Pure food for baby
Best easy, nutritious puree recipe ideas for weaning babies
By the time your baby's nearing 6 months old, your thoughts will turning to weaning them onto solids. And if you're thinking of starting off with purees or with a combination of purees and finger food, you'll need plenty of ideas up your blending and mashing sleeves – to make sure your baby's getting a good variety of different tastes and flavours.
Purees (cooked or uncooked fruit and vegetables blended to a soft, semi-liquid consistency) are easy starter foods for weaning babies to swallow, as the texture is so smooth.
You may want to start by offering a single vegetable (such as carrot) or single-fruit (such as apple) puree but, in no time at all, you'll be mixing different fruit and veg together in more flavoursome combinations – and adding protein in the form of cheese, lentils, meat or fish.
And though you should be starting to move your baby onto lumpier food by 7 or 8 months, many purees still have a place beyond this point – as a veggie sauce for pasta, for example, or as a fruity dessert, stirred into yoghurt.
Here's our pick of the best baby puree recipes for weaning babies...
1. Carrot puree
One of the go-to purees for those very first mouthfuls. Suitable from 6 months.
2. Simple apple puree
A super-quick-to-make starter puree – that makes a lovely dessert at all ages. Suitable from 6 months.
3. Banana and apple puree
A delicious 2-fruit puree. Lovely combined with yoghurt or porridge, too. Suitable from 6 months.
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4. Sweet potato puree
A tasty first-flavours puree, packed with vitamin C. Suitable from 6 months.
5. Simple pear puree
The quickest of single-fruit purees to make for your baby. Suitable from 6 months.
6.
Butternut squash pureeMade with roasted squash and a drizzle of olive oil. Suitable from 6 months.
6. Courgette, pea and kale puree
A green-veg trio that takes less than 20 minutes to cook and makes 8 portions. Suitable from 6 months.
7. Broccoli and sweet potato puree
A tasty 2-veg combo that blends very easily. Suitable from 6 months.
8. Sweet potato and basil puree
It's never too early to add a little herby twist to your baby's first foods. Suitable from 6 months.
9. Sweet potato and pear puree
A freezer-friendly puree that makes up to 10 portions. Suitable from 6 months.
10. Pear and rice puree
A super-speedy, slightly textured puree that takes 15 minutes, top. Suitable from 6 months.
11. Parsnip and pea puree
Just add frozen peas to the pan that's cooking your parsnip chunks: dead simple. Suitable from 6 months.
12. Avocado and mint puree
A lovely, refreshing no-cook puree. Suitable from 6 months.
13. Pear and swede puree
This is a nice sweet-and-savoury-combo puree. Suitable from 6 months.
14. Annabel Karmel's blueberry, pear and banana puree
A speedy and gorgeous-looking 3-fruit puree. Suitable from 6 months.
15. Butternut squash and carroty mash with thyme
This 2-veg-plus-potato puree has a lovely fresh, herby flavour. Suitable from 6 months.
16. Spiced apple puree
Jazz up a simple fruit puree with a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon. Suitable from 6 months.
17. Butternut squash and banana puree
Roasted squash upscaled with mashed-in ripe banana. Suitable from 6 months.
18. Spinach and roasted carrot puree
Easy to make – and packed with flavour. Suitable from 6 months.
19.
Avocado and pear pureeMake this unusually delicious green puree with tinned pears and there's no cooking at all. Suitable from 6 months.
20. Orchard fruit puree
A 10-minute apple, cherry and peach yum-fest. Suitable from 6 months.
21. Summer berry puree
A quick and easy fruity medley of blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. Suitable from 6 months.
22. Annabel Karmel's salmon surprise puree
A deliciously cheesy, carroty salmon puree, with a touch of orange juice. Makes 3 portions. Suitable from 6 months.
23. Tropical fruit puree
A mango, banana and papaya special. Suitable from 6 months.
24. Annabel Karmel’s peach, apple and strawberry puree
A summery medley of fruits, made just a little thicker with baby rice. Suitable from 6 months.
25. Annabel Karmel’s potato, carrot and sweetcorn puree
Masses of veg, all cooked and pureed together. Suitable from 6 months.
26. Butternut squash and apricot puree
An unusual – but delicious – flavour combination to try. Suitable from 6 months.
27. Annabel Karmel’s apricot, apple and pear puree with vanilla
A classy puree, made with real vanilla pods. Suitable from 6 months.
28. Blueberry, apple and peach puree
A super-quick melange of fruits that can be bulked up with yoghurt or mashed banana. Suitable from 6 months.
29. Apple, pear and apricot puree
A 3-fruit puree that, with a drop of yoghurt, makes a really tasty breakfast Suitable for babies from 6 months.
30. Sweet potato and lentil puree
A throw-in-the-pot-and-simmer puree with loads of flavour. Suitable from 6 months.
31. Cheesy carrot, parsnip and potato puree
Root vegetables and cheese make perfect puree partners. Suitable from 6 months.
32. Courgette and cauliflower puree
A 2-veg puree (you can use frozen cauliflower pieces) that makes up to 5 portions.
Read more:- Pasta recipes for babies
- Dairy-free recipes for babies
- Fish recipes for babies
15 Stage One Baby Food Purees (4-6 Months)
Home » Feeding Style » Baby Food Purees » Stage One » 15 Stage One Baby Food Purees
These 15 Stage One Baby Food Recipes will tempt your baby’s taste buds! These simple, homemade baby food recipes are made with nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables with an added pinch of spice that makes these purees out-of-this-world delicious! They’re great for babies 4-6+ months of age!
Medically reviewed and co-written by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
Stage One Baby Food PureesAre you looking to make your baby homemade purees, but don’t know where to start? Does the process intimidate you?
Then you have come to the right place! Here you will find 15 of my all-time favorite starter baby food purees that have been viewed (and made) millions of times by my readers and combined have over 400 5-star reviews!
I would also like to personally welcome you to the wonderful world of baby food, this is a fun (and yummy) club to be in.
Does your baby’s first bite need to be boring?
Of course not!
Baby’s food can (and should be) delicious from the very start!
