We all know the importance of our children having a healthy diet, but it’s not always easy to get your toddler to eat what they should. We know the struggle of trying to get your child to eat what they should, and so we have put together a list of ‘Superfoods’ that aren’t only amazingly good for your child’s health, but also taste great.
1.Bananas for a healthy child
This simple and affordable fruit is packed full of nutrients for your child.
What do they have:
Vitamin B6 for producing red blood cells and keeping up a healthy nervous system
Vitamin C to prevent tissue and cell damage, boost their immune system, absorb iron and help them produce serotonin (the hormone that amongst other things helps them sleep better).
Potassium to grow a healthy heart and keep a stable blood pressure.
Fibre to keep a healthy gut, control blood sugar, aid digestion and minimise constipation.
Energy that is slow releasing and will give your child what they need to play and learn
If your child doesn’t like the texture of bananas, try incorporating them into this healthy flapjack recipe instead:
Mash one ripe banana well with little to no pieces.
- Add 1/8 tsp baking powder, 1/8 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of raw honey to the bananas
- Combine banana mixture and two eggs thoroughly
- Cook on medium heat using a non-stick pan
2.Sweet potatoes for a healthy child
Again, these are easy to make, affordable and tasty. They also have numerous health benefits for your child.
What do they have:
Beta Carotene helps raise Vitamin A levels in their blood – and works really well in children
Vitamin C to prevent tissue and cell damage, boost their immune system, absorb iron and help them produce serotonin (the hormone that amongst other things helps them sleep better).
Potassium to grow a healthy heart and keep a stable blood pressure.
Vitamin B6 for producing red blood cells and keeping up a healthy nervous system
Vitamin E to protect their bodies against oxidative damage.
Fibre to keep a healthy gut, control blood sugar, aid digestion and minimise constipation.
Energy that is slow releasing and will give your child what they need to play and learn
You can cook these like potatoes and mash them up, for a sweet potato mash dish. Or try this Sweet Potato chips recipe:
- Pre-heat your oven to 200C
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, dry them and slice them into chip sized strips with the skin on.
- Coat the strips with a tablespoon of olive oil
- Sprinkle with salt
- Sprinkle with Rosemary (only if your toddler doesn’t mind seeing green things on their food!)
- Bake in the centre of the oven for 35-40 minutes, shifting them half-way through
3.Plain Greek yoghurt and Blueberries for a healthy child
Even though both of these foods carry their own benefits, together they taste good enough for most fussy toddlers to eat.
What does Greek yoghurt have:
Calcium for optimal bone health and growth in children
Protein is essential in any diet; it also helps them feel fuller for longer and keeps their metabolism functioning.
Probiotics to balance your child’s gut with good bacteria, which has an effect on many things within their bodies.
What do Blueberries have:
Vitamin C to prevent tissue and cell damage, boost their immune system, absorb iron and help them produce serotonin (the hormone that amongst other things helps them sleep better).
Antioxidant compounds to help your child’s cells fight damage, help prevent chronic diseases, and boost brain function. Blueberries have the highest levels of antioxidants compared to other fruit and vegetables
Fibre to keep a healthy gut, control blood sugar, aid digestion and minimise constipation.
While blueberries are great to eat as is, depending on the age of your toddler, they may be a chocking hazard. Try incorporating the Greek yoghurt and make this Smurf Shake for your child.
Blend together:
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1 banana
- ½ cup of plain Greek yoghurt
- ½ cup of milk of your choice
- ½ cup of water
- Raw Honey to taste
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