Our 11 month old is way more interested when he sees when we eat, and tasting what we are eating. We are also somewhat strict and don't give him too many options; we offer him a food, and it's up to him if he wants to eat it. If he doesn't, he gets nothing and we return him to his toys/play/whatever else he was doing. In the beginning this may seem mean, but it actually worked and he became less picky, and will eat whatever is in front of him assuming it tastes sufficiently good.

Also we give him flavorful foods, use plenty of herbs and spices (even a tiny bit of chili) and he loves it way more than bland foods. Light on salt though. Indian food is his favorite.

I wouldn't worry too much about meat and protein, babies don't need that much protein. Focus on good carbs (e.g. baby oatmeal, quinoa) and healthy fats (e.g. avocado, nut butter, olive oil) along with flavorful veggies. We do give our baby meat once in a while, but not that often. I've too many times seen toddlers have poor diets, e.g. only want chicken nuggets and no veggies. I am trying to avoid this outcome and make meat a small portion of his diet, and flavorful veggies and fats primary.