Toddlers Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Tips
Good eating and exercise habits from childhood will help set good habits for the future.
- It is important to remember that children should not be following adult healthy eating recommendations as their requirements for energy and other essential nutrients like calcium, iron, protein and other vitamins and minerals is high.
- Keep your child active – encourage them to walk and move more rather than using the pram all the time. Take them to the park or play areas. If you have a dog, take your little rascal with you to the park when you take the dog for a walk.
- Offer them small frequent meals and snacks.
- Avoid offering sweets, chocolates and salty savoury snacks like crisps on a daily basis or as a treat.
- Avoid very sweet biscuits e.g. chocolate, cream, jam filled/covered varieties.
- Avoid offering sweetened drinks daily – especially if they offer no other essential nutrients like calcium.
- Avoid offering fried foods too often.
- Spread butter and margarine thinly on bread.
If you are concerned in any way with regard to your child’s nutrition, health, attitude to food, please see your GP who will be able to provide you with appropriate help and refer you to a Registered Dietitian.
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