[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1171},["Reactive",2],{"blog-cat-nutrition":3},{"categories":4,"categoryPosts":122,"categoryResponse":1169},[5,23,32,41,50,59,68,77,86,95,104,113],{"__typename":6,"id":7,"name":8,"slug":9,"uri":10,"seo":11},"Category","dGVybTox","Activities","activities","/blog/category/activities/",{"__typename":12,"title":13,"metaDesc":14,"opengraphUrl":15,"opengraphTitle":16,"opengraphDescription":14,"opengraphImage":17,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":19,"opengraphModifiedTime":19,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19},"TaxonomySEO","Activities Archives | Nurture Life","Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem. Nulla consequat massa quis enim. 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Nurture Life","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/category/tips-how-tos/","Tips/How tos Archives",{"__typename":6,"id":114,"name":115,"slug":116,"uri":117,"seo":118},"dGVybToyOQ==","Toddlers","toddlers","/blog/category/toddlers/",{"__typename":12,"title":119,"metaDesc":19,"opengraphUrl":120,"opengraphTitle":121,"opengraphDescription":19,"opengraphImage":17,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":19,"opengraphModifiedTime":19,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19},"Toddlers Archives | Nurture Life","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/category/toddlers/","Toddlers Archives",{"total":123,"page":124,"nextPage":125,"prevPage":17,"totalPages":126,"content":127},67,1,2,6,[128,244,277,317,346,435,516,625,752,821,918,1042],{"id":129,"title":130,"slug":131,"link":132,"uri":133,"date":134,"modified":135,"content":136,"featuredImageForMobile":137,"featuredImage":139,"categories":147,"tags":154,"author":226,"seo":237,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxNDg2MQ==","Food Allergies in Kids","big-8-allergens","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/big-8-allergens/","/blog/big-8-allergens/","2024-10-15T09:55:35","2024-10-15T13:56:04","\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether your child is a few months or a few years old, you’ve likely heard about the dangers of food allergies. But did you know that 90% of all food allergies in the United States are caused by \u003C/span>\u003Cb>only eight foods\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? Even if your kids aren’t affected by the so-called “\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Big 8 allergens&#8221;\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you probably have a close friend or family member with children who are.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>What is a Food Allergy?\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A food allergy occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to a particular food as though it were harmful. To fight off the allergen, the immune system produces antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE), which may lead to respiratory, gastrointestinal or cardiovascular distress.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30603 size-large\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1-1024x448.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1-1024x448.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1-300x131.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1-768x336.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1-1536x672.jpg 1536w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1-1200x525.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Food Allergy Symptoms\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp class=\"mb-2 last:mb-0\">Food allergy reactions can vary significantly in severity, ranging from mild and localized responses to severe and life-threatening situations. Some common symptoms include:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Skin:\u003C/strong> Hives, itching, eczema, swelling\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Gastrointestinal:\u003C/strong> Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Respiratory:\u003C/strong> Wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Cardiovascular:\u003C/strong> Dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Anaphylaxis:\u003C/strong> A severe allergic reaction that can cause the body to go into shock, requiring immediate medical attention.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>How Common Are Food Allergies in Children?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Food allergies are more prevalent than many people realize, particularly among children. According to the \u003Ca href=\"https://www.aafa.org/allergy-facts/\">Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America\u003C/a>, over 4 million children in the U.S. had known food allergies in 2015. This number continues to rise, highlighting the growing concern surrounding food allergies.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>When Do Food Allergies Develop?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>It is important to note that food allergies can develop at any age, even to foods previously consumed without issue. This unpredictable nature underscores the importance of ongoing awareness and monitoring, especially for children with a history of allergies or sensitivities.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>When to Test Children for Allergies\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Family history of allergies:\u003C/strong> Discuss testing with your pediatrician if you or your child&#8217;s other parent has allergies.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Symptoms:\u003C/strong> Consult a healthcare professional if your child exhibits allergy symptoms like eczema, hives, wheezing, or digestive issues.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Exposure and immediate reactions:\u003C/strong> Seek immediate medical attention if your child has an immediate reaction to a potential allergen.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Age:\u003C/strong> Wait until your child is at least 4 months old for testing.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Specific concerns:\u003C/strong> Discuss any concerns about potential allergies with your pediatrician.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Testing options:\u003C/strong> Skin prick tests, blood tests, and oral food challenges are available.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Work with your pediatrician:\u003C/strong> They will recommend the best course of action and provide guidance and support.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>What Are the Big 8 Allergens?\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite there being more than 170 known food allergens, the vast majority of allergic reactions in the United States are caused by the \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Big 8 allergens\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> below. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>1. Milk\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Prevalence\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An estimated 2–6% of children under 6\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cow’s milk is the most common \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/kids-food-allergies-part-1/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">food allergy in kids\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but around 80% will outgrow the allergy before reaching school age.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Is a milk allergy the same as lactose intolerance\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? No. People with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme lactase, which digests the sugars in milk. While lactose intolerance may cause unpleasant symptoms like bloating or diarrhea, a milk allergy is more serious and involves an IgE-mediated immune system response.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Most Common Symptoms of a Milk Allergy\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: As is the case with all of the Big 8 Allergens, the symptoms of a milk allergy can be severe. Examples include:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coughing\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Treatments For a Milk Allergy:\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> There are treatments available for reactions to a milk allergy, but much will depend on the severity of that reaction. Antihistamines can help if a reaction is mild, but serious reactions may require an injection of adrenaline. If you or someone you love reacts allergically to milk, you should seek medical attention just to be safe.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Alternatives to Milk\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Milk doesn’t just come from cows or even animals. Those looking to drink an alternative can turn to rice milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, among others.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>2. Egg\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Prevalence\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An estimated 2–6% of children under 6\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most children, around 67%, will outgrow their egg allergy before reaching age 5.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Egg Whites vs. Egg Yolks: \u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it&#8217;s the egg whites that contain the most allergenic proteins, doctors recommend total avoidance of eggs, as it is impossible to completely separate the yolks from the whites.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Most Common Symptoms of an Egg Allergy\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Egg allergies can also be severe, which is why they find themselves grouped among the Big 8 Allergens. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction to eggs can include:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nasal congestion\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sneezing\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coughing\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Treatments for an Egg Allergy\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The treatment for an allergic reaction to eggs is similar to that of cow’s milk. For mild reactions, an antihistamine may work well, but for more severe cases, an injection of adrenaline could be necessary.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Alternatives to Eggs\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Unlike milk, eggs are basically eggs, regardless of what animal produces them. Therefore, those who are allergic to them should avoid them altogether, as even “egg substitutes” contain egg whites in many cases.  \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>3. Soy\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Prevalence\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An estimated 1–2% of children under 10\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>What are common soy-based foods?\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you’re allergic to soy, pay special attention when selecting vegetarian proteins and many Asian-inspired foods—both often contain soy-based products including, but not limited to:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tofu\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tempeh\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Edamame\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Miso\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soy Sauce or Tamari\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soy Milk\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Most Common Symptoms of a Soy Allergy: \u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soy allergies can prompt several different reactions in those who are allergic to it, including:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itching\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the lips and/or tongue\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the throat\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty breathing\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal pain\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Treatments for a Soy Allergy\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: For the most part, soy allergy reactions are relatively minor and can be handled with the administering of an over-the-counter antihistamine. However, some reactions are severe and will require immediate medical attention. If you have any doubt in this regard, always err on the side of caution and seek medical help.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Alternatives to Soy\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Since soy appears in so many different foods, there really isn’t a short list of what can be used. For instance, soy milk can be replaced with almond milk, and tofu can be replaced with things like mushrooms. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>4. Wheat\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Prevalence\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An estimated 0.4–1% of children under 6\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About 20% of wheat-allergic children are also allergic to other gluten-containing grains like barley, oats and rye. Most children with a wheat allergy will outgrow it before school age.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Is a wheat allergy the same as celiac disease\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? No. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease of the small intestine which requires one to avoid all sources of gluten, including but not limited to wheat. While celiac disease does involve an immune system response, IgE, the antibody responsible for life-threatening reactions, does not play a role in this disorder.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Most Common Symptoms of a Wheat Allergy:\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Allergic reactions to wheat allergies vary as widely as any in the group of Big 8 Allergens. Some reactions are minor while others can be so severe that they can be life-threatening. Examples of symptoms include:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Throat swelling\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mouth swelling\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nasal congestion\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing difficulty\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Head pain\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea \u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anaphylaxis\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Treatments For a Wheat Allergy\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: As seen above, the treatment for a wheat allergy depends largely on the severity of the reaction involved. Over-the-counter antihistamines can help greatly for those minor reactions, but one may need an immediate injection of epinephrine if he or she encounters anaphylaxis. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Alternatives to Wheat\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Fortunately, there are a plethora of choices for those who want to replace wheat in their diets. Entire stores and brands offer gluten-free choices for common foods such as bread and the like.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>5. Peanuts\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Prevalence\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An estimated 0.6–1.3% of the general population\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the name, peanuts are actually not a nut but rather a legume, like soy. However, as many as 40% of all people with peanut allergies also have tree nut allergies. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Nut-Free vs. Peanut-Free\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If your child is allergic to peanuts, be sure to double check any “\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nut-free snacks\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">” because “nut-free” doesn&#8217;t always mean “peanut-free.” Many \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nut-free snacks\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are also peanut-free, but it’s safest to look for the “peanut-free” label when choosing \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">school-safe snacks\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Common Symptoms of a Peanut Allergy\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The symptoms of an allergic reaction to a peanut allergy are largely similar to those associated with the other members of the Big 8 Allergens. See below:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tingly mouth or throat\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tightening of the throat\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing difficulty\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Runny nose\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Treatments for a Peanut Allergy\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Once again, like many of the other members of the Big 8 Allergens, the most common response to a minor allergic reaction to wheat is an over-the-counter antihistamine. Severe reactions may require emergency epinephrine injections.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Alternatives to Peanuts\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: There are several choices for people who want to consume an alternative to peanuts. Common examples of them include seeds from sunflowers or pumpkins, pretzels, and soy or garbanzo beans. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>6. Tree Nuts\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Prevalence\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An estimated 0.4–0.6% of the general population\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with tree nut allergies may be allergic to a single tree nut, a small subset of tree nuts or all tree nuts. Common tree nut allergens include:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Almonds\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brazil nuts\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cashews\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hazelnuts\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Macadamia nuts\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pecans\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pine nuts\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pistachios\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walnuts\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FDA also lists coconut as a tree nut, but coconut allergies are relatively uncommon, and most people with tree nut allergies can safely consume it.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Common Symptoms of a Tree Nuts Allergy\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you’re sensing a theme among the reactions of those allergic to any of the members of the Big 8 Allergens, you’re not wrong, as once again the potential symptoms of a reaction to tree nuts includes:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen throat\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty breathing\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the lips\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Treatments for a Tree Nut Allergic Reaction\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Unlike other members of the Big 8 Allergens, a large number of reactions to a tree nut allergy can be extremely severe. People who suffer from this allergy should have epinephrine injections available at all times and it should be administered immediately.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Alternatives to Tree Nuts:\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you’re suffering from a peanut allergy in addition to a tree nut allergy, you already know the substitutes for tree nuts. They include seeds from pumpkins and sunflowers, pretzels and beans. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>7. Fish\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Prevalence\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An estimated 0.4% of the general population\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike many other foods, fish allergies most commonly appear in adulthood, not childhood. Reactions also tend to be comparatively severe.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Is a fish allergy the same as a seafood allergy? \u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. The general category of “seafood” comprises both finned fish and shellfish. Someone with a finned fish allergy may or may not be allergic to shellfish (and vice versa).\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common finned fish allergens include:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anchovies\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Halibut\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mahi Mahi\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Salmon\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tuna\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Common Symptoms of a Fish Allergy\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Fish allergies are sometimes difficult to pinpoint, but those who have them and who experience symptoms when reacting to fish can suffer through the following:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itchy throat\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Closing throat\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Runny nose\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen lips\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Treatments for a Fish Allergy:\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> There are a lot of fish allergy reactions that are extremely severe and dangerous. As is the case with other members of the Big 8 Allergens, people who suffer from this allergy need to have ephedrine available in injection form.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Alternatives to Fish\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Generally, fish is a source of protein and with some types of fish, omega-3 oil. One who suffers from a fish allergy can take supplements for omega-3 and consume other forms of protein.