Why Feeding My Teen Feels Like a Full-Time Job (And What I’m Doing About It)

**Food has become the battleground in our house—**and I never thought it would be.

My teen takes meds that suppress his appetite. He prefers processed food or takeout. And even when I finally make a meal he eats and likes? Next time, he says, “I don’t like that anymore.”

It’s frustrating. It’s exhausting. It’s daily. But I also know this: real food supports his body and his brain. So I’m not giving up—I'm just getting smarter about it.

Here’s What’s Helping:

💬 I Stopped Trying to Win Every Meal

Some nights are just about not fighting. If he eats a veggie or doesn’t complain? That’s a win.

🍔 I Focus on Real Food Upgrades

Forget kale salads. Think baby steps:
• Air fryer chicken strips
• Real cheese in mac and cheese
• Pita pizzas with real toppings

It’s all about small, doable swaps that he’ll actually eat.

📅 We Use a Weekly Meal Planner Together

Every week, we sit down and talk about what meals we’re prepping. He has input. Sometimes that means choosing taco night over pasta, or deciding how we’ll build our mini pizzas.

It’s not about full control—it’s about collaboration. When he helps plan, he’s more likely to eat (and enjoy) what ends up on the plate.

➡️ Download our Free Weekly Meal Planner

➡️ Download our Bento Lunch + Takeout Inspired Dinner Meal Planner

🤝 We Let Some Battles Go

Sometimes I eat my salad, he eats pizza, and we just sit together.
Connection over perfection.

💬 Final Thoughts

If you’re stuck in the same loop of food fights, I see you.
It’s not your fault. You’re not failing.
You’re just parenting a kid who needs a different approach—and showing up for that is enough.

💬 What’s one meal your kid will always eat, no questions asked? Drop it in the comments—let’s help each other grow that win list! 🍽️