Meal planning can be challenging, especially when you have picky eaters at home. The key is to create meals that appeal to their tastes while still providing nutrition. Here are three diverse examples of meal planning for picky eaters that can help make mealtime a success!
In households with picky eaters, providing options can be a game-changer. Taco night is a fun and interactive way to cater to different tastes while ensuring everyone gets what they like. Set up a taco bar where each family member can customize their own tacos with a variety of toppings. For instance, include soft and hard taco shells, seasoned ground beef or chicken, and a spread of toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and salsa.
Letting everyone build their own tacos encourages them to try new ingredients while still having control over their meal. You can even include some unique items like diced bell peppers or black beans for the adventurous eaters.
Notes: You can switch up the protein options each week, using fish, turkey, or even vegetarian alternatives like lentils or mushrooms. This keeps the meal fresh and exciting!
Bento boxes are not just for kids—they’re a fun way to make meals visually appealing and varied for picky eaters of all ages. Start by choosing a main protein such as grilled chicken, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs, and then fill the bento box with a rainbow of colorful sides. Think carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and sweet bell pepper strips for crunch, along with a small serving of dip like hummus or ranch dressing.
Incorporate whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, and a sweet treat like a few slices of fruit or a small piece of dark chocolate. This not only makes the meal fun to eat but also encourages trying new foods in small portions.
Notes: You can prep these bento boxes in advance for quick lunches during the week. Mix and match different proteins and veggies to keep it interesting. Also, consider using fun shapes with cookie cutters to make the food more appealing!
Pizza is a favorite for many, making it an ideal meal for picky eaters. Instead of ordering out, why not host a DIY pizza night? Prepare or buy pizza dough and set up a topping station with a variety of options. Provide classic choices like mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and tomato sauce, along with unique toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or pineapple.
Encouraging each family member to create their own personal pizza allows them to choose what they like. This hands-on approach makes mealtime more enjoyable and lessens the stress of trying to cater to everyone’s preferences.
Notes: You can make this a weekly tradition and change the theme every time—think Mexican pizza with refried beans and salsa one week, and BBQ chicken pizza the next. Get creative with sauces and toppings to keep the excitement alive!
By incorporating these examples of meal planning for picky eaters, you can create a more enjoyable and stress-free mealtime experience for your family. With a little creativity and flexibility, meal planning can become an exciting adventure rather than a chore!