Feeding a picky eater is a challenge. It can also be expensive! Parents in my private coaching program frequently tell me they worry about wasting food and spending too much at the grocery store.
Considering that extreme picky eaters can need over twenty exposures of a food before feeling ready to eat, it’s not hard to see where the money can add up.
To balance your budget while still working to expand your picky eater’s diet, try these simple tips to avoid wasting money on groceries.
6 Money Saving Tips for Parents of Picky Eaters
Buy Frozen Foods
Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh, but they’re a lot cheaper and more convenient. They’re a great resource for picky eaters because you can portion out only what you need at one time and you can slowly work your way through a stash to get the exposures your child needs to learn to like new foods.
Hit Up the Salad Bar
Though they can be pricy, salad bars are great for grabbing just a taste of a prepared food or item that you know you won’t use a lot of. For example, you can grab just a few slices of bell pepper instead of buying one whole. You’ll end up saving time and money by not having to cook a whole portion that you may not use.
Use Bulk Bins
Bulk bins are great for sampling new items. They’re cheaper than buying packaged, but what I love most is the ability to get the specific portion that you need.
Make a Plan
Having a map of what you’re planning to serve or introduce gives you a clear idea of what to buy so you always have what you need and don’t end up buying items that you don’t. A plan can also help you be strategic about what you’ll be cooking and introducing and when.
Scale Back Portion Sizes
We tend to overestimate the amount of food that our kids need. Beyond that, large portions of new foods in particular can be very overwhelming and off putting to a picky eater. Remember that you can always offer more if you need to. Save leftover portions for future food introductions.
Adapt Your Meal
If your picky eater is not yet eating the family meal, think about ways to adapt your main meal to accommodate their preferences. For example if you’re serving the family baked ziti, but your picky eater prefers plain pasta, leave some on the side instead of cooking a completely different meal.
Recap
Feeding a picky eater can be expensive. With some planning and strategic grocery planning, you can avoid wasting food and money.
Homework
What changes can you make to your current routine? Choose a tip to implement this week.
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