Picky Eater (Toddler) - Suggestions?

[HLAuburn]

It turns out my 20 month old in anemic. Apparently this isn't too uncommon for her age, especially if they are going through a growth spurt, but I'm worried about her diet.

She has developed some pretty picky food habits over the last few months. As soon as I think I've found something she likes that's good for her, the next time I make it, it goes straight onto the floor.

Does anyone have any suggestions for things a toddler might like? She's actually does OK with fruit, not so great on veggies, and really only seems to like chicken. I need to work on increasing her dietary iron, too. Breakfast is OK, but I really need some help w/ lunch and dinner. I'd really appreciate some new ideas of things she might like!

Thanks!

 

[Darcy03231]

When my kids were toddlers they liked anything they could dip in either ketchup or ranch dressing. DD would eat a whole can of green beans, if she could dip them in ketchup. She called them "green french fries." They would also eat any veggies dipped in ranch dressing.

I had a cook book that was all meals for kids. It had you arrange things on plates to make them look interesting. That might be something to try.

 

[goodeats]

DD is a bit younger, but she can be picky too. It's so frustrating when you serve her a healthy meal and she won't take a bite. Then you want her to eat so you offer something more 'kid friendly', and then you feel bad because she eats more processed foods.

Anyway my DD loves mac n cheese and grilled cheese. So I buy the organic mac n cheese and I mix in frozen spinach or other veggies. Cooked spinach fits well on the grilled cheese also. We do eggs and toast in the morning. She loves fruit so we definitely eat a lot of that. And we do peanut butter (we tested out a small bit first) and yogurt. Unfortunately she does not like cows milk yet. Sigh.

ETA - Deli meat has been a hit with her, but I try to buy the uncured/organic kind. Also she seems to love burgers, meatloaf, and spaghetti. Grilled or roasted chicken is a no go though. Salmon and tuna sometimes works and so does chicken salads. But yes everyday is different.