While it may seem daunting at first, making your own baby food is super easy once you get the hang of it.
And I’m here to walk you through it every step of the way.
First time making homemade baby food? Then I suggest you start this journey by reading my in-depth Guide on How to Make Homemade Baby Food. The detailed guide goes over all the important information such as the best cooking tools to have on hand, safe storage, how to know when baby is ready for solids, how to introduce purees, the best first foods for baby, and so much more! You can also check out my best-selling cookbook for even more information and recipes!
15 Stage One Baby Puree Video
While the recipes themselves are simple, in this video I will show you how to add in a pinch of cinnamon, rosemary, curry, or mint to quickly roasted or steamed fruits and vegetables that enhance their natural flavors. In other words, these are simple purees that I am pretty sure you will want to eat as well!
What is In Each Puree Recipe
After going through this guide, you will want to check out some (or all!) of the homemade baby food recipes below. Each recipe goes into detail about the:
- produce that is in the puree
- benefits of that produce for your baby
- recipe cooking options
- detailed photos and videos with step-by-step instructions
Reminder: The homemade baby food recipes below are made for babies that want to try the most delicious food from the very first bite! 😋
Helpful ToolsLet’s start with a few of my favorite kitchen essentials to make the best homemade baby food purees! These kitchen tools will help make the process of cooking, blending, and freezing baby food hassle-free. You can find a full list of my favorite baby and toddler food making tools in my online Shop.
Kitchen Tools- Blender or Food Processor
- Freezer Storage Tray
- Fridge Storage Containers
- Stasher Bag
- Baking Sheet
- Steamer Basket
- Medium Saucepan
- Reusable Pouches
- High Chair
- Suction Bowl and Spoon Set
- Bib with Food Catcher
Learning Resources: looking for the best high chair, cups or spoons for your baby? Then we’ve got you covered! Here you will find How to Find the Best High Chair for Baby, an easy guide on Best First Open Cups for Baby (plus 4 tips when introducing a cup) as well as 3 Tips on How To Spoon Feed Baby (plus – our favorite spoons for purees or BLW).
Frequently Asked QuestionsCan babies have spices in their food?
Yes, yes, yes! Babies can absolutely have spices mixed into their purees from the very first bite. Adding a pinch of spice or herbs to a baby’s food makes it taste better and gives the food additional medicinal properties. Read more here. But as I always say — you do you! If you don’t want to add spices to your baby’s food, you can certainly leave them out. Don’t worry, I give instructions on each recipe card for both.
What about allergies? Can spices cause an allergic reaction?
My rule of thumb is that unless there is an immediate family member that has a true allergy to a certain spice or food, then introducing your baby to spices at the same time as new food is completely acceptable. Spice and herb allergies in babies and adults are very rare. But remember, it’s always recommended to keep an eye on your baby when introducing any new food or spices.
At what age should I start my baby on baby food purees?
When a baby can start on solid foods is determined by their own rate of development, which generally comes between 4-6 months of age. Some of the developmental milestones babies need to reach to start solids include: if your baby has solid control of their head and neck, if your baby has doubled in weight, and if your baby is reaching for or opening their mouth when you eat (see my guide here). Before you start your baby on purees, you should consult with your pediatrician to make sure your child is developmentally ready for solids.
How to Make Baby Food PureesAll of our baby food recipes are designed to enhance the natural taste of the fruits and veggies while keeping as many nutrients intact as possible. In other words, the goal is to make a puree that’s both healthy and delectable.
There are several ways you can cook baby food purees, but the main techniques I use are:
- Steaming
- Roasting
- Simmering
- Raw
Keep in mind, that as long as the produce is cooked until soft, that there isn’t a right or wrong way to cook it for baby food.
If a recipe for broccoli calls for steaming but you want to roast it because you will already be roasting some broccoli for yourself for dinner, then go ahead and roast the broccoli for your baby’s puree. Play around and have some fun with it!
Adding Spices to Baby PureesIt’s encouraged that you can serve your baby a homemade puree with a pinch of spices or herbs from the very first bite.
Benefits of Spices
- boost and compliment any fruit or vegetable puree
- broaden baby’s emerging palate
- add more flavor and depth into their foods
- decrease picky eating in the years to come
- have medicinal properties in them — they can help with digestive issues, boost brain functions, repair muscle tissues, and so on.
While each puree recipe on this site has a selection of spices or herbs that complement the flavors of the fruit or vegetable in the puree, it’s up to you if you want to add them. You do you! Either way, the puree recipes on this site will be delicious.
Top Spices to Add to Baby’s Puree
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Basil
- Mint
- Parsley
- Mild Curry Powder
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Garlic
- Rosemary
Every recipe below has specific instructions on how to store that particular puree, but these are the general guidelines.
How to Freeze Baby FoodYour freezer is about to become your new best friend, allowing you to keep several weeks’ worth of baby purees at the ready. Whenever you make a puree, put several ounces in the fridge for your little one to enjoy that week, then freeze the rest of the batch for your baby to eat at a later date. Please make sure you get it in the puree into the fridge or freezer within 1 hour of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.
- Make a puree.
- Let it cool slightly.
- Transfer the puree to freezer trays or freezer jars.
- Cover the freezer trays with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Label with date and name of puree.
- Place the tray in the freezer.
- Let it freeze for at least 5 hours.
- Take the tray out of the freezer.
- Crack the purees out of the trays.
- Place the frozen purees into zip-lock baggies or stasher bags.
How to Store Baby Food
Purees can be stored for up to four days in an airtight container in the fridge or 4 months in the freezer.
How to Thaw Baby Food
Thawing may seem like a no-brainer, but it never hurts to know your options. There are three different ways to thaw purees.
Microwave- Take the frozen puree cubes that you want to serve out of your freezer.
- Place them in a glass microwave-safe container.
- Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring every time.
- The puree is ready when it is just warm to your touch.
- Grab two clean spoons, one for you and one for your baby, and test your puree before serving.
Heating Tip: To prevent the microwave from unevenly heating the puree, which can leave it with cold and really hot spots and can burn your baby’s mouth, make sure you stir between each interval and taste test it before serving to your baby.
