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Meal Plan and Grocery List for the Week of August 26, 2019: Picky Kid Favorites, 21 Day Fix and Weight Watchers Options

Picky Eater Approved Meal Plan: Kid-Friendly Recipes for 21 Day Fix & Weight Watchers Families

Does “I don’t like this dinner” echo through your kitchen, especially when you’re trying to stick to healthy eating goals? You’re definitely not alone! Trying to navigate healthy eating plans like the 21 Day Fix or Weight Watchers while simultaneously pleasing picky palates can feel like an impossible mission for many parents. But what if we told you there’s a solution that brings harmony back to the dinner table, making healthy family dinners a reality?

Welcome to our ultimate Kid-Friendly Meal Plan, a carefully curated collection of reader and family-tested favorites specifically designed to win over even the pickiest eaters. These healthy, delicious, and easy-to-prepare meals seamlessly fit into your 21 Day Fix container counts and Weight Watchers points, ensuring you stay on track with your personal health goals. We truly understand the struggle – as a food blogger, you might think my kids magically love everything, but trust me, they have their picky phases too! This meal plan is here to make your weeknights stress-free and your family dinners a resounding success.

**This Picky Kid Favorites Meal Plan was originally published on 4/15/18, and we’ve recently given it a major refresh! You’ll find new, enticing pictures, updated 21 Day Fix container counts, accurate Weight Watchers points, and a streamlined meal order designed to make your prepping even easier. If you haven’t yet, make sure to sign up for my weekly email! Every meal plan comes with my personal step-by-step prep tips, delivered straight to your inbox, helping you make the most of your cooking time. Get ready to enjoy these fantastic updates and simplify your family meals!**

Why This Kid-Friendly Meal Plan is Your New Weeknight Hero

Creating healthy, family-pleasing meals while adhering to specific dietary programs can be incredibly challenging. This meal plan is your secret weapon, addressing common pain points and offering a stress-free solution that empowers you to feed your family nutritious food they’ll actually eat:

  • Picky Eater Approved: Every single recipe has been rigorously tested and loved by real kids (including my own!), significantly minimizing the chances of dinner-time complaints. We focus on familiar flavors, appealing textures, and creative presentations that are generally well-received by even the most discerning young palates.
  • 21 Day Fix & Weight Watchers Compatible: All meals come with precise 21 Day Fix container counts and accurate Weight Watchers Freestyle points. This means you can effortlessly stay on track with your personal health goals without the added stress of cooking separate meals for yourself or meticulously calculating macros for each dish.
  • Streamlined Meal Prep: The entire weekly layout is designed to maximize efficiency in your kitchen. Many recipes offer flexible make-ahead options or utilize time-saving appliances like the Instant Pot or slow cooker, drastically cutting down on active cooking time on busy evenings.
  • Balanced & Nutritious: While focused on kid-friendly appeal, the plan ensures a balanced intake of lean proteins, a variety of colorful vegetables, and healthy complex carbohydrates throughout the week. This comprehensive approach keeps meals nutritious and satisfying for the entire family, supporting everyone’s well-being.
  • Saves Time & Money: A well-planned week means less last-minute scrambling for dinner, fewer expensive takeout orders, and reduced food waste. Our included printable grocery list simplifies your shopping trip, helping you buy only what you need and saving you valuable time and money.

Especially with new back-to-school schedules, adjusting to remote learning, or simply navigating busy family routines, the last thing any parent wants to hear is that “dinner is gross.” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a full week of delicious, no-fuss dinners everyone will genuinely enjoy. Make sure to save this post for future inspiration and share it with other parents who are in the same boat!

Expert Tips for Happier Mealtimes with Picky Eaters

Even with a stellar meal plan featuring proven kid-friendly recipes, dealing with picky eaters can sometimes require a few extra strategies in your toolkit. Here are some effective and compassionate tips to encourage your kids to explore new foods and make mealtime a more enjoyable and less stressful experience for everyone involved:

  • Involve Them in the Kitchen: Kids are often far more willing to try (and eat!) something they helped prepare. Let them wash vegetables, stir ingredients, measure spices, or even just set the table. Even simple tasks can foster a crucial sense of ownership and curiosity about the food.
  • Offer Choices (Within Limits): Instead of the open-ended “What do you want for dinner?”, try offering controlled options like “Would you like steamed broccoli or crunchy green beans with your chicken tonight?” Giving them a sense of control can significantly reduce resistance and increase cooperation.
  • Don’t Force It: Avoid turning mealtime into a battleground. Offer the food, encourage them to try a “no-thank-you bite” (a tiny taste to expand their palate), but never force them to clean their plate. Forcing can create negative associations with food and foster unhealthy eating habits in the long run.
  • Lead by Example: Kids are keen observers. Eat a variety of healthy foods yourself and show genuine enthusiasm for what’s on your plate. Your positive attitude towards food is contagious and sets a powerful example.
  • One New Item at a Time: When introducing a completely new food, pair it with a familiar favorite they already love. Don’t overwhelm them with an entirely new meal consisting of multiple unfamiliar ingredients. Small, gradual introductions are key.
  • Keep Offering: A child might need to be exposed to a new food 10-15 times (or even more!) before they accept it or even try it. Don’t give up after the first refusal. Tastes evolve and mature, so persistence (without pressure) is important.
  • Make it Fun: Get creative with food presentation! Use cookie cutters for sandwiches or veggies, arrange food into fun shapes (a “broccoli tree forest,” for example), or give dishes silly, imaginative names. Sometimes a playful approach can make all the difference in sparking their interest.
  • Be Patient and Positive: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Developing healthy eating habits and overcoming pickiness is a journey, not a sprint. Celebrate small victories, praise effort over outcome, and always try to maintain a positive, relaxed atmosphere around food.

Your Picky Kid Favorites Weekly Meal Plan

Let’s dive into a week of deliciousness that will keep everyone at your table happy, healthy, and looking forward to dinner!

Monday: Make Ahead Meatballs & Homemade Tomato Sauce

Kick off your week with a classic family favorite: homemade meatballs! These 21 Day Fix Make Ahead Meatballs (Gluten-free) are not only incredibly flavorful and satisfying but also gluten-free, making them a healthy choice for everyone. Paired with our fresh 21 Day Fix Homemade Tomato Sauce, you’ll have a comforting meal that even the pickiest eaters will devour. The beauty of this meal is its versatility and the option to make components ahead of time, saving you precious minutes on busy weeknights. The rich, savory meatballs and vibrant fresh tomato sauce are a winning combination that consistently receives rave reviews from both kids and adults.

Picky Kid Appeal: Kids adore meatballs! They’re fun to eat, easy to chew, and pair perfectly with their favorite pasta. The homemade sauce ensures fresh flavors without any hidden ingredients they might object to.

Tip: For adults following the 21 Day Fix, serve your portion over nutrient-dense zoodles or spaghetti squash to maximize your green containers. Meanwhile, the kids can happily enjoy theirs over whole-grain pasta or even as a delightful meatball sub on a whole wheat roll!

Meatballs – 21 Day Fix: 1 RED, trace YELLOW and BLUE (per serving) | WW Freestyle: 9 points (per serving)

Sauce- 21 Day Fix: 1 GREEN, 1 tsp (per serving) | WW Freestyle: <1 point (per serving)

Groceries for Monday:

Meatballs

  • gluten-free (or other whole grain) bread crumbs
  • ground chicken or turkey
  • chicken or turkey sausage (we suggest mild or spicy Italian, depending on family preference)
  • fresh garlic
  • fresh basil
  • fresh parsley
  • Parmesan/Romano cheese blend
  • chicken broth
  • egg

Tomato Sauce

  • olive oil
  • onion
  • fresh garlic
  • crushed tomatoes
  • tomato purée
  • fresh basil leaves

Tuesday: Instant Pot BBQ Chicken & Mac and Cheese

Tuesday brings another guaranteed crowd-pleaser: tender, flavorful chicken paired with a creamy, wholesome mac and cheese. Our 21 Day Fix Instant Pot Maple BBQ Chicken (with a slow cooker option for ultimate flexibility) is perfectly sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to prepare. It shreds beautifully, making it perfect for little mouths. Complementing this is the ultimate comfort food, brilliantly revamped for healthy eating: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese {Gluten-free}. This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it cleverly incorporates cauliflower for added nutrition without compromising on taste or that desirable creamy texture – a brilliant way to sneak in those essential veggies!

Picky Kid Appeal: BBQ chicken is a universally loved flavor profile, and mac and cheese is the quintessential kid favorite. The hidden cauliflower in the mac and cheese makes it a total win-win for parents looking to boost nutrition!

Tip: Serve the BBQ chicken on whole-wheat buns for the kids, or over a bed of crisp mixed greens or brown rice for a lighter adult option. Pair with a simple side of steamed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad.