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>8. Shellfish\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Prevalence\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An estimated 1.2% of the general population \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shellfish fall under two different groups:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Crustaceans\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: crab, shrimp, lobster\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Mollusks\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: clams, mussels, octopus, oysters, scallops, squid\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some are allergic to both groups, while some are allergic only to one.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Common Symptoms of a Shellfish Allergy:\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Shellfish are beloved around the world because of their flavor and nutritional value in some cases, but they are also notorious because of the number of people allergic to them. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to shellfish include:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itchy skin\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wheezing\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing difficulty\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen lips and throat\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Treatments for a Shellfish Allergy\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: As is done in response to the other members of the Big 8 Allergens, those who suffer from a shellfish allergy need to be ready to have an injection of ephedrine administered should anaphylaxis arise in response to consuming these types of foods.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Alternatives to Shellfish\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: It’s possible that some people with shellfish allergies can still consume some types of fish, but if that could be you, check with your doctor before taking that step. Otherwise, much like with a fish allergy, omega-3 oil and proteins prevalent in shellfish are readily available in supplements and other foods.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cstrong>Nurture Life’s Allergy Promise to You\u003C/strong>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your child has food allergies, you know the importance of understanding exactly what is (and isn’t) in their meals and snacks. And as parents ourselves, we at Nurture Life understand, too! \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We’ve put \u003C/span>\u003Cb>allergy-friendly practices\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at the heart of our \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/food-nutrition/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kid-focused food and nutrition philosophy\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We maintain a state-of-the-art food production facility with top food safety practices and certifications. \u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergy-friendly meals for toddlers\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and kids are safe for school.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We use meal tags to help you identify vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, milk-free, egg-free and soy-free meal options.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=heatable-meals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">baby, toddler and kids meals\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and production facilities are completely free from peanuts and tree nuts (except coconut).\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>&nbsp;\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30603 size-large\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1-1024x448.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1-1024x448.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1-300x131.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1-768x336.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1-1536x672.jpg 1536w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1-1200x525.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003Cbr />\n\u003Cscript type=\"application/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https://schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n  \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/big-8-allergens/\"\n  },\n  \"headline\": \"Food Allergies in Kids\",\n  \"description\": \"Whether your child is a few months or a few years old, you’ve likely heard about the dangers of food allergies. But did you know that 90% of all food allergies in the United States are caused by only eight foods? Even if your kids aren’t affected by the so-called “Big 8 allergens”, you probably have a close friend or family member with children who are.\",\n  \"image\": \"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CTA-template-UPDATE-1-1536x672.jpg\",  \n  \"author\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Person\",\n    \"name\": \"Dr. Steve Handoyo\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/\"\n  },  \n  \"publisher\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Nurture Life\",\n    \"logo\": {\n      \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n      \"url\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/assets/images/signup/logo.svg\"\n    }\n  },\n  \"datePublished\": \"2019-05-30\",\n  \"dateModified\": \"2024-10-15\"\n}\n\u003C/script>\u003C/p>\n",{"mobileImage":17,"__typename":138},"FeaturedImageForMobile",{"node":140,"__typename":146},{"id":141,"link":142,"sourceUrl":143,"altText":144,"__typename":145},"cG9zdDoxOTAxOQ==","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/big-8-allergens/header-big-8-allergens-cropped/","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/header-big-8-allergens-cropped-880x544.jpg","big 8 allergens | Nurture Life","MediaItem","NodeWithFeaturedImageToMediaItemConnectionEdge",{"nodes":148,"__typename":153},[149,150,151,152],{"name":25,"slug":26,"__typename":6},{"name":52,"slug":53,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"__typename":6},"PostToCategoryConnection",{"edges":155,"__typename":225},[156,193,209],{"node":157,"__typename":192},{"id":158,"name":159,"posts":160,"__typename":191},"dGVybToxNjE2","allergy-friendly meals for toddlers",{"edges":161,"__typename":190},[162,176],{"node":163,"__typename":175},{"id":129,"slug":131,"categories":164,"title":130,"excerpt":170,"featuredImage":171,"__typename":174},{"nodes":165,"__typename":153},[166,167,168,169],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"\u003Cp>Whether your child is a few months or a few years old, you’ve likely heard about the dangers of food allergies. But did you know that 90% of all food allergies in the United States are caused by only eight foods? Even if your kids aren’t affected by the so-called “Big 8 allergens&#8221;, you probably&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/big-8-allergens/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":172,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":173,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/header-big-8-allergens-cropped.jpg","Post","TagToPostConnectionEdge",{"node":177,"__typename":175},{"id":178,"slug":179,"categories":180,"title":185,"excerpt":186,"featuredImage":187,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDo3ODI4","tips-food-allergy-friendly-holidays",{"nodes":181,"__typename":153},[182,183,184],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},"Tips for Food Allergy-Friendly Holidays","\u003Cp>Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…. Few songs transport us to the warmth of the fireplace and family as comfortingly as the first line of “The Christmas Song.” And yet, the song’s first word may remind us that the the holidays are a time of anxiety and caution for families with food allergies.  During the&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/tips-food-allergy-friendly-holidays/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":188,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":189,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/header-1-1.jpg","TagToPostConnection","Tag","PostToTagConnectionEdge",{"node":194,"__typename":192},{"id":195,"name":196,"posts":197,"__typename":191},"dGVybToxNjE4","big 8 allergens",{"edges":198,"__typename":190},[199],{"node":200,"__typename":175},{"id":129,"slug":131,"categories":201,"title":130,"excerpt":170,"featuredImage":207,"__typename":174},{"nodes":202,"__typename":153},[203,204,205,206],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":208,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":173,"__typename":145},{"node":210,"__typename":192},{"id":211,"name":212,"posts":213,"__typename":191},"dGVybToxNjIz","nut-free snacks",{"edges":214,"__typename":190},[215],{"node":216,"__typename":175},{"id":129,"slug":131,"categories":217,"title":130,"excerpt":170,"featuredImage":223,"__typename":174},{"nodes":218,"__typename":153},[219,220,221,222],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":224,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":173,"__typename":145},"PostToTagConnection",{"node":227,"__typename":236},{"authorMeta":228,"name":230,"description":231,"avatar":232,"__typename":235},{"avatar":17,"__typename":229},"AuthorMeta","Dr. Steve Handoyo","Dr. Steve Handoyo is a Clinical Associate of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at the University of Chicago. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit his \u003Ca href=\"https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/find-a-physician/physician/steve-handoyo\">University of Chicago\u003C/a> page or call 773.702.6169.",{"url":233,"__typename":234},"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d4246fe77f156c9b2d1cb6adf54a9a3d206404ab7ab46b6e8354dcad237a9a53?s=96&d=mm&r=g","Avatar","User","NodeWithAuthorToUserConnectionEdge",{"title":238,"metaDesc":239,"opengraphUrl":132,"opengraphTitle":130,"opengraphDescription":239,"opengraphImage":240,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":241,"opengraphModifiedTime":242,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19,"__typename":243},"Food Allergies in Kids | Nurture Life","Did you know that just 8 foods cause 90% of allergic reactions? Find out more about these Big 8 allergens & Nurture Life’s allergy promise to you.",{"sourceUrl":173,"__typename":145},"2024-10-15T09:55:35+00:00","2024-10-15T13:56:04+00:00","PostTypeSEO",{"id":245,"title":246,"slug":247,"link":248,"uri":249,"date":250,"modified":250,"content":251,"featuredImageForMobile":252,"featuredImage":253,"categories":258,"tags":262,"author":264,"seo":271,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDozMTIwNA==","Pumpkin for Babies: Nutrition and Meal Ideas","pumpkin-recipes-for-babies","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/pumpkin-recipes-for-babies/","/blog/pumpkin-recipes-for-babies/","2024-10-14T16:08:42","\u003Cp>Prioritizing nutritious meals for your baby or toddler is one of the best things you can do for their health and development. Pumpkin is a nourishing, versatile ingredient for kids&#8217; foods. It is an excellent option to introduce when your baby is ready for solids. This vegetable is also high in vitamins and antioxidants that support healthy development, improved digestion, and balanced nutrition.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>All these advantages make pumpkin a great seasonal ingredient that you can incorporate into fall recipes for kids.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin for Babies\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse. Incorporating it into your child&#8217;s diet can be highly beneficial for their growth and development. Explore some of its key nutrients below:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Vitamin A:\u003C/strong> One of the most amazing benefits of Vitamin A is that it helps \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nutritionintl.org/our-work/micronutrients/vitamin-a/#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">improve eye health\u003C/a> while combating stunted growth and preventable diseases.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Vitamin C: \u003C/strong>Vitamin C \u003Ca href=\"https://www.babycenter.com/toddler/feeding/vitamin-c-in-your-childs-diet_10324695\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">boosts the immune system\u003C/a>, helps with iron absorption and supports gum health. This vitamin also supports red blood cells and bone health.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Vitamin B2 (riboflavin):\u003C/strong> Riboflavin is a vital micronutrient that \u003Ca href=\"https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vitamin-b2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">helps red blood cells carry oxygen\u003C/a> throughout the body and supports healthy vision. B2 is also important for energy levels.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Potassium: \u003C/strong>Pumpkin also contains potassium, which \u003Ca href=\"https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/nutrition/potassium-foods.aspx#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">supports muscle development\u003C/a>, normal growth, the function of nerve cells and the regulation of the body&#8217;s acid and water.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Iron:\u003C/strong> Iron plays an important role in carrying oxygen through the body and in \u003Ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528681/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">healthy brain development\u003C/a>.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31206 aligncenter\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/02-Explore-some-of-its-key-nutrients-below.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/02-Explore-some-of-its-key-nutrients-below.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/02-Explore-some-of-its-key-nutrients-below-300x125.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/02-Explore-some-of-its-key-nutrients-below-1024x427.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/02-Explore-some-of-its-key-nutrients-below-768x320.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Pumpkin is also \u003Ca href=\"https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">a good source of fiber\u003C/a>, protein, carbohydrates, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>When and How to Introduce Pumpkin to Babies\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Babies can typically try solid foods once they can sit up independently with control over their neck and head. They will likely show interest in the foods you&#8217;re eating at this time.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Pumpkin is an excellent first food for babies when they are ready to start eating solids. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals. When boiled, it has a soft texture and can be pureed, making it easy for babies to chew, swallow and digest. Since it is a fiber-rich vegetable, it can alleviate \u003Ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pumpkin-constipation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">constipation and improve bowel movements\u003C/a>, helping your baby combat gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Starting with small amounts of new food is vital when introducing recipes to your kids. This helps you monitor for any possible allergic reactions. Once you are sure that your kids tolerate pumpkin well, you can increase the quantity and introduce other foods to your pumpkin recipes.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Yummy Pumpkin Recipes for Babies\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Exploring new meals and snacks is exciting for you and your baby. Try these simple pumpkin baby food recipes for kids 6 months and older:\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Simple Pumpkin Puree\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>One of the best ways to introduce pumpkins to babies is by making a simple puree. Cube large pieces and remove all the seeds and stringy bits, then place in a saucepan, cover with water and boil for around 25 minutes or until soft. Drain the pumpkin and transfer it to a food processor to blend until smooth, then allow it to cool completely. You can serve the puree to your baby in a pouch or spoon-feed it.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Blend\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>If you want new pumpkin recipes for baby to try, you can add other soft foods to the puree! Adding sweet potato to a pumpkin is a great way to boost the meal&#8217;s nutrient profile and introduce new flavors to your child.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Pumpkin and Apple Compote\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>If you are looking for tasty fall treats for kids, this nutritious compote is the perfect answer! Simply boil small cubes of pumpkin and apple together with a spoonful or two of cinnamon. Once the pumpkin and apple are soft, remove from the heat, drain, and allow it to cool before serving.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>An essential thing to note is not to add honey or refined sugar to this treat. The boiled apple makes the dish sweet enough to not need to add sweetener. More importantly, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.webmd.com/baby/when-can-a-baby-have-honey\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">honey is not safe for children\u003C/a> under a year old, as it can cause a type of food poisoning in babies called botulism.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Yummy Pumpkin Ideas for Toddlers\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Pumpkin&#8217;s versatility only increases as your kids keep growing! Try these awesome toddler-friendly pumpkin ideas for kids over a year old:\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Pumpkin Muffins and Pancakes\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Muffins and pancakes are simple-to-eat, delicious meals. To make the muffins even more nutritious, add pumpkin puree and cinnamon to your normal batter.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Mixing up and freezing pumpkin muffins or pancake batter is also an excellent and easy meal prep method.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Fall-Inspired Pumpkin Oatmeal\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Oatmeal is also packed with vitamins and minerals, making this fall-inspired breakfast an absolute winner! \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/25-healthy-breakfast-ideas-for-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Prepare slow-cooked oats\u003C/a> with your milk of choice in a pressure cooker or on the stovetop, then stir in a couple of tablespoons of pumpkin puree and sprinkle pumpkin spice or cinnamon sugar for a filling and nutritious breakfast.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Pumpkin Cookies\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Kids love a sweet treat, and cookies are always a winner. To \u003Ca href=\"https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/13809/soft-pumpkin-cookies/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">make simple pumpkin cookies\u003C/a>, beat a tablespoon of butter and a cup of sugar together. Then add a cup of pumpkin puree, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and one egg.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Stir in two cups of flour, half a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of baking powder. Scoop tablespoons of the mixture onto a lined baking sheet, then bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Pumpkin Mac and Cheese\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Try pumpkin mac and cheese for a hearty fall meal! This recipe can be as easy as you want it to be. For a time-saving version, make simple mac and cheese and add pumpkin puree to the cheese sauce. You can also make a delicious, gourmet version of \u003Ca href=\"https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a44120097/pumpkin-mac-and-cheese-recipe/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pumpkin mac and cheese\u003C/a> that may have your toddler asking for seconds!\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Try Nurture Life Kids Meal Delivery for Balanced Baby and Toddler Meals\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/onboarding/plans/\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-31034 size-full\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03-Explore-More-Family-Friendly-Resources.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03-Explore-More-Family-Friendly-Resources.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03-Explore-More-Family-Friendly-Resources-300x125.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03-Explore-More-Family-Friendly-Resources-1024x427.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03-Explore-More-Family-Friendly-Resources-768x320.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Ingredients like pumpkin are perfect for introducing solid foods to your baby or expanding your toddler&#8217;s diet. This vegetable has so many health benefits and there are endless pumpkin recipes for kids that will expose them to exciting new textures and flavors. And if you&#8217;re looking for nutritious and super easy meals for your kids this fall, turn to Nurture Life.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>We offer \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/how-it-works/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">balanced and nourishing meals\u003C/a>, snacks, and smoothies for babies and children. Our meals are created by dieticians and chefs to ensure they are tasty and meet your kid&#8217;s dietary requirements. Our versatile menus also provide you with time-saving, convenient options for meal times. We also have various options for picky eaters.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Browse our menus\u003C/a> and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/onboarding/signup/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sign up today\u003C/a> for a meal delivery service that suits your family. Also, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/contact-us/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">feel free to contact us\u003C/a> with any questions.\u003Cbr />\n\u003Cscript type=\"application/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https://schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n  \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/pumpkin-recipes-for-babies/\"\n  },\n  \"headline\": \"Pumpkin for Babies: Nutrition and Meal Ideas\",\n  \"description\": \"Prioritizing nutritious meals for your baby or toddler is one of the best things you can do for their health and development. Pumpkin is a nourishing, versatile ingredient for kids' foods. It is an excellent option to introduce when your baby is ready for solids. This vegetable is also high in vitamins and antioxidants that support healthy development, improved digestion, and balanced nutrition.