Proper Nutrition For Preschoolers
By: Erika Hansen
- child can now eat what the rest of the family eats
- can include: vegetables, fruit, low fat/sodium, lean meats (turkey, chicken, fish)
- serving should be smaller than adults
- child should not watch TV more than 22 hours a week
- keep your house stocked with health nutritious food
- desserts should be served in moderation
Tips For Picky Eaters and Preschoolers
Respect Your Child's Appetite
- Sometimes they are just not hungry
- Don't force them to eat
- serve meals and snack at the same time
- helps children manage how much they should eat
- offer water rather than juice in between meals and snack
- different taste, texture, smell, and color
- may not like it the 1st time
Make it Fun!
- serve food with a dip
- cut them into fun shapes
- let them pick out their own food
- they are more likely to eat what they picked out
- allow them to help you prepare meals
- preschoolers copy what their adults and older siblings do
- sneak some shredded veggies into soups, casseroles, and even spaghetti
Minimize Distractions
- Turn off the TV
- Put away the phones and electronics
- shows that dessert is the best
- offer fruit or yogurt as a "dessert"
- this helps promote picky eaters
freeze yogurt with a pureed fruits for a yummy nutritious dessert