The Confident Eater

Menu
Book your no cost mini evaluation

Breakfasts for fussy eaters – beyond cereal & toast

Adding foods, Blogs, Creating Confident Eaters, Picky eating support / By
Breakfasts for fussy eaters, beyond cereal & toast – the basics, Judith Yeabsley|Fussy Eating NZ, #BreakfastsForFussyEatersBeyondCereal&Toast, #BreakfastIdeasForFussyEaters, # BreakfastsForPickyEatersBeyondCereal&Toast, #TheConfidentEater, #FussyEatingNZ, #TryNewFoods #HelpForFussyEating, #HelpForFussyEaters, #FussyEater, #FussyEating, #PickyEater, #PickyEating, #SupportForFussyEaters, #SupportForPickyEaters, #CreatingConfidentEaters, #TryNewFood #PickyEatingNZ #HelpForPickyEaters, #HelpForPickyEating, #Wellington, #NZ, #JudithYeabsley

Breakfasts for fussy eaters – beyond cereal & toast

Does your child happily eat breakfast but then struggle at other times of the day?

If so, that is not uncommon. Breakfast is often a great meal for fussy eaters. They have become hungry overnight (breaking the fast) plus the foods we offer frequently tick boxes.

Picky eaters prefer the expected and the uniform, which is why breakfasts are often a win. Many options are pre-packaged like cereal and so your child knows what to expect as they are the same day-in-day-out.

Last week we looked at ways you could entice a fussy eater to change up their cereal or toast. Making small changes is always advisable so you are not stuck serving the exact same thing over and over again, and your child is not burning patterns that are challenging to shift.

Although toast and cereal are probably the most commonly accepted breakfasts, there are many other foods that you may be able to introduce.

I’m all for thinking outside of the box!!

Again, my favourite words of caution. Yes, what you serve is important, but there are many other factors that enable a food hesitant child to be able to eat a new food.

Although there are many suggestions below, your approach, the language you use, the dynamics around food and feeding and your child’s general level of comfort, will all have an impact on how readily they accept something.

Let’s look at some breakfast options and how you can present them to your children.

Beyond cereal & toast

Yoghurt

Many fussy eaters are okay with yoghurt for breakfast. If so, making some small changes to encourage them to accept difference, which in time, leads to new is a good plan.

Breakfasts for fussy eaters NZ, yoghurt, beyond cereal and toast for picky eaters, Judith Yeabsley|Fussy Eating NZ, #yoghurtforbreakfast, #breakfastsforfussyeaters, #breakfastsforpickyeaters, #theconfidenteater, #fussyeatingNZ, #pickyeatingNZ #helpforpickyeaters, #helpforpickyeating, #recipespickyeaterswilleat, #recipesfussyeaterswilleat #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #Recipesforpickyeaters, #Foodforpickyeaters, #wellington, #NZ, #judithyeabsley, #helpforfussyeating, #helpforfussyeaters, #fussyeater, #fussyeating, #pickyeater, #pickyeating, #supportforpickyeaters, #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #creatingconfidenteaters, #newfoods, #bookforpickyeaters, #thecompleteconfidenceprogram, #thepickypack, #funfoodsforpickyeaters, #funfoodsdforfussyeaters

1. Yoghurt – with additions. Are they able to sprinkle something small onto the yoghurt? Mixing is often tricky for fussy eaters, which is why it’s important to practice.

Some sprinkles, some raisins, or some choc chips, for example.

2. Fruit. Even if you have a fruit eater, the more often you serve it, the more often it gets eaten. If your child is a ‘smooth’ only yoghurt child, pieces of tinned, frozen, or fresh fruit that they put in themselves may be a win.

3. Parfait. Which is a fancy name for a layered dish in a glass. The beginner’s version may be yoghurt with a crumble of a favourite food on the top.

More advanced may be a layer of yoghurt, fruit, yoghurt, muesli, for example.

