17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (2024)

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (1)

Picky eaters are everywhere, and they’re not just kids. Adults tend to have their own boundaries when it comes to food and they can really run the gamut, from no gluten, no dairy, or no carbs, to factors as specific as texture. There are ways to satisfy your picky eater at mealtime, you’ve just got to be creative and open to trying new techniques, while also willing to keep things simple. Not every meal has to be an elegant affair; in fact, most picky eaters will appreciate being served something that isn’t over the top when it comes to spices and seasonings, but just tastes really good. Our guide to 17 healthy recipes for super picky eaters ticks all the boxes and offers a variety of proteins and cooking techniques, guaranteed to appease even the pickiest of eaters.

Baked Chicken Nuggets

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Credit: www.skinnytaste.com

Chicken nuggets aren’t just for the kids – adults, especially pickier eaters, love them too. These tasty nuggets are coated in breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese and baked until crispy and golden brown and go great with a variety of dipping sauces on the side.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (3) 30 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (4) 180 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (5) Easy

VE Vegan 17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (6) Healthy

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Healthy Mac & Cheese

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Credit: chocolatecoveredkatie.com

Adult picky eaters may be intimidated by the heaviness of a classic mac & cheese, but this recipe keeps things on the light and healthy side. It’s low in fat and calories and high in protein, and still has the same ooey gooey cheesiness that makes mac & cheese so loveable.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (8) 30 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (9) 250 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (10) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (11) Healthy

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Healthy Low-Fat Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes

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Pancakes are a weekend staple in a lot of households, but not everyone is a fan of the traditional buttermilk variety. Give the picky eaters in your life something to look forward to at breakfast with these fluffy whole wheat banana pancakes that taste great with a few glugs of real maple syrup.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (13) 10 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (14) 120 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (15) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (16) Healthy

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Simple Tortilla Pizzas

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Delivery pizza always sounds like a good idea until you order it and are faced with the heaviness of grease on each slice. Making pizza at home means you can keep things light for dinner, without missing out on your favorite pizza toppings. Plus, you still get the crispy, flaky crust using tortilla shells, and who doesn’t love that?

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (18) 15 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (19) 220 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (20) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (21) Healthy

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Roasted Vegetable Pasta Sauce

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Credit: www.peanutbutterandpeppers.com

Traditional tomato sauce can sometimes be too overpowering for picky eaters. This roasted vegetable sauce starts with a tomato base, but adds roasted celery, carrots, onions, zucchini, broccoli, and bell peppers to smooth out the flavor and seriously increase the nutritional value.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (23) 4h 15m 17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (24) 50 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (25) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (26) Healthy

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Juicy Turkey Burgers with Zucchini

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Credit: www.skinnytaste.com

The secret to making these turkey burgers extra juicy? Grated zucchini. Even the pickiest of eaters will go crazy for these juicy burgers served on a whole wheat bun with as many (or as few) toppings as they want.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (28) 20 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (29) 160 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (30) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (31) Healthy

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Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Ranch Wraps

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Credit: www.thecookierookie.com

Sometimes being a picky eater means you need to cover everything you eat in ranch dressing to enjoy it. These wraps combine broccoli, cheese, ranch, rice, and chicken for a tasty lunch or dinner that just so happens to be nutritious.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (33) 20 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (34) 600 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (35) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (36) Healthy

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Crispy Carrot Fries

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Credit: ohmyveggies.com

Picky eaters, even adult picky eaters, sometimes do their best to avoid eating vegetables, but what if the vegetable looked like a French fry? Carrot fries are crispy and cheesy and are ideal as a side dish for turkey burgers or baked chicken nuggets.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (38) 25 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (39) 75 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (40) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (41) Healthy

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Baked Turkey Meatballs

The best part about baked turkey meatballs? The flavor profile is entirely up to you. Add some Thai red curry paste and fish sauce if you’re feeling spicy, dried Italian seasoning for a classic flavor profile, hoisin, soy sauce, and ginger for an Asian twist – the possibilities really are endless.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (43) 30 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (44) 160 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (45) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (46) Healthy

