Finicky Kids on a Gluten-Free Diet

Being the mother of two children under the age of 5, I am constantly struggling with my kids to eat. Not only to eat their vegetables and other food groups, but to just EAT! My daughter is 1 and my husband and I are convinced that she is going to starve to death. Her diet consists of cheese slices, yogurt, raisins, fruit, juice and milk…and pretty much that’s it! We both know that this is probably just one of many phases, but it does beg the question, what to feed finicky kids? And, to make matters even more complicated, what to feed finicky kids on a gluten-free diet?

Over the years I have discovered some few simple meals that my kids, and probably yours as well, will eat. Unfortunately, these meals completely go against what I enjoy eating on a daily — and for them, I mean, daily, basis. But, I thought this article might help some of the other mothers out there struggling with this same issue.

My son, the pickiest of all, is afraid of all things green, spicy and black. That includes pepper, anything grilled, herbs, any greens of any sort, and any seasonings of any kind (they may contain some flavor that could be construed as spicy). The meals that are a true success are the most bland, unexciting combination of foods — however, he will eat them…and gladly.

The Old Standby

• Macaroni & Cheese (any kind — throw some cheese over noodles and that will work, or if you’re feeling "gourmet", make a cheese sauce and toss it with the noodles. If you are feeling really nice, buy some mac-n-cheese in a box — see this month’s product test on DeBoles Mac-n-Cheese.)
• Gf Hot dogs (no bun, just cut up with a smidgen’ of ketchup)
• Corn (on the cobb or off)

The Current Favorite

• Gluten-free Spaghetti (gf noodles tossed with a small amount of basic tomato sauce — see this month’s basic tomato sauce - and topped with grated parmesan cheese)
• If you are feeling a little crazy — throw in a meatball or two. Don’t forget to omit any seasonings or herbs!

A Basic Balanced Meal

• Steamed Rice
• Steamed Green Beans (for some reason the green in this vegetable doesn’t bother my kids)
• Broiled Chicken Pieces (season lightly with garlic salt and sweet paprika)

Breakfast Meal

• Scrambled Eggs (seasoned only with salt — remember, pepper is the enemy!)
• Gf pancakes with butter and pure maple syrup

Honestly, that is about it. Every other meal I serve to my kids is met with hunched over droopiness, and moans and grunts of disappointment. I try not to take it personally and know in my heart that eventually they will be glad for the exposure to a wide variety of foods.

– Glutenfreeda