\",\n  \"image\": \"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/02-Explore-some-of-its-key-nutrients-below.jpg\",  \n  \"author\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Nurture Life\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/\"\n  },  \n  \"publisher\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Nurture Life\",\n    \"logo\": {\n      \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n      \"url\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/assets/images/signup/logo.svg\"\n    }\n  },\n  \"datePublished\": \"2024-10-14\"\n}\n\u003C/script>\u003C/p>\n",{"mobileImage":17,"__typename":138},{"node":254,"__typename":146},{"id":255,"link":256,"sourceUrl":257,"altText":19,"__typename":145},"cG9zdDozMTIwNQ==","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/pumpkin-recipes-for-babies/01-pumpkin-for-babies/","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/01-Pumpkin-for-Babies-880x500.jpg",{"nodes":259,"__typename":153},[260,261],{"name":25,"slug":26,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"__typename":6},{"edges":263,"__typename":225},[],{"node":265,"__typename":236},{"authorMeta":266,"name":267,"description":268,"avatar":269,"__typename":235},{"avatar":17,"__typename":229},"April Urrutia","April believes that mealtime should be a fun and educational experience for children, and is committed to providing parents with the resources they need to make healthy and delicious meals for their families.",{"url":270,"__typename":234},"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e00bcaa2588c4568508ba57bea28ca337aaf12f9eb51f6a451fa212a9b604a7e?s=96&d=mm&r=g",{"title":272,"metaDesc":273,"opengraphUrl":248,"opengraphTitle":246,"opengraphDescription":273,"opengraphImage":274,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":276,"opengraphModifiedTime":19,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19,"__typename":243},"Pumpkin for Babies: Nutrition and Meal Ideas | Nurture Life","Adding pumpkin to your kid's diet is a good way to boost nutrition and try new meal ideas. Explore Nurture Life's meal delivery services today!",{"sourceUrl":275,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/01-Pumpkin-for-Babies.jpg","2024-10-14T16:08:42+00:00",{"id":278,"title":279,"slug":280,"link":281,"uri":282,"date":283,"modified":284,"content":285,"featuredImageForMobile":286,"featuredImage":287,"categories":292,"tags":297,"author":299,"seo":310,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxMDUzOA==","10 Dinner Ideas for Picky Eaters","10-kid-friendly-meals-picky-eaters-dinnertime","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/10-kid-friendly-meals-picky-eaters-dinnertime/","/blog/10-kid-friendly-meals-picky-eaters-dinnertime/","2024-10-14T11:56:07","2024-10-14T15:56:15","\u003Cp>When your household has a picky eater — or two or three! — providing a balanced, nutritious, and flavorful dinner can feel like it&#8217;s mission impossible. If you&#8217;re tired of offering the same-old, same-old with little success, try out our 10 kid-friendly meals for picky eaters at dinnertime. At least a few of these nutritious, creative, kid-friendly meals for picky eaters are sure to turn &#8220;Ew, yuck&#8221; into &#8220;More, please!&#8221;\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Our Favorite Meals for Picky Eaters\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Here are some of our favorite dinner ideas for picky toddlers.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-18084 size-large\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CTA-Picky-Eater-Friendly-1024x341.jpg\" alt=\"meals for picky eaters\" width=\"1024\" height=\"341\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CTA-Picky-Eater-Friendly-1024x341.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CTA-Picky-Eater-Friendly-300x100.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CTA-Picky-Eater-Friendly-768x256.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CTA-Picky-Eater-Friendly.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>1. Baked Potato Bar\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a serve-yourself \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://feednutrition.com/recipe/baked-potato-bar/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">baked potato bar\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, your little ones can assemble their own dinner creations! Skip the butter, bacon, and sour cream, and instead set out healthy toppings like low-fat cheese, ground turkey, black beans, and steamed broccoli. This option puts plenty of nutritious offerings on the table while inspiring a bit of creativity and independence.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>2. Pizza Pockets\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Everyone loves pizza, and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus?navItem=heatable-meals#product-cheese-pizza-pockets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nurture Life&#8217;s Cheese Pizza Pockets\u003C/a> provide a delicious and convenient dinner option! The pockets are filled with mozzarella, ricotta, and a delicious marinara sauce blended with butternut squash for extra nutrition. We recommend pairing this dish with broccoli for a fiber boost.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>3. Mac &amp; Cheese With Cauliflower\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31201 aligncenter\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/02-Mac-and-Cheese-rev02.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/02-Mac-and-Cheese-rev02.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/02-Mac-and-Cheese-rev02-300x125.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/02-Mac-and-Cheese-rev02-1024x427.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/02-Mac-and-Cheese-rev02-768x320.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>A nutritious twist on one of the most kid-friendly meals, \u003Ca href=\"https://account.nurturelife.com/meal/mac-cheese-with-carrot-cauliflower\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nurture Life&#8217;s Mac &amp; Cheese With Cauliflower\u003C/a> features pureed cauliflower for an extra measure of fiber and vitamins. Your little ones will love the familiar flavor and texture of cheesy macaroni without even realizing that the veggies are there!\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>4. Chicken Fajitas\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Build your own \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-sheet-pan-chicken-fajitas-231967\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chicken fajitas\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with succulent roast chicken, lightly charred onion,s and sweet bell peppers. This recipe uses a sheet pan, so all you have to do is place the ingredients on a pan and let them roast to perfection! For extra-crunchy goodness, swap the tortillas for \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/healthy-kid-friendly-junk-food-alternatives/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homemade black bean chips\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>5. White Bean Burgers\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>White bean burgers \u003Ca href=\"https://tinandthyme.uk/2023/04/white-bean-burgers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">incorporate plenty of protein\u003C/a>, fiber, and nutrients without a ton of meal prep. Using canned beans and flavorful spices, these simple meatless burgers can be dressed up with low-fat cheese, fresh tomatoes, and your kids&#8217; favorite sauces.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>6. Peas &amp; Cheese Tortellini\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Combining bright English peas with a mixed veggie Bolognese, \u003Ca href=\"https://account.nurturelife.com/meal/cheesy-tortellini-with-veggie-bolognese\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nurture Life&#8217;s Peas &amp; Cheese Tortellini\u003C/a> is packed with hearty yet familiar flavors. The bite-sized tortellini is also great to serve with cute character food picks, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/category/activities/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">creating fun activities around food\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>7. Veggie Wraps\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Another low-prep, assemble-yourself option, \u003Ca href=\"https://kitchenconfidante.com/vegetarian-sandwich-veggie-wraps-recipe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">veggie wraps\u003C/a> let your kids select their favorite toppings. Saute tofu with sliced carrots or other \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/fall-vegetables-kid-friendly/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">kid-friendly vegetables\u003C/a>, and then set out crispy lettuce cups and crushed peanuts for a fun, DIY meal.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>8. Chicken Bites, Mashed Yams &amp; Green Beans\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Chicken nuggets are practically synonymous with kid-friendly meals, and this \u003Ca href=\"https://account.nurturelife.com/meal/roasted-chicken-breast-mashed-yams-french-green-beans-with-pepita-salsa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nurture Life meal\u003C/a> balances nutrition and taste. Instead of deep-fried, our chicken bites are oven-roasted until crispy and served with delectable mashed yams and French green beans.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>9. Breakfast for Dinner\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorporating fun is always one of the best ways to win over picky eaters — so why not surprise your kids by serving breakfast for dinner? Invite them to help prepare their own \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://weelicious.com/2009/05/03/egg-in-the-hole/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">egg-in-a-hole\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> using whole-wheat toast.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently recommended by Nurture Life’s pediatric registered dietitian, Lara Field, eggs are rich in B vitamins and one of our \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/superfoods-for-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">favorite superfoods for kids\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>10. Beef Kofta\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A type of Mediterranean meatball, \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://weelicious.com/2016/05/05/beef-kofta-recipe/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">beef kofta\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are lightly spiced and served with a side of calcium-rich Greek yogurt. For extra fiber and lean protein, consider reducing the meat and substituting plant-based proteins such as lentils or mushrooms.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It takes time to \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/navigating-picky-eating/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">successfully navigate picky eating\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but with some effort and consistency, your child’s finicky habits \u003C/span>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can\u003C/span>\u003C/i>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> be overcome. Start by trying out some of our \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">picky eater dinner ideas\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> above, and your kids’ evolving tastes may just surprise you.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if your little one is still hesitating to take a bite, Nurture Life has freshly made, \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kid-friendly meals\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to meet your child’s taste preferences. With balanced meals that can be prepped in 1 minute, you and your picky eater can always feel good about dinnertime.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Exploring New Ingredients for Picky Eaters\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>A significant part of overcoming picky eating at dinnertime involves slowly introducing new ingredients. While it can be challenging at first, it is worth it for your kids to become familiar with whole, healthy foods. Try introducing these foods:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Spinach: \u003C/strong>Spinach contains folate, vitamin C, calcium, iron, antioxidants, and fiber. Eating spinach \u003Ca href=\"https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-spinach\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">is good for brain\u003C/a>, gut, and vision health. You can introduce spinach by adding it to staples like pancakes, smoothies, pasta, mashed potatoes, muffins, and scrambled eggs.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Sweet red peppers:\u003C/strong> Sweet \u003Ca href=\"https://health.clevelandclinic.org/red-pepper-benefits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">red peppers contain vitamins\u003C/a> A, C, E, B6, and B9 (folate). They also contain potassium and manganese. You can roast and stuff them or dice them finely to add to bolognese and other sauces.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Quinoa:\u003C/strong> Quinoa \u003Ca href=\"https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/quinoa/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">contains all nine essential amino acids\u003C/a>, making it a complete protein. A great way to introduce quinoa is to make nuggets with Greek yogurt, eggs, and cheese.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Sweet potatoes:\u003C/strong> Sweet potatoes are a \u003Ca href=\"https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sweet-potato-benefits#nutritional-value\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">source of vitamins A\u003C/a>, C, and B6. They&#8217;re also rich in fiber, manganese, copper, and potassium. Making sweet potato fries is a simple way to introduce this nutritious ingredient!\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Zucchini: \u003C/strong>Zucchini offers iron, copper, potassium, riboflavin, and manganese. It \u003Ca href=\"https://health.clevelandclinic.org/zucchini-health-benefits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">also contains vitamins C\u003C/a>, B6, and B9! You can make zucchini noodles or add it to a simple stew to introduce it to your kids.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>Easy Picky Eater Solutions to Make Dinnertime Enjoyable\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Preparing dinners for picky eaters can feel overwhelming — especially as you try to introduce new foods. A few easy tips can make introducing new ingredients a positive experience for you and your kids:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Consider kid-friendly meal delivery services: \u003C/strong>If meal times are often stressful and chaotic, you could try a meal delivery service that specializes in kid-friendly options. At Nurture Life, we offer healthy meals, snacks, and smoothies created for babies and kids by chefs and registered dieticians. It&#8217;s the perfect way to provide fuss-free, good food.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Introduce ingredients one at a time: \u003C/strong>It is best to avoid overwhelming your child with several new ingredients at once. Try one new ingredient at a time to make meal times more manageable and enjoyable.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Start with small portions: \u003C/strong>Another way to ensure your kids aren&#8217;t overwhelmed by new foods is to offer small portions. For example, you can try one slice of red pepper at a time until your kids are ready for more.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Pair new foods with favorites:\u003C/strong> Trying new foods can be intimidating. One way to make new foods more appealing is to pair them with a favorite dish. For example, if your child loves pasta but refuses cheese, you could make the cheese more appealing by adding a grated spoonful to their favorite pasta.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Allow kids to play with their food: \u003C/strong>Contrary to what we usually teach at the dinner table, playing with food can be a good thing! Poking the food, pulling it apart, and moving it around the plate helps your kids familiarize themselves with the look, texture, and smell.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Rotate new ingredients: \u003C/strong>You can help your kids try new foods by following the rotation rule. This simple rule means that if your child loves carrots and eats them on Monday, then on Tuesday, they should have a new veggie before having carrots on Wednesday again!\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Offer full transparency:\u003C/strong> Transparency builds trust, which can help a child&#8217;s relationship with food. If your kids ask what the green bits in their mashed potatoes are, it is best to be honest and say that you added spinach. It may be challenging, but it will help you build trust.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Monitor snacks and drinks: \u003C/strong>One reason your kids may not be too keen on trying new foods is they have too many snacks and drinks during the day. This can affect their appetite to the point that they refuse new foods at meal times. You can try cutting back on snacks while you introduce new foods.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Make mealtimes family times:\u003C/strong> Kids can be quite sensitive to their environment, and dinner times that are shrouded in chaos, arguments, and TV distractions can make them reluctant to try new foods. Prioritizing family-orientated meal times without distractions is key for creating a positive and encouraging environment around food. You can make meals even more special by getting your kids to cook with you!\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Be patient: \u003C/strong>Healthy eating for picky eaters is entirely possible — it simply takes some patience and perseverance from the whole family. Be encouraged, and give your kids and yourself time to make healthy changes!\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>Meals for Picky Eaters Made Easy: Try Nurture Life Kids Meal Delivery\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/onboarding/plans/\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-31202 size-full\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/03-Meals-for-Picky-Eaters-rev02.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/03-Meals-for-Picky-Eaters-rev02.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/03-Meals-for-Picky-Eaters-rev02-300x125.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/03-Meals-for-Picky-Eaters-rev02-1024x427.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/03-Meals-for-Picky-Eaters-rev02-768x320.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>If you&#8217;re feeling overwhelmed with meal ideas for picky eaters, try Nurture Life&#8217;s \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">meal delivery service\u003C/a> for kids. Each one of our meals is formulated with kids and picky eaters in mind, and it only takes a couple of minutes to have a delicious meal or snack for the whole family. They&#8217;re perfectly balanced with nutrients that your kids&#8217; growing bodies and minds need, and they&#8217;re also flavored in ways that kids like. Explore \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">our menus\u003C/a> today!\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cscript type=\"application/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https://schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n  \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/10-kid-friendly-meals-picky-eaters-dinnertime/\"\n  },\n  \"headline\": \"10 Dinner Ideas for Picky Eaters\",\n  \"description\": \"When your household has a picky eater—or two or three!—providing a balanced, nutritious and flavorful dinner can feel like mission impossible. If you’re tired of offering the same-old, same-old with little success, try out our 10 dinner ideas for picky eaters. At least a few of these nutritious, creative, kid-friendly meals for picky eaters are sure to turn “Ew, yuck” into “More please!”