Toddler Meal Time

I have spent a lot of time researching meals for toddlers because frankly it can be tough to find something they like, is healthy and doesn't take a ton of time to prep.  We are fortunate that Bodie's school has and awesome cafeteria and he is exposed to all kinds of great foods each week.  The menu is different every day and each season so I don't worry about him not getting a good variety.  What is hard is making sure I have enough food at home for breakfast, dinner and lunch on the weekends.  I thought I would share some of our go-to's in hopes that I can help someone else struggling with this somewhat awkward food stage.

F R E S H  F R U I T

Bananas

Strawberries

Blueberries

Pineapple

Melon

Pears

Apple

Peaches

Oranges

Applesauce

Fruit is definitely one of Bodie's favorite things to eat.  I try to always keep fresh bananas, blueberries and strawberries on hand.  I also buy pre-packaged cups of pineapple, pears, oranges, etc.  Dole makes cups that are packaged in 100% juice and are great to travel with or take out to lunch. I also buy organic applesauce which he loves!

 

V E G E T A B L E S

Canned green beans

Canned carrots

Canned peas

Fresh broccoli

The above are my go-to's.  The canned options are great because I don't have to worry about them going bad quickly.  I also buy Libby's brand carrots and green beans.  They are packaged just like the fruit cups.  Great for weekends and lunches out.

 

F R O Z E N  F O O D S

Kashi blueberry waffles

Earth's Best French Toast sticks

Amy's garden vegetable lasagna

Amy's macaroni and cheese

Amy's cheese ravioli

Amy's bean and rice burrito

Earth's Best chicken nuggets

Frozen meals are clutch for our family.  Bodie goes to bed before we eat dinner and it doesn't always work for him to just eat our leftovers.  I have found that these frozen meals are easy to prepare and serve with a fruit and a veggie.  In addition, one frozen meal usually makes two dinners.

 

 D A I R Y

String cheese

Cheese cubes

Stonyfield yotoddler/baby yogurt

Lactose free whole milk

Bodie still had a reaction to whole milk so we tried lactose free and so far it's been a great option for him.  He still gets all of the calories and fat he needs without having an allergic reaction.  Thankfully he has also been able to tolerate cheese and yogurt since the milk proteins are broken down more.

Lastly, here are my favorite meal time essentials:

M E A L  T I M E  E S S E N T I A L S

Re-play eco-friendly plates 

Nuby sippy cups

Munchkin silicon spoons

Graco Blossom 4-in-1 high chair

I am absolutely obsessed with the re-play plates.  The come in awesome colors, they are divided perfectly for meals and they are made from recycled milk jugs!  Nuby sippy cups are another one of our favorites.  The soft spouts are great for transitioning from a bottle as well as perfect for sore gums from teething. Speaking of teething a.k.a. pure baby torture it can be super tough to feed your little one when their gums are sore.  These munchkin silicon spoons are a lifesaver. We still love our Graco high chair.  It's a 4-in-1 so it has four seating options that grow with your child.  It even comes with a booster seat! 

Hopefully this info will help someone else with a toddler.  Meal time can be tricky but it's awesome to watch their appetites and food choices grow!

 

Happy Hump day friends!