Ideas for Fussy Eaters

Have a fussy eater? Check out some nutritious ideas for meals and snacks; as well as how to introduce your little fussy eater to some new foods. Yes, you may have a power play at hand, but meet him. You make the rules and set the boundaries, don’t forget that.

An idea that worked with my fussy eaters: package all meals as snacks…use cupcake liners or pick up cute cups at target and present it as a snack. It’s all in the presentation.

First, keep portions small – the size of his fist, and don’t react, they’ll eat when they’re hungry. You can also try: this or that… give 2 choices to choose from and if he doesn’t want to pick at that time, let him know it will be waiting for him when he gets hungry.

Next, when introducing something new, don’t do it on it’s own, fix a dish to include something they like, plus a small portion of their favorite. Then, if they try the ‘something new,’ you can use more of the favorite as leverage.

Finally, keep in mind that it takes creativity, perseverance, and understanding that it may take a few times of trying something (in different forms) for your fussy eater to finally agree.

Good luck, stay strong and remember that you make the rules and set the tone. That won’t stop your fussy eater from trying to change you and dominate the situation, but hold strong.

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The Building Blocks to a Good Meal for Fussy Eaters

Typically you want protein, a vegetable or fruit, and a starch with each meal (if you’re lucky). Below is a list of staples to keep on hand weekly so that you can throw a snack or meal together quickly without a hassle.

Lets start with some staples to keep in the fridge… please note you don’t need all of these items on hand at once, but by planning a little in advance based on foods your baby or toddler likes, you’ll be in good shape and less stressed. Incorporate items you know your fussy eater eats, and build on that.

The Staples:

• apples
• pears
• bananas
• spinach
• carrots
• sweet potato
• squash (butternut or other variety that’s already pre-cut)
• beans
• tortillas
• eggs
• lunch meat: ham, chicken, turkey
• cheese: slices, sticks, shred
• oatmeal or baby cereal
• yogurt
• sausage patties
• tater tots: regular and sweet
• organic fries – sweet and regular
• ground meat: turkey, beef
• chicken breast
• sausage: patties or ground variety

Next, I have provided a list of some simple meals that can be rotated and multiplied as many times as you need to get through your week.

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Meal Suggestions for Fussy Eaters

Keep in mind that any meal can be eaten at any time of the day, these suggestions show just that. In other words, breakfast items can be dinner, lunch items can be breakfast. This change up (if you don’t already do it) can be very exciting to your fussy eater. Feed your child mindfully, based on what they like, not what you would like them to like. Highlighted links take you to simple recipes to try for your little on and the entire family.

• spinach bean sauce – ravioli or pasta
• pasta or ravioli with simple marinara sauce
• chicken pot pie
• chili – turkey, beef, or bean(for vegetarians)
• bean pizza (made on tortilla)
• pizza bagel with veggies
• sweet potato mash with spinach or squash and meat and/or cheese roll up
• pancakes or waffles with fresh fruit
• hard boiled eggs with cheese, soft veggies
• Tortilla Soup
• yogurt and fruit
• smoothie – whatever variety your child likes
• toast with cheese and spinach
• avocado toast
• veggie macaroni & cheese
• seasoned ground meat, soft vegetables, tater tots

Quick Note on Cook’s Tools

If you are interested in making your own purees, check out my favorite baby product ever! This steamer-chopper combo tool is still used weekly in my house 7 years later! A quick note, the model discussed in the post linked above is hard to find, if you can find it, get it! However, I did some research and came across other options that do what this product does and more.

Affiliate links are posted in this blog post. Should you purchase from one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no charge to you.

Purees are great to have on hand, even with the older kids. For example, spinach and squash purees can be added to pretty much any savory dish. I like the steam option of this tool because its an easy way to soften vegetables and allows your tot to experience different textures, which will make eating choices easier down the road.

More Resources for Feeding Fussy Eaters

Many of the ingredients in these meal suggestions can be found premade, frozen, or canned. If however, you have the time and want to make your own, just plan ahead and make sure you have the right tools to get the job done. I did it and I worked full time. The idea is to get them used to foods that you and the rest of the family are eating so that its easier to transition to cooking one meal. This will take time, but have confidence. Prep their pallets now, or learn what they like so you can adapt your future meals. Please keep in mind that this takes persistence. Best of luck to you, and if you have ideas that work, please consider sharing in the comments section below. Good luck, remember to breathe, you’ve got this!