A guest post from Jen Olsson Muczynski (@JenOMuczynski) registered and licensed dietitian
Feeding a Toddler? Skip the jar and start with Meez!
If you are reading this blog, congratulations! You have reached an exciting, busy and very messy stage in your child’s development. Between the ages of one and three, kids are starting to eat more independently and parents are on the spot to find them delicious, nutritious options. Read on to find tips and tricks to ease your toddler’s transition to real food with the help of Meez.
1) Make regular meal times a priority. Allow enough time for an unhurried meal. This allows children to focus on their internal hunger cues, and learn expectations regarding behavior at the table. Take advantage of the master chefs at Meez and let them do the washing, chopping and measuring.
2) Serve a variety of foods each day. If you give your child chicken nuggets every night he will start to expect them and become reluctant to try new foods. Ideally, toddlers should be exposed to grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, beans and dairy throughout the week. It is our job as parents to help our kids learn a healthy eating pattern. I love Meez because it helps me avoid buying ready to heat frozen convenience foods that are often full of sodium and preservatives. Don’t fall into the frozen food trap – use Meez to help you cook nutritious and fresh meals for your family.
3) Keep portions small. Toddlers don’t grow as rapidly as infants. Offer one tablespoon of food for every year in age. It is normal for a slight decline in your toddler’s appetite. Try not to worry. If your child is growing normally and has energy to run and play, he is probably eating enough. Make sure to provide three small meals each day. Meez offers smaller portions with their side dish options that are perfect for a quick lunch.
4) Serve the same entrée more than once. Kids usually react unkindly to new foods but that doesn’t mean they will never learn to like them. Keep a list of foods that your toddler tolerates and offer them again and again. You might be surprised to find that some of those foods become favorites. I emphasize the words serve and offer. Never force your toddler to eat anything he does not want to eat. Meez offers entrees on a rotating basis so just like you and me, your kids will someday learn to crave that super tasty Meez entrée. My personal favorite, the BBQ Sweet potato couscous is highly addicting and has become a “must have” in my house.
5) Remember that you, the parent, are in charge of deciding what to offer and your child is in charge of whether to eat it or not. Offer new foods in a matter-of-fact way along with your child’s familiar favorites. I often cook up a little extra pasta for the kids on nights that I will be introducing a new Meez entrée.
6) Focus on key nutrients for growth like Iron and Omega-3 fatty acids. After one year of age, toddlers are at risk for iron deficiency because they are no longer consuming iron-fortified cereals and formula. Make sure to include iron-rich foods (like these items often seen on Meez menus: beans, salmon, tofu, leafy greens, red meat) alongside foods containing vitamin C (also often offered by Meez: peppers and broccoli) to improve the body’s absorption of iron. Don’t forget about Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy brain function and vision. Try one of the many salmon dishes Meez has to offer to meet daily needs of omega-3 fats for kids.
Most all the entrees offered by Meez are suitable for toddlers. Keep in mind that Meez uses only locally sourced, cage-free and antibiotic free chicken and responsibly fished premium salmon. No need to run to Whole Foods every time you want to incorporate a lean protein into your meal!
Hungry for More?
Caprese-Inspired MasterpieceOK, so maybe we get a little over-excited about food and cooking and enjoy telling you about it a bit too much. And, quite possibly the term “Masterpiece” could be over-exuberance on our part and fall into that category…BUT the Loaded Mozzarella & Balsamic-Glazed Tomato Quesadilla is just SO DARNED GOOD! The layers of basil pesto, spinach, balsamic-glazed tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and warm tortilla! Sorry got a little lost thinking about it there for a second. See for yourself if we are wrong about the whole Masterpiece thing and try one of the other tasty items this week including Buttermilk Salad with Nut-Crusted Chicken, Kung Pao Edamame with Udon Noodles, or Southern Sweet Corn and Cheddar Strata. Healthy dinners from scratch. Easy to follow instructions. Local footprint. That’s the magic of Meez. |
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