Little Known Ways To Benefit
Toddler Nutrition

Toddler nutrition is very important to me and my husband. It is so much easier when they are babies to get them to eat well. When they hit the toddler stage they become so independent. They want complete control over everything…. even their food. Choose wisely the foods you feed your child, and plan out toddler meals. You’re creating habits now that can last a lifetime.

Toddlers are also so busy. They don’t want to stop and take the time to eat. In this stage in their lives it is so important to instill good eating habits, to avoid toddler obesity. They have to be exposed to a healthy way of eating as early as possible. Talk it over with their pediatrician and discuss when certain healthy foods can be brought into their diet for age appropriate.

Moms don’t be alarmed if your toddler becomes a “picky eater”. It’s okay if they skip a meal and decide they do not want to eat. If you try and force them to eat they may become stubborn. Try and offer alternative food choices that offer the same nutritional value. Incorporate fun recipes in their diet along with well balanced meals.

*Food Guide Pyramid*

The Food Pyramid is divided into six color bands representing the five food groups plus oils. The food pyramid is the greatest resource for toddler nutrition. Here is a break down of the pyramid and what each color represents.

Orange represents GRAINS:

• Make half the grains consumed each day whole grains. Whole-grain foods include oatmeal, whole-wheat flour, whole cornmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread.

Green represents VEGETABLES:

• Choose a variety of different vegetables to have in your toddler’s diet. Include dark green and orange colored. Don’t forget about the peas and beans. Legumes are a great vegetable!!!

Red represents FRUITS:

• Fruits are huge and very important in toddler nutrition. Any fruit or 100% fruit juice counts as part of the fruit group. Serve fruits fresh or canned or even dried. FYI: Raisins are dried grapes did you know that? Fruits are great healthy snacks. I know my little boy prefers an apple over candy.

Yellow represents oils:

• Limit solid fats as much as possible, like butter and shortening. Know the limits on fats, sugars, and sodium. Talk to your toddler’s pediatrician about these limits.

Blue represents MILK:

• Calcium rich foods are great. Milk and milk products contain calcium and Vitamin D. Both are key ingredients in building and maintaining bone tissue. Make sure your toddler is not allergic to milk. Milk is also a key food allergen for a possible toddler food allergy.

Purple represents MEAT and BEANS:

• Don’t forget that you get protein from fish, beans and peas also!!

Toddlers love to feed themselves and make a mess. It’s okay, relax. You are helping them in so many different ways by allowing them to learn to pick up their own food. Invest in some toddler sized cutlery to make dinner time fun!!!

Remember that activities and keeping your child active is also very important in toddler nutrition. I have some great healthy recipes you should try! My toddler loves them. We are responsible for providing our child with a healthy lifestyle. Choose wisely the foods you feed your child, you’re creating habits now that can last a lifetime.

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