What can I feed my 19 month old?

Question

I think we are both tired of mac and cheese, turkey dogs, quesadillas, pizza, grilled cheese (notice a cheese theme?)
I am looking for easy and nutritional- something he thinks is a treat, but is really nutritional! Maybe something I can make ahead and pull out individually and heat up?

I guess I wasn't clear- he eats fresh fruits and veggies with every meal- he loves them. I am looking for 'main course' ideas.

The more I read your answers, the more dissapointed I am with the judgement! No, I am not lazy, I do not feed my sone whatever is convenient for me, and I have tried most of the things you have suggested- I am looking for fresh NEW ideas that you have tried with an actual toddler! For example, I just found a recipe for a healthy dinner pancake with veggies, etc. For those of you who gave honest answers, thanks- for the rest, thanks for nothing!

Answer 1

Kids love to dip things! Healthy dips include: guacamole, hummus, tzatziki, pureed fruits or veg (just because you wouldn't dip brocolli in apple sauce doesn't make it wrong. Purreed carrots and strawberries are also awesome on things). The above can be frozen in ice cube trays so you can make large batches. However they will become more watery if you freeze them so make them thicker or add yogurt or sour cream to thicken them after you thaw them.

Also try menu planning and be sure to put away leftovers for your son. Another key to menu planning is to make extra for later meals. So say you are having shepherd's pie a) freeze some and b) cook some extra ground beef for making spaghetti sauce, or pasta, or hamburger soup later in the week. This way some of your prep for later meals (lunch and dinner) has been done. Have plain rice one day with a meat in sauce, make fried rice from the cold rice another day. Cooked rice can also be added to soups and whatnot to make them heartier.

When you boil potatoes make extra. Then you can make cheater roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, potato pancakes, etc later in the week.

Buy large pieces of meat like recently pork shoulders were on sale. Cut them into sizes you need for recipes, just as kabobs, slow cooker pork, and freeze them. Even pick out your recipe and make sure you freeze the right amount then write the recipe name on the bag. Slow cooker pork (pulled pork, many mexican dishes, etc. Can be served over rice or with tortillas and later in be put on buns for lunch.

I am really trying to start menu planning and so far it is working out pretty well. Though I had a party and had so many leftovers I haven't even started on this weeks meals, but I have them all frozen for next week.

Also if you do the prep ahead (the night before, during naps) like peeling veg, cooking rice or potatoes, etc then you are commited to making the meal AND it will take much less time when you are hungry.

Answer 2

It has been my experience that kids get into this routine when the parents let them. I know, because I did it with my oldest. He ate a good variety of foods, including all sorts of veggies. And then, I got lazy and started giving him more and more of stuff like this. Now, he's locked into chicken nuggets.

My best suggestion is to give him a variety of foods (see below). If he's rejecting, let him have a LITTLE cheese sauce, ketchup, etc. for dipping. That turns something like "green beans" into a treat.

Carrots
Broccoli
Raw spinach
Soy or veggie based products, like meatballs, dogs, nuggets, burgers
Soup
Chicken breast
Green beans
Various types of legumes/beans

Or, think of this another way... Give him whatever you're eating. At 19 months, this may mean cutting into small pieces or avoiding a few things. But, in general, a 19 MO can deal with whatever you send his way.

Answer 3

Snacks
Wedges of apples and cheese
Broccoli covered in cheese sauce
Frozen grapes- cut in half to avoid choking
Frozen banana on a stick and you can dip it in chocolate before you freeze it but you don't have to
If you have a dehydrator you can make apple chips, if not you can get some in any grocery store.
Baby carrots, read the story of Peter the Rabbit and include the carrots, it will be fun and interactive
I know you are tired of the cheese thing, but it is a good way to get the baby the calcium needed without too much fuss.
Good luck

Answer 4

Try to get all the basic food groups in during the day, so something in the whole grains, veggies - buy the frozen they cook fast, soft fruits, deli meats like ham and turkey.

Answer 5

You really need to be offering him veggies and healthy things, not just convenient to make and serve food. If this is what you're eating, you need to change your diet to something healthier.

Toddlers tend to want whatever you're eating, so offer him something from your plate to get him to try it. Its generally always going to be easiest to offer him smaller, unsalted (seasoning is safe and good, its a great idea to get him used to flavors, including garlic and onion) pieces of what you're eating.

Answer 6

deli sliced ham
deli sliced turkey
ravioli
spaghetti
mashed potatoes
corn
peas
broccoli (cooked and cut up fine)
eggs
pancakes
waffles
cereal (my daughter likes it mushy)
crackers
diced fruit
diced chicken (Those Louis Rich strips are great)
Salad (make sure lettuce is in edible peices)
Soup