or whatever veggies they like, and grilled chicken in jars with their favourite dressing. Shake it up when it’s time to eat for a pasta salad that’s as fun to assemble as it is to devour.
Pasta, Rice or Quinoa Veggie Bento Boxes
Fill bento boxes with cooked quinoa or rice or pasta, roasted veggies, and bite-sized pieces of grilled chicken or tofu. Add a dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavour.
Rainbow Wraps
Roll up a rainbow! Spread cream cheese or hummus on whole-grain tortillas, then add a spectrum of veggies—carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and spinach or any veggies they do like. If none serve some fruit on the side. Roll them up and slice into pinwheels for a vibrant lunch.
Homemade Pizza Pockets
Turn pizza night into pizza pockets! Stuff whole-wheat pita pockets with pizza sauce, cheese, and their favourite toppings. Bake and freeze for a quick pizza fix.
Dinner Meal Prep Options
Here are a few easy dinner ideas
Stir-Fry Freezer Packs
Assemble freezer packs with pre-cut veggies and protein (chicken, beef, or tofu). Add your favourite stir-fry sauce, seal, and freeze. When it’s time to cook, toss everything into a pan for a speedy stir-fry.
One-Pan Chicken and Veggie Bake
Keep it simple with a one-pan wonder! Toss chicken breasts or thighs with a medley of veggies, olive oil, and seasonings. Roast everything together for a fuss-free and flavourful dinner.
Vegetarian Taco Bowls
Layer black beans, corn, rice, and sautéed veggies in bowls. Top with salsa, guacamole, and a sprinkle of cheese for a meatless taco feast.
Salmon and Veggie Foil Packets
Seal the goodness in foil! Place salmon fillets on a bed of sliced veggies, add your favourite herbs and a squeeze of lemon. Seal the packets and bake for a moist and flavourful dinner.
Cheesy Chicken Meatballs
Mix mince chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, and your favourite seasonings to create meatballs. Bake and freeze for quick dinners.
Build-Your-Own Burrito Bowls
Set up a burrito bowl station with rice, black beans, grilled chicken or beef, and an array of toppings like salsa, cheese, and guacamole. Let everyone customize their bowl to their liking.
Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Make your own chicken nuggets using lean chicken breast strips coated in whole-grain breadcrumbs. Bake and freeze for a healthier take on this kid-friendly classic.
Mashed Potato Muffins
Mix mashed sweet potatoes or regular potatoes with cheese and herbs. Spoon into muffin cups and bake for a fun twist on mashed potatoes. These go great with the homemade chicken nuggets.
Tomato Basil Pasta Bake
Combine cooked pasta with a tomato basil sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting pasta bake. Top with some tinned tuna this is one of our family favourites.
Egg Fried Rice
Use a rice packet for convenience if don’t have time to cook rice. Stir-frying with colourful veggies, scrambled eggs, and a splash of soy sauce. Quick, easy, and loved by picky eaters!
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Shred cooked chicken and mix with barbecue sauce. Spread the mixture between tortillas with cheese, then grill for a BBQ-infused quesadilla delight.
Veggie-Packed Spaghetti Bolognese
Add finely chopped carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers to your spaghetti Bolognese sauce. Serve over whole-grain pasta. Get your child to help you cut up the veggies that are added to the meal.
Chicken and Veggie Skewers
Thread marinated chicken pieces and colourful veggies onto skewers. Grill or bake for a skewer sensation that’s both tasty and visually appealing.
Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Make a batch of creamy tomato soup and freeze individual portions. Pair with bite-sized grilled cheese croutons. This is the only way I get my child to eat tomatoes in a soup version. But I am working on fresh tomatoes.
Feel free to mix and match these meal prep options based on your family’s preferences, and watch your picky eaters enjoy a diverse array of delicious meals!
Overcoming Common Challenges for meal prepping for picky eaters
Dealing with Limited Food Choices
Ever feel stuck in a food rut with your little one? It happens!
Start by expanding on what they already enjoy. If they love pasta, try different shapes, or introduce a variety of sauces. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it sure did have amazing food options! Have a look at my blog on food chaining for more ideas to help.
Addressing Food Texture and Sensory Issues
Texture troubles? If certain textures trigger a food rejection, experiment with different cooking methods. Roast, steam, or puree veggies to alter their textures. Turning crunchy into creamy or vice versa might just be the texture switch-up your picky eater needs.
Managing Resistance and Negotiating with Picky Eaters
Picky eaters are often master negotiators, aren’t they? Make negotiating part of the process. Offer choices within reasonable limits. “Do you want broccoli or cauliflower today?” By giving them a sense of control, you’re turning mealtime into a collaboration rather than a battleground.
Handling Meal Prep Burnout and Staying Motivated
We get it—meal prepping day in and day out can be a marathon. To avoid burnout, mix up your routine. Try new recipes, involve the family in decision-making, or designate a fun theme night. If fatigue sets in, take a breather. It’s okay to simplify your meal prep for a day or two and indulge in some kitchen-free time.
Tips for Long-Term Success in meal prepping for picky eaters
Consistency and Patience in Introducing New Foods
Consistency is your kitchen’s best friend. Keep introducing new foods regularly, even if it’s just a small addition each time. Patience is the secret sauce—let your picky eater set the pace, and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small.
Adapting and Evolving Meal Prep Strategies
Flexibility is key to mastering the art of meal prepping. As your picky eaters tastes evolve, so should your strategies. Stay open to tweaking your approach, trying new recipes, or adjusting the presentation. It’s a culinary adventure, and adaptability is your compass.
Celebrating Small Victories and Progress
Tiny triumphs deserve a grand celebration! Did they try a new veggie? Hooray! (But don’t celebrate in front of them). Instead get a notebook and write down the little successes. It also helps on the bad days too so you can see how far they have come.
Are they showing interest in the kitchen? Fantastic! Celebrate these victories—they’re the building blocks of long-term success. Positive reinforcement creates a joyful atmosphere around food exploration.
Seeking Professional Guidance When Necessary
If mealtime challenges persist, don’t hesitate to bring in the pros. Dietitians can provide personalized advice tailored to your picky eaters needs.
As a mum and a dietitian, I know how stressful it can be have a picky eater or fussy eater. If you are worried about your child’s nutrition, book a free call or check out my Creating Confident Eater Programme to see if I can help your child with their fussy eating.
Or download my free guide to help Boost your child’s iron intake with irresistible snacks for picky eaters
Written by Emma Shafqat, Paediatric Dietitian RD. The information is correct at the time of publishing the blog.