Breakfasts for fussy eaters NZ, yoghurt parfait, beyond cereal and toast for picky eaters, Judith Yeabsley|Fussy Eating NZ, #yoghurtparfaitforbreakfast, #breakfastsforfussyeaters, #breakfastsforpickyeaters, #theconfidenteater, #fussyeatingNZ, #pickyeatingNZ #helpforpickyeaters, #helpforpickyeating, #recipespickyeaterswilleat, #recipesfussyeaterswilleat #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #Recipesforpickyeaters, #Foodforpickyeaters, #wellington, #NZ, #judithyeabsley, #helpforfussyeating, #helpforfussyeaters, #fussyeater, #fussyeating, #pickyeater, #pickyeating, #supportforpickyeaters, #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #creatingconfidenteaters, #newfoods, #bookforpickyeaters, #thecompleteconfidenceprogram, #thepickypack, #funfoodsforpickyeaters, #funfoodsdforfussyeaters

Pancakes

I love pancakes as a breakfast option. Plenty of protein and versatile as you can make different versions or use different toppings.

1. Traditional. Make pancakes or crepes with flour, eggs, and milk. You can create big, small, or even cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.

Toppings can be the usual like maple syrup, but there is no reason not to add yoghurt or peanut butter, depending upon a child’s tastes.

2. Different flours. You can keep the recipe similar but use oat, nut, chickpea or rice flour for example. Or a combination.

3. Adding fruit or vegetables. Pureed fruit or vegetable can be added to the batter to create a green ‘Incredible Hulk’ pancake, or to increase the sweetness, for example.

4. Banana/egg pancakes. One ripe banana and two eggs makes a very sweet, but quick and simple pancake.

Breakfasts for fussy eaters NZ, banana egg pancake, beyond cereal and toast for picky eaters, Judith Yeabsley|Fussy Eating NZ, #ybananaeggpancakeforbreakfast, #breakfastsforfussyeaters, #breakfastsforpickyeaters, #theconfidenteater, #fussyeatingNZ, #pickyeatingNZ #helpforpickyeaters, #helpforpickyeating, #recipespickyeaterswilleat, #recipesfussyeaterswilleat #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #Recipesforpickyeaters, #Foodforpickyeaters, #wellington, #NZ, #judithyeabsley, #helpforfussyeating, #helpforfussyeaters, #fussyeater, #fussyeating, #pickyeater, #pickyeating, #supportforpickyeaters, #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #creatingconfidenteaters, #newfoods, #bookforpickyeaters, #thecompleteconfidenceprogram, #thepickypack, #funfoodsforpickyeaters, #funfoodsdforfussyeaters

Baked goods

If you have a child who is stuck on one food for breakfast, it’s advisable to introduce more, if possible.

Perhaps that is via something a little different:

1. Croissants. I know many fussy eaters who are comfortable eating these.

2. Bagels, muffin splits, fruit toast. Test other types of bread-type foods.

3. Muffins. If you are concerned about ingredients, you can make great versions at home.
Even chocolate ones can be nutrient dense and a reasonable breakfast option.

Volume often affects success, so beginning with mini ones or a quarter can be a good way to get buy-in.

4. Breakfast bars – there are many recipes for simple bars you can cook for breakfast. These are also a great option if you are dashing out of the door in the mornings or have a child who takes extra time and misses out at home.

Breakfasts for fussy eaters NZ, breakfast bar, beyond cereal and toast for picky eaters, Judith Yeabsley|Fussy Eating NZ, #breakfastbar, #breakfastsforfussyeaters, #breakfastsforpickyeaters, #theconfidenteater, #fussyeatingNZ, #pickyeatingNZ #helpforpickyeaters, #helpforpickyeating, #recipespickyeaterswilleat, #recipesfussyeaterswilleat #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #Recipesforpickyeaters, #Foodforpickyeaters, #wellington, #NZ, #judithyeabsley, #helpforfussyeating, #helpforfussyeaters, #fussyeater, #fussyeating, #pickyeater, #pickyeating, #supportforpickyeaters, #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #creatingconfidenteaters, #newfoods, #bookforpickyeaters, #thecompleteconfidenceprogram, #thepickypack, #funfoodsforpickyeaters, #funfoodsdforfussyeaters

Eggs

Eggs, like Vegemite, are frequently either a yeah or a nay!

1. Dippy eggs. The classic soft-boiled egg with soldiers may be a good way to begin interest in eggs. Toast is often a favourite, and your child can dip for the teeniest, tiniest bit of egg.

2. Scrambled eggs. These can be cooked without milk so they are dry – which can be texturally easier for some children. Or perhaps cooked with cheese, if you have a cheese lover.

