Preschool age children can be picky eaters, and it is important to offer them several different foods to ensure that they are getting plenty of important nutrients. Jane Nelsen, Cheryl Erwin and Roslyn Duffy, authors of "Positive Discipline for Preschoolers," suggest that many preschoolers are overweight or deficient in important vitamins and minerals because they do not eat nutritious foods. Revamping the choices you offer your preschooler may help him consume more nutrients important for his growing years.
Cereal with Fruit and Milk
Breakfast is an important meal for your preschooler because it replenishes her blood sugar, which fell dramatically while she was sleeping, reports Suzannah Olivier, author of "Healthy Food for Happy Kids." A well-balanced breakfast will provide your preschooler with important nutrients and will supply her with enough energy to pay attention at school and remain active throughout the morning. A bowl of high-fiber cereal will provide plenty of energy to start her day. Slicing fruit on top will supply her with vitamins and minerals that help maintain good health. Try bananas, peaches or berries as good fruits to combine with cereal. Low-fat or skim milk will supply calcium for strong bones and teeth as well as some protein for energy and muscle growth.
Sandwich Face with Vegetables and Lean Meat
A sandwich can be a kid-pleasing way to provide several different nutrients on one plate. Sal Severe, author of "How to Behave So Your Preschooler Will Too," suggests creating a face on your preschooler's plate to help encourage him to eat. Use whole grain bread to increase your child's fiber intake and keep his digestive system working efficiently. Add lean turkey or ham as one way to add protein to your preschooler's diet. Add halved grape tomatoes on top of the sandwich as eyes, a bell pepper strip as the mouth and carrot sticks for hair as a way to include vegetables. You can use mustard for a nose. A peanut butter sandwich face can be made with bananas and strawberry slices. A bowl of soup can round out the meal and add more nutrients.
Chicken and Bean Quesadilla With Avocado
A whole grain tortilla filled with low-fat cheese, shredded chicken and black beans is one way to create a healthy meal that includes several different food groups. The tortilla supplies fiber, the chicken supplies protein and the beans supply both protein and fiber. A few cubes of avocado sprinkled on top will add healthy unsaturated fats to your preschooler's meal. Olivier adds that mild tomato salsa is another way to increase the vegetable content of your preschooler's dinner. An avocado mashed with garlic to make guacamole is another way to add nutrients to the meal. A couple of corn chips can help encourage your child to eat the guacamole and salsa.
References
- "Positive Discipline for Preschoolers"; Jane Nelsen, Cheryl Erwin and Roslyn Duffy; 2007
- "Healthy Food for Happy Kids"; Suzannah Olivier; 2004
- "How to Behave So Your Preschooler Will Too"; Sal Severe; 2004
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