Having a 3 year old can be exhausting. Knowing what to feed them for dinner can be even tougher. It’s essential to make sure your child is getting all the essential vitamins and minerals they need from their meals, whilst also making sure they stay full and satisfied. Here are some great ideas for what to feed your 3 year old for dinner.
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Vegetables
To make sure your 3 year old is getting their five-a-day, it’s important to make sure they’re getting plenty of vegetables. Whether it’s steaming, baking, boiling or roasting, there are plenty of ways to make vegetables fun and tasty. If your 3 year old is a bit reluctant to eat their vegetables, try making them into fun shapes or adding a bit of cheese to make them more appealing. Make sure they’re getting a variety of different vegetables, from broccoli and cauliflower to cabbage and carrots.
Protein
Protein is essential for your 3 year old’s growth and development. To ensure your child is getting enough protein, try adding lean meats such as chicken, turkey and fish to their dinner. For vegetarians, beans, lentils and tofu are great sources of protein. If your 3 year old is a bit fussy, try mashing up the meat or fish and mixing it with vegetables to make a tasty and nutritious meal.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an important part of a balanced diet. To make sure your little one is getting enough carbohydrates, try adding potatoes, sweet potatoes, quinoa, couscous or pasta to their dinner. If your 3 year old loves bread, try making a mini pizza with some tomato sauce, cheese and vegetables on top. This will provide them with a delicious meal and plenty of energy for the rest of the evening.
Fruit
Fruit is a great way to get vitamins and minerals into your 3 year old’s diet. Whether it’s an apple, banana, orange or strawberry, there’s plenty of options to choose from. If your little one isn’t a fan of eating fruit on its own, try adding it to their dinner. For example, try adding diced apples to their mashed potatoes or adding some blueberries to their yoghurt. This will help get more fruit into their diet.
Snacks
Snacks are a great way to keep your 3 year old full and satisfied between meals. Instead of reaching for unhealthy snacks like chips and cookies, try giving them healthier options such as carrot or celery sticks, apples slices, or a handful of nuts. This will give them a healthy boost of energy without the added sugar.
Drinks
Make sure your 3 year old is getting enough fluids throughout the day. Water is the best option but if your child isn’t keen on plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime for extra flavour. If you’re looking for something a bit more interesting, try making some homemade smoothies with fruits and vegetables. This will provide your little one with some extra vitamins and minerals.
Variety
It’s important to make sure your 3 year old is getting a variety of different foods in their diet. Try mixing up their meals with different dishes and flavours. This will help keep them interested and excited about new foods. Variety is also essential to make sure your child is getting all the essential vitamins and minerals they need.
Feeding your 3 year old can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. By making sure they’re getting plenty of vegetables, protein, carbohydrates and fruit, and adding variety to their meals, you can make sure they’re getting all the essential vitamins and minerals they need. By following these tips, you can create delicious and nutritious meals for your 3 year old in no time.