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Healthy Meal Ideas for Picky Eaters on a Budget

Nourishing Your Family with Delicious and Affordable Meals, Even for the Fussiest Eaters

By Brian KaPublished about a year ago 6 min read
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Are you struggling to come up with healthy meal ideas that your picky eaters will actually enjoy? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a list of delicious and nutritious meals that are easy to make and won’t break the bank. So whether you’re cooking for a family or just looking for some budget-friendly meal ideas, you’re sure to find something here that your picky eaters will love. Read on for some easy and healthy cheap meals for picky eaters!

Taco Night

Taco night is always a hit with picky eaters. For a quick and easy meal, use pre-made taco shells and fill them with your family’s favorite toppings. For a healthier version, swap out the pre-made shells for homemade corn tortillas. You can also use lean ground turkey or ground beef instead of traditional taco meat. Add in some fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese for a delicious meal that is sure to please everyone.

Taco night is also budget-friendly. You can buy a pound of ground beef for as little as $4. Add in some tortillas, tomatoes, and cheese and you have a meal that will feed the whole family for less than $10.

Vegetable Fried Rice

This healthy and delicious fried rice is a great way to get picky eaters to eat their veggies. Start with some cooked rice, and then add in a mix of your favorite vegetables. Carrots, peas, bell peppers, and onions are all great options. You can also add some lean protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Finally, add in some soy sauce and sesame oil to give the dish a great flavor.

Vegetable fried rice is a great budget-friendly meal. You can buy a bag of frozen vegetables for as little as $2 and cooked rice for around $2. Add in some lean protein and you have a meal that will feed your family for less than $10.

Pizza Bagels

Pizza bagels are a great way to get picky eat eat their veggies. Start by toasting some bagels and then top them with your favorite pizza toppings. For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat bagels and add in some fresh vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. You can also add in some lean protein like chicken or shrimp. Finally with some cheese and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pizza bagels are a budget-friendly meal. You can buy a bag of bagels for around $2 and top them with your favorite toppings for a meal that will feed the whole family for less than $10.

Veggie Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a great way to get picky eaters to eat their veggies. Start by heating up some tortillas in a pan. Then, add in your favorite mix of vegetables, like bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and spinach. You can also add in some lean protein like chicken or shrimp. Finally, top with some cheese and fold the tortilla in half. Toast in the pan until the cheese is melted and the quesadilla is golden brown.

Quesadillas are also budget-friendly. You can buy a bag of tortillas for around $2 and top them with your favorite toppings for a meal that will feed the whole family for less than $10.

Baked Chicken Fingers

Chicken fingers are a kid favorite, but they can be loaded with unhealthy ingredients when purchased from a fast food restaurant. Instead, make your own by dipping chicken strips in a mixture of egg and breadcrumbs, and baking in the oven until crispy. Serve with a side of veggies for a well-rounded meal.

Slow Cooker Chili

A hearty bowl of chili is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for colder weather. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! Make your own by combining ground beef or turkey with canned tomatoes, beans, bell peppers, onions, and spices. Let it cook in the slow cooker for several hours until the flavors meld together.

Veggie Pasta

Pasta is a great base for a healthy meal, but traditional pasta dishes can be loaded with unhealthy ingredients. Instead, opt for a veggie-packed pasta dish by tossing cooked whole wheat pasta with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, garlic, and cherry tomatoes. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and serve with a side salad.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos

Sweet potatoes and black beans make for a delicious and nutritious filling for burritos. Roast some cubed sweet potatoes in the oven until tender, then combine with cooked black beans, salsa, and spices. Spoon into a whole wheat tortilla and serve with a side of guacamole or sour cream.

Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic comfort food combo that is easy to make and budget-friendly. Make your own grilled cheese using whole wheat bread and low-fat cheese, and serve with a side of homemade tomato soup made with canned tomatoes, chicken broth, onions, and garlic.

Lentil Soup

Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, and can be used in a variety of dishes. Make a simple lentil soup by simmering lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and your choice of vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onion). Serve with a slice of whole grain bread for a satisfying meal that costs less than $10 for a family of four.

Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Make a classic spaghetti and meat sauce using ground turkey or lean beef, canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and your favorite spices. Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal that is both delicious and affordable.

Roasted Vegetables and Quinoa

Roast a variety of vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli, and serve over cooked quinoa. This meal is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and can be made for under $10.

Baked Chicken and Vegetables

Coat chicken breasts in a mixture of bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, then bake in the oven alongside your choice of vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, and sweet peppers. This meal is easy to make, packed with protein and nutrients, and costs less than $10 for a family of four.

Turkey Chili

Make a hearty and flavorful turkey chili using ground turkey, canned tomatoes, black beans, and spices such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a side of cornbread for a comforting meal that won’t break the bank.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t have to come at a high cost or require advanced culinary skills. In fact, with some simple substitutions and creative meal planning, you can create healthy and flavorful meals that even your picky eaters will devour. By utilizing the meal ideas mentioned above, you can treat your family to a variety of delicious and nutritious dishes that won’t strain your budget. So why not give them a try and see how easy it can be to eat well without sacrificing taste or breaking the bank!

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Brian Ka

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