Proper nutrition is necessary for young kids’ growth, and the healthy decision-making skills and eating habits they develop at a young age can set them up for success down the road. By teaching kids to eat a healthy, wholesome diet, you can encourage a positive relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.
But this is easier said than done. As your little ones grow, so do their personalities and opinions, which are sure to come out at mealtime.
At Nurture Life, we understand that many kids are hesitant to approach certain vegetables, whole grains or other new and unfamiliar foods, which can be difficult when you’re trying to get your child to eat more nutritiously. That’s why our team of chefs and registered dietitians has collaborated to develop kid-friendly, well-balanced meals for picky eaters of all ages. Our meals are created specifically for kids who are still learning to try new ingredients, flavors and textures, while also incorporating vital nutrients like fiber and iron that many picky eaters’ diets lack.
To help you find nutritious food for picky eaters in your home, we’re highlighting a few top picks from our Fall Menu and Favorites Menu below. What will your kid’s new favorite meal be?
Our seasonal menu uses seasonally inspired ingredients to create approachable, kid-friendly meals for picky eaters and adventurous eaters alike.
Leafy greens like spinach aren’t always considered an easy food for picky eaters, but we bet your little one won’t say no to these delicious gnocchi!
To keep this meal really kid-friendly, we’ve tucked the spinach inside of pillowy gnocchi tossed in a housemade bolognese. This familiar-tasting red sauce has extra veggies blended in, and it’s topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to entice your picky eater to take that first bite.
Who says backyard BBQ vibes have to end with summer? With this deliciously balanced meal, you can serve up your kid’s favorite BBQ flavors all autumn long.
The corn pudding and glazed carrots have a natural sweetness that makes them a hit with picky eaters—without the need for tons of added sugar or empty-calorie condiments on the side. These flavorful veggies balance out the zestiness of the slow-cooked BBQ pork while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Skip the takeout line (and all that grease) by serving your picky eater these wholesome Beef & Broccoli Noodles instead. With steamed broccoli, antibiotic-free beef and whole wheat noodles, this meal has a helping of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals—all tossed in a flavorful but familiar sauce of garlic, ginger and sesame.
Want to make this meal even more fun for picky eaters? Try serving it with kid-friendly chopsticks!
Our Favorites Menu serves up wholesome versions of classic kids favorites and always appear on our weekly menu. These meals are packed with familiar ingredients, flavors and textures along with the nutrition your little one needs to thrive. Approachable yet nutritious, these are the perfect meals for picky eaters at any age!
Our chicken breast bites are baked until crispy. The chicken bites, which provide a good source of iron, will likely be the most approachable component of this meal due to their familiar color and texture. In contrast, the bright colors of the French green beans and smooth, creamy mashed sweet potatoes (a vegetable combination that provides an excellent source of fiber) are sweeter in taste than many vegetables and can quickly become your kid’s favorite.
If you know your toddler or kid may be hesitant to try this meal, let them know in advance what they’ll be having (green beans and mashed yams included), and allow them to navigate their plate while eating. With repeated exposure and open communication, your little one can become more open to trying the green beans and yams!
Mac & cheese is a timeless classic that rarely disappoints. Nurture Life’s Mac & Cheese is made with whole wheat pasta, making the meal a good source of fiber: one serving of Nurture Life Mac & Cheese provides nearly one-third of a child’s daily fiber requirements. (Fiber plays an important role in your kid’s healthy digestion.) The addition of pureed cauliflower in our creamy cheddar cheese sauce provides about 60 percent Daily Value of vitamin C, which is important for wound healing and iron absorption.
This American comfort food will most likely be a familiar option for your little one, so it’s a good place to start if you’d like to offer a wholesome alternative to boxed mac & cheese. Your little one won’t be able to see the cauliflower since it’s blended smoothly into the cheddar cheese sauce, which can help avoid the “What is that white stuff?!” question.
A successful way to get your kid to try a new food is by pairing it with something they already like, which is why we pair mild-tasting cauliflower with broccoli! Kids will also love our flavorful housemade chicken meatballs, which provide a lean alternative to the traditional beef variety. To round out the meal, we use whole wheat rotini in our pasta, which packs in fiber and B vitamins, important nutrients for converting carbohydrates into energy.
We understand that encouraging your children to eat a well-balanced diet can be a frustrating process, so we consistently offer picky eating tips throughout our knowledge center! Read up on strategies for introducing new foods or learning how to parent a picky eater with less stress.
If you have questions or want more help transitioning to Nurture Life’s meals for picky eaters, we are here to help. Contact our team any time at support@nurturelife.com.
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