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Best food for 17 month old baby


17 Months Old Baby Food Ideas Along with Recipes

At FirstCry Parenting, our aim is to give you the most elevant, accurate and up to date information.

Every article that we publish, confirms to stringent guidelines & involves several levels of reviews, both from our Editorial team & Experts. We welcome your suggestions in making this platform more useful for all our users. Write in to us at [email protected]

  • Video: Food Ideas For 17 Month Old Baby
  • Nutrient Requirements of a 17 Months Old Child
  • How Much Food Does a Toddler Need at 17th Month?
  • Best Foods for a Seventeen-month-old Baby
  • Video: Diet Plan for a 17-Month-Old Baby
  • 17 Month Old Baby Food Chart/Meal Plan
  • Food Recipes For 17 Months Old Baby
  • Feeding Tips

Last Updated on

Feeding a toddler is not an easy job. By the time your toddler turns 17 months, he will throw a lot of tantrums and feeding him will become a challenge for you. If you constantly wonder what to feed to your 17-month-old toddler, then worry no more. You are not alone in this. All new moms face this situation in life as their babies grow. Taking care of a toddler is not an easy task but slowly you will learn to take care of him. Meanwhile, here are a few tricks and interesting recipes that can turn the tables in your favour and maintain your toddler’s health at optimal levels.

Video: Food Ideas For 17 Month Old Baby

Nutrient Requirements of a 17 Months Old Child

While putting together some great breakfast ideas, parents should remember that the nutritional requirements of their 17-month-old child should be met appropriately. Here is what your child requires at the age of 17 months.

  • Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates make it possible for the little one to carry out all the activities of a day. Apart from giving energy, carbohydrates also promote brain development in toddlers. A toddler should consume around 135 grams of carbohydrates daily.

  • Proteins

Proteins are another essential requirements for a baby. For toddlers, who eat only veg food may not get enough protein. Hence, you need to make sure that your child’s protein intake is not compromised.

  • Iron

Once the baby is weaned, his iron consumption may be affected. When a baby is breastfed, he gets enough iron from the breastmilk but later it may be compromised and as a result, it can affect the growth of the baby. Hence, when a baby is 17 months old or above, you should include iron-rich foods in his diet. Around 7mg of iron intake is necessary at this age.

  • Sodium

Sodium is rarely considered essential, primarily because most of our salts and other food items do contain sodium in the required quantities. Families that follow a very unique dietary pattern do need to ensure the presence of sodium in their meal choices.

  • Calories

The appetite of your child might not be as high as before, but that also poses a risk of them not getting enough calories required to stay active in the day. Maintaining a range of 1000 to 1400 calories on a daily basis is a great way to keep them healthy.

  • Dietary fibre

Most parents wonder which food items or vegetables can provide the required amount of fibre to a child. While there are numerous whole wheat food items, choosing some simple fruits that are fibrous in nature can be an easy way to keep your diet balanced.

  • Water

You may fail to keep a track of your toddler’s water intake as he runs around the house. But, you must not take it lightly. Make sure that your child drinks enough water during the day.

How Much Food Does a Toddler Need at 17th Month?

The food requirements of a kid vary according to size, weight, metabolism, and many other factors. Some kids may be more active than others and may need more food. However, in general, they may need around 1-1.2 kilocalories on a daily basis.

Best Foods for a Seventeen-month-old Baby

Whether you are putting together some kickass lunch ideas for your toddler the following food products have been known to satisfy substantial nutritional requirements of kids.

1. Eggs

Eggs are the best multipurpose option you can go with at any time of the day. The perfect balance of protein and low cholesterol makes it great for the entire family itself.

2. Milk

The inclusion of milk in a young kid’s life is irreplaceable, be it breastmilk or full-cream milk from the dairy. If your child is lactose intolerant, you can opt for soy milk as an alternative. Ensure that it is fortified with all the necessary nutrients your kid needs.

3. Other Dairy Products

While milk is essential for a child’s development, other products derived from it are just as important. Yoghurt provides probiotics, cheese provides protein, and butter just makes everything tastier than it already is. So, include dairy products in your baby’s daily diet.

4. Seafood

Most parents may not consider seafood as a safe food choice for a 17-month-old baby and they are not wrong. Fish such as shellfish and swordfish should be strictly avoided. Consuming safe fish can provide tons of additional elements like DHA and omega-3 acids to a baby in a healthy proportion.

