By teaching your child healthy eating habits early in life, you are setting him/her up for a lifetime of health! But, how can you get your toddler on board with healthy eating?

Start Early. The earlier you start introducing healthy foods to your baby, the better! 

Avoid Processed Foods. While these foods may seem like a convenient choice, they can be filled with preservatives, fat, and salt. Instead, choose easy to prepare foods to get your toddler’s tastebuds going.

Avoid Added Sugar. Whenever possible, offer your child foods without any added sugar.

Choose Age-Appropriate Foods. For very young children, some foods pose a choking hazard. So, make sure you are choosing healthy foods that your child is ready to try.

Keep Trying. If you offer a snack to your toddler and he/she refuses, don’t give up. Offer the same food several times and you might be surprised.

Variety is Important. Offering your child a varied, colorful snacks encourages a varied diet.

Always keep your toddler’s age and development in mind when choosing new foods to introduce.

For a one year old:

·       soft fresh fruits like bananas, applesauce, pears, watermelon, berries, etc.

·       Plain or no sugar added yogurt with some fruit mixed.

·       Boiled or scrambled eggs (add chopped up veggies for variety)

·       Cooked veggies

 

As your child gets older, expand his/her food offerings. For older toddlers, try some of the following:

·       Quartered cherry tomatoes and cucumbers

·       Nut butter on whole grain crackers or rice cakes

·       Apple slices with peanut butter

·       Quartered grapes

·       Blueberries, raspberries or strawberries

·       Cheese cubes

While toddlers are often picky eaters and some changes their preferences daily. By regularly introducing new, healthy options,  you are encouraging your toddler to expand their taste preferences.