\",\n  \"image\": \"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/untitled-8669.jpg\",  \n  \"author\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Person\",\n    \"name\": \"Rachael Janas\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/\"\n  },  \n  \"publisher\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Nurture Life\",\n    \"logo\": {\n      \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n      \"url\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/assets/images/signup/logo.svg\"\u003Cspan data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">﻿\u003C/span>\n    }\n  },\n  \"datePublished\": \"2024-10-14\"\n}\n\u003C/script>\u003C/p>\n",{"mobileImage":17,"__typename":138},{"node":288,"__typename":146},{"id":289,"link":290,"sourceUrl":291,"altText":19,"__typename":145},"cG9zdDozMTIwMw==","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/01-10-kid-friendly-meals/","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/01-10-Kid-Friendly-Meals-880x500.jpg",{"nodes":293,"__typename":153},[294,295,296],{"name":52,"slug":53,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"__typename":6},{"name":70,"slug":71,"__typename":6},{"edges":298,"__typename":225},[],{"node":300,"__typename":236},{"authorMeta":301,"name":306,"description":307,"avatar":308,"__typename":235},{"avatar":302,"__typename":229},{"node":303,"__typename":305},{"sourceUrl":304,"altText":19,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/RJ-Bio.jpg","AcfMediaItemConnectionEdge","Rachael Janas","Rachael joined the Nurture Life team as the Marketing Production &amp; QA Manager. From menu design to nutrient analysis, she covers all things food. Rachael is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian with a strong foundation in clinical nutrition and a keen interest in nutritious food with phenomenal flavor. Her passion for incorporating whole foods and creative cuisine while focusing on age-specific nutrient needs of children is essential to Nurture Life’s menu design. Rachael has been practicing dietetics since 2011, with the bulk of her experience in clinical nutrition at Loyola Medical Center, specializing in patients with cystic fibrosis as well as critical care nutrition related to lung disease and lung transplant. She also has experience in cardiac health and nutrition during pregnancy. Rachael received her B.S. from Saint Louis University in Missouri and completed a dietetic internship with Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Rachael’s interests include creative cooking at home, using a variety of ingredients, spices and herbs for a unique meal each night. She truly believes nutrition and food should be enjoyable and that all food can  be enjoyed in moderation.",{"url":309,"__typename":234},"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5842580e2c2e4c872f22b8ae6542dd5c3f15a04ef97e8f4bfc9860a1ab2d4994?s=96&d=mm&r=g",{"title":311,"metaDesc":312,"opengraphUrl":281,"opengraphTitle":279,"opengraphDescription":312,"opengraphImage":313,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":315,"opengraphModifiedTime":316,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19,"__typename":243},"Kid-Friendly Dinners for Picky Eaters | Nurture Life","Need simple dinner ideas and meals for picky eaters? Try out these 10 kid-friendly meals to make dinnertime easy and enjoyable again!",{"sourceUrl":314,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/01-10-Kid-Friendly-Meals.jpg","2024-10-14T11:56:07+00:00","2024-10-14T15:56:15+00:00",{"id":318,"title":319,"slug":320,"link":321,"uri":322,"date":323,"modified":323,"content":324,"featuredImageForMobile":325,"featuredImage":326,"categories":331,"tags":335,"author":337,"seo":341,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDozMTE0Ng==","Meatless Meals for Picky Eaters","meatless-meals-picky-eaters","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/meatless-meals-picky-eaters/","/blog/meatless-meals-picky-eaters/","2024-09-23T19:41:43","\u003Cp>Feeding picky eaters is challenging for many parents as they go through a seemingly endless struggle to get their kids to eat something nutritious during mealtimes. You may find some success by introducing meatless meals that are simple and taste delicious. Children need a well-balanced diet for healthy growth and development, so introducing plant-based foods can be advantageous for ensuring they are getting the nutrients they need.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>As you encourage your picky eater to explore more options, having various meatless meal ideas for kids on hand can help you switch things up and improve their eating experiences.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Understanding Picky Eaters\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Picky eating is normal, and children usually grow out of it eventually. However, it can also \u003Ca href=\"https://childmind.org/article/more-than-picky-eating/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">become a serious problem\u003C/a>. Kids are often particular about food due to health, development, or behavioral reasons. They may dislike certain tastes, smells, or textures. They could acquire the habit of being finicky eaters if they think becoming fussy at mealtimes means they might get better-tasting alternatives.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Tips to manage picky eating include:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Set a mealtime schedule to help your child know what to expect and avoid snacking between meals.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Limit the high-calorie drinks you offer, such as juice, soft drinks, or milk.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Eliminate distractions during mealtimes and make the atmosphere pleasant.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Avoid force-feeding, as it can be stressful for you and your child.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Offer a variety of foods so that your child has options.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Try not to threaten or punish your child if they don&#8217;t comply. Avoiding such power struggles allows your child to associate mealtimes with enjoyable experiences.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Try fun strategies to help ease your child into healthy eating, like exploring \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/picture-books-for-picky-eaters/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">picture books for picky eaters\u003C/a> together.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Find healthy, plant-based meals for kids who don&#8217;t like meat.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>Delicious Meatless Meals for Picky Kids\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Various plant-based meal options can win over your picky eater and supplement some of the key nutrients found in meat. Whether it&#8217;s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack time, these delicious and nourishing meatless options can be perfect for fussy, selective eaters.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Breakfast\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Start your child&#8217;s day with these meatless breakfast ideas:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Nutrient-rich smoothies:\u003C/strong> Smoothies are a great choice for picky eaters who are especially fussy about food in the mornings. Since fruit smoothies are naturally sweet and offer plenty of combinations, they are a perfect nutrient-rich breakfast. The \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus?navItem=smoothies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Superfood Smoothies\u003C/a> from Nurture Life are yummy, with no added sugar. They&#8217;re already prepared, so you don&#8217;t have to deal with a loud, messy blender.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Egg burritos:\u003C/strong> Combine your favorite vegetarian toppings with scrambled eggs and wrap them inside whole-grain tortillas for a tasty, meatless breakfast. Consider inviting your child to roll the burrito with you — they may be more likely to eat it if they are part of the assembly process.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>French toast sticks:\u003C/strong> Nurture Life&#8217;s \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=nurture-life-meals-for-picky-eaters-20201001&amp;_gl=1*4ccq85*_gcl_au*OTkyNTM2MjQzLjE3MjI4NTMyOTc.*_ga*MjE1MjgxNzMxLjE3MjI4NTMzMDM.*_ga_5QJ9FQBW8P*MTcyNDY4NTQyMS4xMC4xLjE3MjQ2ODc5NDMuMzAuMC4w&amp;navItem=heatable-meals#product-french-toast-sticks-gD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">French Toast Sticks\u003C/a> contain a generous amount of whole grains, making them an energizing breakfast dish. The dish comes with scrambled eggs, packing 15 grams of protein to ensure a nutritious start to your child&#8217;s day.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch3>Lunch\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31148 aligncenter\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/02-Lunch.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/02-Lunch.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/02-Lunch-300x125.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/02-Lunch-1024x427.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/02-Lunch-768x320.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Make lunchtime more enticing with these healthy meal ideas:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>White sauce pasta:\u003C/strong> Nurture Life&#8217;s creamy \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus?_gl=1*swo6dc*_gcl_au*OTkyNTM2MjQzLjE3MjI4NTMyOTc.*_ga*MjE1MjgxNzMxLjE3MjI4NTMzMDM.*_ga_5QJ9FQBW8P*MTcyNDY4MjY1Ni45LjEuMTcyNDY4MzA0My41OS4wLjA.&amp;navItem=heatable-meals&amp;tags=1#product-white-mac-cheese\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">White Mac &amp; Cheese\u003C/a> is a favorite power food for picky kids. This delicious and highly nutritious meatless meal contains parmesan, cheddar, and a secret vegetable blend. We serve it with kid-friendly broccoli for a well-rounded lunch.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Pita pockets:\u003C/strong> A falafel pita pocket with a garlic, chickpea hummus dip is a great lunch option for picky eaters. Throw in some carrots, cucumbers, or your vegetable of choice. The outer pita can conceal some of the yummy, healthy ingredients, and kids may be more likely to take a bite.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Pizza pockets:\u003C/strong> Pizza tends to be a hit with kids, even if they are selective eaters. Nurture Life&#8217;s \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus?_gl=1*swo6dc*_gcl_au*OTkyNTM2MjQzLjE3MjI4NTMyOTc.*_ga*MjE1MjgxNzMxLjE3MjI4NTMzMDM.*_ga_5QJ9FQBW8P*MTcyNDY4MjY1Ni45LjEuMTcyNDY4MzA0My41OS4wLjA.&amp;navItem=heatable-meals&amp;tags=1#product-cheese-pizza-pockets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cheese Pizza Pockets\u003C/a> are a great lunchtime option for kids. They are packed with fiber and paired with yummy broccoli. Their flaky outer crust holds marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and butternut squash for extra nutrients and flavor.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch3>Dinner\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Looking for yummy dishes to serve for supper? Try these vegetarian kids&#8217; meals:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Macaroni and cheese:\u003C/strong> Skip the box and try the delicious, nutritious \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=heatable-meals#product-mac-cheese\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mac &amp; Cheese\u003C/a> from Nurture Life. We use whole-grain pasta and a creamy butternut squash cheddar cheese sauce that&#8217;s packed with vitamins. Kids won&#8217;t even notice the vegetables blended into this scrumptious meal.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Tofu meatballs:\u003C/strong> Tofu is an alternative to meat and is among the best meals for vegetarian kids. Serve tofu meatballs with whole-wheat pasta for a delicious and nutritious dinner.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Ravioli:\u003C/strong> If your child likes pizza, they may enjoy the \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/?_gl=1*swo6dc*_gcl_au*OTkyNTM2MjQzLjE3MjI4NTMyOTc.*_ga*MjE1MjgxNzMxLjE3MjI4NTMzMDM.*_ga_5QJ9FQBW8P*MTcyNDY4MjY1Ni45LjEuMTcyNDY4MzA0My41OS4wLjA.&amp;navItem=heatable-meals&amp;tags=1#product-cheesy-ravioli-ZZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cheesy Ravioli\u003C/a> from Nurture Life. It features a similar yummy combination of marinara sauce and cheese, and you may get your child to branch out into the tasty world of pasta. Our Cheesy Ravioli comes with snappy green beans on the side.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch3>Snacks\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>If your picky eater prefers snacking, here are a few healthy, meat-free options:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Overnight oats: \u003C/strong>The \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus?_gl=1*swo6dc*_gcl_au*OTkyNTM2MjQzLjE3MjI4NTMyOTc.*_ga*MjE1MjgxNzMxLjE3MjI4NTMzMDM.*_ga_5QJ9FQBW8P*MTcyNDY4MjY1Ni45LjEuMTcyNDY4MzA0My41OS4wLjA.&amp;navItem=oaties&amp;tags=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Oaties from Nurture Life\u003C/a> are a ridiculously easy and scrumptious snack. They come in various flavors, like Very Strawberry, Apple Cinnamon, Banana Bread, and Blueberry Bliss, so your child can choose one that suits their palate.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Fruit sandwiches: \u003C/strong>Another great on-the-go snack for kids is one of the \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus?navItem=super-sammies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Super Sammies\u003C/a> from Nurture Life. These crustless sandwiches are packed with yummy sunflower seed butter and real fruit, with significantly less sugar than other brands.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Rolled oats: \u003C/strong>Try the \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus?_gl=1*swo6dc*_gcl_au*OTkyNTM2MjQzLjE3MjI4NTMyOTc.*_ga*MjE1MjgxNzMxLjE3MjI4NTMzMDM.*_ga_5QJ9FQBW8P*MTcyNDY4MjY1Ni45LjEuMTcyNDY4MzA0My41OS4wLjA.&amp;navItem=snacks&amp;tags=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mighty Bites\u003C/a> from Nurture Life if your child wants a chewy treat without all the sugar and mess of a traditional granola bar. These rolled oats bites are available in different flavors, from Snickerdoodle to Chocolate Chip.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>3 Tips for Encouraging Meatless Meals\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Unless your child is a vegetarian or has little desire for meat, getting them to enjoy meatless meals may not be easy. These tips will encourage them to explore meat-free options more:\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Introduce new recipes:\u003C/strong> Frequently introduce new recipes to maintain variety and keep your child interested.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Start small:\u003C/strong> Introduce new meal options in small portions. You can use them as a side dish with a meal your child already loves. Celebrate kids when they try unfamiliar options for greater encouragement.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Involve your child:\u003C/strong> Allow your child to choose from a small selection of meal ideas and help out in the kitchen. They may be more inclined to try new foods if they participate in the meal preparation process.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Ch2>Explore Meatless Meal Options With Nurture Life\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Remember that your child may react differently to each meal — they may accept some dishes and reject others. Experiment with various recipes and meal options from Nurture Life to find what works best for your family.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Nurture Life understands kids. Their expert approach to making easy-to-prepare, nutritious, and delicious meals makes them the go-to option for quick, nourishing dishes for all types of eaters.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Find more tips and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/category/picky-eaters/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">tricks for feeding picky eaters\u003C/a> on our blog, and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/onboarding/plans/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">shop the healthy meal plans\u003C/a> from Nurture Life today!\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus?navItem=heatable-meals\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-31149 size-full\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/03-Explore-Meatless-Meal-Options-With-Nurture-Life.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/03-Explore-Meatless-Meal-Options-With-Nurture-Life.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/03-Explore-Meatless-Meal-Options-With-Nurture-Life-300x125.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/03-Explore-Meatless-Meal-Options-With-Nurture-Life-1024x427.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/03-Explore-Meatless-Meal-Options-With-Nurture-Life-768x320.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"mobileImage":17,"__typename":138},{"node":327,"__typename":146},{"id":328,"link":329,"sourceUrl":330,"altText":19,"__typename":145},"cG9zdDozMTE0Nw==","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/meatless-meals-picky-eaters/01-meatless-meals-for-picky-eaters/","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/01-Meatless-Meals-for-Picky-Eaters-880x500.jpg",{"nodes":332,"__typename":153},[333,334],{"name":61,"slug":62,"__typename":6},{"name":70,"slug":71,"__typename":6},{"edges":336,"__typename":225},[],{"node":338,"__typename":236},{"authorMeta":339,"name":267,"description":268,"avatar":340,"__typename":235},{"avatar":17,"__typename":229},{"url":270,"__typename":234},{"title":319,"metaDesc":342,"opengraphUrl":321,"opengraphTitle":319,"opengraphDescription":342,"opengraphImage":343,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":345,"opengraphModifiedTime":19,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19,"__typename":243},"Looking to introduce meatless meals to your picky eater? Find delicious meatless meal or snack ideas, and explore the menu from Nurture Life online today!",{"sourceUrl":344,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/01-Meatless-Meals-for-Picky-Eaters.jpg","2024-09-23T19:41:43+00:00",{"id":347,"title":348,"slug":349,"link":350,"uri":351,"date":352,"modified":353,"content":354,"featuredImageForMobile":355,"featuredImage":356,"categories":361,"tags":367,"author":419,"seo":429,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDo1Nzc5","Best Combo Purees for Stage 2 Baby Food","best-combo-baby-purees","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/best-combo-baby-purees/","/blog/best-combo-baby-purees/","2024-09-19T13:22:39","2024-09-19T20:34:12","\u003Cp>After your baby has become accustomed to \u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/best-first-baby-purees/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stage 1 single-ingredient purees\u003C/a> and is ready for more sophisticated tastes and textures, it’s time to dive into Stage 2 baby food combination purees.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>To ease this next step of your baby’s food adventure, we’re highlighting some of the best baby food puree combos, starting with two ingredients and then moving on to more complex blends of three ingredients and more. Stick around to the end for additional Stage 2 feeding tips from one of Nurture Life’s registered dietitians!\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Start With Two-Ingredient \u003C/b>\u003Cb>Baby Food Combinations\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somewhere around 8–10 months of age, your baby will have adjusted to the single-ingredient purees of Stage 1 and will be \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/when-start-stage-2-baby-food/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ready to start \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stage 2 baby foods\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which are generally thicker and chunkier, while introducing new ingredients and flavors. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before diving into all those inventive multi-ingredient blends, however, we recommend easing in with a few basic purees of only two ingredients.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Why Start With Two-Ingredient Purees?\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>That blackberry, kale, turkey, and quinoa puree may sound more fun (and maybe even healthier), but we like starting with simpler two-ingredient purees. It’s not a hard-and-fast rule, but focusing on two-ingredient purees can help you navigate these mealtime moments:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Food sensitivities:\u003C/strong> By introducing only one new food at a time, you’ll be able to identify any food intolerances or allergies, including \u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/big-8-allergens/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the most common “Big 8” allergens\u003C/a>.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Food acceptance:\u003C/strong> Too much change at once can be overwhelming for a baby who’s already changing so much every day. Focusing on small tweaks to already-accepted foods will help your baby adjust more smoothly.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Palate development:\u003C/strong> Gradually layering new flavors and textures will help “warm up” your baby’s palate for the more advanced Stage 2 combinations.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Nutritious Ideas for Two-Ingredient \u003C/b>\u003Cb>Stage 2 Baby Food\u003C/b>\u003Cb> \u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you move into Stage 2 \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">baby food combinations\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, start with ingredients that your little one knows and tolerates. Keep things safe and simple by combining one already-accepted food with one new food, gradually expanding your baby’s diet one ingredient at a time. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Based on whatever your baby already likes, try out some of these two-ingredient puree ideas to get started:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beef &amp; Carrot\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banana &amp; Avocado\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweet Potato &amp; Raspberry\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beets &amp; Pear\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicken &amp; Sweet Potato\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zucchini &amp; Apple\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cauliflower &amp; Spinach\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pumpkin &amp; Farro\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green Peas &amp; Mushrooms\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Golden Delicious Apple &amp; Kale\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brown Rice &amp; Beans\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spinach &amp; Lentils\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strawberry &amp; Salmon\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Edamame &amp; Mango\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>For your baby’s Stage 2 starter purees, there’s almost no two-ingredient combination you can’t try! Feel free to blend almost any fruit, veggie, grain, or protein — just as long as your purees include one ingredient your baby already accepts and remain mushy, moist, and lightly textured.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Signs That Your Baby Is Ready for Stage 2\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Usually, babies 6 to 9 months old are ready for Stage 2 baby food purees. However, babies develop on their own schedules, so what works for someone else&#8217;s baby may not work for yours. As a result, you must pay attention to the cues your baby sends you to show that they&#8217;re ready to explore more complex baby food combinations.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Here are signs to look out for:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Comfortable eating:\u003C/strong> During Stage 1, you&#8217;ll notice that your baby pushes the food out with their tongue, making the feeding process challenging. That tongue thrust reflex will begin to disappear, indicating that your child is learning to eat properly.