A healthy diet is an essential aspect for both kids and adults. It furnishes the body with essential nutrients to ensure optimal weight and strong immunity. Healthy eating is so important that you’ll often see TV adverts promoting different foods for a healthy body and weight. However, choosing the right food items can get tricky when it comes to toddlers. And not everything will suit your child. Are you seeking healthy foods to improve your child’s health and boost weight? You have multiple options.
Let’s check them out.
1.Nuts& seeds
Nuts and seeds are high in fats and are great sources of vitamin B and E. They are high in antioxidants, proteins, and fiber. Moreover, nuts and seeds are packed with essential minerals like copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
They are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, and you can combine them with other foods like crackers, bread, or toast. Nuts and seeds will keep your child fuller for an extended period but can pose a choking hazard. Therefore, chop them before giving them to your child.
- Dairy products
Dairy products are excellent food choices for underweight kids. There are different foods in this category, these include; pea protein milk or soy milk for kids who dislike dairy products. For instance, a cup of milk will furnish your child with additional calories. Full-fat cheese also works best, and you can give it melted or shredded.
Yogurt is yet another healthy dairy product. It boosts healthy weight, and you can give it with fruit to improve the calories. Go for low sugar products and avoid added sugar for kids below two years. Other foods to help toddler gain weight include peanut butter, fried eggs, cheese, whole milk, avocado, and more.
- Proteins-meats& eggs
Proteins are essential for growth and development. They include red meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and more. Red meats are high in calories but can be tough for toddlers. However, you can chop them into finger strips or give them when minced. Other protein-rich foods for toddlers include;
- Chicken drumstick
- Eggs
- Lentils
- Beans
- Nut butter
- Fruits
Fruits are great snacks for kids. They are high in calories and supply your toddler with multiple minerals and vitamins. Fruits will improve your child’s health and immunity which helps keep ailments at bay. They also ensure healthy improvement, and you should give at least two servings per day.
Examples of great kid’s fruits include;
- Mango
- Banana
- Raisins
- Apricots
- Vegetables
Vegetables are rich in calories and should form part of your child’s diet. They are great options for toddlers due to their high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Examples of great vegetable choices for kids are;
- Cucumber
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Celery
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes
However, most vegetables don’t have good flavor, and your child might have issues eating them.
Wrapping up
There are various food choices to give to your child to ensure optimal health and weight. However, they may sometimes refuse to take the food offered, and you should be creative enough to entice your toddler to eat more. Combine different nutrient-rich foods and give small frequent meals.