Let's talk about the ultimate challenge in the kitchen - cooking for picky eaters, aka toddlers. If you've ever felt like a culinary wizard trying to concoct meals that your little one will actually eat, you're not alone. Picky eating is practically a rite of passage for toddlers, but with some (a lot of) patience and a sprinkle of creativity, you can navigate this food adventure like a pro.
1. EMBRACE THE POWER OF DISGUISE
Sneak those veggies into your dishes - puree them into pasta sauce, blend them into smoothies or finely chop them into meatballs. Your toddler won't even know they're there, and you'll feel like a stealthy superhero.
And remember that it's okay to have some go-to meals. If your toddler has a few favourite dishes, don't be afraid to rotate them into your meal plan regularly. Consistency can be key when it comes to picky eaters. And if you're thinking 'Meal plan? Who's got time for that?' then these nutritious frozen meals packed with veggies are what you probably need.
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2. TRY AND GET CREATIVE
Turn boring sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters, arrange food on their plate in smiley faces or animal shapes, or serve meals on colourful plates with fun utensils. Sometimes, it's all about presentation!
3. MAKE MEALTIMES A FUN AND INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE
Get your mini sous chef involved in the cooking process by letting them pick out ingredients at the supermarket, letting them stir things in the pan (with your help), and even assemble their own mini pizzas or tacos. When kids are given the freedom to play with their food, they start to engage their senses in a fun and meaningful way. This sensory exploration lays the groundwork for developing healthy eating habits later on.
Now I know what you're thinking - 'but there'll be too much mess' and trust me, I get it. Cleaning spaghetti sauce from the ceiling is nobody's idea of a good time. But think of it this way - a little mess now can lead to big gains later. Alternatively, play it safe with our mess-free Mini Chef play set:
