I'm sitting here trying to think of what I feed my kids all the time!! Unfortunately, a lot of times they don't eat what I eat. But, we bribe them to try at least one bite. Sometimes this really does take money
. But, my kids have tried veggies I never would've thought by this age (asparagus and turnip greens come to mind). My children are 5 and 6.
Mostly, I have them eat the meat we eat, and hopefully a little of our veggies. In trying to get them to choose things (vs. me making them a plate), I'll then make a veggie/fruit plate. They're required to take at least 2-3 different things off this plate on the nights they won't like what I'm eating. I'll also cut them up pieces of cheese, and add some crackers if there's no grains for me that night. They're both skinny kids, and could use a lot more fat than I need!
Others:
Hamburger steak (DH gets gravy; kids get cheese!)
chili; I eat plain, kids use Frito scoops to eat
tacos/quesadillas - I'll eat on salad, kids really like making their own
tortilla pizzas - everyone gets what they want!
I planned out the menu this week:
*Hamburger steak (they'll eat it! and they love red potatoes; I'll make sauteed mushrooms and onions for my/DH part)
*Mock cornbread/beef casserole (this is a new try, I won't make it spicy, I think they'll like it)
*Crack Salad - not sure if they'll like it. they'll probably pick out stuff. Will probably have veggie tray available! (they tend to like raw veggies far better than cooked)
*Sausage, mac n cheese for them, kale with beans and tomatoes for DH and I, veggie tray
It's not perfect. But when I watch friends' kids, mine eat a lot more veggies and are more willing then most. I'm hoping when they get older, this will help them in their WOE.
Good luck!