#asktheexpert How to make sure proper nutrients for toddlers? My daughter doesn't eat veggies and fruits.
she has suddenly stopped.

Question

Accepted Answer

Ensuring proper nutrition for toddlers who refuse vegetables and fruits can be challenging. Here are some strategies to ensure they get the necessary nutrients:

1. **Incorporate Into Favorite Foods**: Blend vegetables into sauces, soups, or smoothies. For example, add spinach or carrots to pasta sauce or make fruit smoothies with yogurt.

2. **Offer Alternatives**: Provide other sources of essential nutrients. For instance, if she avoids fruits and vegetables, focus on foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as dairy products, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

3. **Creative Presentation**: Make fruits and vegetables fun by cutting them into shapes, making fruit kabobs, or offering them with a tasty dip.

4. **Mix and Match**: Combine fruits and vegetables with foods she likes. For example, mix fruit into yogurt or add finely chopped vegetables to meatballs or burgers.

5. **Nutrient-Rich Snacks**: Provide snacks like hummus with whole-grain crackers, cheese, or nut butters, which can offer additional vitamins and minerals.

6. **Regular Variety**: Keep offering a variety of fruits and vegetables even if she initially refuses them. Preferences can change over time.

7. **Use Supplements**: If you're concerned about nutrient deficiencies, consider using a multivitamin designed for toddlers. Consult a pediatrician before starting any supplements.

8. **Model Healthy Eating**: Eat fruits and vegetables yourself. Children are often influenced by their parents’ eating habits.

9. **Involve Your Child**: Let her help with meal preparation. She might be more interested in eating foods she helped prepare.

10. **Consult a Pediatrician**: If you have concerns about her nutrition or growth, consult a pediatrician for personalized advice and to ensure she's meeting her nutritional needs.

With patience and creativity, you can often find ways to incorporate essential nutrients into your toddler's diet.

#asktheexpert How to make sure proper nutrients for toddlers? My daughter doesn't eat veggies and fruits. she has suddenly stopped.