Interested in Finding Some Nutritious Snacks for a Picky Eater

I have a 34 month old little boy. He used to LOVE his veggies, but doesn't anymore. Now I "hide" them. If I make a meatloaf, I add shredded carrots or pureed squash. He loves pizza, so I chop spinach and tomatoes and put them on before the sauce. If she'll eat eggs, there are lots of veggies you could probably sneak in. If it's protein she needs, you may just want to take a stab at something like Pediasure or any of the snack bars geared towards kids. They are sometimes high in sugar, but they are loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein.

When I was younger, I was also a very picky eater -- she used to put veggies and protein into the foods that I loved -- I never noticed. For example, you could put a flavorless protein supplement into the eggs, or if you made your own chicken nuggets (actually very simple, and you can make a huge batch on Sunday and freeze them) you can add blended veggies into the breading. It's only a little but makes a difference if it's a little added to every meal.

I've heard also that sometimes trying veggies in different ways -- raw versus cooked versus steamed -- changes the texture drastically. It may be more palatable to her if it's a texture she likes.

Also, if she'll eat hamburger, it's very easy to hide all kinds of veggies into a hamburger -- you can hardly taste it at all!!

Hi J.,

I haven't a clue. At least your daughter eats what she eats. Mine only eats jelly sandwiches. Yesterday she didn't eat lunch or dinner. I told the doctor she doesn't eat but he says.. she must eat something?? However, I did buy at the supermarket last year one of those little Martha Stewart books at the check out. It's called Good Things For Kids. In this book for healthy snacks, she has Yogurt Parfaits, Melon Berry Bowls, Yogurt Swirls (Basically berries and yogurt), Eggwich, smootihies, pigs in a blanket, push up pops (pureed fruit and yogurt frozen into little cups, yogurt on a stick, Crispy carrot fries, pizza crackers, Sushi Surprise (raw veggies wrapped in bread to look like sushi) and tons more. I don't know if you go onto her website if you can look any of these up but if not, just let me know and I can send you the recipies. Good luck! My daughter wouldnt eat any of them! I liked them though! :o)

Hello,
i don't know about your daughter but my kids loved dipping when they were little .. So i would give them carrot sticks or celry (or any veggies) to dip in peanut butter.. Peanut butter is a good protien.. It does have a little fat but is good for them... My kids didnt like veggies much but would eat them that way.. Also wic (women infants & children) told me 1/4 cup of katsup couted as a veggie... Cheese sticks are a great source of protien as is yougurt and milk shakes.. Hope this helps a little... Good luck and best wishes..
K.

hi,

My son was the same way he is 2 yrs old ,he was soooo picky it would worry me day and night.I was sooo stressed over it spending all kinds of money (HE IS PRICELESS) BUT COULDT SEEM TO FIND WHAT HE WOULD EAT,he eats everything now,i 1 year ago bought a great blender and would blend spinache carrots brocci,all veges, and then do steak chicken and fruits all types for snacks now ,he eats all type of food hes a veggie guy he loves alll greens ,they do go through there stages so try alll.
Melissa

i puree fruits and veggies and mix them into things, mix them with potatoes, sauces even cookies!