It takes a village to feed a toddler

Getting your toddler to eat a balanced meal can be difficult. Despite your good intentions, he or she does not understand that he/she needs to have good nutrition in order to build a strong immune system. That’s where roping in the whole family can help.

Imagine if your toddler’s the only one in the family eating a healthy, balanced diet while every one else is feasting on fried chicken, fries and other ‘unhealthy’ food. Is it any wonder why your child refuses to eat his food?

So get everyone in the act. Make it a team effort. Not only will your child be more inclined to eat healthily, the whole family will be healthier in the long run too! Here are some tips on choosing what’s best for baby and the family.

Ease in the Grains

Start your children young on oats, brown rice and whole meal cereals. That way, the child won’t be so inclined to go for the less nutritious white breads and refined sugar cereals. Start by mixing a half cup of brown rice to your regular rice.

Vary the Veges

Don’t just stick to one type of vegetable. Eat a variety! Remember, the dark leafy ones, as well as the colourful variety contain most nutrients.

Up your Fruit Factor

Instead of cake and ice cream, have fruits for snacks or dessert. Mix and match them and serve them with yoghurt! But go easy on juices because they are heavy on sugar.

Get your Fats right

Cutting fats out totally is not the answer as your body needs some fats to function well. Choose the right ones instead. “Good” fats are those found in fish, nuts and vegetable oils like safflower oil, sunflower oil and olive oil.

Build those Bones

A rich source of calcium and Vitamin D, diary products help promote strong bones and teeth – important for a growing child and for preventing osteoporosis in later years for dad and mum. Go for low-fat or fat-free options for healthier choices. Lactose-intolerant? Try soy products instead.

Muscle in the Proteins

Protein is needed to build muscles. Go for lean cuts of meat and remove skin before cooking. Bake, broil, grill or steam – these are healthier cooking options than deep-frying. Vary your protein intake by eating fish, peas, nuts and beans.