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Increased appetite:\u003C/strong> A few weeks or months after initiating Stage 1 foods, you may notice your baby&#8217;s appetite has increased and they seem to want more than the usual serving.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Enjoyment:\u003C/strong> After a while, your baby may show you that they enjoy their food by eagerly awaiting every spoonful.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Variety:\u003C/strong> If you&#8217;ve gone through all of the single Stage 1 ingredients, like fruits, vegetables, and legumes, without a hitch and the baby seems to love the journey, it&#8217;s probably time to move on to the next level.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>If your baby displays some of these signs, the two of you are ready to dive into some of the best combo baby purees for Stage 2.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Add Depth With Three-Ingredient \u003C/b>\u003Cb>Stage 2 Baby Food\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As your baby explores different food groups, colors and flavors in the form of two-ingredient purees, you can start expanding into more complex purees of \u003C/span>\u003Cb>three ingredients or more\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like the earlier two-ingredient \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">baby food combinations\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, consider introducing only one new food at a time, even as the purees get more complicated. If you&#8217;re ever worried about your baby&#8217;s tolerance of a certain food due to a family history of food allergies or otherwise, we&#8217;d recommend a combo puree that contains ingredients your baby has already tried plus one new ingredient blended in. This is also a great way to introduce the \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/big-8-allergens/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Big 8 allergens\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (with your pediatrician&#8217;s guidance)!\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although many \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stage 2 baby foods\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> still lead with fruits and veggies, there’s so much more for your little one to explore! Expand your baby’s palate beyond the “standard stuff” with these more grown-up combination purees.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Stage 2 Purees\u003C/b>\u003Cb> With Whole Grains\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why not skip the quick-dissolve rice cereals and blend in some nutrient-rich whole grains? With a helping of fiber, protein, and complex carbs, whole grains are important for your baby’s energy and digestive health.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Whole Grain Puree Ideas \u003C/b>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zucchini, Yam, &amp; Farro\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.easybabymeals.com/milletbroccolicarrot/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Millet, Broccoli, &amp; Carrot\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banana, Raisin, &amp; Oatmeal\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://hankyshappyhome.com/chicken-quinoa-pear-baby-food-puree/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicken, Quinoa, &amp; Pear\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Stage 2 Purees\u003C/b>\u003Cb> With Proteins\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protein serves as the main building block of the body, helping power muscle development and transport essential nutrients for bodily processes. You&#8217;ll find good sources of protein for your baby in blends with meat, legumes or whole grains.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Protein-Packed Puree Ideas\u003C/b>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.buonapappa.net/sole-fish-puree-baby-food-basics/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">White Fish, Potato, &amp; Pumpkin\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"http://thepeacheepear.com/2017/12/26/sweet-potato-kale-and-chickpeas-puree-7-m/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweet Potato, Kale, &amp; Chickpeas\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turkey, Sweet Potato, &amp; Golden Beet\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://thelemonbowl.com/blueberry-oatmeal-baby-smoothie/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole Milk Yogurt, Oatmeal, &amp; Blueberries\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://recipes.sagespoonfuls.com/seven-to-nine-months/sweet-potato-pear-and-lentil-stage-two-baby-food-recipe/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweet Potato, Pear, &amp; Lentil\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Stage 2 Purees\u003C/b>\u003Cb> With Herbs &amp; Spices\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Exposure to a variety of spices, herbs, and seasonings early on can help your baby learn to accept (and even like!) more foods over a lifetime. Start integrating these new ingredients and a little culinary flair into your baby’s meals to give them a good introduction to more “adult” flavors. In addition to interesting whole grains, unexpected proteins, and varied fruits and veggies, Nurture Life gives babies a palatable way to try out spices like curry, turmeric, thyme, and cinnamon.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Herb &amp; Spice Puree Ideas\u003C/b>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://babyfoode.com/blog/fennel-peach-pea/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fennel, Peach, &amp; Pea\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mango, Carrot, &amp; Ginger\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.mummycooks.com/blogs/recipes/courgette-mint-and-pea-puree\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zucchini, Mint, &amp; Pea\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://babyfoode.com/blog/apple-raspberry-vanilla-bean-puree/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apple, Raspberry, &amp; Vanilla Bean\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Squash, Bell Pepper, Raisin, Couscous, &amp; Curry\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch3>Stage 2 Purees With Fruits &amp; Vegetables\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Fruits and vegetables give your baby an excellent foundation for a healthy future. Combination baby purees containing fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which are necessary for promoting good health and protection against illnesses. You want your baby&#8217;s immune system to start benefiting from the powerful nutrients in fruits and veggies as soon as possible. That&#8217;s why Stage 2 offers you more room for healthy and delicious combos.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Fruit &amp; Vegetable Puree Ideas\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Broccoli, White Beans, &amp; Apple\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Spinach, Pea, &amp; Pear\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Butternut Squash, Apple, &amp; Carrot\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Carrot, Cauliflower, &amp; Banana\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Lentil, Parsnip, &amp; Pear\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Carrot, Mango, &amp; Banana\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>Your Baby Food Stage 2 FAQs, Answered\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Stage 2 isn’t only about what you serve your baby. It’s also about providing and maintaining a healthy balance of nutrients so your little one is developmentally ready for Stage 3. One of Nurture Life’s registered dietitians explains more below.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Why Is Stage 2 Important?\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>As an intermediary step between liquid single-ingredient purees and chunkier finger foods, Stage 2 bridges the gap between your baby’s first food adventures and their future of self-feeding. It’s an important time for your little one to develop gumming, swallowing, and self-feeding skills, as well as an acceptance of varied flavors and textures.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>How Do I Help Ensure My Baby Gets the Nutrients They Need?\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>During the first year of life, your baby’s primary source of nutrients should be breast milk and/or formula. Any supplemental food is meant to help:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Introduce new flavors and textures to expand your baby’s palate.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Provide additional nutrient benefits beyond breast milk or formula, such as added iron or dietary fiber.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Give insight into your baby’s tolerance of a variety of foods.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Teach your baby’s digestive tract to tolerate different foods.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Help with gross motor functions associated with eating.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Help with dexterity as they learn to self-feed.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>As long as you continue to explore new foods with your baby and offer breast milk or formula, don’t worry too much about finding specific nutrients — your baby will get what they need!\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>What if My Baby Rejects Combo Purees?\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like when your baby\u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/best-first-baby-purees/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> \u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first started Stage 1 purees\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they may take some time to develop a preference for new flavors and textures. Sometimes rejection means, “I’m not ready for that food yet,” and sometimes it means something else:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“I’m teething.”\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“I’m too full from breast milk or formula.”\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“I’m constipated.”\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“I’m tired!”\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can be difficult to know exactly why your baby is rejecting a new combo puree, but the best answer is typically not to worry too much. Just give them a few days off and try again!\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>When Should My Baby Start Stage 3?\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-31142\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-Every-baby-develops-differentlyrev01.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-Every-baby-develops-differentlyrev01.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-Every-baby-develops-differentlyrev01-300x125.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-Every-baby-develops-differentlyrev01-1024x427.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-Every-baby-develops-differentlyrev01-768x320.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Every baby develops differently, but most babies are ready for \u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stage 3 finger foods\u003C/a> by around 10 months. The most important cue is not a specific age but rather an interest in self-feeding, experimentation, and independence — along with key developmental capabilities like grasping and mushing. For more tips, check out our \u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/transitioning-baby-finger-foods/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">guide on transitioning to finger foods\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>How Do I Know Which Ingredients Cause Allergies?\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Allergies are a big concern for parents, but it&#8217;s easy to tell if your child is allergic to certain ingredients as you progress through Stage 1, where you explore single-ingredient baby food recipes.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>You want to move your baby to the next stage once you&#8217;ve gone through all the food groups, focusing on one ingredient at a time and allowing your baby to adjust to each. Since you can experiment with three or more ingredients at Stage 2, introduce any new ingredient alongside those your baby already eats. That way, in case of a bad reaction, you&#8217;ll know the culprit.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>What’s the Consistency of Stage 2 Baby Food?\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>In terms of texture, Stage 2 purees aren&#8217;t that different from Stage 1. They should be slightly thicker than Stage 1 but pureed instead of mashed. You can achieve the necessary consistency by blending your combination with less water.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>What if the Texture Is Too Thick?\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Usually, you&#8217;ll want to have some leftover water from draining your ingredients after cooking. Add it directly to the food while stirring until you&#8217;re satisfied with the texture. Alternatively, you can use plain boiled water, formula, or breastmilk to thin your baby&#8217;s food.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Find Healthy Baby Meals, Tips, and Resources at Nurture Life\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-31022 size-full\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03-explore-healthy-meal-options-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03-explore-healthy-meal-options-1.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03-explore-healthy-meal-options-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03-explore-healthy-meal-options-1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/03-explore-healthy-meal-options-1-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" />\u003C/a>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cbr />\n\u003C/span>\u003C/i>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cbr />\n\u003C/span>\u003C/i>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you enter and move through Stage 2, the best \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">baby food combinations\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will add a whole new world of excitement to your baby’s high chair tray. By layering new ingredients slowly, you can help your little one learn to love various flavors and textures while getting important nutrients for growth. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>If you have any questions about supporting your baby’s eating journey through Stage 2 and 3 foods, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/contact-us/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">contact Nurture Life’s child nutrition experts\u003C/a> today!\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>&nbsp;\u003C/p>\n",{"mobileImage":17,"__typename":138},{"node":357,"__typename":146},{"id":358,"link":359,"sourceUrl":360,"altText":19,"__typename":145},"cG9zdDozMTE0MA==","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/01-best-combo-purees-for-stage-2-baby-food/","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/01-Best-Combo-Purees-for-Stage-2-Baby-Food-880x500.jpg",{"nodes":362,"__typename":153},[363,364,365,366],{"name":25,"slug":26,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"__typename":6},{"name":79,"slug":80,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"__typename":6},{"edges":368,"__typename":225},[369,387,403],{"node":370,"__typename":192},{"id":371,"name":372,"posts":373,"__typename":191},"dGVybToxODA2","Baby food combinations",{"edges":374,"__typename":190},[375],{"node":376,"__typename":175},{"id":347,"slug":349,"categories":377,"title":348,"excerpt":383,"featuredImage":384,"__typename":174},{"nodes":378,"__typename":153},[379,380,381,382],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":79,"slug":80,"id":78,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},"\u003Cp>After your baby has become accustomed to Stage 1 single-ingredient purees and is ready for more sophisticated tastes and textures, it’s time to dive into Stage 2 baby food combination purees. To ease this next step of your baby’s food adventure, we’re highlighting some of the best baby food puree combos, starting with two ingredients and then&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/best-combo-baby-purees/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":385,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":386,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/01-Best-Combo-Purees-for-Stage-2-Baby-Food.jpg",{"node":388,"__typename":192},{"id":389,"name":390,"posts":391,"__typename":191},"dGVybToxODA3","Baby food puree combos",{"edges":392,"__typename":190},[393],{"node":394,"__typename":175},{"id":347,"slug":349,"categories":395,"title":348,"excerpt":383,"featuredImage":401,"__typename":174},{"nodes":396,"__typename":153},[397,398,399,400],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":79,"slug":80,"id":78,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},{"node":402,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":386,"__typename":145},{"node":404,"__typename":192},{"id":405,"name":406,"posts":407,"__typename":191},"dGVybToxODA4","Baby food stage 2",{"edges":408,"__typename":190},[409],{"node":410,"__typename":175},{"id":347,"slug":349,"categories":411,"title":348,"excerpt":383,"featuredImage":417,"__typename":174},{"nodes":412,"__typename":153},[413,414,415,416],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":79,"slug":80,"id":78,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},{"node":418,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":386,"__typename":145},{"node":420,"__typename":236},{"authorMeta":421,"name":425,"description":426,"avatar":427,"__typename":235},{"avatar":422,"__typename":229},{"node":423,"__typename":305},{"sourceUrl":424,"altText":19,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/img43@2x.jpg","Lara Field","Lara has been working with Nurture Life since its inception, collaborating with the culinary team on the creation of all menus and recipes to ensure they are nutritionally appropriate and correctly proportioned for every age and stage of a child’s development and providing pediatric nutrition expertise to Nurture Life customers. Lara is the owner/founder of FEED—Forming Early Eating Decisions, a nutrition consulting practice specializing in pediatric nutrition and digestive diseases. Lara has over a decade of experience in clinical practice at two of the top ranked pediatric hospitals in the country, Lurie Children’s Hospital and University of Chicago Medical Center. Lara received her B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and M.S. and dietetic internship from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Lara truly enjoys the process of eating (and feeding!), from procuring the ingredients at various grocery stores and farmers markets, to organizing her pantry/refrigerator at home to make it easy to select healthy options, to preparing balanced meals with her children. Whether it be a decadent treat to a hearty, home-cooked meal, there is no greater satisfaction for Lara than enjoying food with her family.",{"url":428,"__typename":234},"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f9529e44f2106b72c3da8bb75f11fa0d7f564078b974e916a25b5c58e9fa101e?s=96&d=mm&r=g",{"title":430,"metaDesc":431,"opengraphUrl":350,"opengraphTitle":348,"opengraphDescription":431,"opengraphImage":432,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":433,"opengraphModifiedTime":434,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19,"__typename":243},"Best Combo Purees for Stage 2 Baby Food | Nurture Life","Need ideas for Stage 2 baby food? From simple 2-ingredient blends to more sophisticated blends of 3 ingredients and more, this list has you covered!",{"sourceUrl":386,"__typename":145},"2024-09-19T13:22:39+00:00","2024-09-19T20:34:12+00:00",{"id":436,"title":437,"slug":438,"link":439,"uri":440,"date":441,"modified":442,"content":443,"featuredImageForMobile":444,"featuredImage":445,"categories":450,"tags":455,"author":504,"seo":510,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDo0NTc4","10 of the Best First Baby Puree Recipes","best-first-baby-purees","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/best-first-baby-purees/","/blog/best-first-baby-purees/","2024-09-10T10:20:39","2024-09-10T18:00:27","\u003Cp>Just finished your 4- or 6-month well-baby checkup and got the seal of approval to start solids from your pediatrician? If you and your baby are ready for Stage 1 purees, you’re both in for an exciting adventure. There are some amazing baby food purees out there with an endless variety of flavors!\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>When introducing solid foods to your baby, single-ingredient fruit and veggie purees are the best starter foods. Also called Stage 1 baby foods, these purees are served in addition to breast milk or formula and play several important roles for your baby, such as:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Helping them adjust to something other than breast milk or formula\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Developing tongue control, gumming and swallowing capabilities\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Identifying any food sensitivities or allergies\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Encouraging an early acceptance of varied flavors, colors and textures\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>How to Know When Your Baby Is Ready for Purees\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Introducing something new, like solid food, to your baby can be anxiety-inducing, especially when you&#8217;re not sure they are ready yet. At this point, you&#8217;re excited about moving the baby to the next stage, but if you do it too early, it could lead to serious risks like choking. According to the \u003Ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/when-to-introduce-solid-foods.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u003C/a> (CDC), you can typically introduce your baby to solid foods at four to six months. However, since each baby is different, there isn&#8217;t a strict rule that says you can&#8217;t begin earlier so long as your baby is past four months of age and is developmentally ready to try a new diet outside breastmilk and formula.