5. Meat

Avoid giving heavy meat items such as turkey, steak, or mutton to a baby. Instead, stick to poultry items as that meat is easy-to-digest and provides good proteins to the child. Grilled meat that is fresh and organic remains the healthiest choice in this matter.

6.

Nuts

While nuts are extremely beneficial for kids, it is essential to check your little one for the presence of any allergy before starting him off with them. If your child has no allergy, you can give him some chopped almonds or walnuts regularly with his meals.

7. Fruits

Choosing fresh and organic fruits over any commercially available juices is always the right decision. Citrus fruits can provide numerous vitamins that a child needs, while some fruits like avocado can provide a good proportion of healthy fat in a single serving.

8. Vegetables

Almost all vegetables are safe to consume for a toddler at this age. If your kid is throwing tantrums and refusing to eat vegetables, get a little creative. You can chop and steam the vegetables and then serve. You can also give vegetables in the form of curry.

9. Grains

Quinoa is quite an interesting choice that should definitely be tried out since it is rich in proteins and iron. Similarly, millets and rice should be included regularly in a child’s diet.

10. Oil

Although oil is not specifically a food item, it is necessary to prepare the meals in healthy oils to ensure that your baby gets enough fats and nutrients from it. While preparing any snacks, use olive oil.

Video: Diet Plan for a 17-Month-Old Baby

17 Month Old Baby Food Chart/Meal Plan

The meal plan mentioned below for a 17-month-old toddler will prove useful if you want to give different foods to your child every other day.

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 1

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 2

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 3

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 4

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 5

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 6

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 1, Day 7

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 1

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 2

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 3

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 4

Breakfast Rajgira (amaranth)-wheat sheera with mashed raisins for sweetness
Mid-morning Any melon
Lunch Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber + hand pounded rice
Evening Phirni
Dinner Shahi paneer with paratha and tomato- mushroom soup

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 5

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 6

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 2, Day 7

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 1

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 2

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 3

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 4

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 5

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 6

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 3, Day 7

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 1

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 2

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 3

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 4

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 5

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 6

Diet for a 17-month-old – Week 4, Day 7

Video: 17 Month Old Baby Food Recipes

Food Recipes For 17 Months Old Baby

While dinner ideas amongst many other meal options might be easy to come up with, snacks can get quite tricky and repetitive after a few weeks. Here are a few interesting snacks recipes that you can try for your toddler.

1. Toast with Avocado

Fats are essential for kids and including avocado in his diet through this recipe can make sure he gets the right amount of it. So, try this tasty recipe for your baby.

Ingredients

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Cheese
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Banana
  • Avocado

How To Prepare

  1. Take an avocado and separate the seed. Mash the fruit properly in a bowl so that it forms a creamy paste.
  2. Add some salt and pepper to it to enhance the flavour.
  3. Toast the slices of bread and arrange them on a plate. Spread the avocado mashed mix on the slices. Add banana pieces over it and shred some cheese on top.

2. Banana Oatmeal

Breakfast time is the perfect time to ensure that a child gets the most of nutrients. This recipe can provide enough fibre and vitamins in a single go, as well as keep your child satisfied for a long duration.

Ingredients

  • Cinnamon
  • Bananas, chopped
  • Almond milk
  • Water
  • Oats

How To Prepare

  1. Cook oats in a pan. Make use of water or even almond milk as a base for it. Stir the oats intermittently so that they are cooked properly.
  2. Once the oats are softened, add cinnamon powder to enhance its taste.
  3. Turn off the flame and let it cool.
  4. Transfer it to a bowl and mix some banana pieces in it and the dish is ready!

3. Mediterranean Salad

A toddler may not show much interest in eating salad but if you garnish it with cheese, he sure will eat it. Try this salad recipe for your baby.

Ingredients

  • Cheese
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Coriander
  • Black olives
  • Tomato
  • Bell pepper
  • Onion
  • Vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Quinoa, cooked

How To Prepare

  1. Dice the vegetables in small pieces and put them in a bowl.
  2. Take a pan and add olive oil to it. Put onions, bell pepper, tomatoes, and coriander and sauté them.
  3. Add these vegetables with cooked quinoa in a large bowl and garnish with cheese.

4. Tasty Risotto

When looking for a dish that is light on flavour and heavy on nutrition, go with this choice.

Ingredients

  • Cheese
  • Lemon juice
  • Butter
  • Frozen peas
  • Carrots
  • Vegetable stock
  • Rice
  • Olive oil
  • Spring onion

How To Prepare

  1. In a pan, add butter and spring onions, and saute them until they soften.
  2. Add peas and rice and cook it well. Follow up with the vegetable stock, and stir it until it is absorbed fully. Add more stock thereafter till the rice softens. Cover the pan with a lid.
  3. Once the rice is cooked, grate cheese over it and serve fresh.

