Feeding a baby/toddler can be challenging sometimes based on their pickiness, trying to make sure it's healthy, and also quick/easy to prepare. When Eli was eating baby food, I made it all myself with our smoothie blender. Honestly, it really wasn't that difficult because I would make large batches then freeze individual size portions. He used to not be a picky eater, he would eat literally anything I gave him and then slowly over time he got a little pickier each month until BAM I now have a picky eater on my hands (*sigh*). Honestly, the only "fights" he and I have on a daily basis are over food because I'm determined to make him eat somewhat healthy and his little taste buds change daily. For example, Monday I bought him some blueberries and gave them to him for dinner. He ate literally half the container he loved them so much. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I offered them to him again throughout the day and he has refused to eat them. So strange!! All this to get to my point, having my standard go-to healthy foods for him have been important for my sanity, so I wanted to share those with you especially since they are CHEAP!
1. Greek Yogurt Cups from Aldi ($.69)
I love shopping at Aldi since having Eli because I'm able to get healthy foods for a good price. This is a go-to protein for Eli and they are easy to throw in your diaper bag when you're having lunch out. Plus they have all kinds of flavors so I typically stock up with one of each kind.
2. Raisin Boxes
You can get any brand you want, just make sure on the ingredients it's just "raisins" and no added sugars. These are a perfect fruit to carry around and they store for quite a while.
3. Green Pea Crisps from Aldi ($1.69)
Eli loves a good crunchy snack so instead of getting chips or something unhealthy that I'm also tempted to snack on, I get these green pea crisps from Aldi. I also buy these, these, and these from Walmart to keep on hand. Sometimes they can be hard to find, so look in the produce section of Walmart and they should have a good variety to choose from and they are $1.50 per bag.
4. Cheerios Protein from Big Lots ($2.00)
When Eli was a baby (and I was a more nervous mama when it came to food), I used to buy these from Target. At the time, he wouldn't eat but a handful each day so it wasn't too pricey but as he got older he wanted much more than a handful so I moved to good ole Cheerios. I typically buy either the Multi-Grain Cheerios from Walmart or if I get lucky I get the Cheerios Protein from Big Lots.
5. Cottage Cheese from Aldi ($2.29)
Another good source of protein that Eli can actually feed himself without making too big of a mess is cottage cheese. I get this kind (typically get full fat for him not low-fat) from Aldi and if I'm going out for lunch or dinner I just throw some in a small container and let him eat it at the restaurant.
6. Beech-Nut Veggies Pouch ($.50)
Eli LOVES pouches, I can't really figure it out because he's not a fan of baby food in a jar even thought it's literally the same thing just in a pouch. I guess he prefers to drink it than be spoon-fed, who knows what that little brain is thinking. I have to limit Eli to 2 pouches per day otherwise he would probably eat 5-7 and honestly that can really add up. These pouches can cost up to $1.50 depending on where you get them, but if you go to Big Lots they typically have at least one of my favorite brands of pouches (Beech-Nut, Happy Baby, Earth's Best, Sprout) for only $.50/pouch!!! Plus these are great to keep in your diaper bag at all times for a quick fill-up.
And that concludes my current go-to foods that are quicky, healthy, and cheap for my little spunky toddler! I'd love to hear in the comments what things you suggest since I'm always on the food hunt for him :)
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