Nutrition advise by expert for your children
Toddlers and preschoolers grow in spurts and their appetites come and go in spurts, so they may eat a whole lot one day and then hardly anything the next. It’s normal, and as long as you offer them a healthy selection, they will get what they need.
Nutrition requirement for children
Calcium, Iron and fibers along with micronutrients
- Calcium, the body’s building block, is needed to develop strong, healthy bones and teeth. Children may not believe or care that milk “does a body good,” but it is the best source of much-needed calcium. Still, there’s hope for the milk-allergic, lactose-intolerant, or those who just don’t like milk. Lactose-free milk, soy milk, tofu, sardines, and calcium-fortified orange juices, cereals, waffles, and oatmeal are some calcium-filled options. In some cases, paediatricians may recommend calcium supplements.
- Fiber is another important focus. Toddlers start to say “no” more and preschoolers can be especially opinionated about what they eat. The kids may want to stick to the bland, beige, starchy diet (think chicken nuggets, fries, macaroni), but this is really the time to encourage fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans, which all provide fiber. Not only does fiber prevent heart disease and other conditions, but it also helps aid digestion and prevents constipation, something you and your child will be thankful for.
What toddler should be eating?
Children ages 1 to 2 years old should be eating solid foods. Breast-feeding can be continued at this age, but solid food should be the main source to fulfill energy needs.
Children should be eating a well balanced diet, similar to that of an adult, with a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein source foods, and low-fat dairy.
Children in this age range should be consuming whole milk, unless overweight or obesity is a concern.
Children should eat three meals a day and may also eat one or two healthy snacks. Serving sizes should be about one-quarter of an adult’s serving size.
The types and colours of vegetables eaten should be varied throughout the week and should include: • dark green • red and orange • beans and peas • starchy vegetables. Each type and colour of vegetables provides a unique set of nutrients that are important for child growth.
How to distribute various foods and make balanced diet for toddler?
Three tips for families to encourage healthy eating for children 1-3 years old
- Include a fruit and/or vegetable at every meal. Fresh, frozen, and canned produce are all good options.
- Set a good example for children by eating a balanced diet.
- Try combining new foods with preferred foods, using positive reinforcement, limiting the number of food choices, serving appropriate portion sizes, and serving consistent meals for picky eaters.
What we can do at TheChildPlus-Holistic pediatrics?
We have specialised method and tools to detect malnutrition and obesity. We can provide customised menu for your child so that can suffice all needs of your child. Feel free to visit us. We are happy to help.
Kiara is paediatric nutrition expert and dietitian.
