Are meal times hell-on-a-plate in your house? Do you often resort to begging or bribing your toddler to eat their veggies?
Afterwards, do you lie awake worrying that your child is not getting the kind of diet they need to be happy and thrive?
The dinner table is a favourite battleground for toddlers, as they learn to push the buttons of the main meal maker (you!).
Winning with veggies is not about adding honey or hiding them, say the experts.
According to new research, the best way to increase kids’ (up to the age of three) vegetable intake is to offer new vegies often and early. They recommended parents offer each new food up to 10 times by the age of two for best results with fussy eaters.
You may be surprised to learn that once a child turns two, nutritionists no longer recommend they have full-fat milk and that you should reduce their fat intake to less that 30 percent of their daily kilojoules by switching to low-fat dairy products and trimming the fat off meat.
At the same time, a preschooler still depends on fats to develop properly, so don’t go overboard with your monitoring, just ensure they have a balance of whole grains, lean meats, legumes, fruits and vegetables as well as dairy.
Protein is actually more important to a toddler’s development and growth than vegetables, but the portions don’t have to be huge. Try to offer a serving (their palm size) of protein at each main meal of the day.
Got a fussy eater? These tips are guaranteed to help. (Image: Getty)
Is it just baby fat?
Childhood obesity rates continue to rise in Australia, with many good initiatives in place to help those at risk.
Soon your child’s body proportions will start to change from the “big head” baby look, lengthening to the dimensions of an adult.
If you’re concerned that they’re becoming overweight, it’s important to talk to your doctor before introducing your own diet restrictions to avoid negative food associations.
WATCH: Tips for getting ready with a toddler. Continues after video …
Does your toddler have “hangry” tantrums?
Thankfully (so they tell us), it’s just a phase and soon enough dinnertime becomes a place where the family can come together and talk about their day, without any arguments over whether the carrots are cut in the correct shape for one’s liking!
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