Family Nutrition: Picky Toddler - Dinner Ideas

Feeding my toddlers feels like an additional full time job.  My son, who is three, has been very picky since he was an infant and coming up with new ideas to introduce nutritious foods is exhausting.  If you have or have had toddlers you know most are picky specifically to textures which can ultimately decrease protein, fruit, and vegetable intake.  I try to mix as many vegetables and proteins as I possibly can into dinners such as meatloaf and chicken pot pie.  Sometimes I get away with it and sometimes this brings on meltdown 911 but to my surprise, last night I made my homemade "garbage bread" and it was a great success!  Here's the recipe:

1 "package" of Whole Wheat Dough (from your local grocery store)
8 oz Crushed Tomatoes
4 oz part skim mozzerella cheese
1 cup of frozen spinach
4 oz Ham Cold Cut
1/2 cup chopped red peppers
1/2 cup chopped onions

Roll your dough until it is flexible and about 1 inch thin.  Spread Sauce in middle third of the dough. Spread cheese and veggies over middle third of dough.  Slice up ham and spread on dough.  Fold dough to create a closed loaf. Bake in oven for 30-40 minutes on 375 degrees until dough is golden brown. 

This easily fed my family of four. I paired this with a glass of milk, blueberries, and salad.  You can easily add many things to this "garbage bread" such as chicken, brocolli, peas, or mushrooms. Give it a try and let me know what your kids think!

Enjoy and be well!