Worried that your picky eater is not getting enough protein?
Your toddler won’t eat meat, eggs, or milk? Don’t worry, this article will take you through some options you can include in your picky eater’s meals to bump up the protein as they learn to eat eggs, milk, and meat.
Protein-rich foods for toddlers who won’t eat meat, eggs or milk
Dairy
Think beyond milk, add cottage cheese to your picky eater’s favorite foods like pancakes, smoothies, and muffins. Try cottage cheese cubes sauteed with veggies, or baked vegetable gratin with cheese.
Yogurt, in popsicles, smoothies, yogurt bowls, or in homemade muffins and cakes.
Even if your picky eater does not like milk, that’s not a problem make milk-based desserts or smoothies with their favorite fruit or try flavored milk like chocolate milk, strawberry milk, or millet mixes in milk. You never know which type will become a new favorite
This avocado smoothie is a great recipe to get your picky eater some protein and healthy fats without them noticing.
Also, why not try switching from cow’s milk? Maybe your toddler will like one of these milks.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a great plant-based protein source along with many nutrients and minerals packed in a toddler-friendly taste profile. Most toddlers love the mild taste and enjoy chickpeas as a snack. Try adding chickpeas to curries, baked as a crunchy snack, chickpea flour in savory pancakes or chickpea flour-based pasta, In dips like hummus, or added chickpea flour to vegetable fritters.
All of these ways are subtle ways to bump up the protein content in already accepted toddler meals.
Soybean
Not many families with picky eaters try soybeans as a protein source. Soybeans are perfect for picky eaters as they are neutral in taste and packed in protein.
Try edamame, soya chunks in curries and rice dishes, tofu-based curries and noodle dishes, pan-fried tofu or tofu in desserts.
Try these options the next time you are stressing about your picky eater’s food choices.
Which protein option do you think your picky eater will choose?
Is this helpful? Why not share this post with other parents you know who are worried about their toddler’s nutrition.
For more picky eater tips check some of the posts here.
