Great Foods For Toddlers And Kids

Our topic of discussion when my friends and I met in the last month  was the great foods we could give to our toddlers and kids; these foods did not come out of pizza and pasta boxes, but were packed with nutrition that children would actually eat.

Add these great foods to your weekly shopping list:

Eggs: Eggs are rich in protein and Vitamin D that helps the body in better absorption of calcium. Its rich protein content keeps kids from mid-morning hunger pangs.

Nuts: They provide healthy fats that are necessary for good growth, development and heart health. Taking them in the morning provides that burst of energy that keeps them going.

Oatmeal: It helps kids to concentrate and pay better attention at school. Being a fiber rich wholegrain it is digested slowly and provides a steady stream of energy.

Fruit: Eating a variety of fruits especially berries, melon, kiwifruit and oranges provide toddlers and children essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Blueberries: The healthiest fruit that is rich in antioxidants, blueberries improve brain function, and protect against heart disease and diabetes. They help reduce visceral toxic belly fat that causes obesity and metabolic syndrome. They can be best tossed into a bowl of granola and milk, as a summer salad or as ice pops.

Milk: Most dairy products contain calcium and protein that is the fuel for the brain and body. While protein helps build brain tissue, calcium keeps kids' bones and teeth strong.

Tofu: Whole soy foods offer excellent sources of lean protein and protect against cancer. It is good for young developing girls that carry into adulthood. You can serve tofu diced and tossed as stir-fries or soups, boiled and salted as a snack and in fruit smoothies instead of yogurt.

Low-Fat Greek Yogurt: Known to contain healthy bacteria that boosts immunity and aids digestion, it has 3 times the amount of protein and less sugar than regular yogurt. You could serve it with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup or agave syrup; agave syrup available in grocery shops prevents spike and crash of blood sugar in children.

Cabbage, Broccoli and Kale: Children will love their mild flavor and crunch, with these veggies containing phytonutrients that improve digestion and also lower the risk for many types of cancer. They also help clear harmful toxins from the body by triggering the release of enzymes. Add them to your kid’s diet by making coleslaw with low-fat mayo; shred and toss it into soups or Asian noodle dishes.

Tomatoes: Loaded with lycopene that protects against various types of cancer; cooking and pairing it with a good fat like olive oil helps the body absorb it better. Add them to your children’s diet as pizza and pasta sauces and as tomato sauce to disguise turkey meatballs or meatloaf. If your child loves spices they can be used it in a bowl of chili and salsa for dipping.

Salmon: Rich in heart healthy Omega-3 fats that helps boost brain development, overcomes depression and has anti-inflammatory powers, pick salmons that are lower in mercury. Serve salmon fillets with orange juice or brush them with teriyaki sauce. You could also serve them as salmon cakes, burger or salad.

These are some of our favorite great foods for toddlers and kids; hope they love them and are happy and healthy.