Running low on toddler lunch ideas...

[tolovemercy]

Could also be titled, "I don't know how to make my 3-year-old eat healthy food anymore", or, "I'm giving up on feeding the children."

That is, I'm out of lunch ideas. We often do leftovers, but I struggle to find things DS1 even likes-- *at all*, and alot of times end up giving him some kind of substitute for dinner if I know we're having something he won't eat.

I'd like to get him to eat more meat, but don't think he's touched anything but chicken nuggets (that's right, from the frozen section!), in a loooong time. I used to be able to get him to eat ground beef, but he's poo-pooed that lately, too. It worries me. I constantly think about his growing brain and body and the protein and fats it needs.

He doesn't really like dips, and his brother is dairy free, so I try to keep things like yogurt or cheese cubes out of the house (though he did used to like them, and hasn't ever reacted to dairy) Not really sure what to do about that.

He likes grains, potatoes...starches of all varieties. Can't get him to touch smoothies.

I'm on the verge of a starve-out with him, but really hate doing that and would love other input on meals that might strike his fancy without having to turn it into an war.

[*J*]

I'm sorry, I don't really have any ideas to offer, just thought I'd mention that I'm curious to see everyone else's ideas for a funny reason...
I'm 16 weeks pregnant and still having some trouble eating. I've gone from being someone who'll eat anything that fits within my pretty TF standards to being a picky eater! When trying to brainstorm food ideas with me, my midwife told me, very matter-of-factly, that feeding a pregnant woman is much like feeding a toddler! I find this pretty hilarious!
I know she suggested meat & cheese strips or rolls, smoothies, yogurt, and small portions of a few things on a plate. I know you said you've been staying away from dairy because of an older DC's intolerance/allergy. Are you afraid your toddler might have the same sensitivity or are you not bringing dairy in the house as a courtesy for the non-dairy eaters? Have you ever tried doing homemade chicken nuggets? Maybe you could make a big batch to freeze, so they could be almost as convenient as the store-bought ones? I love this blog: http://www.cheeseslave.com/ and she talks a bit about feeding her toddler. I know she has recipes for chicken nuggets and fried clams, which she says her little girl loves! Maybe try different fried things, since you know he likes that format? Fish nuggets, beef nuggets? Or maybe it's the dipping that he likes? Perhaps offering dipping sauces with different foods?
Good luck to you, I hope some experienced mommas are able to offer some good suggestions!

[frontstreetmama]

my kids like kidney beans -- just out of the can, rinsed and drained... excellent source of protein!

what about nut butters? on celery hearts? or crackers? nut butter with jam? or honey? nut butters are another great source of protein

(we don't eat much meat cause I don't like cooking it, but I like to make sure they get their protein in!! even if it's sometimes Nutella on their lunch!!)

oh, eggs! scrambled, mini-quiches, hard-boiled, soft-boiled with 'soldiers'

I let my 2 year old look through the flyer and go grocery shopping to see what 'looks' good to her... she loves fruit though -- apples, bananas, clementines which if your son likes he could dip in yogourt and you could sneak some vanilla protein powder in it for a dip (I know you said he doesn't do dips, but he might like a sweet one? Nutella warmed up also is a good dip for fruit!)

[pandora665]

Definitely 2nd frontstreetmama's suggestion for eggs.

My child will eat a lot of things if I add bacon or put them on toothpicks. I have put homemade meatballs, nitrate-free pastured hot dogs cut in half, and such for protein at evening meals. Maybe if you and DS2 can resist it, butter/cream up the starches he loves so well? DD will eat butter off the bread and ask for more butter.

Subbing for more ideas, though!

[Pinoikoi]

hmmm.. my kiddos love bacon ranch pasta.

I usually use a small noodle like elbow macaroni or penne pasta. Boil with leftover veggies like diced broccoli, carrots and peas. drain and rinse in cold water. Add chopped bacon and ranch dressing. Mix. Serve chilled.

Can you get ranch dressing as dairy free? I am not sure. I buy the organic one so I don't make my own.

Yesterday I made a delicious leftover turkey salad. Chop leftover cooked turkey. Add chopped celery, pineapples (I used canned that was drained), and dried cranberries. Mix with mayo. Delicious. Served chilled.

[Fyrestorm]

Subbing...I could have written your post about my 5 yo DD. She hates everything...Her diet consists of about 3 items.

[hillymum]

Honeycrisp apples and peanutbutter.

Pepperoni and crackers.

Frozen fish sticks. (Ok, not amazingly healthy, but it's fish?)

Pasta shapes with meat sauce.

Mini shepherds pie.

[dogmom327]

My 2 1/2 yo loves eggs and bacon but not necessarily together. I'm pretty sure he could survive on eggs, bacon and fruit

[BetsyPage]

Originally Posted by dogmom327

My 2 1/2 yo loves eggs and bacon but not necessarily together. I'm pretty sure he could survive on eggs, bacon and fruit

Sounds like my 3 yo!

Some great suggestions here. I am just thankful that my picky 6 yo LOVES her raw milk, and she will let me put butter on all her veggies etc. Also both girls do love kidney beans.

We have food allergies here, and are peanut-butter free, so I sympathize. My first thought is to let the one who is OK with dairy eat butter, or at least get some ghee which has dairy solids removed? But I can sympathize with how hard it is to bring in a food that not everyone can eat.

If he likes grains and starches, try to think of a way to prepare them with a dairy-free fat I think. Like my 6 yo loves toast, I make sure she has it with butter... but if she couldn't do butter I'd try maybe some coconut oil? Or fry potatoes in coconut oil or ghee, that sort of thing. And don't forget bone broth, cook some rice in chicken broth, that sort of thing...

[nummies]

I hear ya mama. I have a 2.5 year old who has sensory issues and a very limited diet. Pizza, quesadillas, and sandwiches can only go so far!