If your child is a fussy eater, then you would always be worried about how to fulfill your child’s nutritional needs. When it comes to feeding your picky eater, you might get overwhelmed looking for the right recipes, the ones that suit your child’s taste buds and fulfills his/her nutritional needs. To help you worry a little less, here are three healthy recipes that will surely turn into your child’s new favourites!

Before we dive into the recipes, know that fussy eating is very normal and your child is not alone. Most kids pick up after the age of 3 and their diet and eating habits are usually on track. If you are still worried about your child not eating properly, consult your peadiatrician to understand how to tackle this. 

Meanwhile, let’s look at three recipes that can round up balanced, healthy meals.

3 Healthy Recipes For Your Fussy Eater

1. Baby Banana Pancakes. Banana pancakes are an easy and quick breakfast, lunch, or snack for your baby. Bananas are a rich source of fiber, which not only helps in clearing your baby's bowels but also helps the baby feel full for a longer period of time. While pancakes are everyone’s favourite; since they are soft and easy to chew, your little one will love them too! 

Ingredients You Need

  • 1 cup of oats (gluten-free) 

  • 1 cup of whole milk 

  • 1 small banana, cut into slices

  • 1 tsp of baking powder

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 1 egg (if your child eats)

  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract (optional) 

  • 1/2 tsp olive oil

Recipe

Step 1: Blend all the ingredients in a blender until a smooth mixture is formed.

Step 2: Pour a few drops of olive oil over a medium heated pan. Add a teaspoon size of the baby banana pancake mixture and cook for around 1-2 minutes on each side, until the pancake is lightly golden.

Step 3: Serve the baby pancakes as they are or top with some fresh fruits like strawberries or nuts or with a drizzle of yogurt.

This recipe requires 15 minutes for you to prepare and less than 10 minutes to cook.

2. Cereal Balls. Cereal balls are little bombs of flavour that are full of nutrition, taste, and love! Cereal balls can be eaten right away or refrigerated and can be heated and eaten later. Healthy and delicious, this recipe is a great way to use baby cereal. Your child will consume plenty of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber from whole-grains through cereal balls and stay full for longer. 

Ingredients You Need

  • 5 to 7 dates

  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds

  • 3 tbsp of honey

  • 3 tbsp of flaxseeds

  • 1 cup crushed cornflakes or muesli

  • 1/2 cup shredded dried coconut (optional)

  • 1/4 cup raisins 

Recipe

Step 1: Roast finely chopped almonds in a pan.

Step 2: Blend dates in a blender and puree it.

Step 3: Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well.

Step 4: Shape the mixture into small balls. 

Step 5: Serve immediately or store in an air-tight container.

This recipe requires 10 minutes for you to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook.

3. Spinach and Feta Cheese Muffins. This super simple and healthy recipe will surely tempt your picky eater. Spinach is an important green leafy vegetable for children and is a rich source of iron and vitamin K, which help in strengthening your child’s bones. Feta is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are needed for your child’s strong bones and teeth.

While muffins might be regular for older children, they are surely exciting for your young ones. You can make a batch full of muffins and store it dry for later use.

Ingredients You Need

  • 2 medium eggs

  • 75ml milk

  • 75g grated feta cheese

  • 1 spring onion, chopped

  • 40g fresh baby spinach, chopped

  • 1/2 red pepper

  • Vegetable stock (as required for kneading the dough)

  • 125g self-raising flour

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180c and line a muffin tin with 6 muffin cases.

Step 2: Gently whisk the eggs in a large bowl and stir in the milk.

Step 3: Mix in the grated feta cheese, spring onion, baby spinach, and diced pepper.

Step 4: Finally, add in the flour and crumble with vegetable stock and mix just enough until all the ingredients have combined.

Step 5: Divide the mixture between the 6 muffin cases and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (a knife or skewer stuck into the middle should come out dry).

This recipe requires 10 to 15 minutes for you to prepare and about 20 to 30 minutes to cook.

Try these easy, popular and healthy recipes and see how much your fussy eater likes them. If your child is allergic to certain nuts and eggs, do not use them in your recipes. Consult your paediatrician/paediatric nutritionist to understand more on how to fulfill your child’s daily nutritional needs. 


References:

1. Healthychildren.org. 2021. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/Documents/Excerpt.pdf> [Accessed 15 February 2021].


Disclaimer: This article is written by Practo for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.