Superfoods for Toddlers
Superfoods for Toddlers – Amp up your toddler’s diet with superfoods. Learn which fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins are full of nutrients that will help your toddler develop.
Expert: Suzanne M. Loiselle, MD Private Practice, New York, NY »
Transcript
Set aside those mushy peas and carrots — it’s time to shake up your toddler’s diet with some SUPERFOODS!
The kiwi fruit’s VIVID color and FUZZY exterior will pique your child’s interest. And just half a cup contains MORE potassium than half a cup of bananas, MORE Vitamin C than half of a cup of oranges, and MORE fiber than apples, according to the USDA’s National Nutrient Database.
WATERMELON is a SWEET fruit that’s LOW in sugar! And it’s loaded with vitamin A and lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect the body from cancer and heart disease. Its high water content will also hydrate during the summer.
Speaking of sweets for your sweet…SWEET POTATOES are a powerful source of vitamin A and potassium. A baked sweet potato has more nutrients but less fat and fewer carbs and calories than its white counterpart. Consider making a permanent replacement!
Introduce KALE to your toddler in salads, soups, blended into fruit smoothies or even sauted dishes. It scored a PERFECT 1000 on the Aggregate Nutrient Density Index, which measures nutrient density per calorie. Kale is rich in vitamins A, K, C and contains MORE iron than spinach!
If you’re looking for a super whole grain, try QUINOA. There are many kid-friendly ways to prepare it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It has more protein but fewer carbs than other grains. And it’s high in iron, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Chicken and beef AREN’T the only sources of protein! Include BLACK BEANS in your child’s meals-you can add them to soups. Besides containing protein, they’re high in CALCIUM, magnesium and POTASSIUM. If your kid doesn’t go for black beans, try other legumes, such as lentils, or hummus.
Of course, there are MANY other nourishing foods available in your supermarket. Explore your options — your child should be eating from ALL five food groups every day. For more on toddler nutrition, watch other videos on this site.
Last Modified: 2012-11-22
Category: Health and Nutrition, Videos
