Balanced Toddler Meals on a Budget!

A balanced meal includes a low-fat protein, a (preferably whole-wheat) starch, and fruits/veggies.

This little graphic helps me with portion size. 

When I had gestational diabetes, I met with a dietician and learned a LOT about what I'm eating and how it affects me. In a sugar-saturated culture, I know eating right is a skill my girls will have to learn. I want to start them out on the right foot.
A caveat or two before I provide my list below. I do most of my shopping at Aldi. I can find almost everything I need there, and if you can only get to one or two stores, I find that's the cheapest place to go. The prices below are based on what I typically spend at my local Aldi.
Also, it's important to be flexible to what your toddler needs and likes. However, my babies are young enough that even if I haven't had success with something in the past, I'll try it again after a few weeks. Tastebuds are always changing.
Lastly, I left out the obvious fresh produce under the fruit and veggie category for sake of time. Grapes, apples, carrots, etc., are great things to buy and have on hand. It's always best to go fresh!

Breakfast

• protein:
• Turkey sausage ($2.00/ 12 links)   
• Eggs, eggs, eggs! ($1.79/dozen)
• Peanut butter ($1.49/jar)
• Greek Yogurt ($3.79/2lbs)

• fruit: 
• Fresh produce only. The body isn't ready to process anything too sugary in the morning.
• Tomatoes mixed into eggs are one of their favorites. 

• veggie:
• My Ugly Zucchini Bread
• Spinach (mixed into eggs) ($.50 @ Hen House salad bar)
• Breakfast potatoes (hash browns or peasant potatoes)
• This time of year, a healthy pumpkin bread recipe is great, too!
• starch:

• Cheerios ($1.79/ family-size box)
• My Ugly Zucchini Bread
• Oatmeal ($1.19/canister)
• 12 Grain Bread ($1.89/loaf)
• Clean Eating Pancakes with a tiny bit of syrup or jam. 

Lunch

• protein:
• Deli meat ($8 for 1.5lbs from Sams, and it's gooooood)
• Any leftover meat from dinner
• Peanut butter ($1.49/jar)
• fruit: (Go easy on fruit servings that aren't fresh, i.e., applesauce, as it can be really sugary.)
• Applesauce
• Canned mandarin oranges ($.95 per can)
• Small amounts of jelly ($1.75/jar)
• Dried fruits (i.e., raisins)
• veggie: 
• Shredded carrots ($.95/bag of baby carrots)
• Cucumbers ($.75/lb)
• Baked potato ($3.00/3lbs)
• Sweet potato ($3.00/3lbs)
• Squash (seasonal)
• Any leftover veggies from the night before. 
• starch:
• Whole wheat bread ($1.85/loaf)
• Crackers
• Cheerios

Dinner
Following the same principle, I cut up and feed my girls whatever it is we are having for dinner! That's good for us, too, because we're always sure to have a veggie, fruit, starch, and primary protein, just like we should!


Hopefully this will give you some new ideas on a meal plan for your kids. I used to look to lunch time as a break for myself, but I'm realizing now that good nutrition is one of my primary functions as a stay-at-home mom. As you all do your own research and brainstorming, please send me your ideas!