We've had loads of meal time challenges due to my strong willed dd developing a texture aversion/having low weight gain etc which naturally stresses you as a parent. I've found the best things here have been
1) offer a choice where possible e.g. Do you want egg or cereal?
2) let her help. DD helps make porridge, scrambled eggs, sandwiches etc plus she helps with loading and unloading the dishwasher so it keeps her busy and less likely to throw a tantrum and often more likely to eat what she's made.
3) examine your own behaviour - when dd is going through one of those phases with food we get gradually and subtly more and more uptight about it. If I take a step back and relax and make a conscious effort not to nag her etc chances are in a couple of days she is much better
4) praise the good behaviour - kind of ties in with the last one - when I find myself getting too stressed about her not eating I try to start ignoring it and making a big fuss when she does eat, or even praise others for their eating (well done daddy!!!) and she soon gets the gist of it and wants a round of applause or two so starts shoveling food in!!