5. Pumpkin Dip

Not only will this add great flavour to your snack, but it is a great source of vitamin A as well.

Ingredients

  • Lemon
  • Pepper
  • Salt
  • Pumpkin, canned

How To Prepare

  1. Make pumpkin puree and add pepper, salt to it.
  2. You can also add a few drops of lemon.
  3. Serve with digestive cookies or even various fruits.

Feeding Tips

Feeding your toddler won’t be a difficult task anymore if you keep the following tips in mind.

  • Let your child handle plastic cutlery by himself.
  • Allow judicious meal times for your kid to eat calmly.
  • Focus on trying out variety instead of finishing the food.
  • Keep the diet balanced at all times.
  • Talk to your doctor before introducing a new item.
  • Make sure your kid drinks water after a meal.
  • Use colourful bowls to make the food look appealing.
  • Cut fruits and foods into tiny pieces when giving it to your baby.
  • Don’t let your kid eat without your supervision.
  • Don’t scold your kid if he spits out any food he doesn’t like.

Meals always constitute a larger portion of your child’s food but snacks for 17-month-old baby are what tend to do the trick many times. Offering a variety can help your kid warm up to food items he hated earlier and you never know he may start eating them.

Disclaimer:

  1. Each child is different and so use these meal plans as a trusted guide as per your discretion. You can modify the meals according to your child’s preferences / requirements.
  2. Never force-feed a child.
  3. While preparing formula, please follow the instructions on the box and use the measuring spoon provided with it.
  4. While introducing solid food to a baby, initially, one needs to prepare watery gruels/soups. As a child gets older, the caretaker/ mother has to increase the thickness of the liquids slowly according to the child’s capacity to swallow. Foods that are too thick can cause stomach upset/ unnecessary load; while excessively watery food might cause the child to remain hungry.
  5. Some kids may eat less on some days and that is absolutely alright. However, if a child eats less for more than 3-4 consecutive days, please visit a doctor to guide further.
  6. A child may eat less during the teething phase or if he/she may not be feeling well. You could increase breast milk /formula feeds on those days. Re-introduce the foods once the child is back to normal.
  7. Don’t stop feeding if the child is suffering from diarrhoea.
  8. You can alter the taste of the food by adding some natural flavours like cinnamon, jeera powder, lemon juice, curry leaves etc. if the child doesn’t accept the food initially.
  9. If your child suffers from an allergy to nuts, gluten or eggs, please consult your doctor before feeding him/her any foods that may contain them.

Also Read: 5 Indian Winter Foods for Babies with Recipes

17 to 20 Months Old Baby Food Chart Along With Recipes

Home Toddler Food & Nutrition Foods Ideas for 17-to-20-month-old Babies

At FirstCry Parenting, our aim is to give you the most elevant, accurate and up to date information.

Every article that we publish, confirms to stringent guidelines & involves several levels of reviews, both from our Editorial team & Experts. We welcome your suggestions in making this platform more useful for all our users. Write in to us at [email protected]

  • The Best Foods for 17-to-20-month-old Babies
  • Foods That Should Not Be a Part of Your Toddler’s Diet
  • A Sample Food Chart/Meal Plan for 17-to-20-month-old Babies
  • Homemade Food Recipes for a 17-to-20-month-old Toddler
  • Tips to Make Mealtimes Fun and Safe

Last Updated on

Getting children to eat healthy food is not an easy task. If you have a child, you know taking care of him is a lot of work. From making sure that you provide him with the best nutrition to ensuring that he meets his milestones on time – as a parent you have a lot to stress about. One important task is deciding meals for your little one. You will need to work nutritious foods in his diet from early on for his healthy growth and development, and to develop healthy eating habits in him. If you want to know which foods you should include in your baby’s diet, read on!

The Best Foods for 17-to-20-month-old Babies

If your baby is between 17 and 20 months old, he must be growing at a rapid rate. He will need the right kind of nutrition for his proper growth. A well-balanced diet that is rich in proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals is important for him. If you want to know which foods you should include in your child’s diet, read on!

