Gawd toddlers eat a lot. I mean, three full meals a day AND snacks? Everyday?! Talk about needy.

And then sometimes, they don’t eat. At all. That’s fun too. So toddler meal time can be stressful, and to top it off, coming up with new ideas for their meals they probably won’t eat isn’t always all that easy. Oh and trying to balance all the nutrients they need which is CONSTANTLY on my mind because, you know, I’m SO chill.

One of the nutrients I’m always worried about is protein, because we don’t eat a ton of variety of meat at times in this house, and sometimes P doesn’t go for the meats I try on her plate. So I worry. But then I remember that not all protein is meat (um HELLO Jess you wrote a post about meatless Monday proteins duh), and there are plenty of ways I can get protein into her diet in a day without worry.

So to help us all out here THRIVING in our momhood enjoy the easy 8 proteins below and some ways to incorporate them into your meals for your toddler (and heck even for yourself!)

 

1. Greek Yogurt – go with the ones that are low sugar and include fat (its the good kind). Mix in fresh fruit, peanut butter, vanilla extract (not all at the same time) or whatever else can add a little flavor for your babe (mine is crazy and will even eat it plain – bless her). Add it to Mac n cheese instead of milk and butter to make it creamier and packed with goodies. Bake with it like these delicious blueberry muffins that are one of P’s favorites and something I make nearly every other week for breakfasts or snacks.
2. Peanut Butter – just eat it by the spoonful?! Ok fine, just me and P. Put it on toast with mashed raspberries, a little honey (for babes over 1),  mix it into a smoothie, put it on a morning waffle or pancake.
3. Cheese – what CAN’T you put cheese on?! Ok but for real, to get the best benefit here, go with the good stuff thats the least processed in it’s most natural form – we are very big Tillamook fans in our household. I honestly just put this into pieces for P to eat on the side with any meal or as a snack with some fruit.
4. Meatballs – this is an easy option if they are already made and frozen but do yourself a favor and take some time to do this. I use a turkey meatball recipe that I add some things to because I never really follow recipes well (I’ll work on sharing it soon), that are baked and are tasty and general enough that I can put them with a red sauce and some pastas or some rice, cucumber and tzatziki and call it greek. Once they are in my freezer they take 5 minutes to warm up and I can make an easy, great meal for P.
5. Eggs – this protein took P easily 5 months to take to. We just kept exposing her to it and eventually she got used to them and now they are one of her favorite foods. They take 5 minutes and are no longer reserved for just breakfast (at least in this house).
6. Hummus – Yeah, you forgot about this one huh? I used to mix quinoa with hummus when P was smaller and I’d occasionally spoon feed her. Put this on toast, mix with quinoa or rice, or have on the side as a dip for chicken or veggies for something fun for the kids. Packed with goodies and something to easily spoon onto their plate.
7. Beans – So. Many. Options. Here. I regularly make black beans to add to quesadillas for P or just add as a side for meals but pick a variety and easily add it in to meals as an easy side for them to try.
8. Rotisserie Chicken – this is one of my go-tos when I’m at the grocery store and planning meals for P. I grab one of these bad boys and P and I have a great lunch or dinner. I usually round it out with an easy steamed veggie for her, fruit and cheese and its nearly a meal worth instagramming.

 

What other easy proteins are your go-tos? Comment below and help a mama out!

 

XO,

JESS

 

MY FEEDING FAVORITES