Fostering Healthy Eating Habits

You can foster healthy eating habits in your toddler by:

• Offering nutritious foods from the four food groups, according to Canada's Food Guide
• Setting regular meal and snack times – approximately every 2-3 hours
• Respecting your toddler’s appetite – let her determine how much she wants to eat
• Serving meals and snacks at the same time each day
• Setting a good example - your child is more likely to eat her carrots if you eat yours
• Involving your toddler in planning menus, shopping or cooking
• Avoiding using food as a reward – praise her with words instead
• Making mealtimes fun - try different shapes, colours, flavours, textures and finger foods
• Allowing her to take her time - within a reasonable time limit
• Serving small portions – and let her have another portion if she wants. Toddlers are intimidated by large amounts of food.
• Offering plenty of choices – for example, let her choose between carrots or broccoli.
• Encouraging family mealtimes – children who eat meals regularly with their family tend to have healthier eating habits.