This post is brought to you by a STSL sponsor.
Toddler meal ideas can be tough. Especially when they don’t want to eat anything. But somewhere over the last two weeks or so, my child who seemingly could exist on air some days is finally starting to eat again. And even try new things.
Halleluiah!
While I have no doubt that this is likely also a phase until the next time he decides he wants to stop eating all the things, I’m currently relishing in the fact that meal times have become SO much easier.
Weekday breakfasts can vary for Lucas (depending on if we’re running late in the morning…which is almost always a yes). If we do have time, I’ll often try to go through a rotation of either cooking him an egg with some peanut butter toast or re-heating some pre-cooked pancakes (I’ve been making some extra on the weekends lately).
If/when we don’t have time for one of those, I try to at least make sure to get him to eat either a fruit, protein, or usually some kind of bar (because it’s a sure bet he’ll eat them) before we leave the house, and then I’ll pack the rest so he can finish up later at the babysitter’s house. Some days, we also do peanut butter and banana smoothies, or also just some dry cereal, and that works along with his cup of milk.
For dinner, we were basically on a rotation of hot dogs, mac and cheese, peas, carrots, the occasional green bean, scoops of peanut butter, and sometimes breakfast for dinner. I’m not kidding…it was rough going for a while there.
And I’m not saying that he’s suddenly the best eater on the planet, by any means. Oh no. He’s still quite a snacker. And he totally loves his sweets…
I’m pretty sure I know who to blame for that one.
But recently, he HAS started eating some old favorites like chicken, sweet potatoes, corn, cucumbers, meatballs, pasta, and more. I’m telling you…life changing dinners over here!
For lunch, when we’re home, things are usually different and if I have time I’ll have some fun putting together some lunch plates for him.
More often than not though, he winds up not eating a whole lot for lunch on the days he goes to daycare, which usually ends up with him not only being grumpy by the time I get him, but also wanting to eat more when we get home and inevitably ruining his dinner. It’s a vicious cycle!
I know I mentioned to you guys that I recently purchased him this awesome lunch/Bentgo box.
Even though it’s only been about a week of using it, it seems to be helping quite a bit!
Lunches lately will usually include yogurt, a fruit, a veggie (baby carrots lately…he’s loving them, so I’ll ride that train as long as it lasts), and then a mix of either PB&J, bologna and cheese, mac & cheese, and crackers.
And speaking of crackers, I’ve got tot tell you about the new line of organic Smart Crackers from Bitsy’s Brainfood. We are LOVING them!!
I’ve been thrilled to partner with Bitsy’s this past year, and truly get excited to share their story and their products with you guys because I just think they’re great.
Now, Bitsy’s Brainfood has launched their Organic Smart Crackers, which come in three flavors: Cheddar Chia Veggie, Maple Carrot Crisp, and Sweet Potato Cinna-Graham. They’re made with a half serving of organic veggies per serving, and they contain an excellent source of Vitamins A, B6, B12, D, and Folic Acid. They’re also peanut-free and tree nut-free facility, making them school safe (I know there are so many schools out there now that are nut-free!).
Clearly, Lucas is excited about them. And we both love how they’re baked in fun Tangram shapes (which teach logic, math and spatial reasoning – gotta love when food and education align, right?!). He was obsessed with pointing out all of the triangles, and then we had some fun making squares out of the triangles when put together.
And even more exciting for Bitsy’s, they were recently handpicked as one of the 20 natural, organic and sustainable brands selected for Target’s 2016 Made to Matter collection! This program makes it easy for Target guests to find natural, organic and sustainable options, and be introduced to meaningful product innovation from purpose-driven brands.
If you head to your local Target store this week, be sure to look for the Bitsy’s Brainfood Smart Crackers and Smart Cookies, which are currently 20% OFF on the Cartwheel app!!
Want access to exclusive information and coupons, learn about fun campaigns, and even get samples from time to time? Be sure to join Bitsy’s Smart Cookie Community and help spread their mission of making healthy eating fun!* Just CLICK HERE!
*US Residents only
And if you love them as much as we do, give them a shout on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, too!
This post is sponsored by Bitsy’s Brainfood! Thanks so much for your continued support of STSL <3
Danielle says
I’m putting a Target run on my list for these. Our 2 year old loves anything that falls into the chip category and I’ll do whatever I can to get better stuff into him. Also, cartwheel is my best friend. Thanks!
Taylor says
Cute post! Love seeing what little kids eat or dont eat. :)
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
Love seeing ideas for toddler food – we will be starting solids in the next couple weeks and I am so nervous!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Kids just love nibbles! My nephew would only eat potatoes and sausages for dinner when he was 2…then come 3 he started eating veggies and now the first thing gone on his plate is the broccoli, followed by the tomatoes and raw carrots…asks for them raw! They all grow through phases, just got to roll with the punches, think the more your react it just makes a “thing” of it!
Jessica says
Great job as always on a sponsored post. I LOVE the idea of those boxes and my kids definitely eat a lot of snack plate type meals. I think the variety keeps them interested.
Courtney says
Thanks so much, Jessica! :)
Brittney says
Awesome post, Courtney! I’ve been struggling with my toddler’s meals lately. She won’t touch vegetables and I’m feeling lots of mom guilt because she’s not eating them. I’m definitely going to check out Bitsy’s!
Courtney says
Thanks Brittney! Good luck – I feel your pain!
Ruthie says
Ford is not to great at eating right now. Some nights he’ll eat an apple slice and be fine. That is our BIGGEST battle right now, ugh. But he does eat great when I put his food in his YumBox bento box. 2 year olds are stinkers!
Courtney says
Haha, they sure are! It’s a good thing they’re cute, right?! ;)
Renee Grewe says
I just wanted to say that I religiously read your pregnancy posts (last time I was pregnant and again now that I am pregnant with our second). I am also loving your kid/baby posts. My little one is a little bit behind yours in age, so the timing is great for me to read up on what is or is not working for Lucas. Your posts also give me that cool feeling of nostalgia since I know you (well, know OF you) from before I moved to South Carolina. Thanks for being awesome!
Courtney says
Aww thanks so much, Renee! I noticed your announcement on #2 the other day – congrats to you!! Hope you’re feeling well :)