HEALTHY FOOD FOR TODDLERS AND CHILDREN

MAKING HEALTHY MEALS FOR KIDS

The toddler years are an important time in your child's development, says Joanne Saab, a registered dietitian and co-author of Better Baby Food. "And because it's a time when children are generally still willing to explore new foods, it's a good time to establish healthy eating habits."

Because toddlers have small stomachs (about the size of their own fists), they need to eat small amounts of food more often throughout the day. Compared to her first year, you may notice your child's appetite declining or becoming unpredictable from day-to-day. Don't worry, your toddler is probably getting all the nutrients she needs. Just continue to offer her a variety of food with each meal, but don't force or bribe her to eat. (This can lead to power struggles that will only cause more conflict during mealtimes down the road.)

 

 

According to Canada's Food Guide, children age two to three should eat:

• 4 servings of Fruits and Veggies a day [one serving = 1/2 cup fresh, frozen or canned veggies or one piece of fruit]
• 3 servings of Grain Products a day [one serving = 1 slice of bread
• 2 servings of Milk and Alternatives a day [one serving = 1 cup of milk or 3/4 cup yogurt]
• 1 serving of Meat and Alternatives a day [ one serving = 1/2 cup cooked fish or meat, 2 eggs or 3/4 cup cooked beans

Because your toddler needs to eat smaller meals more frequently, a single serving from any food group can be divided up into smaller amounts throughout the day. Ideally, you should offer your toddler three meals, as well as snacks two to three times a day to keep her from getting too hungry between meals.

                         

    

   

Wednesday, May 01, 2013