Refrigerator
This one takes the longest time, but it is an excellent alternative to using a microwave.
- Take the frozen puree cubes you want to serve out of your freezer.
- Place the cubes in an air-tight glass container.
- Place the container in the fridge and let the cubes thaw for 8 to 12 hours, usually overnight.
- Do not leave the puree in the container to thaw on the counter or anywhere out of the fridge, as bacteria will start to grow at a rapid rate — which is definitely not recommended.
- Note that the puree will be cold but thawed. So if your baby likes their puree warmed, you’ll have to finish the job using the microwave or stovetop method.
- In a small saucepan, add the frozen puree cubes you want to serve to your baby.
- Over medium-low heat, gently cook the puree until warm, stirring occasionally.
Thawing Tip: Some infants like their puree cold, warm, or really warm, and some will eat it no matter the temperature. You will get to know your baby’s personal preferences as the two of you bond over food.
Feeding Tips
- Make sure baby is showing readiness signs for eating – good control of their head and trunk, sitting with minimal assistance, bringing hands or toys to their mouth, and appearing interested in your food when you’re eating.
- Follow your baby’s lead – when feeding purees from a spoon, sometimes there’s a tendency to keep offering bites past the point of your baby being full. Always follow your baby’s cues for when they are done eating. Turning away from the spoon, closing her mouth, or pushing food away are all signs that your baby is finished with the meal.
- Throwing spoons – is a common phase that all babies go through at one point or another. One of the best ways to handle spoon throwing is to ignore it and keep feeding your baby as usual (with an extra spoon you already have at the table). If your baby ends up also throwing back up spoons #2 AND #3, simply encourage your baby to eat with their hands until they appear to be finished with the meal.
Top Rated Baby Food Purees
Pea Baby Puree (Stage One)
4.91 stars (81 ratings)
A delicious way to introduce peas to baby. Mild peas paired with a fresh hint of mint – a mouth-watering combo!
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Apples Baby Food Puree
4.75 stars (56 ratings)
This Apple Baby Puree recipe is a wonderful first food for baby! A delicious nutrient-dense puree that baby will go gaga over!
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The Best Sweet Potato Baby Food
5 stars (53 ratings)
This Homemade Sweet Potato with Curry Baby Food Puree is a fun and exotic first puree for baby! Great for 4+ months and is completely freezer-friendly!
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Broccoli Baby Food
4. 80 stars (68 ratings)
This Broccoli Baby Food with olive oil recipe is a great way to introduce healthy green vegetables into your baby's diet. A delicious puree full of essential vitamins and healthy fats for growing baby
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Oatmeal for Babies (Stage One)
5 stars (39 ratings)
This Oatmeal Recipe for Baby is made with simple nutrient-dense ingredients in less than 10 minutes, and it's perfect for baby's first bite or added into their favorite fruit or veggie puree. Great for 4+ months and up.
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Avocado for Baby – Puree & BLW
5 stars (16 ratings)
Avocados are a superfood and great first food for babies 6 months and up. Serve them pureed, smashed, or as a finger food for baby-led weaning.
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WeeSprout Baby Food Freezer Tray
My all-time favorite freezer tray! Individual servings pop out easily. The hard plastic lid snaps on with ease and allows for convenient stacking of freezer trays. Dishwasher safe!
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Butternut Squash Baby Food
5 stars (30 ratings)
This homemade Roasted Butternut Squash Baby Food Puree not only contains calcium, folate, vitamins A and C and fiber but it is also a deliciously smooth way to introduce butternut squash to your baby!
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Green Bean Baby Food
5 stars (34 ratings)
Green beans are steamed until just tender, this puree has a mild taste for baby's palette.
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Creamy Mango-licious Baby Food Puree
4.85 stars (26 ratings)
This 5-minute Mango Baby Food Puree is a great way to introduce baby to the magical taste of one of the world's healthiest fruits – MANGOS!
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Pear Baby Puree (Stage One)
5 stars (19 ratings)
This smooth and creamy homemade Pear Baby Puree is a wonderful first puree for baby – easy on the taste buds and great for their growing bodies!
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Peach Baby Puree (Stage One)
5 stars (15 ratings)
Smooth and creamy, this homemade Peach Baby Puree delivers big on taste with naturally sweetened peaches and flecks of vanilla bean.
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Basic Chicken Baby Food
4.41 stars (195 ratings)
This homemade Basic Chicken Baby Food is a great puree to add to any of your baby’s favorite fruit or veggie purees. Great for extra protein and flavor!
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Homemade Baby Rice Cereal
4.88 stars (48 ratings)
Using only 1-ingredient, this Homemade Baby Rice Cereal is a simple and easy recipe to make baby!
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Red Pepper Baby Puree
4.88 stars (33 ratings)
This Red Pepper Baby Puree recipe is a smooth, creamy and naturally sweet puree that is loaded with vitamin A, B6 and C. Great for 4+ months and older (or stage 1 puree).
