14 year old only eating rubbish when left alone

[losenotloose]

Would this annoy you? I can't tell if I'm expecting too much. Ds1 is having to isolate at the moment due to a positive test in his bubble. We have plenty of food in the house he could eat but he just eats rubbish. As an example today he's eaten plain boiled noodles, a scotch egg, a giant cookie and a packet of crisps. He ate similar yesterday. I buy these things to go in packed lunches and as occasional treats. I'm disappointed that he is lazy to even make a sandwich but also doesn't see the big deal. Am I wrong to just stop buying this stuff? Packed lunches can be boring from now on.

Personally I don’t think you’re wrong to stop buying it. I think I’d approach it by possible cooking some things with him that could just reheated or eaten as a snack, but would keep in the fridge. I wouldn’t be surprised at the laziness, I think it’s often more of a reluctance to leave whatever fun things they’ve found to do rather than much else. I would tackle it though, I don’t see crisps and cookies every day as healthy, teenage sporty boy or not. The calories are not the issue, it’s the lack of useful nutrients etc. Not everyone who’s taught about healthy eating and doesn’t regularly buy junk food grows up to rebel against their parents by existing only on pizza at uni, nor do they all get eating disorders.

I do make homemade snacks that have a bit more nutritional benefit and low/no sugar plus low/no salt. (Ds needs this for health condition, but even if he didn’t it would be my approach.) They usually also include fruit/veg, nuts, cheese, fresh egg (not powdered that’s often used in shop recipes), herbs or spices etc. They taste lovely, but they are nutritious. Occasionally there’ll be something more processed in our family, but that’s a rarity - so I’m actually stricter than you OP. I think your reaction’s sensible. I talk a lot to my dc about healthy eating and nutrition and why what we eat is important, so if I was in this situation, I’d also be doing that (assume you do that anyway though op).

Give him fixed choices don't wait for him to come up with ideas it won't happen!

If you're feeling kind, leave him something eg pasta/noodle salad or "leftovers" (on purpose)

What does he like?
Soup for the microwave?
Quiche?
Samosas?
Prebaked jacket potato? (McCain's, microwaved straight from freezer)
Mine loves potato waffles theyre v quick

Fruit

I wouldn't stress about the veg, give it to him for dinner

@losenotloose

I'm really surprised at the comments. No veg, no fruit just processed rubbish but it's fine!

Well I mean, you are the parent