As a parent, feeding your toddler can be one of the most satisfying, yet stressful jobs. Not to mention the frequent stand-offs at mealtimes. In this article, we have listed down four healthy foods for kids that they will enjoy eating. These foods are packed with vitamins and minerals that are required for your toddler’s overall growth and development.
Berries:
The first in our list of ‘healthy foods for kids’ is berries. One cup of berries can get your toddler the energy they need in a day. Generally, a cup of berries has 4 grams of fiber which helps with the bowel movement. Berries are known to be naturally high in vitamin C and antioxidants such as anthocyanins. Berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries are lower in sugar as compared to many fruits. Serve fresh berries as a snack, dips, or add them as a topping on yoghurt. You can even make smoothies and serve them with ice-creams.
When it comes to fruits, especially berries, your toddler must consume them fresh. A frozen berry may not offer as much nutritional value as a fresh one.
Beans:
Second, on the list of healthy food for kidsthat they will enjoy eating is beans. This superfood is loaded with protein and fiber, plus it won’ttake you an entire evening to prepare them. Black beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans are packed with flavor and are excellent when used in curries.
You can also add them to pasta or make bean dips. Toddlers need around 25 grams of fiber, per day. So a small bowl of bean soup or a bean burrito are great ways to get some fiber in your toddler’s diet. Fiber helps with healthy digestion, and keeps your toddler feeling full for a longer time. This eliminates the possibility of unhealthy snacking at odd hours.
Avocado:
Another crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in child growth and development is healthy fat. And one healthy food that gets it to the kids is avocados. High in monounsaturated fats, avocados decrease inflammation. Plus, the healthy fats move slowly through the digestive track keeping the kids feeling full for a long duration. However, apart from being a healthy food for kids, the best part about adding avocados to your toddler’s diet is the numerous ways you can serve them. You can mash it on toast and add a drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper, or you can make an avocado smoothie or a dip. You can even add avocados to poultry and fish dishes. Add it to your pesto sauce and watch your toddler clean their plate in no time.
Sweet Potato:
When it comes to nutritional value, there is nothing that beats sweet potatoes. They are packed with vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and beta carotene, which makes them one of the most nutritious foods for kids. All of these nutrients are crucial when it comes to the overall growth of your toddler. They limit salt formation in the body and increase potassium, which helps to keep blood pressure in control and the hearthealthy. Plus, they are easy to prepare. You can either boil, steam, or roast them; sweet potatoes hardly take any time to cook.
Here are some tips to get your kids to eat nutritious foods:
- Serve a bit of everything
- Include a variety of food in your toddler’s diet
- Set an example by indulging in healthy eating habits, yourself
- Don’t force them to eat healthy foods
- Seek help from your toddler’s pediatric dietician to know how to include nutritional food for your kidsin their diet
Last but, not least, it isn’t uncommon to observe toddlers being averse to new or nutritional food items. As a parent, you just have to keep at it. Don’t give up. It’s a phase, and the right eating habits that they imbibe now will have them eating healthy food in the future too.