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More Baby Fooe Purees
- Strawberry Baby Puree
- Blueberry Baby Puree
- Pumpkin Baby Puree
- Rasberry Baby Food
- Banana Puree
- Homemade Quinoa Baby Cereal
Pea Baby Food Puree
- 2 cups peas, fresh or frozen
- 1 medium zucchini, roughly chopped (optional)
- 4 mint leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
Sweet Potato Baby Food Puree
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1/4 tsp mild curry powder (optional)
- 1/4-1 cup liquid, (water, fresh breast milk, formula or sodium-free chicken stock) for pureeing
Roasted Banana Puree
- 4 bananas, cut lengthwise
- 1/8 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
Carrot Baby Food Puree
- 2 pounds carrots, trimmed, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2-1 cup liquid, (water, reserved water, fresh breast milk, formula or low-sodium stock) for pureeing
Apples Baby Food Puree
- 6 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Broccoli Baby Food Puree
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 small white potato, apple or pear, peeled and roughly chopped, roughly 1/2 cup (optional)
- 1 tbsp good quality olive oil (optional)
Butternut Squash Baby Puree
- 1 butternut squash
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1-2 tsp olive oil (optional)
- 1/2-1 cup liquid (water, fresh breast milk, formula, low or no-sodium stock or bone broth), for pureeing
Green Bean Baby Food Puree
- 1 pound green beans, fresh or frozen, trimmed
- 1 big pinch fresh basil, cilantro or parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Creamy Mango-licious Baby Food Puree
- 2 cups fresh or frozen mango, deseed, peeled and roughly chopped. If using frozen mangos, thaw first
- 1 medium banana (optional)
- 1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
Pear Baby Food Puree
- 6 pears, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1/8 tsp cardamom or cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
Peach Baby Puree
- 3 fresh peaches or 12oz frozen peaches, do not thaw frozen peaches – use frozen
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean pod (optional)
- 1 pinch pinch nutmeg (optional)
Basic Chicken Baby Puree
- 1 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 1 cups chicken or veggie stock, low-sodium or sodium-free
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
Homemade Baby Rice Cereal
- 1 cup brown rice, I prefer organic short grain
- 2 cups water for cooking
- 1-2 cups of liquid for blending, (water, fresh breastmilk or formula)
Red Pepper Baby Puree
- 2 red bell peppers, deseeded and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup white potato, apple or pear, peeled and roughly chopped
Oatmeal for Babies
- 2 cup water
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 tsp chia seeds (optional)
- 1/2 tsp hemp seeds (optional)
Avocado for Baby
- 1/4 avocado
- 1 tsp breast milk, formula or water
Pea Baby Food Puree
In a medium saucepan, bring 2″ of water to a boil over medium heat. Place the zucchini in a steamer basket, and place over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5 minutes.
Add in the peas, and steam for an additional 3-5 minutes. Reserve steamer water. Let cool slightly.
Add the zucchini, peas and mint leaves to a blender or food processor and puree for 1 minute or until you have achieved the desired texture. If the puree is too thick, add in 1/4 cup of the reserved steamer water until you have the right consistency.
Note on Zucchini: while this is a 2 vegetable starter puree, zucchini allergies are very low, so I added it to this recipe to give the peas a mild taste and smoother texture. You can completely leave them out if you prefer. Just steam the peas as directed.
Sweet Potato Baby Food Puree
Heat oven to 400°. Line baking sheet with tin foil, parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Prick with a fork in several places and then place the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes – 1 hour or until a fork can easily prick the sweet potato. Let sit until cool to touch.
Make a cut into the skin of the potato lengthwise and peel away the skin of the potato. Scoop out the sweet potato meat and place into a blender or food processor, adding in the mild curry powder and water.
Puree on high for 1-2 minutes or until smooth, adding in additional liquid in 1/4 cup increments if needed. I had to add in 1 cup of water to the puree pictured. Serve or freeze for a later meal.
Additional Spices: Feel free to use the following spices instead of the curry – 1/2 tsp of cumin, 1/4 tsp of nutmeg, 1/2 tsp of cloves, 1 fresh garlic clove, 1/2 tsp of chopped fresh thyme, 3-4 basil leaves, 1/2 tsp chopped rosemary or even a big pinch of fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ginger powder. Or you can leave out the spices altogether.
Roasted Banana Baby Puree
Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place bananas on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
Place bananas and rosemary into a blender or food processor and puree for 1-2 minutes or until completely smooth. You may need to add additional water, so start by adding in 1/4 cup increments until you get the desired consistency.
Additional Spices: This recipe is also great with 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, or for a fun twist, 1/2 tsp mild curry.
Note on Bananas: while any ripeness of bananas will work, I have found that the bananas that are ripe to very ripe tend to work best in this recipe.
Carrot Baby Food Puree
In a medium saucepan, bring 2″ of water to a boil over medium heat.
Place the carrots into a steamer basket, cover and cook for 9-11 minutes or until tender. Reserve steamer water. Let cool slightly.
Place the carrots, nutmeg and 1/2 cup of liquid into a blender or food processor and puree for 1-2 minutes on high, adding 1/4 cup liquid at a time until you achieve the desired consistency. Serve and enjoy, or freeze for later.
Notes on Nutmeg: adding in spices to babies first purees are completely optional, but totally safe. Nutmeg rounds out the acidic taste carrots sometimes have and make this puree taste grounded and full-bodied.
Additional Spices: Feel free to substitute 1/2 tsp ginger powder or 1/4 fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp mild curry powder, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp finely minced fresh chives or 1/2 garlic clove instead of the nutmeg.
Apples Baby Food Puree
In a medium saucepan, place the apples, water and cinnamon. Cover and heat on medium-low for 15-20 minutes or until apples are tender. Let cool slightly.
Transfer all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend for 1-2 minutes or until completely smooth. For a chunky puree, quickly pulse the ingredients 10-15 times or until you receive your desired consistency. Serve or freeze for later.
Additional Spices: Feel free to sub in these spices instead of the cinnamon for this recipe – 1/8 tsp of cloves, 1/8 tsp of nutmeg, 1-2 leaves of fresh mint, 1-2 leaves of fresh basil, a pinch of fresh or 1/4 tsp of ginger powder or even 1/4 of coriander for a fun twist.
Apples: you can use any sweet apple in this recipe – Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, McIntosh, etc.
Broccoli Baby Food Puree
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 inches of water to a boil over medium heat. Place the broccoli and potato (or apple/pear) into a steamer basket and place over boiling water, cover and steam for 10-12 minutes or until the broccoli and potato are tender. Reserve water from the steamer. Let cool slightly.
Add the broccoli, potato and olive oil into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth, adding the reserved water from the steamer basket in 1/4 cup increments if needed.
Adding In Spices: Feel free to add in 1 tsp of chopped chives, 2-3 mint leaves, 1 tsp of chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp cumin or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Butternut Squash Baby Puree
Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Line baking sheet with a silicone mat, tin foil or parchment paper.
Cut butternut squash in half, deseed and place flesh side up, skin side down. Optional – Feel free to drizzle the squash with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil for some added healthy fat.
