5 Super Picky Kid Friendly Meals

As a mom of five, and one of those being a kid with severe autism, finding meals to cook for all of them can be insanely difficult. I have tried more meals than I am willing to admit from blogs that promise they were picky kid friendly, just to dump the food straight in the trash can or attempt to eat it all by myself.

Planning and cooking meals is one of the most common complaints from parents. If I really wanted to, I could do what many parents do and just force them to sit at the dinner table until they are done with their food. Though I have tried that before, it’s mentally draining to sit there for hours while they complain and end up just being mad at me. I would rather my kids enjoy sitting with me for dinner than being annoyed or mad at me. Creating a fun and healthy dinner dynamic is what I aim for. Over time I have created meals that are easy, healthy, and my kids love.

With these top four that are now always in the rotation, dinner time is not near as stressful, but a time we can actually enjoy together. My hope is that this can do the same for you and your family as well.

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

I didn’t come up with the basis of this receipt, or any of these. I have however tweaked them to add extra nutrients I felt they were missing so that my kids get the nutrition they need at least more often than they were before.

Ingredients:

• 1 can Mateo’s salsa

• 3 tbsp taco seasoning

• 3 tomatoes

• 1 zucchini

• 1 scoop Opti-greens

• 1 scoop Opti-reds

• 3 lg chicken breasts

• tortillas

• shredded cheese

• any toppings your heart desires

Instructions:

1. Blend veggies, salsa, Opti-greens and Opti-reds. This gets all the chunks out so kids don’t wine about it. They won’t even know there are vegetables in there at all.

2. Spray bottom of crockpot with non stick spray.

3. Add chicken to the bottom in one layer. Pour blended veggies on top.

4. Sprinkle taco seasoning.

5. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

6. Shred chicken and mix it all together.

7. Put your tacos together and enjoy!

No So Basic Spaghetti

To kids, this may seem basic, but it’s definitely not. It’s an elevated and healthy version of traditional spaghetti.

Ingredients:

• 1 batch homemade spaghetti sauce (or jarred)

• 1 box chickpea noodles

• 1 medium zucchini

• 2-3 roma tomatoes

• 1 handful of spinach

• 1 scoop Opti-greens

• 1 Scoop Opti-reds

• Ground turkey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Roughly chop veggies and then blend.

2. Cook noodles according to package.

3. Prepare or heat sauce however it needs.

4. Add blended veggies and Opti-Greens and Opti-reds, and heat for 5-10 minutes.

5. Cook and add ground turkey if you want to add the extra protein.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Taco Tuesday

Tacos are so good, and those who think they aren’t are wrong. Just kidding, but I don’t understand how you couldn't love them. These tacos are a favorite with my girls, and also with my nephews.

Ingredients:

• 1lb Ground turkey (or beef)

• 2 tomatoes

• 1 handful of spinach

• 1 zucchini

• 1 scoop Opti-greens

• 1 scoop Opti-reds

• 3tbsp taco seasoning

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Tortillas

Instructions:

1. Chop and then blend vegetables.

2. Cook ground turkey on medium high till no longer pink. Add veggies, seasoning, Opti-greens and Opti-reds.

3. Turn down to low and let simmer for 5-10 minutes.

4. Assemble tacos. Add whatever your heart desires like shredded lettuce, taco sauce, fresh chopped tomatoes, cheese, avocado, etc.

Not So Basic Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 batch homemade alfredo sauce (or jarred)

• 1 box chickpea noodles

• 1 bag frozen cauliflower

• Chicken (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat bag of frozen cauliflower, strain excess fluid, then blend.

2. Cook noodles according to package.

3. Prepare or heat sauce however it needs.

4. Ad blended veggies, and heat for 5-10 minutes.

5. Cook chicken, chop, and add for added protein.

6. Serve and enjoy.

Loaded Smoothies

For lighter nights, hot days, or when we’ve binged too much junk food, I love smoothies! This will look gross, but I promise all of my kids and all of their friends rave about these!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2c Bolthouse Green Goodness

• 1 handful fresh spinach

• 1c mixed frozen fruit

• 1 scoop Opti-greens

• 1 scoop Opti-reds

• 1/2c greek yogurt

• 1 banana

Instructions:

1. Add everything to blender, blend and enjoy!

Dinner Doesn’t Have to Suck

Dinner time can be enjoyable. It can be something you don’t dread everyday. It can be something you look forward to and your kids as well. It can be a time for family bonding and laughter. If it seems daunting trying to think of something every single night, start off with one a week. Choose a night that everyone is almost always home together. Have the kids take turns being the one to help you cook.

Our family has incorporated this tradition every Friday night and the kids get so excited to be a part of the cooking. They are also the ones that choose the meal when they cook. This also helps take the burden off your plate to not have to always be the one choosing the fate for dinner time. If you want, double or triple the amount you cook so there’s leftovers for a few days. Just with smoothies, add all ingredients into a freezer bad without the juice for an easy throw together meal later that week.

Ultimately, learn to love dinner time. Don’t let it be something that defeats you, but rather brings joy to you and the whole family!

xoxo,

Jillian