Chicken- 21 Day Fix: 1 RED, 1 tsp (per serving) | WW Freestyle: 8 points (per serving)

Mac and Cheese- 21 Day Fix: 1 1/3 YELLOW, 1/3 GREEN, 1 BLUE, 1/2 tsp (per serving) | WW Freestyle: 6 points (per serving)

Groceries for Tuesday:

Chicken

  • boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • tomato paste
  • coconut aminos (or sub low sodium soy sauce if not gluten-free)
  • pure maple syrup (or sub honey)
  • apple cider vinegar
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • sea or Himalayan salt and black pepper
  • optional – thickener of your choice (arrowroot, tapioca, cornstarch, etc)

Mac and Cheese

  • head of cauliflower
  • chicken broth (can sub water)
  • elbow pasta (gluten-free Barilla recommended for gluten-free diets)
  • vegan butter or ghee (can sub regular butter)
  • shredded cheddar cheese w/ Pecorino Romano added
  • garlic powder
  • dry mustard
  • Himalayan salt

Wednesday: Momma’s Meatloaf or Instant Pot Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes

Hump day calls for hearty comfort food, and nothing says classic comfort quite like meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes. You have two fantastic options for Wednesday, depending on your preferred cooking method and time availability: our classic Momma’s Meatloaf or the incredibly convenient 21 Day Fix Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes. The Instant Pot version is particularly impressive as it cooks both the flavorful meatloaf and fluffy mashed potatoes simultaneously in one pot, making for an unbelievably quick, easy, and satisfying meal. These recipes are designed to be juicy, rich in flavor, and incredibly satisfying, proving conclusively that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or childhood favorites.

Picky Kid Appeal: Meatloaf is a familiar and comforting meal for most kids, especially when paired with creamy, smooth mashed potatoes. The Instant Pot version means less waiting for hungry little ones, which is always a bonus!

Tip: Serve with a simple side of roasted carrots or steamed green beans to round out the meal and add extra vegetables. The savory gravy that naturally forms from the meatloaf is absolutely perfect drizzled over the mashed potatoes!

Instant Pot version- 21 Day Fix: 1 RED, 1 YELLOW, 1 GREEN, 1/4 BLUE, 2 tsp (per serving) | WW Freestyle: 11 points (per serving)

Groceries for Wednesday:

  • lean, grass-fed ground beef
  • seasoned breadcrumbs (gluten-free recommended for those with sensitivities)
  • onion
  • fresh garlic
  • egg
  • shredded Pecorino Romano (Locatelli brand is excellent for authentic flavor)
  • dry or fresh parsley
  • tomato sauce
  • golden potatoes
  • baby carrots
  • vegan butter or ghee
  • chicken broth or stock
  • salt, pepper

Thursday: Asian Style Crock Pot Chicken or Instant Pot Asian Chicken

For Thursday, we bring you a burst of delicious Asian-inspired flavors with minimal effort, making for a healthier and tastier alternative to takeout. Choose between our popular Asian Style Crock Pot Chicken or the lightning-fast 21 Day Fix Instant Pot Asian Chicken. Both recipes yield incredibly tender chicken thighs bathed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that is absolutely irresistible and perfectly balanced. This dish is designed for hands-off cooking, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while dinner practically makes itself. It’s a fantastic, wholesome alternative to takeout, offering all the vibrant flavor without the unhealthy additives.

Picky Kid Appeal: The sweet and savory sauce on this chicken is a big hit with kids. The chicken is tender, easy to eat, and pairs perfectly with a side of rice, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

Tip: Serve with Freezer Friendly Instant Pot Brown Rice and steamed green beans – the green beans soak up the delicious sauce beautifully, adding extra flavor and a boost of green veggies!

21 Day Fix: 1 RED, 1 tsp (per serving of chicken) | WW Freestyle: 9 points (per serving of chicken)

Groceries for Thursday:

  • boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • honey
  • coconut aminos (a fantastic soy sauce alternative for gluten-free diets)
  • tomato paste
  • coconut oil
  • sea salt
  • crushed red pepper (optional, for a little kick for adult portions)

Friday: Taco Pizza {21 Day Fix}

Celebrate the end of the week with a fun, interactive, and flavorful Friday night meal: Taco Pizza {21 Day Fix}! This creative dish ingeniously combines two universally loved foods – tacos and pizza – into one healthy, delicious, and highly customizable dinner. Using convenient Flatout wraps as the base keeps it light, perfectly portioned, and wonderfully crispy, while a flavorful ground turkey topping (seasoned with homemade salt-free taco seasoning) and all your favorite taco fixings make it an undeniable hit. It’s an interactive meal where everyone can top their own pizza with their preferred ingredients, ensuring every family member gets exactly what they like!

Picky Kid Appeal: What kid doesn’t love pizza and tacos? This dish brilliantly combines them! Plus, the ability to customize their own toppings gives kids ownership over their meal, making them much more likely to try and enjoy it.

Tip: Set up a vibrant “taco pizza bar” with various toppings like fresh salsa, corn, black beans, diced bell peppers (in different colors!), chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, and different cheeses. This is also a fantastic and fun way to introduce new veggies in a low-pressure environment!