Bake for 45 minutes or until you can easily prick the squash with a fork. Let cool until you can handle the squash with your hands.
Scrape off the skin and discard. Place the butternut squash into a blender or food processor. Add thyme and puree for 1-2 minutes, adding water in 1/4 cup increments until you have your desired consistency. I had to add 3/4 cup of water to my puree shown below.
Additional Spices: Feel free to sub the thyme for 4 basil leaves, 1 tsp chopped rosemary, 1 tsp ginger powder, or 1 big pinch of fresh ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, or even 1/2 tsp of coriander.
Green Bean Baby Food Puree
Fill a medium saucepan with 2” of water and bring to boil over medium heat. Place the green beans (fresh or frozen) into a steamer basket over the boiling water, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until tender. Let cool slightly. Reserve steamer water.
Transfer the green beans and herb to a blender or food processor and puree for 1-2 minutes or until smooth, adding reserved steamer water in 1/4 cup increments if needed until you reach your desired consistency.
Adding Spices: you can add a big pinch of roughly chopped basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, or chives to this puree before blending.
Creamy Mango-licious Baby Food Puree
Place the mango, banana and nutmeg (if using) into a blender or food processor. Puree for 1 minute or until completely smooth. If your mango is not ripe enough, you might need to add in up to 1/4 cup of water while blending to get the right consistency. Serve or freeze for later.
Mango Tip: I usually find that organic frozen mangos are easier and cheaper to find than fresh organic mangos, but if mangos are in season when you are making this recipe, by all means, you can use fresh over frozen. For fresh mangos, simply peel and chop.
Pear Baby Food Puree
In a medium saucepan, place the pears, cardamon and water, cover and heat on medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until tender. Let cool slightly.
Using a slotted spoon, scoop the pears out of the saucepan, leaving water behind, and into a blender or food processor. Blend for 1-2 minutes until you have your desired consistency. If your pear puree is too thick, add the leftover cooking water in 1/4 cup increments.
Peach Baby Puree
If using fresh peaches, peel, pit and slice the peaches. If using the fresh vanilla bean pod, cut in half and then slice open lengthwise. Take the back of your knife or spoon and scrape out all of the vanilla bean, reserve.
In a medium saucepan, add the peaches and water, cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes (fresh peaches) – 10 minutes (frozen peaches). Right before the peaches are done cooking, add in the vanilla and nutmeg (or any other spices you prefer) and stir until incorporated—Cook for 1 more minute.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peaches to a blender or food processor, leaving all excess water in the saucepan. You do not want to add any additional liquids, or the puree might be too thin. Starting on low and increasing to high speed, puree the peaches until smooth and creamy. Serve to baby or freeze for later.
Basic Chicken Baby Puree
In a medium saucepan, bring the cubed chicken, broth, and parsley to a boil over medium heat. Turn the heat down to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until chicken is just cooked through. Let cool slightly.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a blender or food processor, leaving the broth in the saucepan. Reserve the broth.
Starting on low and working your way up to high-speed, puree the chicken until you reach your desired consistency, adding in broth in 1/4 cup increments if needed. I had to add in just 1/4 cup of broth to get the consistency seen in this photo.
Extra Healthy Fat: For some extra healthy fat, this puree is also wonderful, with a teaspoon of grass-fed butter (salt-free) added to the blender right before pureeing.
Homemade Baby Rice Cereal
IMPORTANT STEP: Place the rice in a fine-mesh colander and rinse with water until the water runs clear.
Transfer the rice to a medium saucepan and add 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid and simmer for 35-45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is evaporated. Each batch of rice cooks a little differently, so taste at 35 minutes to see if the rice is tender. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let rest for 10 minutes, covered. If using fresh breast milk or formula for blending, I would remove the lid and let the rice cool for 15 minutes.
Place the rice into a blender or food processor and add 1/2 cup of liquid of choice. Blend for 1-2 minutes on medium-high speed until completely smooth and creamy, adding in the additional liquid in 1/4 cup increments, if needed, until you have your desired consistency.
Red Pepper Baby Puree
In a medium saucepan, bring 2″ of water to a boil.
If using a potato: place it in a steamer basket and steam for 10 minutes before adding peppers, and cooking for another 5-7 minutes.
If using pear or apple: add in the red peppers and apple or pear and steam for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Reserve steamer water. Let cool slightly.
Add in all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor and puree for 1 minute or until completely smooth, adding in a tablespoon of water at a time if needed.
Oatmeal for Babies
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add in 1 cup of old-fashioned oats along with the chia seeds, hemp seeds and any spices you are using. Turn down the heat to medium-low and cook the oats for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until all of the water is gone and the oats are soft. Let cool slightly.
Transfer the oats to a blender or food processor and puree for 1-2 minutes, adding water in 1/4 cup increments if needed, until completely smooth. I had to add 1/2 cup of water to my oatmeal. You will want the oat cereal to be on the thinner side, so it doesn't become sticky. The oats will continue to absorb liquid as they cool, so you can add more water, fresh breast milk, or formula as needed. Serve to baby or freeze for later.
Type of Oats: This recipe is for old-fashioned oats: for steel-cut or instant oats, read the full post.
Adding Spices: you can add a big pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice mix or a smaller pinch of nutmeg or cloves to these oats before blending.
Chia and Hemp Seeds: are added for a nutritional boost, but you can add or omit them if you prefer. You can get both of these at any health food store or online here (chia/hemp).
Avocado for Baby
Age: 4-6 months and up
Yield: roughly 15-25 ounces, depending on the recipe
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Cooking food for a child - healthy and safe food
Submitted by useradmin on Thu, 08/12/2021 - 21:23
Basic cooking tips:
- Cook for your child yourself.
- Use prepared purees only in exceptional cases (travel, urgent business).
- Prepared baby food may contain too much fat, sugar or preservatives; the taste or texture may differ from the taste of natural local products; It is important for your baby to get used to the natural taste of food.
- Do not add salt or sugar to baby food; if you are preparing a meal for the whole family, separate the children's portion before adding salt and spices.