1. Grains

Grains are super-healthy and can be included in your baby’s diet. You can add different grains like rice, millet, barley, etc. , in his diet. Rice is the least allergenic grains and that is why it is recommended as one of the first foods for babies. Millets are a rich source of B vitamins, magnesium, and iron, and barley can provide your munchkin with Vitamin A, folate, and protein. You can also include quinoa in his diet as it is rich in iron, calcium, fibre, and protein. However, before including these grains, do check with your baby’s paediatrician first.

2. Vegetables

Now that your baby is a little older, you can introduce veggies to him. Veggies like pumpkins and carrots are a great source of Vitamin A, so include these in his diet. Apart from these, you can also give him boiled peas, edamame beans, and cucumber.

3. Fruits

You can include citrus fruits such as oranges and sweet lime and other fruits like apples, bananas, berries, and pears. If avocados are easily available in your area, make them a part of your child’s diet too. Avocados are a great source of healthy fats and are a must-include in a growing child’s diet.

4. Nuts

Dried fruits and nuts can help your child gain healthy weight. You can start off by giving your toddler small pieces of almonds and walnuts (nicely chopped) either in a meal or on the side. These nuts should be chopped well as your little one might end up choking on them. You can also powder them and add it to his glass of milk.

5. Milk

If your little one is above 12 months of age, include a glass of milk in his daily diet. But if your child is lactose intolerant, consult a paediatrician with regards to the inclusion of milk in his diet.

6. Other Dairy Products

Cheese, clarified butter, butter, cottage cheese, and yoghurt can also be given as a snack to toddlers. You can also include these in his meals. Dairy products are a rich source of calcium and protein and will keep your child full.

7. Eggs

Eggs are a versatile food and can be included in a child’s diet, but it’s best to start them after your child turns two years of age. Boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, omelette would make for a great breakfast option. Eggs are high in protein, low in cholesterol, and good for overall health. So make them a part of your baby’s diet.

Foods That Should Not Be a Part of Your Toddler’s Diet

Given below are the two common foods that should not go into your child’s daily diet if he is between 17 and 20 months old.

1. Meat

While meat is a good source of protein and extremely nutritious, it should not be a part of a toddler’s diet. Why? The animal proteins are allergenic in nature and should be avoided in the initial two years of life.

2. Fish

Fish is also healthy but some kinds of fish may affect your child’s health negatively, so it is best avoided.

A Sample Food Chart/Meal Plan for 17-to-20-month-old Babies

Preparing meals for your baby won’t be difficult if you have a meal plan at your disposal. Given below is a sample food chart for babies between the ages of 17 and 20 months. You can use this sample meal plan as a guide and give it your own twist. Check out the plan below –

Day Breakfast Mid-Day Snack Lunch Evening Snack Dinner
Monday 1 ragi dosa + a small glass of milk 2/3 slices of apple 1 cup lemon rice + sambar Porridge with honey and cinnamon 1/2 cup of tomato soup +1/2 cup of whole wheat pasta
Tuesday 1 cup of oatmeal with banana slices ½ cup of watermelon 1/2 cup of rice + 1/2 chole + 1-2 slices of carrot and cucumber 1/2 cup fruit yoghurt 1 roti +1/4 cup of palak paneer
Wednesday 1 small bowl of vegetable upma Papaya milkshake 1 cup of vegetable pulao + 1 bean sabzi Carrot and cucumber slices with pumpkin dip 1 cup of vegetable tehri
Thursday 1 small bowl of poha + fresh orange juice Grapes cut into halves 1 cup of vegetable khichdi + curd Banana -strawberry Smoothie 1 roti with ghee + lauki ki sabzi
Friday Vegetable sandwich (made with brown bread) + Watermelon juice (freshly squeezed) Banana slices 1 roti with ghee + carrot and bean sabzi Cornflakes with milk 1 cup of red rice + black dal
Saturday Vermicelli/ Seviyan upma Banana smoothie 1 cup of yellow dal + rice (small portion) 2 whole-wheat crackers/biscuits ½ cup of mashed dal rice
Sunday 1 small aloo paratha + curd ½ cup of strawberries 1 cup of wheat porridge with milk ½ cup milk+1 small hara bhara kebab 1 methi paratha + tomato chutney

Source: http://www. shishuworld.com/18-month-baby-food-chart-toddler-food-chart-meal-plan-for-18-monthsbaby/

Homemade Food Recipes for a 17-to-20-month-old Toddler

For your almost 2-year-old baby, you are free to give anything he is willing to eat. So, do not be afraid to experiment. Your infant will enjoy all kinds of food made with a little less spice. Here are some simple and delicious recipes for you to try.

