Dinners for 1 1/2 people

klmmoore

My husband is about to start traveling a lot for work and I am in need of some easy meals for me and my daughter that don't involve macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets. Its so hard to cook a balanced meal when she doesn't eat very much (she's only 4). I really want to continue making healthy meals for us but I'm not really sure what to make that isn't a huge meal! Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Amandac6772

I want to hear this too...I have the world's pickest 4 year old too. He would eat chicken nuggets every meal of the day if I let him.

becomingsara

Hi!

I followed this thread yesterday (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/122943-need-recipes-for-fall-veggies-please) and there were a good couple of ways to hide veggies in the food. Also (http://www.thesneakychef.com/free_sneaky_chef_recipes.php) she ahs a few books about adding veggies to food that kids would NEVER suspect they were in...

redhotsmacker

You could always make a meal big enough for 3 then freeze or refrigerate the left overs for a lazy day meal where you don't feel like cooking :P

Sasssy69

I have two little girls, 5 & 7. Here are some ideas that I do:

Baked chicken - you can buy one breast and split it between you, with a baked potato, and some green beans. You can season it as you like, but bake it without butter or oil - to keep it a little moist, use a little chicken broth.

Pasta with marinara. Use half the jar for spagetti and marinara, and either freeze or refrigerate the rest. You can measure out your pasta before you cook it. Serve with a veggie - I prefer steamed broccoli.

Black bean and cheese quesadillas. I use mozzarella cheese and black beans for mine, and just cheddar for my girls'. I throw in an apple with this one for my girls, and a salad for me.

BBQ chicken sandiwiches. I "fry" my chicken (I don't use oil. I use non-stick spray and a little water, cook it on medium, turning frequently. When you notice your chicken starting to dry out, add a little more water). Cut it up, then add about 1/2 - 1 cup of bbq sauce. Let it simmer. Slice up a potato, spray with the cooking spray, and use sea salt, bake in the oven for french fries. I buy the low fat buns or even a tortilla shell.

I buy those Hebrew National low fat hot dogs. They're very low fat and calorie. Make those with some Baked Lays and a salad or some fruit. Kids love hot dogs. Or add some low fat vegetarian chili (nalley's is my fav) for a chili dog (if your daughter will eat chili).

Just a few ideas to get you by. I've also heard that you can make your own whole wheat pizza crust. I haven't done that yet, but you can try googling it.

Nikiki

I went through this with my nephew (who spends a LOT of time at my house)
I made a list of everything he liked that was healthy (fruits, veggies, meats) and healthified those. He loves chicken nuggets so I did baked chicken breast, cut into finger sized pieces. that was dinner a lot! along with soups. gradually I started adding things that he wasnt familiar with (he went through a phase of not liking ANYTHING) and he had to at least try each thing and if he really didnt like it then I would make him scrambled eggs & toast or something else fairly easy. he's now 8 and will eat pretty much anything I put in front of him (except for carrots... not sure why but he truly hates them!)

but really to make life easy for yourself (and make things easier down the road and avoid having a picky teenager!!) make healthy, simple meals for yourself, a meat, a veggie & a starch do a variety. Leftovers can always be eaten for lunch the next day and you'll be teaching her to like healthy foods