Welcome to Solids:

It’s important for your child to eat healthy so his/her body can obtain all the nutrients it needs. Also, healthy eating allows for his/her palate to get acquainted with the taste of flavors each fruit, vegetable, whole grain, etc. offers. Furthermore, a child’s daily nutritional intake should consist of whole grains, some form of protein, vegetables, fruits, omega 3s, dairy, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. In order to help acquire that, I have divided the foods into 2 categories:

Note: The size that I have cut the fruits and vegetables serves as a guide. Please cut the fruits and vegetables the size you feel comfortable feeding your child.

Category 1: Protein
Category 2: Vegetables with Leafy Greens

This way, you the parent is in control of what your child can eat. You may create your child’s meal by picking a food from each category and adding 1/4 cup of yogurt to meet the toddler’s dairy and probiotic needs.

Note: See the “Daily Nutritional Intake” tab for examples on how I combine these 2 categories to create a healthy and a fulfilling meal. Also for a breakfast idea that consists of whole grains, protein, fruits and omega 3s please see Easy Nutritious Breakfast.

Category 1: Protein

How to Cook Oatmeal

How to Cook Quinoa

How to Cook Buckwheat

How to Boil Chicken Breasts

How to Cook Lentils

How to Cook Barley

How to Cook Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans

Category 2: Vegetables with Leafy Greens

Sweet Potato, Beets and Kale

Sweet Potatoes with Kale

Sweet Potato, Broccoli and Collard Greens

Sweet Potato, Broccoli and Swiss Chard

Meal Combinations:

Note: These ingredients may easily be blended (just add some water) to a puree like consistency and served to infants. However, leave the yogurt out, unless it has been okayed by the pediatrician. Yogurt is usually okayed to infants at or after 9 months.