Toddler Meal Ideas | What We Feed Our Healthy 20 Month Old | HELP IT WENT WRONG So we’ve had couple of people that …
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Toddler Meal Ideas: What We Feed Our Healthy 20-Month-Old and What Went Wrong
Feeding a toddler can be a delightful yet challenging experience. At 20 months, kids are exploring new tastes, textures, and experiences, and it’s essential to find meal ideas that are both nutritious and appealing. Here’s a look at what we feed our healthy toddler and some insights into what went wrong in our feeding routine.
What We Feed Our Toddler
1. Breakfast Ideas
- Oatmeal with Fruit: We prepare oatmeal with mashed bananas or applesauce, topping it off with small bits of fresh fruits like berries or diced peaches. It’s a filling choice rich in fiber.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layers of full-fat yogurt, granola (suitable for toddlers), and fresh fruits create a colorful and enjoyable breakfast.
- Scrambled Eggs with Spinach: This protein-packed option includes finely chopped spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
2. Lunch Options
- Vegetable Quesadilla: Whole wheat tortillas filled with cheese, black beans, and finely chopped veggies, grilled until crispy.
- Mini Pasta with Marinara: A toddler-friendly pasta dish made with whole-grain noodles, served with homemade marinara sauce and hidden vegetables.
- Fruit and Cheese Platter: Cubes of cheese with soft fruits like ripe pears or watermelon can make for a fun lunch.
3. Snack Ideas
- Nut Butter Dippers: Slices of apple or banana served with almond or peanut butter for dipping.
- Homemade Banana Muffins: These can include oats and whole grains, providing a healthy treat for snack time.
- Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Softened carrot or cucumber sticks served with hummus promote healthy snacking.
4. Dinner Choices
- Baked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes: Simple baked chicken paired with roasted sweet potato cubes and steamed broccoli is a hit.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables with Tofu: A mix of colorful vegetables sautéed with tofu can introduce different flavors and textures.
- Fish Tacos: Soft tortillas with small pieces of grilled fish, avocado, and mild salsa make for a fun dinner option.
What Went Wrong
Despite our best intentions, feeding a toddler can often go awry. Here are some challenges we faced:
1. Picky Eating
Initially, our toddler was enthusiastic about various foods, but as time went on, he became more selective. He would sometimes refuse to eat meals he previously enjoyed, leading to meal waste and frustration.
2. Texture Sensitivity
Some meals that seemed perfect turned out to be too complex in texture. Our toddler showed aversion to foods with mixed textures, which meant we had to adjust our cooking methods.
3. Too Many Options
In an effort to provide variety, we often set out a buffet-style spread at mealtimes. Unfortunately, this overwhelmed our toddler, leading to minimal eating. Simplifying meal choices helped regain his interest in food.
4. Timing and Routine
Busy schedules occasionally disrupted our meal routines. Skipping meals or irregular eating times sometimes resulted in crankiness or refusal to eat later because our toddler was overtired or too hungry.
Lessons Learned
- Simplicity is Key: Fewer choices may encourage better eating habits.
- Listen to Preferences: Understanding our toddler’s likes and dislikes allows for more successful meal planning.
- Continue Introducing New Foods: Persistence is vital; reintroducing rejected foods occasionally helps in expanding his palate.
- Create a Fun Eating Environment: Making mealtime enjoyable through playful presentation or involving him in the preparation process can encourage better eating.
Feeding a healthy toddler is not just about the food—it’s an ongoing journey filled with learning. Embracing both successes and setbacks can help us navigate our toddler’s eating habits and foster a positive relationship with food.
