The importance of good nutrition shouldn’t be overlooked especially when it comes to toddlers. As soon as they turn one year old, children learn to eat more solid foods which are vital for their growth, development and overall well-being.

However, dealing with toddlers when it is mealtime can be a bit challenging. Some of them pick through their plates and only reach for the foods they like, while others cry and refuse to eat anything they aren’t familiar with. For that reason, parents resort to different strategies to make their little ones get their daily dose of nourishment without resistance.

One of the best methods to accomplish this is to thoroughly plan your toddler’s diet. This involves considering your child’s food preferences and balancing their meals by exposing them to a variety of nutrients and textures.

So, if you are looking for ways to make food fun for your little one, here are some useful tips on how to prepare healthy food for toddlers to eat. Make sure you read on to get a few ideas that could make your little one’s mealtime enjoyable and fuss-free.

Balance the meals

A balanced diet for toddlers includes a mix of proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and lots of fruits and vegetables. In fact, there are guidelines set by the NHS Eatwell Guide that state exactly what a young child should eat on a daily basis to get all of the necessary nutrients.

For example, starchy foods should be provided in at least six portions per day. They are an excellent source of fiber and are loaded with many vitamins that provide children with energy. Some of the most favorite starchy foods among toddlers include whole-grain cereals, rice, potatoes and pasta.

This same rule applies for fruits and veggies as well. They are also an excellent source of numerous vitamins and minerals that are essential for their overall health. The most important thing you need to remember about this food group is that you should aim for a “rainbow” looking plate and include as many different colors as possible to ensure a good variety.

Offer healthy drinks in between meals

While some parents find it difficult to get their children to eat nutritious foods, others have trouble finding healthy and appealing beverages for their little ones. This issue is often a result of the fact that toddlers have a sweet tooth when they are young and want to drink sugary beverages. Fortunately, there are many healthy drinks you can offer your child that will be both nutritional and pleasing.

For example, smoothies are the perfect way to sneak fruits and vegetables into your toddler’s diet. They are a much healthier alternative to juices and can be especially helpful if you are dealing with a picky eater. The most fun part about it are the numerous combinations you can make according to your child’s preferences and needs.

Also, don’t forget to offer water as well as it is essential for the day-to-day processes in your child’s body and should make up the majority of their fluid intake.

Prepare healthy snacks

Snack time is also important as it is another way to sneak extra nutrients into your toddler’s diet. And instead of opting for highly processed snack foods, you should go for whole foods to provide good nutrition and high amounts of energy for your little one.

For example, yogurt is one great option as it is filled with protein and calcium which are important for the development of your children’s brain and body. It also contains live bacteria helpful in improving the digestive system in young children. You can combine it with fresh fruits such as berries and bananas and you’ve got yourself a healthy snack for your kid.

Another nutritional type of nibble for toddlers is popcorn. It is a great alternative to junk food as it is part of the whole grain food group. You can make it tastier by covering it with butter or sprinkling it with grated cheese on top.    

Set meal times

Besides providing your toddler with a healthy and well-balanced diet, it is also important that you develop a meal routine. This way your little one will know what to expect and be aware of when it is time to eat whether it is a full meal or a snack.

Generally speaking, every child should have three meals a day with two to three snacks and up to eight drinks. So, the best way for them to have all meals and Healthy Snacks is to create a feeding schedule that will work according to your toddler’s needs.

For example, your little one should have breakfast and a morning snack before noon, lunch and a second snack in the late afternoon, and dinner a couple of hours before they go to bed.

The whole point is to have at least two to three hours between meals so children will not overeat.

Serve it in a fun way

Toddlers can be picky which means they won’t touch a certain type of food if it isn’t presented to them in a certain manner. So, an effective way to make eating healthy foods fun and appealing is to serve them creatively.

For example, children love animals and are drawn to lively colors and textures. So, for their afternoon snack, you can take several grapes and shape them in the form of a caterpillar. You can use strawberry as the head and lay spinach on the plate to make the ground.

Another fun way to serve your toddler their meal is by making a crazy sandwich face. This involves making a funny shape of the bread and adding fruits and vegetables like bananas and carrots to get your little one to try more foods.

To make it even more interesting, you can always involve your toddler in the making of these creative and fun dishes.

Getting your toddler to eat healthy foods can certainly be a challenge. At this age, they become familiar with various tastes and textures and usually choose the food that looks most appealing to them.

And while this may be discouraging, you can still make eating healthy fun and exciting. All you have to do is figure out what your toddler’s preferences and needs are and work your way from there.

In case you need help along the way, make sure you refer back to this post and use it as a guide to help you prepare the best well-balanced diet for your little ones.