No More Picky Eating: Fun and Easy Meal Ideas for Kids

1. Veggie Paratha (Flatbread) Faces

Turn your regular paratha into a fun and colourful experience by shaping it into a funny face using vegetables like carrots, peas, tomatoes, and spinach. The vibrant colours of the veggies not only make the paratha visually appealing but also encourage kids to eat their greens in a playful way.

• Roll out your paratha dough as usual.
• Use veggies like thinly sliced carrots for eyes, peas for the nose, and tomatoes for the mouth. You can also create hair or a funny hat with spinach or grated cheese.
• Press the veggies gently into the dough before cooking, so they stay in place as the paratha cooks.

Tip:

Serve your veggie paratha faces with a side of curd/yogurt or tangy pickle for that extra burst of flavour.

2. Whole Wheat Pizza with Indian Toppings

Make pizza a healthier and fun meal by using whole wheat crust and topping it with flavourful Indian ingredients. Instead of the usual cheese and pepperoni, create a pizza full of rich flavours with paneer, vegetables, and spices.

• Use whole wheat dough or even a multigrain roti as the base. This adds fibre and makes the pizza more nutritious.
• Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce or even a mint chutney base for a unique flavour.
• Top it with cubes of paneer, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and spinach. Add some corn or even mushrooms for extra variety.
• Sprinkle some grated cheese, but feel free to add a little more paneer if you want a protein-packed pizza.
• Add a pinch of garam masala or chaat masala for that signature Indian spice kick.

Tip:

For extra fun, let your kids choose their own toppings and assemble their own mini pizzas. They’ll love being involved in the process.

3. Build-Your-Own Tacos with Flavorful Fillings

Turn mealtime into a fun, interactive experience by using flavourful fillings that bring spices and healthy ingredients to the table. Instead of traditional taco fillings, you can use spiced vegetables, legumes (like chickpeas or lentils), and paneer, giving your kids a unique twist on this favourite dish.

• Use soft whole wheat parathas (flatbreads) as the taco base. You can also use corn or multigrain wraps if you prefer.
• Offer a variety of fillings like spiced chickpeas, paneer cubes, or even potato patties. You can season them with spices like cumin and turmeric to give them a vibrant flavour.
• Add fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, and onions, along with a little fresh coriander or mint sauce for extra freshness.
• For added creaminess, you can include yogurt or a yogurt-based sauce.

Tip:

Let your kids build their own tacos by picking and layering their favourite fillings. It’s a fun, hands-on way to get them excited about healthy ingredients.

4. Healthy Fruit and Milk Popsicles

When it's hot or you need a healthy snack, fruit and milk popsicles are a great choice. These popsicles are not only tasty but also loaded with vitamins & nutrients, making them a perfect snack for kids.

• Blend fresh fruits like mango, strawberry, banana, or guava with milk (you can use almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option). Add a little honey or jaggery if you want extra sweetness, but the fruit usually makes it sweet enough.
• Pour the fruit mixture into popsicle molds. You can layer different fruits to make them colourful and fun.
• For some extra crunch, add chia seeds, grated coconut, or chopped nuts on top before freezing.
• Freeze the popsicles for 4-6 hours, or overnight, until they’re solid.

Tips:

• You can layer different fruits to make them colourful and fun.
• You can even add yogurt to the mix for a creamier texture.
• Let your kids pick their favourite fruits to make it more exciting.

5. DIY Snack Packs

Creating your own snack packs is a great way to keep your kids snacking on healthy snacks without the hassle. You can mix and match different ingredients, giving them a variety of flavours and textures. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in some nutritious options.

• Include a mix of fruits like apple slices, banana, or papaya. You can also pack some cut cucumber and carrot sticks for a crunchy and healthy touch.
• Add a handful of roasted chickpeas, almonds, or walnuts for some crunch.
• Include a small portion of yogurt for dipping.
• For a sweet treat, include a small piece of dark chocolate or a few pieces of homemade laddoos (made with oats or jaggery) for a nutritious bite.

Tips:

• Get your kids involved in creating their snack packs.
• Let them choose their favourite items and help pack them into little containers.

It’s a fun way to encourage healthy eating while giving them a sense of independence.