When we have a toddler in the house, taking care of eating habits is a problem. Here are some healthy foods which are easy to cook and provide all the required nutrients.
Toddlers are children from 1 to 6 years of age. This is the age, where the child’s body, brain, internal systems and overall health is developing. For this crucial development, all the basic nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water are needed in appropriate quantities. But babies and toddlers of this age are very notorious and are picky about their favorite foods, which not always be healthy for them.
Therefore, it is surely a challenge for parents to put together some healthy foods for kids that provide not only nutrition but also help in developing a taste for these foods. However, you need not worry about the task, as there are many healthy foods, which will do both the jobs at the same time and you won’t have a naughty toddler, but an obedient one!
Healthy Eating for Toddlers
One of the biggest reasons why toddlers are picky about healthy foods is because, they are more attracted to colorful preparations which might not always be healthy. According to the “kid’s food pyramid”, which is intended for children within the age group of 2 to 6, toddlers are supposed to be eating the same healthy foods as adults, but in lesser quantities to avoid the calories.
Therefore, it is said that only 1,300 cals per day, is what an average toddler would require for a healthy diet. Depending on these strategies, feeding your toddlers with healthy food would mean, providing them with the appropriate amount of nutrition and avoiding overeating. In the coming up paragraphs, we have a few healthy foods which will give you an idea, about what preparations you could make out of them.
Vegetables Make You Superman!
To make the immune system stronger and for a better development of the nervous system, it is very important to feed about 1 cup of vegetables per day to toddler, in their first few years. Vegetables contain vitamins, fiber and minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, zinc) which are also required for building and strengthening bone structure. Thus, you can provide these iron rich foods for toddlers either cooked or uncooked, cut into small pieces or blended with milkshakes.
Fresh, Delicious and Fruity
In case of fruits, I am sure none of the toddlers are choosy! Fruits are juicy, full of taste and definitely a hit among toddlers. The average amount of fruits per day is 1 cup of pure fruit without additions like milk, water, etc. You can feed them fruit juices which are pure, to provide them with an adequate amount of fiber and vitamins. These can help in healthy digestion, and regulated bowl movements which are very important at this age of growth.
Grains and Useful Gains
Another recommended food for toddlers is grains, which should be 3 serving per day. One slice of bread, 1 cup of rice or pasta, or 1 cup of cereal, oatmeal or a peanut butter sandwich and other whole grain foods can make a very healthy meal throughout the day for your baby. Grains are known as the high fiber foods for toddlers, and they contain proteins and amino acids which are required to build proteins in the body. Proteins help in building muscle and tissues, so that the bone structure is supported and your toddler looks healthy.
What’s Better Than Milk?
When a baby is born, breast milk and then formula milk is the source of nutrition for them. Toddlers are recommended to consume at least 2 cups of milk every day, to build their bones stronger and healthier. Milk and dairy products like yogurt, cheese, etc., are the best baby foods and consist of calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and other essential fatty acids for a healthy metabolism in the body.
Lots of Vitamin B and Proteins
Vitamin B is something which is a very crucial ingredient in the making of a healthy body and better metabolism during growth. Meat is the best source of vitamin B complex and proteins, thus should be included in a toddler’s diet. Healthy eating for toddlers can also include other foods like fish, poultry, dry beans, seeds and nuts, legumes, and small quantities of red meat. You can prepare some yummy finger foods for toddlers. All these foods put together will make your toddler a healthy and strong individual in his/her initial age.
With these healthy foods for toddlers, I am sure you are convinced that a balanced diet which would include all the above mentioned foods is what your baby needs. So, make sure you provide them with everything they need for a healthy and strong body.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.