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Within four to six months, you can look for developmental indications your little one is ready to try baby purees. Look out for these readiness signs:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Sitting independently and demonstrating good head, neck and body control\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Learning to swallow and refraining from pushing food outward with its tongue\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Showing interest in your food and trying to grab it off your plate\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Managing to grasp items and trying to put them in its mouth\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>Nutritional Benefits of Baby Purees\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Baby purees are a first-stage baby food, perfect for helping your little one explore new ingredients and develop eating skills. Here are \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/food-nutrition/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">some of the nutritional benefits\u003C/a> of purees:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Growth and development:\u003C/strong> Nutrient-rich purees contain essential vitamins and minerals for proper growth and development. Food purees containing vegetables, fruits, and animal products offer your baby a strong nutritional foundation as they continue to develop the motor skills needed to explore more diets.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Improved immune system:\u003C/strong> Baby purees made from freshly sourced ingredients are free from chemical preservatives, which reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Additionally, puree&#8217;s high nutritional value can strengthen the baby&#8217;s immune system, helping them fight illnesses.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Flavor variety:\u003C/strong> Babies are often picky eaters and can refuse certain flavors. Purees offer endless flavor options, from single flavors to different blends. The ease of turning various foods into baby purees allows your child to sample multiple flavors.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-31096 aligncenter\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-nutritional-benefits-of-baby-purees.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-nutritional-benefits-of-baby-purees.png 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-nutritional-benefits-of-baby-purees-300x125.png 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-nutritional-benefits-of-baby-purees-1024x427.png 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-nutritional-benefits-of-baby-purees-768x320.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Our 10 Favorite Baby Puree Recipes\u003C/h2>\n\u003Ch3>1. Carrot Puree\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>With a sweet taste and smooth consistency, pureed carrots are typically one of the most well-accepted first baby foods from 4–6 months of age. High in beta-carotene (which turns into vitamin A in the body), carrots help keep little eyes healthy.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Parent tip: If your baby doesn’t seem on board with the carrot puree, it may be the concept of solid food itself that’s confusing. Help your baby learn how to eat solids by giving them a chance to examine it themselves — dab some on the high chair and let them play around before offering it on a spoon.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>2. Yam or Sweet Potato Puree\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Sweet potatoes and yams are not the same, but when it comes to starting solids, they may as well be! Both are good sources of vitamin A, B6, C and E. These nutrients contribute to healthy eyesight and immune system function.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Parent tip: Yams and sweet potatoes are great to prepare in bulk. Simply set your oven to 450°F, pierce each sweet potato a few times with a fork and place in the oven on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for approximately 50 minutes. When you take them out, the skin will peel right off, and the insides will be perfectly mashable! To extend the life of your mash or puree, batch some out and put it in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, simply place it in the fridge overnight, and you’ll have the perfect puree by morning.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>3. Acorn or Butternut Squash Puree\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Butternut squash and acorn squash are packed with folate, calcium and vitamin A, an antioxidant that aids with vision and fights free radicals. Plus, their sweet taste and smooth texture make them an instant favorite for many babies!\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Parent tip: Make raw squash easier to cut by microwaving the entire squash on high for about 2 minutes. The skin and flesh will be much smoother, allowing you to slice through smoothly. Then scoop out the seeds and roast or boil them before pureeing.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>4. Green Pea Puree\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>In terms of green veggies, peas are one of the best first baby purees to start with, as they provide interesting texture and taste but aren’t bitter. Peas are also high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K and protein, making them a great source of many important nutrients for your baby’s early development.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Parent tip: Because they’re such a starchy vegetable, even pureed peas may be too densely textured for very young babies. If your baby is having trouble with the thickness of the puree, use breast milk, formula or water to thin it out.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>5. Green Bean Puree\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Another hit with babies, green beans are a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C and manganese, which play an important role in a healthy immune system, eyesight, blood clotting and bone development.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Parent tip: If you’re pureeing your own green beans, we recommend straining the puree after blending to extract any fibrous parts. The best first baby purees should be soupy enough to drip off a spoon but thicker than liquid.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>6. Avocado Puree\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Avocados are rich in a variety of nutrients including fiber, vitamin K, folate and vitamin B6. This creamy green fruit is also packed with heart-healthy fats, which are helpful to your baby’s brain and nervous system development.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Parent tip: Look for ripe avocados that are soft to the touch and easy to mash. To see whether an avocado is ripe, check the nubby stem; if it wiggles, the fruit is probably ready to eat! Keep ripe avocados in the refrigerator so they last longer. Once the puree is made, we recommend feeding it to your baby right away to avoid browning and to offer the freshest experience.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>7. Apple Puree\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Apples’ sweet flavor makes them another well-accepted option for first baby foods from 4–6 months of age. Along with dietary fiber for digestive health, apples serve up vitamin C, which is known to help fight free radicals.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Parent tip: For an apple puree that your baby will love, try sweeter, smoother varieties such as Pink Lady, Gala or Golden Delicious. Any apple that bakes well, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, is also a good choice.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>8. Pear Puree\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Like apples, pears also contain dietary fiber and antioxidant vitamin C, helping to support a healthy immune system for your growing baby. Although our favorite is Anjou, babies love the sweet flavor of all kinds of pears!\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Parent tip: To introduce a little variety without any added salt, sugar or seasoning, try mixing up how you cook the pears before pureeing. Start with a simple steam or boil and then move onto the richer, more caramelized flavor of baking or roasting.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>9. Plantain or Banana Puree\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>The mild flavor of bananas and plantains is appealing to most babies, and the texture is easy to manipulate. Both of these fruits offer a variety of nutrients, including fiber for healthy digestion, potassium for blood function and antioxidant vitamin C.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Parent tip: Make your own easy banana puree by peeling, slicing and then mashing the fruit with a fork. For a thinner consistency, toss the banana in a food processor and add water, formula or breast milk as necessary.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>10. Peach Puree\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Boasting plenty of vitamins C and A, peaches are delightfully sweet and another one of the best first baby foods. Their bright yellow-orange color is complemented by powerful antioxidants along with a healthy serving of fiber to aid in your baby’s digestion.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Parent tip: Boil peaches for about 45 seconds to soften before blending. If the peaches are ripe enough, you can skip the boiling and the blender altogether and use a fork or potato masher instead.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>6 Tips for Making Baby Purees\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>You can make the best first baby purees with our listed recipes, as they are simple and won&#8217;t take much time. However, before preparing puree for your baby, follow these tips to ensure your child&#8217;s first foods are clean, nutritious and safe:\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>Before preparing baby food purees, wash your hands and clean the items you&#8217;ll be using, such as utensils, chopping boards and countertops.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Scrub and wash produce, removing seeds and apparent fiber. With low-acid vegetables, take precautions to avoid food poisoning agents like Botulism.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Cook, steam or microwave food until it&#8217;s tender. Before cooking, you want to remove skin, bones and extra fats from fish and meat products.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Puree the food, adding its juices, water, breastmilk or formula until you get the desired texture for your baby. Since you&#8217;re introducing solid foods, start with a thin puree and adjust the texture as your baby adapts.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>To avoid food poisoning and Clostridium botulinum contamination, ensure eggs, meats, and poultry are well-cooked at appropriate temperatures. Since honey is highly likely to contain \u003Ca href=\"https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/botulism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Clostridium botulinum spores\u003C/a> that can make them sick, never add it to your baby&#8217;s food or drinks.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>For convenience, freeze baby food in small single-serving portions and store them in airtight food containers.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Ch2>Give These Baby Puree Recipes a Try!\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>It may take some time for your little one to first accept and then enjoy the new flavors of these Stage 1 baby puree recipes, but don’t fret! Enjoy the process and be sure to give your baby multiple opportunities to explore the same puree.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Another reason that we love these fruits and veggies? In addition to being some of the best first baby purees, they’re also perfect for layering with new flavors, textures and spices/seasonings as your child \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/category/babies/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">transitions from Stage 1 to Stage 2\u003C/a> baby foods. By laying a foundation of well-accepted flavors, you’ll have fun moving onto more exciting combinations of fruits, veggies, grains and proteins with table foods.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Check out the healthy kid&#8217;s menu\u003C/a> from Nurture Life online today.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>&nbsp;\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus?navItem=heatable-meals\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-31097 size-full\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/03-give-these-ababy-puree-recipes-a-try.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/03-give-these-ababy-puree-recipes-a-try.png 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/03-give-these-ababy-puree-recipes-a-try-300x125.png 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/03-give-these-ababy-puree-recipes-a-try-1024x427.png 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/03-give-these-ababy-puree-recipes-a-try-768x320.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"mobileImage":17,"__typename":138},{"node":446,"__typename":146},{"id":447,"link":448,"sourceUrl":449,"altText":19,"__typename":145},"cG9zdDozMTA5NA==","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/best-first-baby-purees/01-10-of-the-best-first-baby-puree-recipes/","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01-10-of-the-Best-First-Baby-Puree-Recipes-880x500.png",{"nodes":451,"__typename":153},[452,453,454],{"name":25,"slug":26,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"__typename":6},{"edges":456,"__typename":225},[457,474,489],{"node":458,"__typename":192},{"id":459,"name":460,"posts":461,"__typename":191},"dGVybToxNzU0","baby first foods 4–6 months",{"edges":462,"__typename":190},[463],{"node":464,"__typename":175},{"id":436,"slug":438,"categories":465,"title":437,"excerpt":470,"featuredImage":471,"__typename":174},{"nodes":466,"__typename":153},[467,468,469],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},"\u003Cp>Just finished your 4- or 6-month well-baby checkup and got the seal of approval to start solids from your pediatrician? If you and your baby are ready for Stage 1 purees, you’re both in for an exciting adventure. There are some amazing baby food purees out there with an endless variety of flavors! When introducing solid foods&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/best-first-baby-purees/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":472,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":473,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01-10-of-the-Best-First-Baby-Puree-Recipes.png",{"node":475,"__typename":192},{"id":476,"name":477,"posts":478,"__typename":191},"dGVybToxNzU1","baby food",{"edges":479,"__typename":190},[480],{"node":481,"__typename":175},{"id":436,"slug":438,"categories":482,"title":437,"excerpt":470,"featuredImage":487,"__typename":174},{"nodes":483,"__typename":153},[484,485,486],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},{"node":488,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":473,"__typename":145},{"node":490,"__typename":192},{"id":491,"name":492,"posts":493,"__typename":191},"dGVybToxNzU4","baby purees",{"edges":494,"__typename":190},[495],{"node":496,"__typename":175},{"id":436,"slug":438,"categories":497,"title":437,"excerpt":470,"featuredImage":502,"__typename":174},{"nodes":498,"__typename":153},[499,500,501],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},{"node":503,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":473,"__typename":145},{"node":505,"__typename":236},{"authorMeta":506,"name":425,"description":426,"avatar":509,"__typename":235},{"avatar":507,"__typename":229},{"node":508,"__typename":305},{"sourceUrl":424,"altText":19,"__typename":145},{"url":428,"__typename":234},{"title":511,"metaDesc":512,"opengraphUrl":439,"opengraphTitle":437,"opengraphDescription":512,"opengraphImage":513,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":514,"opengraphModifiedTime":515,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19,"__typename":243},"The Best Baby Puree Recipes - Our 10 Favorite Purees | Nurture Life","Is your baby ready for solids? Check out 10 of the best baby puree recipes, filled with bright colors, interesting flavors & critical nutrients for growth.",{"sourceUrl":473,"__typename":145},"2024-09-10T10:20:39+00:00","2024-09-10T18:00:27+00:00",{"id":517,"title":518,"slug":519,"link":520,"uri":521,"date":522,"modified":523,"content":524,"featuredImageForMobile":525,"featuredImage":526,"categories":531,"tags":536,"author":613,"seo":619,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDozMDk2Mw==","Toddler Lunch Ideas for Day Care and Preschool","toddler-lunch-ideas-daycare-preschool","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/toddler-lunch-ideas-daycare-preschool/","/blog/toddler-lunch-ideas-daycare-preschool/","2024-01-18T17:34:54","2024-07-15T12:24:08","\u003Cp>Packing food for toddlers as they transition into day care or preschool can be daunting. It&#8217;s not easy to pack a well-balanced and satisfying meal every day! That&#8217;s why we&#8217;ve compiled a list of healthy, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/easy-toddler-lunch-ideas-mix-match-build-nutritious-plate/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">easy toddler lunch ideas\u003C/a> that fulfill your baby&#8217;s nutritional needs and keep them full and energized all day.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Planning for Success\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Planning how and what to pack for day care lunches sets you up for success. For starters, you should determine the right portions for your toddler based on their calorie requirement. Generally, toddlers between 1 and 3 years of age require \u003Ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562207/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">approximately 1,000-1,400 calories daily\u003C/a>, depending on their size, age and activity level.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>To satisfy these calorie needs, consider \u003Ca href=\"https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/kids-healthy-lunchbox-guide/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">filling half of their lunch box\u003C/a> with an assortment of colorful fruits and veggies, one quarter with \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/protein-for-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">healthy proteins\u003C/a> and the second quarter with whole grains. You can also add healthy fats and dairy to ensure they have something from all the five main food groups. Cut the food into toddler-sized pieces and include \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/introduce-baby-nurture-life/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">finger foods\u003C/a> to encourage self-feeding.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Packing foods of different colors and textures is also a good idea because it encourages kids to try the various food groups. Additionally, when packing day care snacks and lunches, you must keep the following \u003Ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">food safety considerations\u003C/a> in mind:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Keep poultry, meat, fish, dairy products, cut fruits and vegetables at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) or below.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Pack cold foods in an insulated lunch box or bag with an ice pack.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Keep soups, casseroles and stews hot at 140 degrees F (73.9 degrees C) or above.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Pack hot food in an insulated container.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Before packing hot food, fill the container with boiling water, let it sit for a few minutes, pour out the water and then add the hot food.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>Building a Balanced Lunch\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Toddlers have rapidly growing bodies that require specific nutrients from all food groups to support their developmental needs. The following are the top food categories you should include in every toddler lunch:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Fruits and vegetables: \u003C/strong>Fruits and vegetables are essential in every toddler&#8217;s lunch box to supply them with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Fruits and veggies also add color and texture to a lunch box.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Proteins: \u003C/strong>Protein-rich lunches keep your kids full for longer, maintain their energy levels, and support the development of a healthy immune system, organs, and muscles. Switch between animal and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/plant-based-protein-ideas-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">plant-based proteins\u003C/a> to ensure a well-balanced diet.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Whole grains: \u003C/strong>Whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and oats are great for toddlers because they provide the energy they need to learn and play.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Dairy and dairy alternatives: \u003C/strong>Dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt—as well as dairy alternatives like tofu—provide toddlers with calcium, protein, and a range of other vitamins and minerals. They are essential for building strong bones and teeth and maintaining overall health.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>Creative Toddler Lunch Ideas\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Ensuring your toddler gets all their nutrients requires you to be creative when preparing their meals. Below are some toddler day care lunch ideas.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>1. Finger Foods\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Finger foods top the list of day care lunch ideas for 1-year-olds and older toddlers. They are essential to teach babies self-feeding and allow them to interact with different food textures. Additionally, they help toddlers develop their hand-eye coordination and chewing skills. Here are some top options:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Mini veggie wraps: \u003C/strong>An excellent way to increase your toddler&#8217;s veggie intake is by wrapping the veggies with yummy whole grain tortillas and cutting them into small pieces.