Tips to Help Toddlers Eat Healthy

by Belinda J Mooney

• Keep toddler size cut up fruits veggies on hand – carrot, apple or celery slices dipped in peanut butter or low fat cream cheese are easy.

• Homemade granola with nuts and dried fruits are healthier than prepackaged sweetened cereals.

• Add a splash of juice to a glass of water. They get the fruity flavor without all the sugar.

• Make meal time fun. Turn plain fruit into a funny face, eat one color of food, breakfast foods for dinner.

• Eat together – families who eat together often eat healthier and have quality family time too.

• Let them help cook – preschoolers love to be in the kitchen. Give them and apron and a spoon and let them go for it!

• Delay putting babies on solid foods until they are at least 6 months old.

• Serve vegetables and other healthy foods before desserts.

• Teach your toddlers to enjoy raw foods, such as carrots and apples, over sweets.

• Don't use foods as a source of comfort.

• Stick to whole grains foods. Avoid packaged, sugary breakfast cereals.

• Make your own cookies and treats. Even if they have sugar in them they will be better than the store bought versions.

• Eat healthy yourself. Children learn by example!