1 Toddler Years Session 3: Healthy Foods for You & your Toddler

2 Project Sponsors USDA project funded through the Food Stamp Program School District of Philadelphia Nutrition Center, Department of Biology at Drexel University

3 Overview Introduction to Toddler years Food Guide for Toddlers Healthy Snacks Whole grains and fiber Calcium-rich foods Healthy Drinks Picky Eater Tips

4 Toddler Years (12 months-3yrs) Toddler years are a transitioning time and many changes are happening Example: –The toddler is learning how to drink whole milk from a cup rather than drinking breast milk or formula from a bottle. Can you think of anymore changes that your toddler is having?

5 Growth is a Good Measure of Health Toddlers grow much slower than infants Every child develops his or her own way Your child may grow more or less than others Growth depends mostly on good nutrition & heredity

6 Four Signs of a Healthy Toddler 1.Has energy to play 2.Sleeps well 3.Feels good about his or her body 4.Enjoys a variety of foods

7 Variety is KEY! Offer a variety of healthy foods to your toddler Whole Grains Various Vegetables Different forms of Fruit Calcium-rich Snacks & Drinks Lean Meat & Beans

8 Food Guide for Toddlers Source: Washington State Department of health Note: A severe food allergy can be life threatening. If your child has any reactions to food be sure to avoid that food by carefully reading ingredient labels on all foods.

9 Example Meal using Food Guide Source: Washington State Department of Health Note: Toddlers need three meals a day with snacks in between. They have small stomachs. They need a small amount of food 5-6 times daily.

10 Healthy Snacks: For you & your family Can you think of 3 healthy snacks?

11 What is a Whole Grain? Whole Grains haven’t been refined They still have the bran, germ, & endosperm

12 Check the Label: Whole grain clues Look at Ingredients! Check for Fiber! 3 grams or more is a good choice!

13 ‘Sneaky’ words Words that don’t mean Whole Grain –Wheat Flour –Enriched Flour –Honey Wheat Words that do mean Whole Grain: –100% Whole grain –Whole grain wheat –Barley –Bran

14 Why are Whole Grains good for me and my baby? Whole grain foods contain fiber Fiber: –Promotes good digestion –Reduces risk to heart disease –Can lower cholesterol levels –May reduce the risk of colon cancer

15 Question Can you think of any calcium-rich foods or drinks?

16 Calcium-rich Foods All dairy products Milk Cheese Cottage cheese Yogurt Custard Pudding Frozen yogurt Ice-cream Non-Dairy Foods Broccoli Greens Soy milk Tofu Calcium-fortified juice Fish canned with bones

17 Why is Milk & Calcium Healthy? Milk has: Calcium Vitamin D Protein Calcium –Builds strong bones and teeth –Helps regulate blood pressure –Helps regulate central nervous system

18 Mom & Toddler need Calcium! Teens (ages 9-18) –1300 milligrams a day Toddlers (1-3 years) –500 milligrams a day Rule of Thumb –4-6 servings of milk or calcium-rich foods to meet daily recommendations Example –Milk with Breakfast & Dinner –Fortified Juice with Lunch –String Cheese for evening snack

19 Healthy Drinks for your Toddler Whole Milk –Up until age 2 the toddler needs the fat in whole milk for growth and energy –After age 2 gradually start reducing to low-fat milk –2 cups a day 100% Fruit Juice –½ cup (4ounces) a day Water Smoothies

20 Problem My toddler is a picky eater. I don’t think he or she will like these foods.

21 10 Tips for Picky Eaters 1.Respect your child's hunger 2.Stay calm 3.Keep an eye on the clock 4.Don't expect too much 5.Start small Source:

22 10 Tips for Picky Eaters 6.Leave taste out of it 7.Be patient with new foods 8.Make it fun 9.Recruit your child's help 10.Set a good example Source:

23 Practice Other Healthy Habits Limit Screen Time Too much Screen Time may lead to: –Overeating –Low grades in school –Violent behavior –Attention problems

24 Eat Meals Together Teaches children to behave at the dinner table Teaches children to like a variety of food Creates a stronger family bond Creates feelings of warmth, security, acceptance, and mutual trust

25 START.RIGHT.NOW. Your toddler is learning habits for life Now is the time to teach him or her healthy habits he or she can use forever Teaching healthy habits now may help prevent many heath conditions in your child future

26 QUESTIONS??