Thanks to Enfagrow for sponsoring this post.
I remember when each of our children began to turn into picky eaters. To help you navigate that stage, I’ve put together practical, easy-to-start tips below.
At one year old they were eating lots of fruits and vegetables. By 18 months, many of them started tossing an apple aside and reaching for a cracker. It seems to happen with most toddlers, and all four of our kids experienced it.
Did you know that, on average, toddlers get only about 25% of the brain-supporting DHA many experts recommend? DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain development — and 85% of brain growth occurs in the first three years of life.
Here are four practical tips to help your toddler eat healthier.
1- Make it fun!
Turn healthy foods into something fun, like smoothie popsicles. Our kids loved these. I packed them with fruits and vegetables they’d often refuse on a plate, and they happily ate them as a treat.
2- Consider supplementing their diet
When toddlers are selective eaters, a supplement can help fill nutrient gaps. Enfagrow offers toddler formulas that supply nutrients many little ones miss, including DHA — an important nutrient often lacking in toddlers’ typical diets. DHA is found in fatty fish and some other foods that young children may not eat regularly.
3- Include prebiotics and probiotics
Doctors and wellness professionals often recommend prebiotics and probiotics to support digestion and overall health. If you can find toddler foods or drinks that include these ingredients, it can be helpful. Enfagrow toddler drinks, for example, include DHA and probiotics along with nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and iron. They come in powder form as well as ready-to-drink options.
4- Sneak nutritious ingredients into recipes
I’ve used Jessica Seinfeld’s cookbook for years to hide vegetables in familiar dishes. One favorite is coconut chicken — a recipe our kids love even though it contains added nutrition. Sneaking vegetables into muffins, sauces, and baked goods is a reliable way to boost their intake without a fight.
You can also use toddler formulas in recipes. Here’s a muffin recipe that works well with formula powder added.
Banana Muffins
Makes about 18 muffins
Ingredients
4 scoops Enfagrow® Toddler Next Step™ Vanilla or Natural Milk powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
5 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups oats
2 eggs, slightly beaten
6 tbsp vegetable oil
3/4 cup water
1 cup mashed bananas
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Mix all dry ingredients (Enfagrow powder, flours, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda and oats) in a large bowl.
Make a well in the center and add the eggs, oil, water and mashed bananas.
Stir until the dry ingredients are just moistened.
Fill well-greased muffin tins two-thirds full.
Bake 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
BONUS #5. Make healthy options available
One of the simplest ways to encourage better eating is to keep fruits, veggies and healthy snacks within easy reach. When nutritious choices are convenient, kids are more likely to choose them.
Want to try Enfagrow for your child?
Enter a giveaway to win an Enfagrow gift package (ARV $38) that includes:
One Toddler Transitions Can (21 oz.)
One Toddler Next Step Natural Milk Flavor Can (24 oz.)
To enter, leave a comment below about why you’d like your toddler to try it.
*NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES AND D.C. 18 YEARS AND OLDER WITH INTERNET ACCESS AND A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS ARE ELIGIBLE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Promotion began 9/8/2014 and ended 9/24/2014. Odds depend on the number of eligible entries. Official rules, eligibility and prize details were available from the sponsor. Sponsor: Mead Johnson & Company, LLC, Evansville, IN.
I received compensation and Enfagrow products for this post. For product questions, Enfagrow customer service can be reached at 1-800-BABY-123.