FUN FOOD IDEAS FOR YOUR TODDLER

Sometimes parents get into a food rut. We serve our children the same things because we know they’ll like it. Here are some ideas for you to try with your toddler:

EASY SNACKS

■ ANTS ON A LOG Cover the “tube” of celery with peanut butter, and sprinkle with raisins. Takes care of one vegetable serving and one protein serving.

■ FROGURT Freeze yoghurt, and take it out of the freezer an hour before snack time. Kids love this, and yoghurt is great for them. Takes care of 1 dairy serving. ■ SUGAR-FREE PUDDING Sugar-free jelly and custard takes care of one dairy serving.

■ PROVITA WITH MASHED AVOCADO Once they get past the green, most kids love this! Avocado is a nutrient-packed fruit and is great for them!

Takes care of one bread serving and one fruit serving.

■ FRUIT PIZZA Take one slice of whole wheat bread, spread with cream cheese, top with fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, kiwis and so forth). Takes care of one serving of bread and one or more fruit servings.

SQUEEZING IN THE VEGGIES

■ PUT THEM IN A CASSEROLE If your toddler is served a casserole with peas, corn and carrots, chances are they’ll eat them right up.

■ CAULIFLOWER Mash it up like mashed potatoes! Most toddlers won’t know the difference. Add a little grated cheese on the top if you want. Takes care of one vegetable serving and half a dairy serving.

■ SPINACH SMOOTHIE If you put a handful of fresh baby spinach in a smoothie, you won’t taste it.

Put in a blender: one banana, a handful of strawberries, a handful of baby spinach, ½ cup vanilla yoghurt and a few ice cubes, and you’ve got a healthy veggie smoothie.

A great way to get in the greens!

■ SPAGHETTI SAUCE Most toddlers love it, and it is good for them! Put it on noodles, chicken or even beef. Blend some veggies into it as well.

FRUITY FAVES

Fruit is easy to get into a toddler’s diet because they just love it. Fruit is naturally sweet and juicy (and sometimes messy), so what’s not to love? ■ GRAPES Cut in half for younger toddlers to minimise choking risk.

■ WATERMELON Great for those hot summer days!

■ PLUMS Contain many important vitamins and antioxidants.

■ APPLES Again, cut into small pieces to minimise choking risk.

■ CANNED FRUIT Buy the canned in fruit juice kind and serve as a nutritious dessert! ●