Transitioning Baby to Solid Foods
Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen, MS, RD, has tips on how to take the stress out of adding solids to baby’s diet. Her tips for proper food consistency, safety guidelines for making your own baby food, which foods to introduce first, choking hazards and more can be found in the handouts below.
Click below to print out handouts from the seminar.
Increase Childs Interest in Healthy Foods
–Submitted by Meri Raffetto RD – Real Living Nutrition Services
1. Bring your kids grocery shopping. While in the produce section, let your kids pick out a new fruit or vegetable to try. Kids are more interested in trying new foods when they get to pick them out.
2. Prepare meals together. Let your child be part of the preparation. Whether they mix something in a bowl or pour a sauce they will be happier to eat and try new foods when they played a part.
3. Incorporate fun foods. Kids are drawn to foods that have different shapes, and bright colors. There are many fruits that can fall into this category such as kiwi or star fruit. You can also be creative! Instead of handing your child a whole orange, break it up into pieces and make a smiley face on the plate. You would be amazed what simple creativity can do!
4. Make desserts healthy. You can still have dessert and make it healthy too. Instead of depending on store bought cookies and candy (which provide minimal nutrients), try dipping fresh strawberries in chocolate sauce, a fruit smoothie, or a berry cobbler. These choices may have some sugar but are also adding nutrients at the same time. Remember- everything is healthy in moderation.
5. When your child wants candy. Candy is a once in a while treat. Try using one ounce of trail mix with a few m&ms instead of a whole candy bar.
Be a role model for your children. If you enjoy physical activity and eat healthy your children will likely do the same. Encouraging physical activity and healthy food choices during childhood will help build these habits for a lifetime.
Favorite Books:Honest Pretzels: And 64 Other Amazing Recipes for Cooks Ages 8 & Up. By Mollie Katzen
