Kung Fu Panda Vs. "The List"

So, Jude has a list of the foods he will eat. This was not my idea, mind you. Completely his. And, so, the list is not exactly what I would call a well-rounded, nutritious list of foods, as you can imagine.

Now, EVERY time he is hungry, he says, "What can I have that's on my list? I like: muffins, bananas, pizza, pasta, cookies, and M&M's. That's my list."

And he's serious, people. He will ONLY eat what is on his list. No amount of bribery, threats, rewards, punishments, or faces made out of food will work. He has a list and he is sticking to it.

Needless to say, this drives me crazy! I loathe, absolutely loathe, the whole feeding aspect of being a mom. It can drive you to the edge if you let it.

So, you can imagine my amazement at the following event that occurred last night: We were at Target. I grabbed some frozen meals out of desperation and noticed the obnoxious kid meals with Kung Fu Panda featured on the box. He LOVES Kung Fu Panda.

I asked him if he would eat these and he said yes, so even though he says yes all the time and changes his mind to a blood-curdling "NOOOOOOOOOOO!" later, I decided to buy them anyway. Little meals with divided sections, things like chicken nuggets, corn, mac and cheese and chocolate pudding with sprinkles.

I prepared one when we got home, completely expecting it to end up on the floor or in some one's hair as I listened to the list being screamed at me once again. But, a miracle happened. He ATE it. Not every bite, but at least a few bites of EVERY item. None of which are on his list really, except for the mac and cheese. He would usually NEVER touch meat, especially. And I have tried everything that was on his plate before. Many times. With no success.

So, tell me. Did he eat it simply because there was a stupid, fat bear on a box? Is this really the reason? Are you kidding me? Does that work on a kid this age already?

And, what is your parenting philosophy? Do you keep feeding him from his list until he hopefully grows out of it, to make sure he is at least eating? Maybe sneak some healthy ingredients into muffins, etc.?

Or do you withhold the list food and keep putting the healthy food in front of him until he caves? The only reason I haven't truly done this yet is because my husband is terrified that he won't eat enough. That a couple days of doing this will destroy crucial brain cells or something.

Or do I go against my desire to stay away from frozen, commercialized food and just keep feeding him these meals for now?

Any other ideas?? I don't want him to be eating Kung Fu Panda meals for the rest of his life! :)