Superfoods For Your Growing Toddler
What makes superfoods so super?
A superfood is a
single food that offers exceptional levels of desirable
nutrients
and is linked to promoting health and preventing disease.
Its beneficial value is even more significant with toddlers for whom you
want to provide the optimal nutrition that they need for healthy growth
and development with the least number of bites - parents of picky
eaters: I feel you! Offering superfoods early in life has the added
benefit of training those tiny taste buds to like and choose healthy
foods throughout their life.
Examples of superfoods to boost any kid's diet
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1. Avocados:Good source of protein and healthy fats. Make some guac or try mashing avocados with bananas, add honey and coconut flakes and serve it on toast!
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2. Blueberries:Rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins A & C. Quarter it or blend it and add it to your favorite breakfast recipes.
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3. Oats:Good source of a variety of nutrients: soluble and insoluble fiber, protein, phytochemicals, vitamin E, zinc, iron, magnesium, and selenium. There are tons of oatmeal recipes on the web. You can add it to blended fruits or even make oatmeal popsicles!
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4. Salmon:This cold-water fish contains healthful fats (omega-3s) and is a rich source of protein & fat-soluble vitamins. Simply cook it in the oven or make your own fish fingers that both kids and adults can enjoy.
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5. Spinach:Excellent source of vitamins C & K as well as calcium and antioxidants. It is also high in iron & folate! Spinach is a versatile vegetable that you can add to any soup, sauce, finger food, etc.
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6. Sweet Potatoes:This vegetable is packed with potassium, vitamin C, complex carbs, fiber and beta-carotene. Toddlers love it and there are many ways to serve it (have you ever tried sweet potato pancakes or oatmeal? Yum!)
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7. Yogurt:This dairy product is a good source of probiotics, healthy fats and calcium, and most kids go for it! Serve it plain or add your own fresh or frozen fruit to it avoiding the sugar that is in flavored yogurt!
Want more? Check this comprehensive list of 25 superfoods for babies and kids.