- Make sure the food you buy is properly packaged and check the expiration date. Do not eat food after the expiration date.
- Choose fresh foods, store and cook them in a way that retains as much of their nutritional value as possible.
- Storing vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator for a long time, long cooking, cooking in a large amount of liquid do not contribute to the preservation of vitamins.
- Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed under running water, especially those that grow close to the soil. Peel the fruit (although the skin contains the most vitamins, pectin and other beneficial ingredients, it also contains the most pesticides and other chemicals that are inevitably processed in industrially grown fruits).
- Always puree fresh vegetables whenever possible. But it will not be a mistake if you use frozen vegetables.
- The child must have their own cutlery.
Tips for safe food preparation and storage
Cleanliness
Wash your hands before touching food and often while preparing food. Wash your hands and your baby's hands before feeding. Cook on a clean surface using clean utensils. Protect your kitchen and food from insects, pests and other animals.
Separate raw and cooked foods
Do not mix raw foods, especially meat, with foods that have already been cooked or will not be used for cooking. For raw food, use special utensils and utensils such as knives and cutting boards. Store foods in closed containers to avoid contact between raw and cooked foods.
Pass the heat treatment
Cook food for a long time, especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood. Bring soups and stews to a boil. When cooking meat and poultry, make sure that the liquid that comes out of them is clear and not red. Reheat cooked food long enough. Bring to a boil or heat until too hot to touch. Stir while heating.
Take care of food safety
To prevent infections (especially salmonella), do not give small children soft-boiled eggs or foods containing raw eggs (creams, ice cream, mayonnaise). Do not offer unpasteurized milk or fermented milk products to children. Store dairy products in the refrigerator and monitor their expiration dates.
Keep food at a safe temperature
Cooked food should not be stored at room temperature for more than two hours. Ready-made products can be stored in the refrigerator in closed containers for no more than 24 hours. Freshly made puree can be frozen and stored in small bowls for up to three weeks. Do not defrost frozen foods at room temperature.
Always consider child safety
Some products are dangerous for children due to the risk of suffocation and should not be given to children under four years of age. These foods include peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, seeds, popcorn, hard candy, whole grapes, large, hard cuts of meat, and raw fruits or vegetables.
Do not allow the child to eat lying down when he is running or jumping. Teach your toddler not to talk with food in their mouth.
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PreMature Content 9000 OFF 9000 OFF 9000 OFF 9000 OFF 90,000 what foods children should not eat and how to teach them to eat right?
Proper nutrition of children is underestimated by many. After all, our parents, grandparents somehow grew up without this knowledge. But in fact, the older generations, who grew up in conditions of total scarcity, did not have to fight temptations. They just didn't exist. And the products that were available were much more suitable for the definition of proper nutrition than the food that children now eat. And it's not even about fast food, the dangers of which are known to almost everyone. Nutritionists and other children's doctors spoke about what foods children should not eat and how to teach them to eat right in an interview with MIR 24.
“Nutrition is one of the main factors determining the normal development of a child, it has the most direct impact on his growth and health,” says pediatrician, senior medical consultant of Teledoctor 24 Maria Mamedova . - It is most important to observe the principles of rational nutrition in children of early and preschool age. This period is characterized by intensive growth processes, improvement of the functions of many organs and systems, especially the nervous system, enhanced metabolic processes, and the development of motor activity.
What not to eat for babies and preschoolers
Vinogradov pediatrician Vladislav Zyablitsky , in addition to harmful foods for children of all ages, pediatricians emphasize foods that children under 3 years old should not eat. Here they are.
- Seafood such as shrimp, mussels, crabs (allergic).
- Sausages, sausages, sausages (overflowing with flavors, dyes, preservatives).
- Lamb, fatty pork, meat of waterfowl (geese and ducks) - contain an excessive amount of refractory fats of animal origin.
- Melon and grapes (increase gas production and increase the load on the pancreas).
- Everyone's favorite treat is ice cream (has an increased level of fat content, sugar content, harmful additives that can cause allergies).
- Honey if the child is prone to food allergies.
- "Adult" non-adapted milk (dangerous with allergies, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, decreased immunity of the child's body, metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis and arterial hypertension in the future).
- Cakes, cakes, sweets, chocolate, puff or shortbread cookies, other confectionery. They are crammed with food additives, sugar, fat, but contain almost no nutrients.
- Cocoa - due to the high fat content of the drink and the invigorating alkaloid theobromine.
- Do not give tomatoes until 1 year of age (they overload the kidneys).
- Only after 1.5 years is it permissible to give the child garlic, onions, bell peppers in small amounts.
- Pickled cucumbers and pickled tomatoes should not be given until 2 years of age (due to bacteria).
- Nuts, especially peanuts (very strong allergens).
- Celery (excessively activates the activity of the pancreas).
- Red and black caviar is forbidden up to 5 years (very allergenic, includes preservatives; contains excess salt, which is fraught with kidney damage). For the same reason, salted fish is prohibited.
- Mushrooms - the child's body does not contain enough enzymes to digest them. In addition, mushrooms accumulate radioactive substances and heavy metals.
Strictly not recommended for all children, regardless of age: salty crackers, chips, french fries, hamburgers and other fast food.
“The best way to avoid a child's love for such food is not to go to places where it is sold. Confidently walk past the bright signs of fast food restaurants, ignore the aroma of pies in a kiosk near the subway, forget about noodles and instant soups. After all, this food is a direct path to obesity, diabetes, to malfunctions of the immune and cardiovascular systems,” says Maria Mammadova. The pediatrician adds a few more to the list of products prohibited for preschoolers.
- Semi-finished products . It is fast, convenient, but not useful for children whose gastrointestinal tract is imperfect - the processes of digestion, the production of enzymes and bile in preschool children are still immature. The nutritional value of semi-finished products is a dubious question, and one can only guess about the qualitative composition of their components. For the production of semi-finished products, vegetable proteins are often used, which are inferior to meat and fish in terms of amino acid composition. Excess salt in ready-made semi-finished products creates an unnecessary burden on the child's kidneys, food additives provoke allergies, spices irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, starch and soy are poorly digested, causing functional disorders of the digestive system.
