According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, after your toddler turns one, his growth rate slows. A 1-year-old child needs only about 1,000 calories per day. These calories should come from healthy sources that provide adequate nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Foods should be varied and include each of the major food groups.
Grains
The grain food group contains breads, pastas, rice and cereal. Your child should be getting about half of carbohydrates from a whole grain source. One serving from the grain group consists of a half slice of bread, 1/4 to 1/3 cup of cooked rice, pasta or cereal.
Fruits
Fruits can provide a low energy dense way of getting your child some important vitamins and minerals. Eating a serving of fruit at snack time or as a dessert can also teach him healthy eating habits. Just 1/4 to 1/2 piece of fruit or a wedge of melon is one serving for your child. If he prefers juice, a serving is 3/4 of a cup.
Vegetables
Try to get your toddler to eat vegetables everyday. Just like fruits, they are a low energy dense way to take in essential vitamins and minerals. A serving of vegetables is a two to three tablespoons of cooked or raw veggies, totaling one cup per day. Some vegetables, like carrots, can serve as a choking hazard to the new eater. Cut these types of vegetables in length-wise portions or even mash them up.
Proteins
A 1-year-old child can get protein from fish, meat, poultry or eggs. Beans or peanut butter are healthy alternative sources of protein. Your child can eat a 2 oz. serving of meat, poultry or fish as one serving. One egg or 1/2 cup of cooked beans is also a serving.
Fats and Dairy
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, fats are an important part of your growing one year old's diet. They suggest making fat about 50 percent of his total calories each day. Fats should come from healthy sources like dairy products. These include milk, yogurt and cheese. A 1.5 oz. piece of cheese is one serving and 1 cup of milk or yogurt is one serving of fat and dairy.
References
- HealthyChildren.org: Feeding and Nutrition: Your One Year Old
- MyPyramid.gov: Grain Group
- "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer and Eleanor Whitney; 2004.
- "What Should My One Year Old Be Eating?"; South Dakota Department of Health; 2006
- "Feeding the One Year Old"; Early Steps to Lasting Health
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