Nutritional Nuggets
|by Louise Goldberg
Our 9 month old and 2 year old are
on different feeding schedules and it
is hard to actually get everyone at the
table for a meal. I would love to sit
down together as a family! Any ideas?
Remember that it is a process. Child nutrition expert, Jill Castle MS, RD, co-author
of Fearless Feeding: How to Raise Healthy
Eaters from High Chair to High School
(April 2013), says “Getting both baby and
toddler to the meal table should begin as
soon as possible. Just their presence is a
good start!”
“They don’t have to eat with you (but eventually that is the goal), but sitting, talking,
even tasting is progress. Remember, kids
will follow your schedule, so just bring
them to the table whether it’s for eating or
just family gathering time. It’s a great way
to get them used to the routine and atmosphere of family meals.”
What snacks can I pack for my kids
that will last from morning through
their after school activities?
Not being able to refrigerate the food may
feel limiting but there are several nutritious
healthy choices you can pack. Fresh fruits,
dried or dehydrated fruits, raw veggies,
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nuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, popcorn, brown rice cakes, their favorite dry
cereal, shelf stable organic milk boxes (all
kinds), pretzels with a small container of
nut butter (or Sunbutter if your child has
food allergies) to dip. Combining a carbohydrate with a protein will help fill them up
for longer.
My kids are exposed to so many treats
around the holidays. How can I keep
them from overdoing the unhealthy
foods without saying ‘no’ all the time?
It’s hard for adults too! If your child is very
young, you may still have a bit of control
and can choose what ends up on his plate.
For older kids, it is okay to talk openly with
your kids about all the treats they will get
offered. Advise them to look over all the
choices and then select one or two of their
favorite things or a little taste of several
things.
Let them know it is still important to keep
their bodies active and feeling good, even if
it is a holiday. That being said, don’t hover
over them or make them feel badly if they
don’t always make the best choice. You can
also offer a healthy meal or snack before
leaving the house to make less room in
their tummy for the treats.