If you are
parenting a toddler, then you must be concerned about the types of food that
your child should be eating. Toddlers grow rapidly and they want your attention
and dependence at this age. As a parent, your duty is to provide right type of
food at the right time for proper development of your child.
Toddlers
need small regular meals and different foods should be offered each time when
your toddler feels hungry or asks for food. If your child is growing well and
gaining weight, then your child is getting sufficient energy. Providing your
child with different foods during the day helps to make sure that they are
getting a balanced diet for proper health. Some important and healthy foods for
your toddler are discussed below:
Healthy
drinks
Fruit
juices, soft drinks are high in sugar and not good for toddler health. These drinks
will fill them up and will leave less appetite for other nutritious food. Moreover,
these drinks can also lead to dental caries, excess weight gain, diarrhea, and
poor nutritional intake. You can start giving water or milk in a glass and stop the use of bottles after your child reaches one year of age. Water and milk are the best drinks for your toddler.
Super foods
for toddlers
Blueberries
It is an
important source to fix the required sugar as it is a natural fruit. Researchers
at the USDA Human Nutrition Center (HNRCA) have found that blueberries rank
first in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and
vegetables. Anti-oxidants help to eliminate harmful free radicals that can lead
to cancer. You can include raspberries, blueberries in different forms to give
good supply of anti-oxidants to your toddler.
Yogurt
It is one of
the best sources of calcium and protein for your toddler. It helps to support
immune system and helps their digestive system to function normally.
Broccoli
This
vegetable is not very popular among kids but it provides many health benefits. It is rich
in two powerful substances that help in preventing cancer. It is packed full of
vitamins E, C and K. It is a good choice to supply potassium and beta-carotene
to your child that are necessary for performing important functions.
Dried
apricots
These are
rich in fiber magnesium and iron. These
also contains high amount of potassium that helps your kidneys, nerves, heart
and muscles to function normally.
Eggs
It is one of
the most nutrient rich foods available. They are rich in vitamin B group and
also provide vitamins A and D. Egg yolk is an important source of riboflavin, B12
and choline (a nutrients required for rapid brain development). It also
supplies Omega 3, which is good to boost energy.
Garlic
Garlic is
known for ages as a natural herb as it possesses anti-viral and anti-bacterial
properties. It helps to boost the immunity of your child and prevent recurrent
attacks of colds and coughs. It also has some anti-cancer properties that
prevent different types of cancer.
Peas
Peas are
full of group B vitamins, vitamin C and some minerals such as iron, manganese
and phosphorus. It also helps in maintaining normal blood sugar levels. It
helps to increase the concentration and prevent diarrhea in children.
Spinach
Spinach is a
powerhouse of different nutrients. It is loaded with calcium, iron, vitamin K,
folic acid and bioflavonoid. Other green leafy vegetables such as kale,
collards, turnip green also belong to this category and good for healthy
development of your child.