- Minced meat for children's food is best prepared by yourself, as the store-bought often contains a lot of fat, connective tissue, and bird skin. The same applies to minced fish: it is prepared from low-value fish varieties, and only a production specialist can control the quality of the product.
- Sausages . Some parents sometimes replace a full-fledged meat or fish dish on the children's table with sausages - for the same reasons of saving time. The cost of a kilogram of the most optimal quality sausages is almost equal to the price of meat (veal, beef, pork), and sometimes even higher. But this does not mean at all that meat of a certain category is present in the composition of the product in the amount stipulated by the regulations. According to GOST, premium sausages consist of beef, pork, powdered milk or cream and eggs. If the product is of a lower grade, then it contains up to 10% trimmed meat, starch and a protein stabilizer. However, on the shelves of shops there are mainly sausages made according to specifications - according to the standards created by the manufacturing enterprise itself. That is why the composition of the product changes and becomes “richer”: various fillers (cheese, paprika), soy, sodium nitrite (color stabilizer) and monosodium glutamate (flavor enhancer), ascorbic and citric acid, as well as salt and spices are added to it. All these components, depending on the concentration in the product, adversely affect the health of the child.
- Smoked meat and fish products today are often produced not by the traditional method of smoking, which is also not very useful, but with the use of a special (and very harmful to the human body) substance that gives the product the necessary taste, smell and color.
- Carbonated soft drinks . This is a fully synthetic product. And even a certain percentage of natural juice in the composition of some "soda" is not able to compensate for the harm that artificial dyes, preservatives, flavors, sweeteners and carbon dioxide cause to a fragile body. They not only affect the gastrointestinal tract of the child, spoil the tooth enamel, but can also provoke a lot of serious diseases. The best drink for a child is water (clean drinking, from two years old - non-carbonated, but not medicinal), freshly squeezed juice diluted with water, fruit or dried fruit compote, berry juice.
- Vegetables and fruits “out of the can” . There are very few vitamins in products of enhanced heat treatment and long shelf life. Canned vegetables contain a lot of salt and vinegar, fruits - a lot of sugar. And if this is not home preservation, then also synthetic preservatives. Children should be introduced to such products no earlier than seven years. It is better to freeze vegetables, fruits and berries in summer and autumn in order to cook delicious vegetable stews, casseroles, berry fruit drinks and fruit desserts in winter. Or buy ready-made frozen products, remembering that the shock freezing method is the most gentle.
- Mayonnaise and ketchup . Homemade mayonnaise, a product with a high fat content, can be given to a child only after three years, in small quantities and not systematically. From ready-made mayonnaise, which contains flavors, flavors, dyes, thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers and preservatives, it is better to refuse altogether. Ketchup also does not apply to baby food. There is a minimum of vitamins and nutrients in it, hot spices will harm the children's body, and they are produced using all the same preservatives and synthetic additives (to improve color, taste, aroma).
You can, but be careful: from sweets to spices
This group includes products that children, according to Maria Mamedova, can use under certain conditions, although they can only be introduced from the age of three and they should not be present in the diet constantly.
Sweets . Experts believe that chocolate is contraindicated for children under three years old. It creates an extra load on the pancreas, causes allergies, excites the nervous system of the crumbs, and can provoke caries. An alternative to chocolate are sweets made from carob, a sweet powder made from the pulp of carob. It tastes like cocoa, is very healthy and, unlike chocolate, has no "side effects".
The later the child gets acquainted with sweets, the better. But since everything sweet is a source of easily digestible carbohydrates that the body needs, as a dessert, you can occasionally offer your child a little marshmallow, marshmallow, marmalade, jam (while remembering the dangers of synthetic dyes and flavors). It is even better to replace store-bought sweets with berries and fruits, honey (if there is no allergy), dried fruits, sweets and homemade jam.
Flour products . Their regular use provokes excess weight. You can sometimes allow your child to eat a bun or a pie (for an afternoon snack), but it is better to limit yourself to biscuit cookies or drying. Products made from puff, shortbread, pastry, which include margarine, should be completely abandoned - its components increase the level of cholesterol in the blood and provoke the development of vascular diseases in the future.
Herbs and spices . They make the taste and aroma of food richer, but seasonings for children's food must be selected very carefully. After a year, greens (dill, parsley, cilantro) can be added to the child’s food, from 1.5-2 years old - onions, garlic (in hot dishes), from 3 years old - bay leaf. Spices used in adult dishes can irritate a child's esophageal mucosa or provoke allergies.
Ready mixes of spices, various flavoring seasonings should not be added to food for a child, because in addition to the main components, they contain a lot of salt and various preservatives.
Instant cereals . It is very convenient to use them - you do not need to wash the cereal, wait until it is cooked. It is enough just to pour boiling water over a portioned bag, in which everything is already included - sugar, fruit or chocolate, cream or milk. And also - flavors, flavor enhancers and other synthetic additives. The nutrients and vitamins that whole grains contain are lost during the numerous processing steps. Therefore, the use of such porridge in baby food is justified only in emergency cases. For example, on the road - it's still better than eating sausage or fast food.
How to teach a child to eat healthy food?
“First of all, by example,” says Maria Mamedova. - If the house does not eat junk food, then the child will daily want what he is used to from an early age. Scientists say that even during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the future mother's cravings for certain foods are passed on to the child.
It is important to prepare the right snacks in advance so that children between meals do not grab cookies or candy from the table, but fruit or granulated bran. Delicious and healthy at the same time.
If there is soda or sweet store-bought juice in the refrigerator, you can give a 100% guarantee that the child will drink it first of all, and not the vital clean water. Therefore, the water filter should be in the most visible place so that it constantly catches the eye.
“Watch what your child eats and praise the correct choice. Focus on those products, the consumption of which leads to health, beauty and excellent sports achievements: depending on what he is passionate about,” says Maria Mammadova.
Most unhealthy foods can be replaced with healthy ones. Potato and corn chips will replace dried fruit slices. Instead of candy, you can eat dried fruits and dried berries. It is important not to confuse with candied fruits, in which there is no less sugar than in candies.
