|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutrition

Nutritious Foods for Preschoolers

Children in preschool need nutrient-dense foods to feed their body's demand for energy. However, many toddlers are picky eaters, so it's a challenge to find a balance between healthy foods that are also delicious. Their taste buds are not developed like an adult's, so some vegetables taste bitter to them. Combining them with fruits or sweeter foods is one way to get preschoolers necessary nutrients.

  1. Green Smoothies

    • Preschoolers need dark leafy greens in their diet because these foods are high in magnesium, calcium and other nutrients needed for growing bodies. However, eating greens doesn't sit well with most toddlers, and even some older children. You can disguise the taste of greens by combining them with other foods. Add 1/2 cup of water to your blender and 1 handful of kale or another type of dark leafy greens. Add 2 bananas and 2 cups of blueberries into the mix and blend on high for ten seconds. Taste the finished smoothie to see if your child would approve of the taste. Add a few more blueberries on top and serve. The berries and bananas are also good for your child because they are high in vitamin C and potassium.

    Celery and Honey-Roasted Peanut Butter

    • Celery is high in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin K, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. However, small children usually don't like eating celery by itself. Cut up celery stalks into small pieces and spread honey-roasted peanut butter on the sticks. As a bonus, peanut butter is high in protein.

    Herb Salmon

    • Small children need a lot of protein and healthy fats in their diet. Salmon is high in protein, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Soak a salmon filet in rosemary, chives and grapeseed oil for a few hours. Place the salmon in a baking dish and sprinkle more herbs on top. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes or until golden brown.

    Eggs and Fruit Bowl

    • Most small children love fruit, and most fruit is high in vitamin C and important minerals. Cut up strawberries, honeydew melons and other fruit and place in a bowl. Then make scrambled eggs and add shredded cheddar cheese to them. Eggs are excellent for small children because they are high in protein and omega-3 fats.

Nutrition - Related Articles