1. Pumpkin Dip

Pumpkin is packed with Vitamin A and can be used to make pumpkin dip which your child can enjoy with apples or cucumbers. Here’s how you can make it.

Ingredients 

  • 1 canned pumpkin
  • ½ tsp salt to taste
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • A dash of lemon (additional ingredient)

Method

  • Take all the ingredients together in a bowl and whip them well.
  • Serve with slices of apple or cucumber.

2. Risotto Primavera

This Italian dish is packed with vegetables and protein and makes for a good lunch option.

Ingredients 

  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 small leek (thoroughly washed and finely chopped)
  • 2 tsp of olive oil
  • A small portion of risotto rice
  • Vegetable or chicken stock (as needed)
  • 1/2 cup of frozen peas
  • 1 small carrot (finely chopped)
  • 1 tbsp of butter
  • 1 tbsp of lemon juice
  • A block of parmesan cheese

Method

  • Take the butter in a pan and sauté the leek and onions for about 5-6 minutes.
  • Add the rice and stir and let it cook until the rice turns translucent.
  • Add a bowl full of stock and stir frequently till it is completely absorbed and cooked.
  • Add more stock, stir, and cook the rice gently till it is tender.
  • Once the rice is cooked, grate some parmesan cheese and garnish it on top before serving.

3. Mediterranean Salad

Lightly tossed vegetables and greens mixed with some lemon dressing are a smart option for a quick meal.

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup of cooked quinoa
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1/3 cup of vinegar
  • 1/2 an onion (chopped)
  • 1 bell pepper, red (chopped)
  • 1 tomato (chopped)
  • 8 black olives (canned)
  • 1 cup of cilantro (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp of salt
  • 1/2 tsp of black pepper (ground)
  • 1 cup of feta cheese crumbles
  • 1 lemon (medium)

Method

  • Take the cooked quinoa and keep it aside in a bowl.
  • Take some olive oil in a pan and toss some onions, bell pepper, tomato, and cilantro in it.
  • Add the quinoa and veggies to a bowl and sprinkle some feta crumbs on top.
  • Sprinkle some lemon juice and serve.

4. Oatmeal With Banana

This breakfast recipe packs in fibre and vitamins. It will also keep your child full for long.

Ingredients Needed 

  • 1 small cup of rolled oats
  • 1 small cup of almond milk or water
  • 1 banana (sliced)
  • 1 tsp of cinnamon

Method

  • Cook the oats slowly with some almond milk in a pan. Stir occasionally.
  • Once it’s nice and soft, add a dash of cinnamon for a slight sweetness.
  • Before serving, add chopped bananas on top.

5. Avocado on Toast

Avocado is rich in healthy fats and can meet your child’s requirements for healthy fats. It tastes delicious too. Check the recipe below –

Ingredients 

  • 1 large ripe avocado
  • 1 banana (if required)
  • 4 slices of bread (whole wheat)
  • Some cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper as per taste

Method

  • Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Then scoop out the flesh and mash it in a bowl until its creamy.
  • Sprinkle some salt and pepper for taste.
  • Toast the bread slices and spread the mashed avocado on them.
  • Season with slices of banana or shredded cheese.

Tips to Make Mealtimes Fun and Safe

We understand that getting babies to eat food served on their plate is not an easy job. The minute you don’t pay attention to your baby, the food on his plate will be on the walls and floor of the room and he will have a triumphant smile on his face. We know, this might stress you out, but calm down! We have a few tips that will make mealtimes fun for your little one. Have a look at them. We are also sharing some tips that will come in handy when you feed your little one.