21 Day Fix: 1 1/4 YELLOW, 1/2 RED, 1/4 GREEN, 1/3 BLUE (per pizza) | WW Freestyle: 4 points (per pizza)

Groceries for Friday:

  • ground turkey
  • salt-free taco seasoning (homemade is always best for controlling ingredients!)
  • shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • fresh salsa, or diced tomatoes
  • bell peppers (various colors for visual appeal)
  • red onion (finely diced for pickier eaters)
  • fresh cilantro
  • black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • corn (frozen or canned, drained)
  • lime
  • Flatout wraps
  • olive oil spray

Boost Your Week with Smart Meal Prep Tips

To truly make this picky kid-friendly meal plan work wonders for your busy schedule, incorporating some simple yet effective meal prep strategies will be key. A little bit of effort on a Sunday afternoon can save you hours during the week, reduce stress, and ensure you’re always prepared for healthy dinners:

  • Batch Cook Proteins: Cook a larger batch of ground meat for your meatballs or meatloaf, or prepare extra shredded chicken for Tuesday’s BBQ chicken that can be easily repurposed for lunches or another meal later in the week.
  • Chop Veggies Ahead: Take an hour to pre-chop onions, garlic, bell peppers, and any other vegetables required for your recipes. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, ready to be added to your dishes with minimal fuss.
  • Make Sauces and Dressings: The homemade tomato sauce for Monday, or the savory Asian sauce for Thursday, can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This ensures a quick assembly when it’s dinner time, as the longest component is already done.
  • Pre-Cook Grains: Prepare your brown rice ahead of time, as suggested for Thursday’s meal. Cook a big batch and portion it out for quick sides throughout the week.
  • Utilize Your Instant Pot/Slow Cooker: These appliances are meal prep superstars. Plan to use them for hands-off cooking, freeing you up to do other tasks, spend time with your family, or simply relax while dinner cooks itself.

By investing a little time in advance, you’ll find weeknight dinners become significantly smoother, more enjoyable, and you’ll be much more likely to stick to your healthy eating goals without feeling overwhelmed!

Need More Kid-Friendly & Healthy Meal Ideas?

Our passion is to make healthy eating accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for every family member. If you’ve enjoyed this meal plan and are looking for even more inspiration to keep your family well-fed and happy, explore our extensive collection of recipes. We offer a wide variety of dishes that are perfect for picky eaters and diet-friendly for 21 Day Fix and Weight Watchers followers. From cleverly hidden veggie recipes to quick lunch ideas and delightful, guilt-free desserts, we’ve got something for everyone in your household!

Meal Plan & Recipe Round Ups

  • 21 Day Fix Meal Plan & Grocery List {53} Picky Kid Approved Dinners
  • Hidden Vegetable Recipes for Picky Eaters | 21 Day Fix Sneaky Veggie Recipes
  • 20 Easy Back to School Meal Ideas [21 Day Fix | Weight Watchers]

Family-Favorite Dinners

  • 21 Day Fix Krispie Baked Chicken
  • Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
  • 21 Day Fix Spinach and Sausage Lasagna Roll Ups
  • 21 Day Fix One Skillet Burrito Bowl
  • Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli (21 Day Fix)
  • Healthy Shepherds Pie (Stovetop/Instant Pot)
  • Dinner Recipes Site Index

Quick & Healthy Lunches

  • 21 Day Fix Salsa Lime Chicken (Instant Pot/Slow Cooker)
  • Easy 21 Day Fix Chicken Veggie Soup {Stovetop, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker}
  • 21 Day Fix Loaded Potato and Cauliflower Soup (Stove-top/Instant Pot)
  • 21 Day Fix Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Lunch Recipes Site Index

Wholesome Breakfasts

  • 21 Day Fix Granola
  • 21 Day Fix Cinnamon Bun French Toast Cups
  • 21 Day Fix Baked Oatmeal Jars
  • 21 Day Fix Breakfast Banana Split {Make ahead)
  • Healthy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks [21 Day Fix | Weight Watchers | Gluten-free | Dairy-free]
  • Breakfast Recipes Site Index

Guilt-Free Desserts & Snacks

  • 21 Day Fix Instant Pot Apple Crisp
  • 21 Day Fix Dairy Free Chocolate Fondue
  • Cookie Hummus Dip
  • 21 Day Fix Banana Bread (Gluten-free| Dairy Free) | Confessions of a Fit Foodie
  • Snack Recipes Site Index

Don’t Forget Your Printable Grocery List!

Ready to make this week’s meals a breeze and enjoy more peaceful dinners? Download our comprehensive, printable grocery list to make your shopping trip quick and incredibly efficient. It’s perfectly organized to help you gather all the ingredients for these delicious, picky kid-approved meals without missing a thing. Simply click the image above or the link in our weekly email to get started. Here’s to a week filled with happy eaters, stress-free cooking, and wholesome family dinners!