We are now more then half way through our tips on raising a healthy eater. How is it going? Do you see any positive results in the way your child is eating? I would love to hear all about it!

And in case you are just joining us – here are links to the first 5 tips:
Tip #1, Tip #2, Tip #3, Tip #4, Tip #5

Tip #6

Variety, Variety, Variety

They say variety is the spice of life. So let’s spice it up. For the kiddos sake. No more eating the same foods day after day, meal after meal.

Let’s mix it up!

Let’s have some fun!

The Key Principles of Variety

  • Never eat the same meal 2 days in a row. This includes purees [after the initial allergy testing period], finger foods and toddler meals. Always skip at least a day between serving the same food item.
  • Always try to switch up how you pair your food items. For instance, instead of always serving your toddler yogurt with blueberries, switch up the berries, fruit type altogether, add some cinnamon or another spice or even add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. This goes with all food pairings that we get comfortable making, the old stand by – sandwiches, pasta, pizza, side dishes. Have some fun and mix it up, even if it is only one ingredient at a time.
  • Present a variety of different foods at each meal. For meals, try to serve a protein, vegetable and starch for the main course and a fruit for dessert. For snacks, go with a protein mixed with a fruit or vegetable.

Why Variety is a Good Thing

  • Teaches your kiddo that they can have a favorite food or dish but they can’t eat only that one thing ALL-THE-TIME. They have to learn to have more then one favorite.
  • Gives them a well rounded approach to eating. Making sure that they are getting all the nutrients they need over the course of a day but more importantly the course of a week.
  • Gets them used to trying new items on a daily basis.
  • Makes their palettes constantly grow and expand.
  • Catches them off guard and makes it fun for them to eat. A surprise at every meal!

Action Plan

  • Observe what your baby or toddler is eating for each meal for a couple of days. Note which meals are the same from day to day.
  • Make a quick meal plan for the remaining days focusing on making sure each meal is never served two days in a row.
  • Take one routine meal that is always on your weekly rotation and switch one ingredient in it up.