  • Getting babies and toddlers to eat food is not easy once they develop a taste. Most likely, your child will say ‘no’ to certain foods and throw tantrums when you try to get him to eat them. But you don’t have to force him. To get him to eat broccoli, try some clever ways. Make the food colourful so that your child can’t deny it. For example, instead of serving him boiled broccoli alone, you can give him two small broccoli florets, two thin slices of boiled carrot, and a few slices of cucumber. This way the food on his plate will look colourful and he will most likely be tempted to eat it.
  • Refrain from setting a ‘clean plate’ rule for your toddler. Serve him two-three options and let him choose what he wants to eat. The more you set rules, the more he will defy them. So, take it easy with your kiddo.
  • Try the reward system – it always works! By rewards, we don’t mean that you get him a toy car every time he finishes the food served on his plate. What we are trying to say is that you praise him whenever he does something good. For example, if he finishes the food on his plate, praise him a little. You can say, “Good job!” A little appreciation will go a long way in developing healthy eating habits in him.
  • If you want your child to eat a particular vegetable, first, you eat it. Be a good role model; your child observes you and learns from you so in order to get him to eat something, show him how it’s done. Let your child learn the habit of healthy eating from you.
  • To keep your little one interested in his meals, we suggest that you offer him a variety. Your baby may get bored of eating the same food daily, so introduce new foods. You can introduce different foods to your child to expand his palate and to make mealtimes interesting for him.
  • Introducing new foods surely will keep your child interested. Having said that, we suggest that you introduce new foods in his diet gradually. If you want to make him try a particular food, give a small portion of it. And after having introduced that food, wait for at least three days before you introduce another food. This time period will help him develop a taste for that food and will help you identify any signs of allergy in him.
  • When your little one is having food, monitor him closely to ensure that he doesn’t choke on his food. If you notice that he is choking on his food or is coughing slightly, help him spit the food.
  • Serve small pieces of food so that your child can chew them easily. And let your take his time at mealtimes – let him child savour his meals.
  • If you have a hectic schedule, consider meal planning in advance for your child. Decide what you will cook for him a day in advance or on weekends. You can also cut certain veggies and freeze them so that you can use them throughout the week.
  • You can also start giving him small harmless cutlery such as spoons to help him learn how to eat with a spoon.
  • Lastly, consult your paediatrician before introducing fish or heavy meat.
  • For your baby’s healthy development, make sure he eats healthy food, which is rich in protein, vitamins, carbohydrates and healthy fats.

There you go – you have everything you need to make mealtimes fun for your kiddo. You know what foods to include in your child’s diet and how to include them, so go on and offer him these foods. Make the foods suggested above for your kiddo and get him to eat nutritious foods. Trust us, your little one will be just fine!

Also Read: Food Ideas for 1-Year-Old Baby

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diet and food products

All parents dream of their children growing up healthy, beautiful and smart. And many people know that one of the important factors contributing to the achievement of this goal is a balanced diet 1 .

It is especially important to properly make a diet for a teenager. It must necessarily contain foods rich in calcium. The sources of this element are milk, cottage cheese, kefir, curdled milk, hard cheese. These foods must be consumed daily by teenagers 2 . Offer your child different dairy products and prepare various dishes from them - then he will eat them willingly 3 .

Complete nutrition of a teenager is impossible without whole grain products - special types of bread (wheat and rye), cereals made from buckwheat, rice (preferably brown), corn, oats, barley 3 .

It is extremely important that a teenager's diet includes adequate amounts of nutrients, vitamins and minerals 3 .

Principles of healthy eating

A teenager's meals should be regular, so it's important to have a plan that your son or daughter will follow every day. The menu should be as varied as possible so that the child receives in the right amount both the main, irreplaceable nutrients, and the secondary 2 .

At least 50-60% of the protein in the daily diet of a teenager should be animal products. He also benefits from fats that are present in vegetable oil, sour cream, nuts, cheese and other foods. It is desirable that about 70% of all fats consumed per day be vegetable. This is the basis of proper nutrition 2 .

The child needs to be given more carbohydrates than other nutrients. The optimal ratio of carbohydrates to protein is 4:1. Sources of fast carbohydrates (sweet foods) should not exceed 20% of all carbohydrates consumed by a teenager 4 . Complex carbohydrates for a child are cereals, potato dishes and bread. When preparing flour dishes, it is recommended to give preference to wholemeal flour 4 .

Fish should be on the teenager's menu at least 1-2 times a week. The same recommendations are given for red meat 2 .

It is important for students to eat at least 5 servings of various fruits and vegetables per day. One serving is a medium-sized fruit (such as an apple or orange), two small fruits (such as an apricot), 50 g vegetable salad, a glass of fresh juice, three tablespoons of vegetables after cooking 5 .

Dairy products must also be included in the diet of a teenager, the amount is three servings every day 5 .

The best types of heat treatment of dishes are boiling and stewing, as well as baking 5 .

Proper nutrition for teenagers involves avoiding or minimizing the use of foods with nutritional supplements, margarine, store-bought sauces, out-of-season vegetables, smoked sausages, very spicy or deep-fried foods, lollipops, fast food, chewing gum. It is also worth limiting the consumption of white bread and sugar 1 . The child may eat fatty and sugary foods in small quantities, but these foods should not be used as a substitute for healthy foods as they lack the beneficial elements 4 .

Instilled in childhood understanding of the rules of healthy eating will help to avoid many problems throughout life.