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Broccoli Cheese Soup

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Credit: www.gimmesomeoven.com

This comforting, cozy soup is lightened up by swapping out heavy cream for milk, and is ready to go in just 30 minutes. For the picky eater with an issue when it comes to food texture, this soup can be kept chunky or can easily be pureed for a smoother consistency.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (48) 30 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (49) 350 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (50) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (51) Healthy

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Chicken Quesadillas

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Credit: www.skinnytaste.com

Keeping your flavors simple is sometimes the best way to placate a picky eater, no matter their age. These chicken quesadillas are loaded skinless chicken breast, onions, bell peppers, and a simple spice mixture that make these quesadillas delicious without being over the top.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (53) 45 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (54) 390 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (55) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (56) Healthy

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Egg Muffins with Sausage, Spinach, and Cheese

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For a tasty breakfast on-the-go, these egg muffins are the key. Filled with sausage, spinach, and sharp cheddar cheese, everyone will love these simple and delicious egg cups.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (58) 30 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (59) 200 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (60) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (61) Healthy

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Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

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Credit: www.runningtothekitchen.com

Keep the takeout menus in the drawer tonight, because there’s a much better option that you can make right in your own kitchen. This sticky and sweet honey orange sesame chicken is lighter than the takeout alternative, and makes for great leftovers the next day.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (63) 20 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (64) 240 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (65) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (66) Healthy

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Quick Lemon Broccoli Pasta Skillet

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Credit: www.theironyou.com

Broccoli and spinach are mild greens that won’t scare off picky eaters who may be intimidated by more bitter alternatives. This meal is made in one skillet with plenty of veggies and parmesan cheese, and gets a brightness from that squeeze of lemon juice.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (68) 25 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (69) 465 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (70) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (71) Healthy

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Paleo Crock Pot Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mash

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Credit: www.wickedspatula.com

Cauliflower mash keeps the carbs low, and offers a blank slate to flavor however you like. Sprinkle in some chopped green onions, crispy bacon, or even some horseradish to make this mash completely your own.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (73) 1h 10m 17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (74) 100 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (75) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (76) Healthy

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Baked Egg and Sweet Potato Nest

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Credit: www.bowlofdelicious.com

Spiralized sweet potatoes baked in an iron skillet get a crispy texture that’s easy to love and even easier to eat. The baked egg on top provides a rich sauce from the runny egg yolk, but if your picky eater isn’t a fan of runny yolks you can make your eggs any way you like.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (78) 40 minutes17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (79) 240 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (80) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (81) Healthy

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Mint Chimichurri Lamb Chops

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Credit: www.garlicandzest.com

If the picky eater in your life is looking for more protein in their diet but is tired of chicken and turkey, perhaps lamb is a good way to go. Grilled lamb chops are easier to prepare for a weeknight dinner than you might think, and the mint chimichurri sauce is what makes them truly sing. Marinate your chops ahead of time, fire up the grill, and get cooking.

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (83) 1h 25m 17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (84) 490 calories17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (85) Easy

17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (86) Healthy

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17 Healthy Recipes for Super Picky Eaters - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (2024)

FAQs

How do you eat healthy when you're super picky? ›

5 Tips On How To Eat Healthy As A Picky Eater
  1. Find healthy foods that you actually enjoy eating. ...
  2. Don't be afraid to experiment with new recipes and ingredients. ...
  3. Use a cook-it-yourself meal prep service to incorporate new ingredients into your diet. ...
  4. Try a fully-cooked meal prep service.
Nov 17, 2023

What are 3 tips for picky eaters? ›

Approaches to Try
  • Try eating the food first to show them you like it. ...
  • Make funny faces with the foods on their plate. ...
  • Give them a choice of different foods to try. ...
  • Serve new foods with foods you know they like.
  • Try freezing small bites of leftover foods. ...
  • Wait a couple of days before offering the food again.

