How I'm combating picky eating in my family

The magical solution where everyone thinks they're getting their way (but mom's secretly winning). I've discovered I can turn practically anything into a DIY dinner bar that gives my family the illusion of choice while I smuggle in actual nutrition. Break out your meal into separate ingredients and watch even your pickiest eater suddenly become adventurous. Bonus: my husband voluntarily added spinach to his plate last night - I nearly fainted.

Three crowd-pleasers that work at my house:

1. Pasta Bar: One type of noodle, two sauces (same base but one with extra flavor/spice), plus toppings like sautéed veggies, herbs, and cheese. Even my "I only eat white foods" 4-year-old will grab some broccoli when it's their decision.

2. Mediterranean Bar: Pita pockets, hummus, falafel patties, feta, chopped tomatoes, sliced onions, olives, and store-bought dips (Toom Garlic Dip is my current obsession). Warning: your kids might actually eat vegetables voluntarily.

3. Burrito Bowls: The classic choice architecture masterpiece - proteins, rice, beans, salsa, cheese, and guac. Even picky eaters can't resist building their own mini-masterpiece.

Bonus: Meal prep these ingredients once and remix them across different dinners all week. Your future exhausted self will thank you.

Know another mom who's stuck in dinner battles? Share this newsletter with her! Nothing says "I see your struggle" like practical advice that doesn't involve hours in the kitchen.