Teenager's nutritional needs

A balanced diet for a teenager is one in which the child receives enough calories throughout the day to meet his energy needs. On average, this is 65 kcal per kilogram of weight, that is, about 2500-3000 kcal per day. If your teenager is physically active, you should increase the number of calories per day in accordance with the energy expenditure for training.

Adolescents should consume 100-110 g of protein, 90-100 g of fat and an average of 400 g of carbohydrates per day 5 .

How to teach a child to eat healthy?

Rational, balanced, proper nutrition is important at any age, and especially in adolescence. Parents can still influence the student's menu, but in general, the child's food preferences have already been formed. Also, the desire to be independent and do things your own way affects the eating habits of a teenager. It is important to find a balance between absolute control and the complete freedom of the child in choosing food, which can turn into an unbalanced diet 5 .

When introducing a teenager to a healthy lifestyle, the example of parents is important - it is desirable that the principles of a balanced nutrition are observed by the whole family 5 .

Talk to your teen about how certain foods in their diet affect growth and health. Tell him why breakfast is important, what can be the negative consequences of quick snacks for the body, what are the risks of skipping the main meals and diet 2 .

Be sure to pay attention to how your child eats at school. Encourage him to take healthy food from home - an alternative to hot dogs and pizza. For example, you can bring yogurt, fruit, casseroles, and homemade cakes to class 2 .

Diet

Proper nutrition for adolescents should consist of at least four meals - breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner 6 :

  • Breakfast. For the morning meal, your child should receive about 25% of all daily calories 6 .
  • Lunch. This is the most high-calorie meal, no less important for health than breakfast, which accounts for 35-40% of all daily calories 6 .
  • Afternoon snack. This is a small snack, which accounts for about 15% of all calories for the day 6 .
  • Dinner. At dinner, the child is recommended to consume 20-25% of daily calories. At the same time, it is important that the teenager eat no later than 2 hours before bedtime 6 .

In case of violation of the diet, a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract may occur, for example, constipation may appear. Unfortunately, they are quite common. Constipation is caused not only by an unbalanced diet, but also by stressful situations, which are not uncommon in adolescence 7 .

To eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of constipation, the use of laxatives is suitable. The drug of choice for the treatment of constipation in children of any age is Dufalac® 8 - laxative with physiological action based on lactulose. Dufalac® has a double action: it gently cleanses the intestines and normalizes the balance of its microflora 9 . It has a high safety profile 9 , is non-addictive* and can be taken for an unlimited duration 9.10 .

In addition, the advantages of Duphalac® are:

  • restoration of proper bowel function 9 ;
  • no auxiliary components (only lactulose and purified water) 9 ;
  • single dose during the day;
  • variety of forms

What liquids to give teenagers?

The total amount of liquid drunk by a teenager per day depends on the characteristics of his diet, activity level and weather. Drink more water on hot days or during physical activity. Middle-aged and older children need about 50 ml of fluid per day for every kilogram of weight 11 .

The best drink is boiled or purified water. A balanced diet of adolescents allows the inclusion in the diet of school-age children such drinks as milk, compotes, kissels, rosehip infusion, decoctions of dried fruits, tea and cocoa 11 .

Juice is considered a less preferred drink due to its high content of simple sugars and high acidity. If a child drinks freshly squeezed juice, it must be diluted with water, especially if a diet is prescribed for him by a doctor 11 .

Teenagers should avoid carbonated drinks and drinks high in caffeine. Caffeine interferes with iron absorption and can cause sleep problems. Carbonated, foamy drinks do not quench thirst well, irritate the digestive tract and - in most cases - contain various chemical additives 11 .

How to make a menu?

Proper nutrition for teenagers begins with menu planning. In this case, the child’s daily routine should be taken into account, in particular, the time of attending school, sports sections, tutors and other activities, as well as whether there is a need to adhere to a certain diet 2.3 .

It is better to make a menu for the whole week at once, so it will turn out to be more varied and satisfying.

For breakfast, the child should receive an average of 300 g of the main course, as well as a drink with a volume of about 200 ml. Milk porridge, cottage cheese dishes, scrambled eggs are considered good breakfast options. You can add vegetables, nuts, berries, fruits, meat, sauces 2.3 .

When a teenager eats at school according to the lunch regimen, they eat soup, a main course (usually a side dish with meat or fish) and drinks. The homemade lunch menu is built on the same principle. The child is given about 250 ml of the first course and about 100 g of vegetable salad. The main course is offered in a volume of up to 300 grams, and a drink in a volume of 200 ml 2.3 .

