If you're a mom, and you've been through the toddler stage, then you are quite aware of how picky they can be when it comes to eating. Both of my girls were exceptional eaters (would eat anything I gave them, including kale) until they reached 1 1/2. Courtney is now 3 1/2 and Bridgett is 16 months. Bridgett still eats more foods than Courtney, but I have recently noticed her decline to eat certain foods that she used to love.
Did you know it can take 10-15 times of seeing and tasting (and even spitting out) a food before a toddler can get used to it? Super frustrating. Especially since toddlers are all about how a food looks rather than how it tastes. If it doesn't look delicious in they're eyes then they decline to eat it. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say sometimes it's just easier to give them the foods that they love and we know they will eat, but as a parent we know we need to expose them to a variety of options -- especially healthy ones.
I always try to incorporate at least one fruit and/or veggie into each meal that the girl's eat. I always tell them that they have to take at least one bite. Usually it stops there and then leaves me worrying if they are getting the proper nutrients each day. I'm good about giving them milk throughout the day, as well as smoothies blended with Greek yogurt, kale and fruit, but sometimes I'm wondering if that's really enough.
I was recently introduced to Go & Grow by Similac® Food Mix-Ins™ and was pleasantly surprised by how well they incorporated into the girl's meals each day. This product is for children 1 year and older and can be added to your child's food for better nutrition. It contains protein, prebiotics, fiber, and essential vitamins (like Calcium and Vitamin D) & minerals that to support the growth and development as a baby becomes a toddler. Each single-serving packet (8.7 g) can be mixed into an array of foods, such as: mac-n-cheese, applesauce, oatmeal, pancakes, scrambled eggs and many more! The best part (other than the nutritional value)? It doesn't impact the texture of the food either. Think of it as your secret weapon for adding nutrition into foods your children already like!!
I love how easy these packets are all you need is one Mix-In for one serving (or ½ cup of food). These are perfect for on-the-go too! Last night I incorporated them into one of the girl's fave meals: turkey dogs with mac-n-cheese. Their fruit and veggie of choice last night was applesauce and corn. I mixed the packets into their mac-n-cheese and their apple sauce and they could not tell the difference. Other healthy foods that these packets mix well with? Mashed avocados and hummus!
These yummy little bites are a new fave for my girl's and they are SO easy! Court loves to help me make them too! I was inspired to make this delicious (and super healthy) snack after seeing this post by Courtney Kerr. You can pretty much add anything you like into these things, so you better believe I was going to add in the Grow by Similac® Food Mix-Ins™. I even added some dried cranberries for some tartness!
All you need is: 1 Cup of Quick Oats, 2 Ripe Bananas, 1/4 Cup of Chocolate Chips, 1/4 Cup of Chopped Walnuts and 1/4 of Dried Cranberries (and really anything else you want to add, be as creative as you want!). Form into small balls and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes on a sprayed non-stick pan. P.S. They're really good cold too, so feel free to pop them into the freezer! They're the perfect little snack for kids -- taste great and are super healthy! They're also great for snacking on pre or post gym. ;)
In addition to the Go & Grow Food Mix-Ins there is also another product available: Go & Grow by Similac® Milk Based Powder, available in Original, Non-GMO, Sensitive, and Vanilla. It helps to balance your toddler's diet and contains OptiGro, which is designed to support brain, eye, and physical development. You can find Go & Grow by Similac® Food Mix-Ins™ and Go & Grow by Similac® Milk Based Powder here!
This product is available at Walmart or Walmart.com. Check out the special savings you can get at Here:
If you have a toddler, or have had a toddler, I would love to know some of your healthy recipes or meal ideas in the comments below! ;)
Lovely photos!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day,
Madalena
www.maadalenaaa.blogspot.com
Amazing colorful pictures, great post as well, I love it, your daughter is so cute, thank you for sharing!!!
ReplyDeletexxx
www.bridesonamission.com