Toddler Eating Tricks

Getting toddlers to eat healthy foods is not always easy.  Fortunately I was blessed with three decently good eaters.  However, they are inconsistent with their eating.  They'll love something one day and hate it the next.  And there are some foods they just aren't interested.

Here are some of the tricks I've tried to get them to eat less desirable foods.

FLOURLESS BANANA PANCAKES: My boys won't eat eggs, but this is one that they love and they don't realize there are eggs in it. It's really easy. You just take a mashed banana, two eggs, and 1/8 tsp of baking powder and mix it together. I also sprinkle in a little bit of cinnamon. Then cook on a griddle or skillet, like you would a pancake. Our boys love them with a little bit of butter (we're trying to fatten them up) and apple butter. You could also put peanut butter and/or syrup on them. This recipe makes 3 decent sized pancakes. We usually double it.

GREEN SMOOTHIES: Two of my boys don't really like fruit that much, but they love smoothies. I make them with Greek yogurt, bananas, whatever other fruit I happen to have (berries, peaches, etc), and a handful of spinach or kale. I thin it out with milk, juice, or water depending on what all they've eaten that day. I blend it on high then serve it in their straw sippy cups. This is a great way to get their veggies in!

SPINACH GRILLED CHEESE: This is nothing special. Basically your typical grilled cheese sandwich but I always chop up some fresh spinach to put in it.

VEGGIE PASTA SAUCE: I'm sure many of you do this, but whenever I make pasta, I always add finely chopped veggies to my sauce. I often use zucchini in my red sauce. I'll use kale or spinach in my alfredo sauce. This is a great way to trick your kids (and husband) into eating vegetables.

SUGAR-FREE OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES: Mix ingredients and bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup raisins 

• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

And when all else fails, just put ketchup or honey mustard on it...and they WILL eat it!