Parents want nothing but the best for their little ones.
The best clothes, the best toys, and especially the best nutrition.
But we know what picky eaters toddlers can be and how hard it is to whip up something tasty and healthy for them daily. We’re here to offer tips to make your toddler’s lunch delicious and nutritious!
Tip 1: Plan and Prep in Advance
The key to staying ahead of the game is by planning and prepping meals in advance. You’ll save so much time and energy this way.
Try it for yourself this weekend by taking some time to plan out your toddler’s lunches for the upcoming week.
This can involve jotting down meal ideas, making a grocery list, and prepping ingredients.
Want a super-easy meal prep hack? By cooking some of the ingredients ahead of time, toddler meals can be easier to cook in a snap.
On Sunday night, cook up a big batch of roasted veggies, boiled eggs, or quinoa. You can use these ingredients throughout the week, like tossing them in salads or wraps.
Tip 2: Get Creative With The Presentation
As the saying goes, “We eat with our eyes first.” This rings true when it comes to feeding toddlers.
Kids are likely to try something new if it looks visually appealing. So why not get creative with your presentation?
Cut sandwiches into creative shapes using cookie cutters or arrange fruits and veggies in a rainbow pattern.
You can also invest in fun bento boxes with different compartments to make lunchtime more exciting.
Tip 3: Incorporate A Variety Of Food Groups
It’s essential to ensure your toddler gets a balanced variety of nutrients from the five food groups. The food groups are fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy.
Include at least one item from each food group in your toddler’s lunch. For instance, a turkey and cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber slices on whole-grain bread with fruit and yogurt.
Tip 4: Make Homemade Versions Of Popular Pre-Packaged Foods
The current reality in the food industry is that most pre-packaged foods marketed to toddlers are packed with sugar, salt, and preservatives.
Making your versions of these foods is a fantastic way to ensure your toddler gets a nutritious meal. Whip up whole-grain crackers, granola bars, or fruit snacks; they’re easy to make!
Tip 5: Involve Your Toddler In The Process
Your little ones will feel much more invested in their meals if they participate in the preparation process.
Take your toddler with your grocery shopping, and let them pick out some ingredients. They can also help with tasks like washing vegetables or stirring ingredients.
And letting them build their sandwich or wrap is a fantastic way to get them excited about mealtimes.
Tip 6: Balance Nutrition And Taste
Just because something is healthy doesn’t mean it has to taste bland. It’s crucial to strike a balance between nutrition and taste.
For example, adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to plain yogurt can make it more enticing for toddlers. Experiment with different seasonings and spices to add flavor to veggies or proteins.
Tip 7: Be Patient And Persistent
Introducing new foods to your toddler can be tricky, but it’s essential to be patient and persistent.
Offer new foods multiple times – cooked versus raw, mashed versus whole. But don’t worry if your toddler doesn’t like something right away, as kids’ taste preferences can change over time.
You can reintroduce the food to their diet later.
Feeding your little one a nutritious and tasty lunch doesn’t have to be a chore.
The tips in this article will help you provide your toddler with healthy, enjoyable meals they’ll love.
