Healthy Foods for Toddlers

The rate of obesity among children ages two to five has risen by more than double in the last three decades. While lifestyle choices, food trends and economic factors are all contributors to this dangerous health problem, there are ways to feed toddlers healthy foods. You can meet their nutritional needs as well as maintain a simple feeding routine.

Significance

• According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, up to one-third of toddlers eat no measurable amount of fruits or vegetables on any given day. This alarming trend of poor nutrition in tots is thought to contribute to the childhood obesity epidemic.

Types

• Healthy foods for toddlers include soft-cooked fruits and vegetables like apples, peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Fresh whole foods--such as cut up avocado, banana, melon, and meats--are also healthy for toddlers.

Size

• Healthy food portions for toddlers are about one quarter of an adult portion per year of age; for example a two-year-old may only eat a half slice of whole grain bread with a tablespoon of peanut butter.

Considerations

• Children mimic the eating habits of their parents. It's important to model healthy eating patterns for toddlers. Continue offering healthy foods repeatedly, even if the toddler doesn't bite on the first try.

Expert Insight

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that toddlers eat a total of about 1,000 calories per day, with no more than four to six ounces of juice and only full-fat milk.