What is proper nutrition for picky eaters? ›

Offer a variety of healthy foods, especially vegetables and fruits, and include higher protein foods like meat and deboned fish at least 2 times per week. Help your child explore new flavors and textures in food. Try adding different herbs and spices to simple meals to make them tastier.

What important nutrients would a picky eater miss out on? ›

Important minerals and vitamins for picky eaters (and all kids!):
  • Iron. We need iron to make red blood cells, which helps us maintain a healthy immune system, proper mental function, helps with growth and develeopment, and maintain our energy levels. ...
  • Vitamin D. Vitamin D is needed to maintain healthy bones! ...
  • Calcium.
Sep 19, 2023

How do picky eaters lose weight? ›

Super picky eaters can lose weight by gradually introducing new foods into their diet, practising portion control, and incorporating physical activity into their routine. Customising a weight loss plan to their preferences is key.

What is the one bite rule for picky eaters? ›

You may have heard it called the “one bite rule” or the “one polite bite” or the “no thank you bite” or the “try it bite”. Regardless of what you call it, it's the concept that a child (usually a picky eater) should take at least one bite of every food on their plate.

What not to do with a picky eater? ›

Rule #1: No TV or toys during mealtimes. This distracts the child so they either stop eating or they don't stop eating and don't listen to their hunger cues and regulating their food intake. Rule #2: No bribes.

What age does picky eating end? ›

Do remember that picky eating is often “developmentally normal.” Children across the globe go through a picky eating phase from about age 2 to about age 4. “We think it starts out partly as a built-in protective impulse in a child.

What are healthy snacks for fussy kids? ›

Healthy snacks for kids
  • Toaster pitta pockets. A star rating of 4.4 out of 5. ...
  • Pepper & walnut hummus with veggie dippers. A star rating of 4.1 out of 5. ...
  • Air fryer pasta chips. A star rating of 3.4 out of 5. ...
  • Rainbow fruit skewers. ...
  • Healthier flapjacks. ...
  • Hummus snack packs. ...
  • Instant frozen berry yogurt. ...
  • Easy turkey burgers.

What is a good protein lunch for fussy eaters? ›

High protein meal ideas for picky eaters
  • Cereal with yoghurt (go for a low-sugar, wholegrain cereal and low-sugar yoghurt if you can!)
  • Porridge with nut butter.
  • Boiled eggs with toast soldiers.
  • Baked beans on toast.
  • Peanut butter sandwiches.
  • Cheese sandwiches.
  • Macaroni cheese made with legume pasta.
Sep 4, 2023

What is a good protein for kids who don't like meat? ›

Beans and grains.

Soy products like soy milk or tofu. (You can even try soy "chicken" nuggets). Lentils, nut butter, hummus, oatmeal, or whole wheat pasta are more options.

How do adults try new foods for picky eaters? ›

Don't overwhelm yourself with a plate full of new foods. Instead, serve familiar favorites along with one new food you're ready to try. Commit to just a few bites. Dietitian and feeding specialist Ellyn Satter calls this giving yourself "an out": If you don't like the new food, you'll still have something to eat.

Why am I so picky with food as an adult? ›

Turns out, there's no single explanation for your picky eating habits, but rather, experts suggest a combo of genetics and environment are to blame. Picky eaters are typically unwilling to try new foods, which can be the result of your DNA and your upbringing. Marcia Pelchat, Ph.

What is food neophobia? ›

Food neophobia is generally regarded as the reluctance to eat, or the avoidance of, new foods. In contrast, 'picky/fussy' eaters are usually defined as children who consume an inadequate variety of foods through rejection of a substantial amount of foods that are familiar (as well as unfamiliar) to them.

Are adults with ADHD picky eaters? ›

Picky eating and ADHD often go hand-in-hand.

In fact, researchers at Duke University found a high correlation between selective eating problems and ADHD.

References

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