Eating regularly reduces the number of snacks, which means better control of what children eat. If breakfasts, lunches and dinners are held at a common table with adults, then the opportunities to intercept a couple of sweets instead of soup are significantly reduced. But healthy snacks are also not harmful, this is the key to the good functioning of the digestive system. Make them accessible and child-friendly. What can be used if there is no time to cook?
- Cut carrots, sweet peppers, cucumbers into containers.
- No artificial additives and no saturated fat popcorn is a great whole grain snack.
- Pour fruit and vegetable smoothies into small bottles.
- Place the bowl of fruit in the most visible place.
Let the children participate in menu design so they become more interested in the outcome. It's always nice to get exactly what you ordered, what you like, for dinner. Do not force yourself to eat unloved foods, no matter how useful they may be. You can always find an equally useful replacement. And pay attention to the fact that healthy products are of high quality.
Reduce the amount of simple sugars in your diet. To do this, it is not at all necessary to put the child on a diet - just look at the label of those products that you buy out of habit, not paying attention to the composition.
- Swap your usual loaf for whole grain bread.
- Instead of sweet yoghurt, choose natural yogurt with a fat content of no more than 1-3%.
- Make homemade cookies instead of store bought.
- The best replacements for store-bought drinks are water and fruits or fruit and vegetable smoothies.
- Try to avoid trans fats. They are most commonly found in processed foods, fast food, fried foods, frozen pizzas, pies, cookies, margarines, and sandwich mixes.
- If fried foods are a big part of your diet, try gradually switching to stews, steamed or baked foods.
It is important to maintain a pleasant atmosphere while eating. It is better to postpone the showdown and "debriefing" for another time. TVs and tablets should also be turned off. When a person is busy watching a cartoon or TV show, his brain does not think about food, which adversely affects digestion and leads to obesity.
“By the way, the correct process of eating can be learned from babies,” says Maria Mamedova. “They only eat when they are hungry, they chew their food thoroughly, giving it all their attention. And they stop eating as soon as they are full. At the same time, children under three years old cannot be forced to eat foods that they do not like. And they choose, as a rule, exactly those that the body needs at the moment.
Schoolchildren and adolescents: six elements of their healthy diet
In school-age children, the need for basic nutrients and energy remains high and is due to physiological and biochemical characteristics: accelerated growth and development, differentiation of various organs and systems, especially the central nervous system, and the intensity of metabolic processes.
“It is important to follow a differentiated approach to determining nutritional needs depending on the type of student's activity,” says Maria Mamedova. - So, for schoolchildren studying in specialized schools with increased mental and physical stress (mathematical, with the study of foreign languages, sports schools, etc. ), the total calorie content of the diet should be increased by 10% of the age norm. During the child's stay in health-improving institutions (holiday camps, forest schools, etc.) due to increased energy consumption (intensive physical education, swimming, hiking, etc.), it is also advisable to increase the calorie content of the diet by 10% with a uniform increase in all nutrients and preservation a balanced diet."
According to the expert, a properly established diet is of great importance for school-age children. It is most expedient to establish the following diet: 1st meal - at 8:30; 2nd - at 12:00-13:00, 3rd - at 15:30 - 16:00, 4th - at 19:00. Breakfast and dinner should be 25% of the daily calorie intake, second breakfast - 15%, and lunch - 35% of the daily calorie intake.
If possible, school breakfasts should be hot. If this is not possible, then a milk-fruit breakfast (milk, bun, sweet curd cheese or processed cheese, fresh fruit) can be recommended. Lunch should consist of soup, a second course of meat (fish) and a side dish, a sweet dish (compote, jelly, juice or fresh fruit). It is desirable that before the first course there is a salad of fresh vegetables or a vinaigrette. A teenager can already be offered radishes, radishes with sour cream or vegetable oil, tomatoes, fresh cucumbers with green onions and sour cream instead of salad before meals. Vegetables stimulate appetite, promote the release of digestive juices and improve digestion.
According to Maria Mammadova, there are six groups of products that are simply vital for the full growth and development of a teenager.
- Complex carbohydrates . These are the main suppliers of energy, which is so necessary with rapid growth. They are found in cereals and cereals.
- Products containing protein . These are animal meat, poultry and fish. Protein is the main building material for soft tissues and internal organs. And, by the way, meat, especially red meat, contains iron, a lack of which can cause anemia in a teenager.
- Vegetable fiber . It is nothing but vegetables, root vegetables and fruits. Fiber is necessary for the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract and cleansing the body of toxins due to the natural antioxidants contained in these products.
- Vegetable fats . These are vegetable oils and various nuts. Eating these foods can be a great way to help a teenager avoid the common problems of hair loss and brittle nails at this age.
- Milk and dairy products . These are irreplaceable suppliers of calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus in the nutrition of adolescents.
- Pure drinking water . For normal functioning of the body, you need to drink an amount of water per day at the rate of 30 ml per 1 kg of body weight. That is, a teenager who weighs 50 kg should drink 1.5 liters of clean water, not counting other liquids.
And if the younger generation adheres to these simple nutritional recommendations, health and normal development will be ensured.
“If in adolescence a person does not get used to healthy food and does not begin to eat right, then it will be quite difficult for him to change his habits and eating habits. And problems associated with malnutrition can manifest themselves not only in being overweight, but also in the development of various diseases, ”says the doctor.
If you are serious about improving your child's diet, do not try to do it in one day. Here are a few steps to help you transition smoothly to a new diet.
- Start replacing your usual foods with healthier ones. At the same time, you can tell the teenager why you decided to do this, what knowledge you lacked before and where you got it.
- Make sure that the child does not get the feeling that you are depriving him of something. Let the impression be the opposite: we as a family decided to try something new, gain interesting experiences and improve the quality of life.
- Go shopping together, read the ingredients on a box of corn flakes, and try to choose ones that are free of refined sugar and artificial flavors.
- Find out more about nutrition, a balanced diet and physical activity, and most importantly, share this knowledge with your children.