When it comes to meal time for toddlers, parents may find themselves stuck for ideas. Finding the right balance of healthy and delicious food for your two year old can be quite a challenge. It’s important to ensure that your child is getting all the nutrients their little bodies need while also making sure they are enjoying their meals. Read on to find out more about the best food options for your two year old.
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Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a balanced diet for any age group, but especially for growing toddlers. These foods are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help to keep your little one healthy and strong. Try to include one serving of each at every meal. Try steaming or roasting vegetables, and mix it up by introducing a variety of colors and flavours. Fruits are also a great snack option – they are naturally sweet and they don’t require any preparation.
Protein
Protein is an important part of a balanced diet, as it helps your child to grow and develop. Good sources of protein for toddlers include lean meats, fish, eggs, beans and legumes, and nuts and seeds. Try to include one serving of protein at each meal. Try cooking chicken strips, scrambled eggs, or fish sticks for dinner. For vegan and vegetarian families, tofu is a great source of plant based protein.
Grains
Grains are a great way to add fiber and essential vitamins and minerals to your toddler’s diet. Whole grains are the best option for toddlers, as they contain more nutrients than refined grains. Good sources of whole grains include whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, oats, and barley. Try to incorporate one serving of grains into each meal. Whole wheat pasta with a tomato sauce is a great option, or quinoa with vegetables.
Dairy
Dairy is an important source of calcium and other essential nutrients for toddlers. Good sources of dairy include milk, yogurt, and cheese. Try to incorporate one or two servings of dairy into your child’s meals each day. A glass of milk or a yogurt are great options for breakfast or snacks. Cheese is also a great source of calcium, and can be added to sandwiches or used as a topping on pizza.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are an important part of a balanced diet, as they provide essential fatty acids and help to keep your child’s brain and body functioning optimally. Good sources of healthy fats include nuts and seeds, avocado, coconut oil, and olive oil. Try adding avocado to sandwiches or salads, or sprinkle some chopped nuts onto your child’s breakfast cereal.
Snacks
Healthy snacks are an important part of a toddler’s diet, as they help to keep their energy levels up throughout the day. Try to aim for nutrient dense snacks, such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, nuts, and seeds. You can also try making your own healthy snacks at home, such as banana bread or oat bars. It’s also important to limit sugary snacks as much as possible.
Drinks
Water is the best option for keeping your toddler hydrated throughout the day. It’s important to limit sugary drinks, such as soda and juice, as much as possible. If your child is eating a balanced diet, they should be getting all the nutrients they need from their food.
Feeding your two year old a balanced diet is essential for their growth and development. Aim to include one serving of fruits and vegetables, protein, grains, dairy, and healthy fats at each meal. Snacks should also be nutrient dense and limited in sugar. Water is the best option for keeping your toddler hydrated throughout the day. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can ensure that your two year old is getting all the nutrients they need in a delicious way.