What does a healthy diet look like for a toddler?

We've previously spoken about some tips to help your child eat well, and also the responsibilities that both the parent and the child have at meal time. But does a healthy diet ACTUALLY look like for a child?

Just like for adults, a healthy diet for a child is one that has foods from each of the 5 food groups every day.

 - Vegetables and legumes

- Fruit

- Grains (cereal foods)

- Lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans

- Milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or their alternatives

When trying to prepare a 'balanced meal' for you and your family, consider 3 main elements. A source of carbohydrates, protein and vegetables or fruit. 

Carbohydrates give them energy to grow and play and provide essential B vitamins.  Choose wholegrain where you can because they're more nutritious and higher in fibre.

Examples include porridge, kids weetbix, wholegrain bread and pasta, brown rice and sweet potato.

Protein fills them up, provides essential nutrients like iron and zinc- all of which are conducive to good sleep. 

Examples include meats, chicken, fish, legume, tofu and dairy foods (milk, cheese, yoghurt).

Vegetables and Fruit provide fibre which is very important for their gut health. They're also packed with micronutrients such as to help strengthen their immune system and also protect them from diseases later in life.