Exam 15: Nutrition Through the Life Cycle: Childhood to Late Adulthood

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Toddlers tend to be choosy about what they eat. Some avoid entire food groups, such as all meats or vegetables. Others will abruptly refuse all but one or two favourite foods (such as peanut butter on crackers) for several days or longer. Others eat in extremely small amounts. Studies have consistently shown that, as long as food is abundant and choices varied, toddlers have an innate ability to match their intake with their needs.
Parents need to realize that toddlers have very small stomachs, and they cannot consume all of the energy they need in three meals. They need small meals, interspersed with nutritious snacks, every two to three hours, and should not be forced to sit still until they finish every bite. A snack tray with small portions of nutritious foods, such as one-third of a banana, two pieces of cheese, and three whole-grain pretzels, will allow children to graze while they play. Foods should be developmentally appropriate. Firm, raw foods such as nuts, carrots, grapes, raisins, and cherry tomatoes are difficult for a toddler to chew and pose a choking hazard. Foods should be soft and sliced into strips or wedges that are easy for children to grasp. Foods also should be fun-parents can prepare food so that it looks fun to toddlers. Juice and low-fat yogurt can be frozen onto sticks or blended like milkshakes.
A positive mealtime environment also helps toddlers to develop good habits. Parents should seat the toddler in the same place at the table consistently, and make sure the toddler is served first. Television and other distractions should be turned off, and pleasant conversation should include the toddler. Portions should be small and new foods should be introduced gradually. Parents should not bribe toddlers to try something new, but should just remove a food if it is not wanted and try reintroducing it a few weeks later. They should also positively reinforce good behaviours, and remember to be good role models. Finally, toddlers are more likely to eat food they help prepare, so parents can encourage them to assist in the preparation of simple foods.