The first two years of a child’s life are crucial for growth and development, placing great importance on proper nutrition. to emphasize foods high in iron-fortified cereals, calcium-dairy vitamins A, C, and D, and Fruits and vegetables are essential. Here is a quick list of healthy sources of food for children below

Key Nutritional Needs.

Macronutrients:

Carbohydrates: They provide energy. Opt for whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Proteins: Crucial for growth: Include lean meats, eggs, beans, and dairy.

Fats: Very important for brain development; it includes avocados, nut butters, and fatty fish.

Recommended Food Groups

Fruits and vegetables: Offer various pureed or softened choices such as bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes.

Whole grains: Various whole-grain cereals and oatmeal, offering fiber and nutrients.

Dairy: After age one, whole milk, yogurt, and cheese provide calcium and vitamin D.

Proteins: Introduce soft pieces of lean meats, fish, eggs, and leguminous proteins.

Healthy Fats: Include avocado and olive oil for brain health.

Foods to Avoid

Added sugars: Restrict sweets and sugary drinks; opt for the natural sweetness of fruits.

Salt: Do not add salt; the kidneys of children are still immature.

Processed foods: Limit unhealthy snacks and fast foods high in unhealthy fats and sugars.

Meal Ideas

Breakfast: Oatmeal mashed with bananas or scrambled eggs with spinach.

Lunch: Quinoa with some diced chicken and steamed broccoli.

Snacks: Unsweetened yogurt with fruit or whole-grain crackers with hummus.

Dinner: Soft-cooked lentils with carrots or fish with brown rice.

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Image; cited from healthychildren.org