I was talking to a friend the other day about what we were giving our toddlers to eat these days and she mentioned that she was having a tough time getting hers to eat meats. He happily eats yogurt, cheese and eggs, but she needs a little more diversity for his diet. Meat pickiness in toddlers is very common and sometimes a little frustrating. I’ve started brainstorming and researching ideas that might help her sneak it in. As a former vegetarian (and missing it), my first suggestion was tofu, which has protein, calcium and a much softer texture than meat and it can be marinated and given all kinds of flavors. There are all kinds of vegetarian meat products that have softer textures (they try to make them as close to meat as possible, but don’t always get it). For instance, Whole Foods makes vegan meatballs that have a very smooth texture and a nice seasoned flavor, and they cook up quickly in the toaster.
But I also found some good suggestions online that might work: meat filled raviolis, muffins made with protein powder (try to find the ones that are simple, straight protein without lots of additives), hummus on bread, fage- high protein greek yogurt, steamed soy beans (they are a little harder than regular beans and you’re worried about choking, you might want to smash them), quinoa- protein rich grain that you might be able to pass off as couscous.
And dipping, toddlers love to dip. Try giving them strips of chicken or vegan meatballs with some hummus or low-fat Italian dressing to dip in. The activity might be so fun it may make them forget they are eating!
Most kidos are doing just fine for their protein intake even if they’re picky about meat, but as a guide, average 1 to 3 year-olds need about 16 grams of protein a day, but it might be a little higher or lower based on your child’s weight.
Here are a few places to find menu ideas for your little ones:
Whole Foods Kids Recipes
Wholesome Toddler Food recipes
High Protein Icelandic Yogurt
