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Toddler dietary needs are anything but small
Posted on Oct 14th 2007 7:00AM by Jacki DonaldsonFiled Under: Healthy Kids, Nutrition & Supplements
The toddler ship has sailed for me, and I don't think I'm ever going back to port. But I do have some great information for all you toddler parents out there, tidbits I wish I'd known when I was trying so valiantly to entice my wee ones into ingesting healthy morsels of food. You see, there are certain nutrients little tots need every day, according to the Fall 2007 issue of Toddler Magazine. And you'd be wise to jot them down so you know just how much fiber, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and calories your littlest loved ones need.
Carbohydrates
Toddlers need 130 grams daily. Here's a fun fact: Women ages 19 to 50 need the same amount. Healthy carbohydrates are the main source of energy for developing brains. So serve up the whole-grain cereals, veggies, whole grain breads, waffles, and pasta.
Fiber
Fiber should total 19 grams each day. It will prevent constipation and help digestion. Give plant-based foods a go, as well as whole grains, fruit, vegetables, beans, and legumes.
Fat
Little tikes need 30 to 40 grams -- that's more than adults need. Fat is a great energy source that helps absorption of vitamins. It helps feed the brain too. Think fish, nuts, nut butters, canola oil, eggs, and sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
Protein
Pack in 13 grams of protein and you'll be set. Protein -- found in meat, poultry, fish, cheese, yogurt, eggs, nuts, and beans -- is the building block for every cell in your toddler's growing body.
Calories
Two-year-olds need 1,000 calories per day
Three-year-olds need 1,000 to 1,400
Four-year-old boys need 1,200 to 1,600
Four-year-old girls need 1,200 to 1,400
Carbohydrates
Toddlers need 130 grams daily. Here's a fun fact: Women ages 19 to 50 need the same amount. Healthy carbohydrates are the main source of energy for developing brains. So serve up the whole-grain cereals, veggies, whole grain breads, waffles, and pasta.
Fiber
Fiber should total 19 grams each day. It will prevent constipation and help digestion. Give plant-based foods a go, as well as whole grains, fruit, vegetables, beans, and legumes.
Fat
Little tikes need 30 to 40 grams -- that's more than adults need. Fat is a great energy source that helps absorption of vitamins. It helps feed the brain too. Think fish, nuts, nut butters, canola oil, eggs, and sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
Protein
Pack in 13 grams of protein and you'll be set. Protein -- found in meat, poultry, fish, cheese, yogurt, eggs, nuts, and beans -- is the building block for every cell in your toddler's growing body.
Calories
Two-year-olds need 1,000 calories per day
Three-year-olds need 1,000 to 1,400
Four-year-old boys need 1,200 to 1,600
Four-year-old girls need 1,200 to 1,400
