Picky Eaters

By now the sweets from the holidays have been devoured, but not necessarily forgotten. If you have a toddler, you may be experiencing some challenges getting your toddler back into healhy eating habits. Most toddlers love finger foods - healthy foods that can be served in bite size pieces that don't require strong molars to chew. (Be aware of choking hazards - raw carrots, nuts, or other foods that require more chewing abilities.) Toddlers may shy away from hot (temperature and spice) foods, but may eat cooked veggies, pastas, rice dishes or meats once they are cooled. Don't be afraid to try different types of food.

Newby toddlers (12 - 15 months) may be used to getting their tummy's full with milk or formula, so you may need to offer liquid nourishment after finger foods rather than before.

Toddlers like to mimic others. Sitting down to a meal as a famly may help your toddler learn to like eating healthier foods, especially when they see others eating the same foods. Patience is the key to healthy eating habits.

If you have a toddler that likes to eat, please feel free to share some of your healthier food successes. It is always a challenge to find foods that toddlers like that they can manage on their own.