3. Omelette. You can begin with a basic (or cheese if that’s a favourite) omelette. Later, it is possible to add small amounts of other foods without a big change in texture or flavour. Again, if it’s a new food, I’d be creating a very small portion size.

4. Fried eggs. Many picky eaters are okay with either white or yolk. If this is the case, I’d serve the preferred colour and have the other one available, should they wish.

5. Poached. You can cook foods in different ways to make it easier for your child. For example, a firm yolk may be easier for some children.

Breakfasts for fussy eaters NZ, poached egg, beyond cereal and toast for picky eaters, Judith Yeabsley|Fussy Eating NZ, #poachedegg, #breakfastsforfussyeaters, #breakfastsforpickyeaters, #theconfidenteater, #fussyeatingNZ, #pickyeatingNZ #helpforpickyeaters, #helpforpickyeating, #recipespickyeaterswilleat, #recipesfussyeaterswilleat #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #Recipesforpickyeaters, #Foodforpickyeaters, #wellington, #NZ, #judithyeabsley, #helpforfussyeating, #helpforfussyeaters, #fussyeater, #fussyeating, #pickyeater, #pickyeating, #supportforpickyeaters, #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #creatingconfidenteaters, #newfoods, #bookforpickyeaters, #thecompleteconfidenceprogram, #thepickypack, #funfoodsforpickyeaters, #funfoodsdforfussyeaters

Bacon/Sausages

Pre-made meat products like ham, bacon and sausages are often a win for fussy eaters. If these are a big part of lunch or dinner and you do have limited options, I would leave them there.

If breakfast is a challenge, or you have a child stuck eating the same food day after day, then introducing change is important and this may be via a food like bacon or sausages.

1. Bacon. If it’s a win, then can you make some small changes or combine with other foods? For example, adding it to toast or bread.

2. Sausages. If your child has a favourite brand, are you able to offer slightly different versions? Can you add to other foods? Perhaps you can serve them differently? Sliced thinly and lengthways so they curl, in little rounds on a skewer.

All changes are positive for showing your child that difference is okay.

Breakfasts for fussy eaters NZ, sausages, beyond cereal and toast for picky eaters, Judith Yeabsley|Fussy Eating NZ, #sausages, #breakfastsforfussyeaters, #breakfastsforpickyeaters, #theconfidenteater, #fussyeatingNZ, #pickyeatingNZ #helpforpickyeaters, #helpforpickyeating, #recipespickyeaterswilleat, #recipesfussyeaterswilleat #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #Recipesforpickyeaters, #Foodforpickyeaters, #wellington, #NZ, #judithyeabsley, #helpforfussyeating, #helpforfussyeaters, #fussyeater, #fussyeating, #pickyeater, #pickyeating, #supportforpickyeaters, #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #creatingconfidenteaters, #newfoods, #bookforpickyeaters, #thecompleteconfidenceprogram, #thepickypack, #funfoodsforpickyeaters, #funfoodsdforfussyeaters

Drinkable breakfasts

Drinking is often easier than eating for picky eaters (which is why many fill up on milk when they are younger).

If this is your child, you can use this to your advantage and provide a nutritious morning boost.

1. Smoothies. If eating is a challenge in the morning, you may be able to swap in a smoothie. There are many different ways to make smoothies so they tick boxes for your child. It is often easy to add nutrients to a thickened drink too.

2. Hot chocolate. If smoothies are a no, can you start with a hot chocolate. Gradually adding new ingredients to a familiar base can work.

3. Up & Go. I am not a fan of the pre-made varieties due to the ingredients, but a home-made one using either wheatbricks or oat flour is a fabulous idea. I have worked with many families who have managed the switch.

Breakfasts for fussy eaters NZ, smoothie, beyond cereal and toast for picky eaters, Judith Yeabsley|Fussy Eating NZ, #smoothie, #breakfastsforfussyeaters, #breakfastsforpickyeaters, #theconfidenteater, #fussyeatingNZ, #pickyeatingNZ #helpforpickyeaters, #helpforpickyeating, #recipespickyeaterswilleat, #recipesfussyeaterswilleat #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #Recipesforpickyeaters, #Foodforpickyeaters, #wellington, #NZ, #judithyeabsley, #helpforfussyeating, #helpforfussyeaters, #fussyeater, #fussyeating, #pickyeater, #pickyeating, #supportforpickyeaters, #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #creatingconfidenteaters, #newfoods, #bookforpickyeaters, #thecompleteconfidenceprogram, #thepickypack, #funfoodsforpickyeaters, #funfoodsdforfussyeaters

Fruit

If a parent asks me how to get more fruit eaten, my first suggestion is ‘serve it more often’. Even if you have a child who isn’t eating fruit yet, it would still be my advice.

