Tag: snack ideas

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Toddlers eating veggies

Toddler eating veggies Microsoft Word – Toddler eating veggies.docx

Getting kids to eat vegetables is a bit like trying to get a cat to enjoy a bath — possible, but it takes strategy, patience, and maybe a touch of trickery.

Here’s a practical mix of tips that usually works:


  1. Lead by example

    Kids are more likely to eat veggies if they see you enjoying them. If you act like broccoli is a treat, they might start believing it.


  2. Start small and familiar

    Offer tiny portions — even just one pea or carrot slice. Small steps feel less intimidating.


  3. Make them part of the process

    Let kids pick vegetables at the store or help wash, chop (with kid-safe tools), and stir them. Ownership boosts willingness to try.


  4. Get creative with presentation


    • Make smiley faces or rainbow plates.


    • Serve with fun dips like hummus, tzatziki, or yogurt-based dressings.


    • Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters.


  5. Sneak them into favourites


    • Add finely chopped carrots, spinach, or zucchini into pasta sauce.


    • Blend butternut squash or cauliflower into mac & cheese sauce.


    • Use grated veggies in muffins or pancakes.


  6. Pair with something they love

    Mix veggies into foods they already like (cheese toasties with tomato, tacos with hidden peppers, stir-fry with sweet teriyaki sauce).


  7. Offer variety, no pressure

    Research shows repeated exposure without forcing works best — it can take 10–15 tries before a child accepts a new veggie.


  8. Make it a game


    • “Eat the rainbow” challenge — try a veggie of every colour in a week.


    • Give silly names (“superpower carrots,” “dinosaur trees” for broccoli).



  9. Serve them when they’re most hungry

    Put veggies out as a starter or snack before the main meal when hunger levels are high.


  10. Stay calm and consistent

Avoid battles at the table — pressure and bribery can backfire. Just keep offering them regularly.

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7 day balanced toddler diet plan

7 day balanced toddler diet plan Microsoft Word – 7-day balanced toddler diet plan.docx

Here’s a 7-day balanced toddler diet plan that rotates foods for variety and covers all major nutrients.


Portions are toddler-sized and included snack ideas to avoid mid-day meltdowns.


  1. Day Toddler Diet Plan (Ages 1–3)

    Day 1


    Breakfast – Scrambled egg, whole wheat toast fingers, orange slices Snack – Cucumber sticks & hummus

    Lunch – Chicken & vegetable soup with soft bread Snack – Yoghurt with mashed berries

    Dinner – Baked salmon, mashed sweet potato, steamed broccoli


    Day 2


    Breakfast – Oats with milk, grated apple, and cinnamon Snack – Cheese cubes & cherry tomatoes (halved)

    Lunch – Mini whole wheat wrap with turkey, avocado, and lettuce Snack – Banana slices & peanut butter (thin spread)

    Dinner – Beef mince with tomato sauce, small pasta shapes, peas


    Day 3


    Breakfast – Full-fat yoghurt with chopped strawberries & a sprinkle of oats Snack – Steamed carrot sticks & wholegrain crackers

    Lunch – Lentil & vegetable curry with rice Snack – Watermelon cubes

    Dinner – Grilled chicken strips, mashed potatoes, green beans


    Day 4

    Breakfast – Whole wheat pancakes with mashed banana Snack – Apple slices & almond butter (thin spread) Lunch – Tuna & sweetcorn pasta salad

    Snack – Sliced pear

    Dinner – Baked cod, couscous, roasted butternut


    Day 5


    Breakfast – Boiled egg, toast fingers, avocado slices Snack – Plain popcorn (no salt/butter) & blueberries

    Lunch – Veggie omelette with spinach & tomato, served with bread Snack – Cottage cheese with pineapple pieces

    Dinner – Turkey meatballs, mashed sweet potato, peas


    Day 6


    Breakfast – Porridge with pear puree & cinnamon Snack – Cucumber & red pepper sticks

    Lunch – Chicken fried rice (with peas, carrots, egg) Snack – Full-fat yoghurt with mango

    Dinner – Baked hake, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots


    Day 7


    Breakfast – Greek yoghurt with oats & blueberries Snack – Cheese sticks & apple slices

    Lunch – Beef stew with soft vegetables & rice Snack – Mashed banana & wholegrain crackers

    Dinner – Lentil shepherd’s pie with sweet potato topping, green beans


    💡 Extra Tips for This Plan

    • Offer water throughout the day — avoid juice except for occasional diluted portions.

    • Keep pieces small & soft to avoid choking.

    • Switch protein sources (fish, meat, eggs, legumes) for balanced nutrition.

    • You can batch-cook dinners and freeze portions for easier weekdays.

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Toddler snack ideas

Toddler snack ideas Microsoft Word – Toddler snack ideas.docx

Here’s a mix of healthy toddler snack ideas that are easy to prepare, nutrient-rich, and toddler- friendly:


Fresh & Simple

  • Fruit kebabs – small chunks of soft fruits (banana, mango, kiwi, berries) on a toddler-safe stick or straw.

  • Veggie sticks with dip – cucumber, steamed carrot sticks, bell pepper, with hummus or plain yogurt dip.

  • Mini fruit & cheese plate – mild cheese cubes with grapes (halved) or apple slices.


    Protein-Packed

  • Mini egg muffins – whisked egg with spinach, tomato, and cheese, baked in mini muffin tins.

  • Nut butter on rice cakes – peanut or almond butter (thin spread), topped with banana slices.

  • Yogurt parfait – plain full-fat yogurt with berries and a sprinkle of oats.


    Fun & Finger-Friendly

  • Whole wheat mini sandwiches – cream cheese & cucumber or mashed avocado filling.

  • Energy bites – oats, mashed banana, nut butter, and raisins, rolled into small balls.

  • Mini pancakes – whole-grain, served with fruit puree instead of syrup.


    On-the-Go Options

  • Homemade trail mix – puffed rice, freeze-dried fruit, and a few dark chocolate chips.

  • Cheese sticks or babybel – individually wrapped for quick grab-and-go.

  • Mini veggie fritters – zucchini, corn, or sweet potato, pan-fried in a little olive oil.

Posted on by

Toddler snack ideas

Toddler snack ideas Microsoft Word – Toddler snack ideas.docx

Here’s a mix of healthy toddler snack ideas that are easy to prepare, nutrient-rich, and toddler- friendly:


Fresh & Simple

  • Fruit kebabs – small chunks of soft fruits (banana, mango, kiwi, berries) on a toddler-safe stick or straw.

  • Veggie sticks with dip – cucumber, steamed carrot sticks, bell pepper, with hummus or plain yogurt dip.

  • Mini fruit & cheese plate – mild cheese cubes with grapes (halved) or apple slices.


    Protein-Packed

  • Mini egg muffins – whisked egg with spinach, tomato, and cheese, baked in mini muffin tins.

  • Nut butter on rice cakes – peanut or almond butter (thin spread), topped with banana slices.

  • Yogurt parfait – plain full-fat yogurt with berries and a sprinkle of oats.


    Fun & Finger-Friendly

  • Whole wheat mini sandwiches – cream cheese & cucumber or mashed avocado filling.

  • Energy bites – oats, mashed banana, nut butter, and raisins, rolled into small balls.

  • Mini pancakes – whole-grain, served with fruit puree instead of syrup.


    On-the-Go Options

  • Homemade trail mix – puffed rice, freeze-dried fruit, and a few dark chocolate chips.

  • Cheese sticks or babybel – individually wrapped for quick grab-and-go.

  • Mini veggie fritters – zucchini, corn, or sweet potato, pan-fried in a little olive oil.