For an afternoon snack, proper nutrition for a teenager includes dairy products, fruits, cold snacks and cookies. Approximate plate sizes: 100 g for pastries, 100 g for fruits and 150-200 ml for drinks 3 .

For dinner, with proper nutrition, a teenager should receive a main course (about 300 g) and a drink (200 ml). It can be cottage cheese casserole, eggs or fish dishes. Porridge and vegetable dishes are also the best dinner option with proper nutrition for a teenager 3 .

Bread can be added to any meal, offering the child pastries from different types of flour.

Menu example

An approximate daily menu for a teenager with the right diet might look like this:

  • Oat milk porridge with dried apricots, bread with cheese, cocoa.
  • Egg, tomato and cucumber salad, noodle broth, stewed cabbage, meatballs, grape juice, bread.
  • Cottage cheese biscuits, apple, milk.
  • Potato casserole with meat, rosehip infusion, bread 3 .

Or like this:

  • Omelet with tomatoes and cheese, rye bread, tea with honey.
  • Zucchini caviar, vegetable soup with sour cream, buckwheat porridge, stewed liver, apple jelly, bread.
  • Oatmeal cookies, baked apples, fermented baked milk.
  • Pancakes with cottage cheese and raisins, cocoa, bread 3 .

Developed with support from Abbott to improve patient health awareness. The information in this material is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. Contact your doctor.

From 1 to 3 years

A balanced diet is the key to a healthy baby from 1 to 3 years of age. At this age, the menu should be varied, and recipes for a one-year-old child, a 1.5-year-old child and 2-year-old children should include foods such as poultry, eggs, fish, cottage cheese, bread, fruits, and vegetables. Based on all the above products in this section, recipes for a delicious and complete children's menu are proposed. Clear step-by-step instructions and colorful photos in each of the recipes for kids will give you the opportunity to realize many ideas, diversifying baby food with high-quality, beautiful and mouth-watering food. Let your little one take every meal as a fun adventure filled with magical flavors.

By dateMost popularBy number of likesBy adding to favoritesBy name 12 1 4

with a grandfather for lunch 8,0005

02 May 2019, 18:03

Steam omelet in a multicooker

Catalog: from 1 year to 3 years

27064 10 min. 2 0 11

Marina Petrushenko

November 07, 2018, 20:43

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Catalogue: From 1 to 3 years old

17945 25 min. 2 4 5

Prince

October 16, 2015, 10:59

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Catalog: From 1 to 3 years old

3

3 10 16 16

krisenok

February 10, 2015, 23:470233 1 min. 25 2 5

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November 01, 2014, 11:24

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Catalog: From 1 to 3 years

9023 223 1 5 3

Evgenia

October 07, 2014, 00:50

Oatmeal with orange

Catalog: From 1 year to 3 years

9023 min. 2 5 3

Evgenia

October 07, 2014, 00:30

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Catalogue: From 1 to 3 years old

49630 6 7

Tatyana M. up to 3 years

30543 4 8

Tatyana M.

September 06, 2014, 11:11

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40311 40 min. 7 8

Tatyana M.

04 September 04, 2014, 12:22

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Catalog: from 1 year to 3 years old

28038 3 33 6

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Tatyana M.

August 23, 2014, 11:57

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Catalog: From 1 to 3 years old

33283 15 12

Catalog: From 1 to 3 years

59354 20 min. 1 10 12

Elena Tyufekchi

April 27, 2014, 14:01

Soup with perch and cauliflower (children's menu, slow cooker)

Catalog: From 1 year to 3 years

16188 30 min. 2 6 7

Tatyana M.

April 24, 2014, 11:19

Sosiski children's white poultry

Catalog: from 1 year to 3 years old

68312 8 25 9000

Tatiana М. 2 31 26

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Catalog: from 1 year to 3 years old

39722 7 15

Tatyana M.

08, 2014, 11:31

SPEC CONTER, Fish, Plum, baked from cottage cheese. perfect lunch in 60 min.

Catalog: From 1 to 3 years

22940 23 15

lil-8888

November 08, 2013, 23:25

lunch in 60 min.)

Catalogue: From 1 to 3 years

80065 60 min. 7 13

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October 31, 2013, 23:44

Millet porridge with pumpkin. test-drive

Catalogue: From 1 to 3 years old

28196 17 13

GalinaN

October 17, 2013, 20:36 vegetable ragum with rice and rice cooker for children

Catalog: From 1 to 3 years

67112 20 min.

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