For fruit eaters – the more frequently they have the opportunity to eat fruit, the more they are likely to consume.

For non-fruit eaters – the more often you see something, the more of a comfort level you build with it and the more it seems to be ‘the thing to do’.

Suggestions for fruit for breakfast:

1. Have fruit on offer. For reluctant fruit eaters, dried fruit may be easier to begin with.

2. Add to cereal or yoghurt. Tinned or frozen are great options.

3. Add to carbs. Serve with toast, crumpets, or other favourite carbohydrates.

Breakfasts for fussy eaters NZ, fruit on bread, beyond cereal and toast for picky eaters, Judith Yeabsley|Fussy Eating NZ, #fruitonbread, #breakfastsforfussyeaters, #breakfastsforpickyeaters, #theconfidenteater, #fussyeatingNZ, #pickyeatingNZ #helpforpickyeaters, #helpforpickyeating, #recipespickyeaterswilleat, #recipesfussyeaterswilleat #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #Recipesforpickyeaters, #Foodforpickyeaters, #wellington, #NZ, #judithyeabsley, #helpforfussyeating, #helpforfussyeaters, #fussyeater, #fussyeating, #pickyeater, #pickyeating, #supportforpickyeaters, #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #creatingconfidenteaters, #newfoods, #bookforpickyeaters, #thecompleteconfidenceprogram, #thepickypack, #funfoodsforpickyeaters, #funfoodsdforfussyeaters

4. Use a fruit compote or sauce. Making these can be simple and great fun.

5. Add into muffins or pancakes.

‘Random ideas’

I know many fussy eaters who eat non-traditional breakfast items, which is fine. I thought I’d just list a few more ideas:

1. Hash browns. Crispy and fried, often an easy way to eat potatoes that are not hot chips!

2. Baked beans. These can be the simplest bean-type offering to introduce as they have the sweet tomatoey sauce.

3. Fried bread, tomatoes, mushrooms. Adding additional things to the frying pan to see what will be a win!

Breakfasts for fussy eaters NZ, bacon and eggs, beyond cereal and toast for picky eaters, Judith Yeabsley|Fussy Eating NZ, #baconandeggs, #breakfastsforfussyeaters, #breakfastsforpickyeaters, #theconfidenteater, #fussyeatingNZ, #pickyeatingNZ #helpforpickyeaters, #helpforpickyeating, #recipespickyeaterswilleat, #recipesfussyeaterswilleat #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #Recipesforpickyeaters, #Foodforpickyeaters, #wellington, #NZ, #judithyeabsley, #helpforfussyeating, #helpforfussyeaters, #fussyeater, #fussyeating, #pickyeater, #pickyeating, #supportforpickyeaters, #winnerwinnerIeatdinner, #creatingconfidenteaters, #newfoods, #bookforpickyeaters, #thecompleteconfidenceprogram, #thepickypack, #funfoodsforpickyeaters, #funfoodsdforfussyeaters

Of course, breakfast is whatever a family feels is appropriate, and a child feels comfortable eating. I know children who eat foods that are not top of most breakfast lists, but it is what they are able to eat.

Stepping beyond cereal & toast can be fun for everyone though.

I hope you’re finding value in the articles and please share with friends or family who may find them useful.

Any questions, do ask, I endeavour to answer everyone.

Judith, MA Cantab (Cambridge University), MSc Psychology (first-class honours), is working on a PhD, is an AOTA accredited picky eating advisor and internationally certified nutritional therapist. She works with 100+ families every year resolving fussy eating and returning pleasure and joy to the meal table.

She is also mum to two boys and the author of Creating Confident Eaters and Winner Winner I Eat Dinner. Her dream is that every child can approach food from a place of safety and joy, not fear.

Learn more about Judith here: https://theconfidenteater.com/about/

Scroll to Top