What Should Be In Your Toddler’s Plate?

Growing toddlers need several essential vitamins and nutrients from various food groups which are vital for the development of both the brain and the body. Feeding 1-3 years old sometimes turns out to be a daunting task for almost every mother; some mothers have to run around the entire household behind her finicky kid to feed that bowl of cereal to him! To put it bluntly, mothers these days need to be smarter and are sometimes required to trick the kids into having food, and taking that glass of milk. Do not forget that the present generation kids are smarter than us! Try relating their food to any cartoon character which is their favorite or make it a game if you have more than one kid around. Bribing them might seem to be easy, but could prove bad with the kid always thinking to blackmail you. You may offer a good story while they eat their meal or drink a glassful of milk. Milk is highly essential for all the age groups of children but especially for 1-3 years old. It is a compulsory food since it aids in the growth of bones of your toddler. It is also good source of calcium. Most of the parents are confused about the nutrients which needs to be given to the kid in the form of food. We have tried here to help you, to some extent by providing a nutrient chart and their benefits especially for 1-3 years of age, although these nutrients are beneficial for all age groups of kids.

Nutrition Chart

Along with the described nutrients potassium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin E. etc should also form a part of your toddler’s diet. Fresh vegetables and fruits can be good source of potassium. Nuts and legumes are the best sources of magnesium. Vitamin E can be found in roasted almonds, roasted peanuts, raw mango etc. Swiss cheese, lentils, chicken are the sources of Zinc.

The amount of food your toddler eats depends on his appetite. Do not try to force feed your kids. Make them gradually understand the importance of vitamins and nutrients. let them understand that they need to ask for food when they feel hungry. Present the same food in different ways. Be innovative, as the kids do not go by the nutrient value of the food, but colour, presentation and taste. Try using jam, sauce, nuts to decorate the food to attract your little ones! Avoid wasting, and inculcate the same thing in your children