Feeding an 18 month old can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of creativity and a focus on balanced nutrition, meal time can be enjoyable and nutritious for both you and your little one.
First, it’s important to offer a variety of foods from each food group. This includes fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy. Experiment with different textures, flavors, and cooking methods to find what your child enjoys.
For breakfast, try serving scrambled eggs with whole grain toast and sliced avocado, or oatmeal with diced fruit and a dollop of Greek yogurt. For lunch, try a whole grain quesadilla with shredded chicken and veggies, or a turkey and cheese roll-up with cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices.
Snacks can be another chance to offer nutrient-dense foods. Consider serving sliced apples with almond butter, or hummus with whole grain pita and sliced bell peppers. For a sweet snack, try frozen yogurt pops made with unsweetened yogurt and fresh fruit puree.
Dinner can be a fun way to get your child involved in meal prep. Offer build-your-own options like mini pizzas with veggie toppings, DIY taco bowls with ground turkey and black beans, or a colorful pasta salad with cheese cubes and cherry tomatoes. Getting your child involved in choosing ingredients and assembling their own meal can encourage excitement for trying new foods.
Remember, it’s important to avoid using food as a reward or punishment. Instead, encourage healthy eating habits by offering a variety of foods and modeling balanced eating yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself if your child doesn’t always eat their entire meal- 18 month olds are still developing their appetite and taste preferences.
By focusing on creating a positive mealtime environment and offering a variety of healthy foods, you can help set your child up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
Leave a Reply