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Fruit kabobs: \u003C/strong>Fruit kabobs are pieces of fresh fruits cut into cubes, balls, or other interesting shapes and threaded onto skewers with blunt edges. They are easy to assemble and boast a visual appeal that makes babies eager to dive in. For the perfect day care snacks for a 1-year-old, opt for soft fruits like bananas. Always be sure someone keeps an eye on your baby while they eat these kabobs, and make sure the skewer is not short enough to fit into their mouths.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Cheese and whole grain crackers: \u003C/strong>Whole grain crackers made of wheat, brown rice, oats, corn, or quinoa paired with sliced pieces of cheese make perfect day care snacks. The best baby crackers are thin, soft and able to be crumbled with two fingers because they are easy on the gum and dissolve quickly to prevent choking.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch3>2. Fun Shapes and Themes\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02-Fun-Shapes-and-themes.jpg\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02-Fun-Shapes-and-themes.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"500\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Children often crave variety in the food they eat. Presenting food in fun shapes and themes may get your \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/picky-eater-kitchen-tools/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">picky toddler to finish the lunch you pack\u003C/a> for them. You can try:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Sandwiches cut into shapes: \u003C/strong>Cutting regular sandwiches makes them easier to manage for toddlers. You can add flair using cookie cutters or a waffle maker to create fun shapes or waffle lines.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Animal-themed lunches: \u003C/strong>You can get your toddler excited about lunch by\u003Cstrong> \u003C/strong>taking inspiration from their favorite animals. Butterfly sandwiches, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/puppy-dog-pancakes/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">puppy dog pancakes\u003C/a> and cute boiled egg penguins are some examples of animal-themed lunches toddlers will love.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch3>3. Engaging Toddler Favorites\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Many toddlers love fun foods like pizza. You can use these favorites to reimagine day care lunch ideas for 2-year-olds. Here are some top options:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Mini pizzas: \u003C/strong>Homemade pizzas can be made using healthy ingredients, including veggies, to ensure nutritional value for your toddlers. Pizza pockets and roll-ups are mess-free options that make eating pizza with tiny hands more enjoyable.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Homemade chicken nuggets: \u003C/strong>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=heatable-meals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chicken nuggets\u003C/a> are a hit with many toddlers and are easy for parents to make. Pack two or three baked or air-fried chicken nuggets in an insulated lunch box with paper towels at the bottom to keep them warm and crispy.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Nut butter and banana sandwiches: \u003C/strong>These are a simple and yummy lunch option that&#8217;s healthy and nutritious. They contain protein, fiber and healthy fats.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch3>4. No-Cook Options\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Here are two yummy no-cook \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=snacks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">toddler snack ideas\u003C/a> for day care:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Greek yogurt parfaits: \u003C/strong>These are easy to throw together provided you have all the ingredients, which include fruit, Greek yogurt and crunchy toppings like granola. It&#8217;s best to pack the crunchy toppings in a separate container to prevent them from getting soggy. Remember to write a note to the educator to add these before serving them for your toddler&#8217;s lunch or snack.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Hummus and veggie dip platter: \u003C/strong>Hummus contains a lot of healthy plant-based protein. You can pack it with pre-cut veggies like celery sticks and baby carrots for your toddler&#8217;s snack.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>Dealing With Picky Eaters\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Most toddlers are picky eaters — not just yours! They&#8217;re still discovering new foods, flavors and textures. Here are \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/parenting-picky-eaters-no-pressure/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">tips to help your picky eater\u003C/a> develop healthy eating habits:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Offer new food without pleading, bartering, with or pressuring them.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Involve your child in the preparing, ordering, or packing of their food.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Allow them to pick out lunch boxes and utensils.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>When introducing new foods, smile and use words of encouragement.\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>Ask open-ended questions when they refuse to eat.\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>The Role of Caregivers and Educators\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Kids often have different feeding habits at home and in school. That&#8217;s why parents must communicate openly with day care and preschool staff to track the differences. You should also discuss your feeding style and dietary restrictions with your child&#8217;s educators to ensure you&#8217;re on the same page. Also, take the opportunity to find out if your child&#8217;s day care or school refrigerate or reheat foods to determine the variety of foods your child can bring.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Get Creative and Healthy Toddler Lunches From Nurture Life\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Preparing healthy toddler lunches for day care or preschool daily can become tasking. Nurture Life is here to make sure your child enjoys healthy and nutritious meals and snacks every day with minimal effort on your end. Our chefs and dietitians make fresh meals weekly using real ingredients and deliver them to your door. We stock \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=finger-foods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Baby Finger Foods\u003C/a>, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=heatable-meals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kids Meals\u003C/a>, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=smoothies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Superfood Smoothies\u003C/a> and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=snacks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mighty Bites\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Check out healthy kid&#8217;s meal menus and \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/onboarding/plans/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">meal plans\u003C/a> to start planning for your easy toddler lunches. You can also \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/how-it-works/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">learn more about our delivery services\u003C/a> or \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/contact-us/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">reach out to us online\u003C/a> if you have any more questions.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.nurturelife.com/onboarding/plans/\">\u003Cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/03-Get-Creative-and-Healthy-Toddler-Lunches-From-Nurture-Life.jpg\" />\u003C/a>\u003Cbr />\n\u003Cscript type=\"application/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https://schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n  \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/toddler-lunch-ideas-daycare-preschool/\"\n  },\n  \"headline\": \"Toddler Lunch Ideas for Day Care and Preschool\",\n  \"description\": \"Packing food for toddlers as they transition into day care or preschool can be daunting. It’s not easy to pack a well-balanced and satisfying meal every day! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of healthy, easy toddler lunch ideas that fulfill your baby’s nutritional needs and keep them full and energized all day.\",\n  \"image\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/01-Toddler-Lunch-Ideas-for-Day-Care-and-Preschool.jpg\",  \n  \"author\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Nurture Life\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/\"\n  },  \n  \"publisher\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Nurture Life\",\n    \"logo\": {\n      \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n      \"url\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/nurture-life-1.svg\"\n    }\n  },\n  \"datePublished\": \"2024-01-18\"\n}\n\u003C/script>\u003C/p>\n",{"mobileImage":17,"__typename":138},{"node":527,"__typename":146},{"id":528,"link":529,"sourceUrl":530,"altText":19,"__typename":145},"cG9zdDozMDk2NA==","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/toddler-lunch-ideas-daycare-preschool/01-toddler-lunch-ideas-for-day-care-and-preschool/","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/01-Toddler-Lunch-Ideas-for-Day-Care-and-Preschool-880x500.jpg",{"nodes":532,"__typename":153},[533,534,535],{"name":61,"slug":62,"__typename":6},{"name":79,"slug":80,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"__typename":6},{"edges":537,"__typename":225},[538,555,584],{"node":539,"__typename":192},{"id":540,"name":541,"posts":542,"__typename":191},"dGVybTo0NTAy","daycare",{"edges":543,"__typename":190},[544],{"node":545,"__typename":175},{"id":517,"slug":519,"categories":546,"title":518,"excerpt":551,"featuredImage":552,"__typename":174},{"nodes":547,"__typename":153},[548,549,550],{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":79,"slug":80,"id":78,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"\u003Cp>Packing food for toddlers as they transition into day care or preschool can be daunting. It&#8217;s not easy to pack a well-balanced and satisfying meal every day! That&#8217;s why we&#8217;ve compiled a list of healthy, easy toddler lunch ideas that fulfill your baby&#8217;s nutritional needs and keep them full and energized all day. Planning for Success Planning&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/toddler-lunch-ideas-daycare-preschool/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":553,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":554,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/01-Toddler-Lunch-Ideas-for-Day-Care-and-Preschool.jpg",{"node":556,"__typename":192},{"id":557,"name":558,"posts":559,"__typename":191},"dGVybTozODQz","healthy lunch for kids",{"edges":560,"__typename":190},[561,570],{"node":562,"__typename":175},{"id":517,"slug":519,"categories":563,"title":518,"excerpt":551,"featuredImage":568,"__typename":174},{"nodes":564,"__typename":153},[565,566,567],{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":79,"slug":80,"id":78,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":569,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":554,"__typename":145},{"node":571,"__typename":175},{"id":572,"slug":573,"categories":574,"title":579,"excerpt":580,"featuredImage":581,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxOTEwNQ==","healthy-meals-for-kids-our-library-of-healthy-meal-ideas",{"nodes":575,"__typename":153},[576,577,578],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":79,"slug":80,"id":78,"__typename":6},"Healthy Meals for Kids: Our Library of Healthy Meal Ideas","\u003Cp>Disguise veggies in crazy delicious ways and no one will be the wiser. Feed your kids these super healthy recipes they deserve tonight and every day, whether delivered to your door or cooked in your home. Give these healthy meals for kids a try, and you won&#8217;t regret it! You might even find a new&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/healthy-meals-for-kids-our-library-of-healthy-meal-ideas/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":582,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":583,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/header-healthy-meals.jpg",{"node":585,"__typename":192},{"id":586,"name":587,"posts":588,"__typename":191},"dGVybTozMzUx","healthy meals for toddlers",{"edges":589,"__typename":190},[590,599],{"node":591,"__typename":175},{"id":517,"slug":519,"categories":592,"title":518,"excerpt":551,"featuredImage":597,"__typename":174},{"nodes":593,"__typename":153},[594,595,596],{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":79,"slug":80,"id":78,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":598,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":554,"__typename":145},{"node":600,"__typename":175},{"id":601,"slug":602,"categories":603,"title":608,"excerpt":609,"featuredImage":610,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxODQxMw==","introduce-healthy-toddler-meals",{"nodes":604,"__typename":153},[605,606,607],{"name":34,"slug":35,"id":33,"__typename":6},{"name":43,"slug":44,"id":42,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"How to Introduce Your Toddler to Nurture Life’s Healthy Toddler Meals","\u003Cp>The toddler years are packed with milestone after milestone. You’ll see your little one learning how to walk and run, how to string words into phrases and how to push your buttons with their newfound independence. Part of this exciting transition is the move away from baby food to “real” table food—giving your growing toddler&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/introduce-healthy-toddler-meals/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":611,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":612,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Introduce-Toddler-to-Nurture-Life-2.jpg",{"node":614,"__typename":236},{"authorMeta":615,"name":616,"description":17,"avatar":617,"__typename":235},{"avatar":17,"__typename":229},"Carly Allport",{"url":618,"__typename":234},"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/2eac9047090b2d5aebf2e095b257f51d6e05cc8ffbcfd11567e1869e204c3630?s=96&d=mm&r=g",{"title":620,"metaDesc":19,"opengraphUrl":520,"opengraphTitle":518,"opengraphDescription":621,"opengraphImage":622,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":623,"opengraphModifiedTime":624,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19,"__typename":243},"Toddler Lunch Ideas for Day Care and Preschool | Nurture Life","Packing food for toddlers as they transition into day care or preschool can be daunting. It’s not easy to pack a well-balanced and satisfying meal every day! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of healthy, easy toddler lunch ideas that fulfill your baby’s nutritional needs and keep them full and energized all day. Planning for Success Planning... Read More",{"sourceUrl":554,"__typename":145},"2024-01-18T17:34:54+00:00","2024-07-15T12:24:08+00:00",{"id":626,"title":627,"slug":628,"link":629,"uri":630,"date":631,"modified":632,"content":633,"featuredImageForMobile":634,"featuredImage":638,"categories":644,"tags":649,"author":740,"seo":746,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxOTQ4Nw==","Healthy, Plant-Based Protein Meal Ideas for Kids","plant-based-protein-ideas-kids","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/plant-based-protein-ideas-kids/","/blog/plant-based-protein-ideas-kids/","2020-12-07T21:33:41","2024-08-12T12:44:14","\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether or not your family follows a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet, there’s always room for more veggies on the plate! Especially for active and growing kids, \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sources are rich in essential nutrients and tend to be a very good source of dietary fiber. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you’d like to incorporate more veggie goodness into your \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthy family meals\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we’re sharing some of our favorite ideas for veggie-forward and fully \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vegetarian meals for kids\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Your kids will see that protein doesn’t have to mean meat!\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>12 High-Protein, Veggie-Focused \u003C/b>\u003Cb>Meals for Kids\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plant-based can mean a variety of things from vegan, to vegetarian, to simply including more plants including legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Below, we’re providing nutritious meal ideas to fit all categories, broken down by their primary plant-based protein source. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Legume-Based Protein Ideas\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19490\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout-1024x737.jpg\" alt=\"vegetarian meals for kids | Nurture Life\" width=\"600\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout-1024x737.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout-300x216.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout-768x553.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout-1200x864.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout.jpg 1250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also known as “pulses,” legumes are seeds or pods. Common legumes include chickpeas, black beans, green peas and lentils. Try out some of these legume-rich \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meals for kids\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.forksoverknives.com/recipes/vegan-burgers-wraps/five-ingredient-veggie-burger/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Five-Ingredient Veggie Burgers\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: These quick veggie burgers are made from canned black beans and rolled oats, and the recipe’s spice recommendations can be easily substituted with your kids’ favorite herbs, seasonings or sauces. \u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/#product-veggie-ragout-pasta-with-fresh-mozzarella-b0/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Veggie Ragout Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A warm bowl of Italian-style pasta is always a hit with kids! Nurture Life’s signature red sauce has lentils smoothly blended in for a plant-based pop of fiber, vitamins and minerals.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.onelovelylife.com/slow-cooker-vegetable-bean-soup-gf-df-v/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Slow Cooker Vegetable Bean Soup\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This vegan soup features a hearty serving of Great Northern beans along with classic soup veggies like carrots and celery. Just toss the ingredients together and let the slow cooker work its magic.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Why Legumes?\u003C/b>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Legumes are low in fat and high in protein, and most legumes are rich in folate and dietary fiber. \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4608274/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies have shown that regular consumption of legumes\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure management and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Soy-Based Protein Ideas\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19492\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dumplings-1024x737.jpg\" alt=\"vegetarian meals for kids | Nurture Life\" width=\"600\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dumplings-1024x737.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dumplings-300x216.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dumplings-768x553.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dumplings-1200x864.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/dumplings.jpg 1250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soybeans are technically a legume, but as far as plant-based proteins go, soy is truly in a class of its own! Popular preparations include boiled soybeans (edamame), firm or soft tofu and tempeh nuggets or slices. Here are some delicious ways to serve this versatile protein:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.noracooks.com/easy-baked-tofu-nuggets/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Baked Tofu Nuggets\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A delightfully kid-friendly introduction to tofu, these vegan nuggets are made from extra-firm tofu dipped in almond milk and breadcrumbs and then baked to the perfect crisp.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/teriyaki-tempeh-and-broccoli/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Garlic Teriyaki Tempeh\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This vegan meal is your classic beef and broccoli without the beef! It serves up a full serving of protein and veggies, along with extra fiber from brown rice on the side.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/#product-chicken-vegetable-dumplings-with-edamame-T4/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Chicken &amp; Vegetable Dumplings with Edamame\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Our little dumplings are a great way to incorporate \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without going fully vegetarian. Our dumplings are packed with chicken and tofu and come with a side of pop-in-your-mouth edamame—giving your kids two servings of soy in one!\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Why Soy? \u003C/b>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike most \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sources, \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19145965/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">soybeans contain all nine amino acids\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that are essential for human nutrition. In nutritional terms, that makes soy a “complete” protein. Studies have also shown that \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5188409/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">soy may stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially in the colon. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Whole Grain-Based Protein Ideas\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19493\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mac-1024x737.jpg\" alt=\"vegetarian meals for kids | Nurture Life\" width=\"600\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mac-1024x737.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mac-300x216.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mac-768x553.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mac-1200x864.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mac.jpg 1250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By replacing your kids’ favorite refined grains with whole grains, you can easily increase their intake of dietary fiber and \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. To help \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/overcome-picky-eating-3-techniques/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">picky eaters transition\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we recommend mixing the accepted refined grain (like white rice) with the new whole grain (like brown rice) and then slowly adjusting the ratio over time. You can try this method with any of these whole grain-focused meal ideas: \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://damndelicious.net/2013/10/16/quinoa-chili/?crlt.pid=camp.wmtaXVPb2wva\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Quinoa Chili\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This vegetarian chili not only includes quinoa but also black beans and kidney beans for a triple serving of whole grain- and legume-based protein. Although this chili has quite a few ingredients, you can throw them all in a pot to stew for a fairly hassle-free prep.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/broccoli-cheese-wild-rice-casserole/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Wild Rice and Broccoli Casserole\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This one-pan meal is a deliciously cheesy take on vegetarian protein. The wild rice blend is balanced with spinach and broccoli for a colorful, nutrient-rich bite. Can’t find wild rice? Consider swapping in another whole grain alternative like farro or buckwheat!\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=heatable-meals#product-mac-cheese\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Mac &amp; Cheese with Butternut Squash\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Our Mac &amp; Cheese features whole wheat pasta tossed in a creamy four-cheese sauce with smoothly pureed organic butternut squash. It’s one of our \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/nurture-life-meals-for-picky-eaters/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">all-time favorite picky eater meals\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Why Whole Grains?\u003C/b>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole grains are packed with many essential nutrients, especially B vitamins and dietary fiber. According to researchers, \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3078018/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whole grains are associated with a lower risk\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of many chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and cancer. One of the most nutrient-dense whole grains is quinoa, which, like soy, has all nine essential amino acids.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Nut-Based Protein Ideas\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As long as no one in your family has a \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/big-8-allergens/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">food allergy\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, nuts are the perfect way to add a nutritious boost to any dish. Nuts contain valuable nutrients including heart-healthy fats and minerals including selenium (a powerful antioxidant).\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://simple-veganista.com/west-african-peanut-stew/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Vegan Peanut Stew\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Peanuts are a traditional ingredient in many West African dishes, including this vegan take on peanut stew. With all-natural peanut butter stewed in and crushed peanuts added on top, this dish has double the nut-based protein.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Homemade Trail Mix\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The best thing about trail mix is that you can easily tailor it to your kids’ taste while keeping things healthy! Try out \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://totaste.com/recipe/basic-trail-mix/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this basic trail mix base\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and add dried fruit, unsweetened coconut, dark chocolate and more.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://feednutrition.com/recipe/banana-bread-smoothie/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Banana Walnut Smoothie\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Freeze some bananas and combine them with almond milk, chopped walnuts and cinnamon. For a heartier breakfast smoothie, add some rolled oats.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>Why Nuts?\u003C/b>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nuts are a lean source of protein that’s rich in healthy fats and dietary fiber. For a boost of \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, chopped nuts can be easily added to virtually any dish, from yogurt to soup to casserole to salad. When choosing nuts at the store, we recommend raw or roasted nuts with \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/reduce-sodium-sugar-intake-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">no added sugar or salt\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>What Are the Benefits of \u003C/b>\u003Cb>Plant-Based Protein\u003C/b>\u003Cb> for Kids?\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of the meals above are certainly delicious, but do veggie-focused protein sources really provide any particular benefit to kids and adults? The research is still ongoing, but there are at least a few benefits to incorporating more \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> into your family’s meal routine:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Short-Term Health Benefits\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Eating a plant-based diet will almost certainly increase the number and variety of veggies that your kids are eating on a daily basis, ensuring a well-balanced diet that’s full of essential nutrients required for physical and cognitive development.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Long-Term Health Benefits\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In general, plant-based foods are lower in cholesterol and saturated fat—and when they are higher in fat, it tends to be \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/faqs-healthy-fats-for-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the “good” kind of fat\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-for-kids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some studies\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show that plant-based diets reduce the risk for heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes and other chronic health conditions.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Environmental Benefits\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Factory farming is one of the biggest global contributors to deforestation, water use and methane production (a gas that contributes to climate change). Especially compared to beef production, \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/18/health/plant-based-diet-climate-change-food-drayer/index.html#:~:text=A%20mainly%20plant%2Dbased%20diet,fresh%20water%2C%20according%20to%20Springmann.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based sources are more sustainable and earth-friendly\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Is a Plant-Based Diet Right for You?\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plant-based or not, \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/protein-for-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">protein is essential to your kids’ healthy growth and development\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You can absolutely incorporate more plant-based proteins and \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vegetarian meals for kids\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without deciding to completely cut out meat or eliminate all animal products. Every child is different and has different developmental and dietary needs, and there’s really no “right” way to feed your kids. You know what’s best and most realistic for your family. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you do choose to go fully vegetarian or vegan, dietitians recommend that you keep an eye on nutrients that are less abundant in \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-based protein\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> sources, especially vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, vitamin D and iron. You \u003C/span>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can\u003C/span>\u003C/i>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> get these \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Plant-Based-Diets.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nutrients from plant-based foods\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">—including whole grain bread, soy milk, kale, broccoli, chickpeas, lentils, potatoes, nuts, mushrooms and fortified milk substitutes—but they’re often present in lower quantities and may be more difficult to absorb than their animal-based counterparts. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Concerned about your kid’s diet? We always recommend speaking with your pediatrician about any specific concerns you might have. If you have questions about \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurture Life’s healthy \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meals for kids\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or how to incorporate more veggie-based proteins into your family’s routine, then please reach out to us at \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"mailto:support@nurturelife.com\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">support@nurturelife.com\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=plant-based-protein-ideas-kids-20201207\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19494 size-large\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template-1024x448.jpg\" alt=\"baby, toddler &amp; kid meals | Nurture Life\" width=\"1024\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template-1024x448.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template-300x131.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template-768x336.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template-1536x672.jpg 1536w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template-1200x525.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTA-template.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003Cbr />\n\u003Cscript type=\"application/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https://schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n  \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/blog/plant-based-protein-ideas-kids/\"\n  },\n  \"headline\": \"Healthy, Plant-Based Protein Meal Ideas for Kids\",\n  \"description\": \"Whether or not your family follows a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet, there’s always room for more veggies on the plate! Especially for active and growing kids, plant-based protein sources are rich in essential nutrients and tend to be a very good source of dietary fiber. If you’d like to incorporate more veggie goodness into your healthy family meals, we’re sharing some of our favorite ideas for veggie-forward and fully vegetarian meals for kids. Your kids will see that protein doesn’t have to mean meat!\",\n  \"image\": \"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/veggie-ragout-1024x737.jpg\",  \n  \"author\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Nurture Life\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/\"\n  },  \n  \"publisher\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Nurture Life\",\n    \"logo\": {\n      \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n      \"url\": \"https://www.nurturelife.com/assets/images/signup/logo.svg\"\n    }\n  },\n  \"datePublished\": \"2020-12-07\"\n}\n\u003C/script>\u003C/p>\n",{"mobileImage":635,"__typename":138},{"node":636,"__typename":305},{"sourceUrl":637,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mobile.jpg",{"node":639,"__typename":146},{"id":640,"link":641,"sourceUrl":642,"altText":643,"__typename":145},"cG9zdDoxOTQ4OQ==","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/plant-based-protein-ideas-kids/mobile-7/","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/mobile-880x544.jpg","plant-based protein for kids | Kid-Friendly Vegetarian Meals | Nurture Life",{"nodes":645,"__typename":153},[646,647,648],{"name":52,"slug":53,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"__typename":6},{"edges":650,"__typename":225},[651,667,711],{"node":652,"__typename":192},{"id":653,"name":654,"posts":655,"__typename":191},"dGVybTo0MDEy","healthy family meals",{"edges":656,"__typename":190},[657],{"node":658,"__typename":175},{"id":626,"slug":628,"categories":659,"title":627,"excerpt":664,"featuredImage":665,"__typename":174},{"nodes":660,"__typename":153},[661,662,663],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"\u003Cp>Whether or not your family follows a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet, there’s always room for more veggies on the plate! Especially for active and growing kids, plant-based protein sources are rich in essential nutrients and tend to be a very good source of dietary fiber.  If you’d like to incorporate more veggie goodness into&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/plant-based-protein-ideas-kids/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":666,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":637,"__typename":145},{"node":668,"__typename":192},{"id":669,"name":670,"posts":671,"__typename":191},"dGVybToxMzgz","meals for kids",{"edges":672,"__typename":190},[673,682,696],{"node":674,"__typename":175},{"id":626,"slug":628,"categories":675,"title":627,"excerpt":664,"featuredImage":680,"__typename":174},{"nodes":676,"__typename":153},[677,678,679],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":681,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":637,"__typename":145},{"node":683,"__typename":175},{"id":684,"slug":685,"categories":686,"title":691,"excerpt":692,"featuredImage":693,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxODY5OA==","new-healthy-kids-meals",{"nodes":687,"__typename":153},[688,689,690],{"name":43,"slug":44,"id":42,"__typename":6},{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"Cozy Up to Our New Winter Menu","\u003Cp>As the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to introduce three new healthy kids meals to the Nurture Life menu. With these freshly made, oh-so-cozy winter recipes, we’re showing that the classic flavors of fall and winter can be nutritious and that your family’s favorite cold weather comfort dishes don’t have to require hours of TLC&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/new-healthy-kids-meals/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":694,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":695,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Holiday-meals-blog-header-V2.jpg",{"node":697,"__typename":175},{"id":698,"slug":699,"categories":700,"title":706,"excerpt":707,"featuredImage":708,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxOTEwNw==","breakfast-for-kids-comparison",{"nodes":701,"__typename":153},[702,703,704,705],{"name":8,"slug":9,"id":7,"__typename":6},{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"Breakfast for Kids Nutrition Comparison","\u003Cp>Whether your kids are curious toddlers or active preteens, the best way to start the day is a nutritious breakfast. But let’s be honest; when everyone is hustling and bustling to start the day on time, convenience matters, too! To help you find the right balance of convenience for parents and well-balanced nutrition for kids,&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/breakfast-for-kids-comparison/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":709,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":710,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/breakfast-comparison-desktop.jpg",{"node":712,"__typename":192},{"id":713,"name":714,"posts":715,"__typename":191},"dGVybTozMzg0","plant-based protein",{"edges":716,"__typename":190},[717,726],{"node":718,"__typename":175},{"id":626,"slug":628,"categories":719,"title":627,"excerpt":664,"featuredImage":724,"__typename":174},{"nodes":720,"__typename":153},[721,722,723],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":725,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":637,"__typename":145},{"node":727,"__typename":175},{"id":728,"slug":729,"categories":730,"title":735,"excerpt":736,"featuredImage":737,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxODU0Mw==","protein-for-kids",{"nodes":731,"__typename":153},[732,733,734],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"Top 6 Parent FAQs on Protein for Kids","\u003Cp>Powders, snack bars, cereals, ice cream and even gummy bears: It’s nearly impossible to walk down a grocery store aisle without coming across some new high-protein “must-have.” If you’re like many parents, you may be wondering how much is gimmick and how much is science—especially when it comes to our kids, who certainly do need&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/protein-for-kids/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":738,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":739,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/header-FINAL-Protein-FAQs.jpg",{"node":741,"__typename":236},{"authorMeta":742,"name":425,"description":426,"avatar":745,"__typename":235},{"avatar":743,"__typename":229},{"node":744,"__typename":305},{"sourceUrl":424,"altText":19,"__typename":145},{"url":428,"__typename":234},{"title":747,"metaDesc":748,"opengraphUrl":629,"opengraphTitle":627,"opengraphDescription":748,"opengraphImage":749,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":750,"opengraphModifiedTime":751,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19,"__typename":243},"Plant-Based Protein Meal Ideas for Kids | Nurture Life","Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or simply veggie-focused, you’ll find plenty of veggie goodness in these plant-based protein meal ideas!",{"sourceUrl":637,"__typename":145},"2020-12-07T21:33:41+00:00","2024-08-12T12:44:14+00:00",{"id":753,"title":754,"slug":755,"link":756,"uri":757,"date":758,"modified":759,"content":760,"featuredImageForMobile":761,"featuredImage":765,"categories":771,"tags":776,"author":809,"seo":815,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDo3NDY5","How to Create a Healthy Thanksgiving Plate for Kids","how-to-create-a-healthy-thanksgiving-plate-for-kids","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/how-to-create-a-healthy-thanksgiving-plate-for-kids/","/blog/how-to-create-a-healthy-thanksgiving-plate-for-kids/","2020-11-11T10:11:33","2024-07-09T16:53:36","\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, which means navigating this year’s changes while trying to maintain family filled moments around the dinner table. Because your whole family might not be able to get together,  it’s especially important to enjoy Thanksgiving traditions this year. However, this food-centered holiday  can often lead to unhealthy eating. Although excess eating every once in a while is nothing to frown upon, it often increases during Thanksgiving and persists through the holiday season. We want to provide dietitian-driven advice on \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/prevent-holiday-overeating/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to help your child combat overeating\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and how to create a balanced plate for you and your kids this Thanksgiving.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the turkey is stuffed and the table is set, it’s time to give thanks for all that you have, fill your plate and dig in. Here are some important tips for creating healthy, balanced plates this holiday season.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Prepare for a Healthy Thanksgiving Meal With Your Kids\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Thanksgiving meal begins with deciding what dishes to serve. This is a great time to engage children to be a part of the process. When children are included in meal planning, they have a chance to express their favorite dishes, which may increase engagement at mealtime. While it may seem easier to let the adults take on all of the cooking, involving kids can be helpful for completing simple tasks. Whether it’s washing vegetables, measuring ingredients or assisting in mixing, getting your kids involved with Thanksgiving prep builds confidence in their cooking skills and furthers their interest in what will be served.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19312\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Thanksgiving-plates-empty-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Thanksgiving for kids\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Thanksgiving-plates-empty-1024x683.jpg 600w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Thanksgiving-plates-empty-1024x683-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" />\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Portion control with age-appropriate plate sizes for your kids\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As children have different nutritional needs than adults, they should have different portion sizes. Choose a plate that is suitable for their age, which will promote age-appropriate portions. A typical adult-sized plate is 12 inches. Aim for a six-inch plate for toddlers and a nine-inch plate for kids and early adolescents. If you have a picky eater who prefers that their food not touch, consider using a \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://re-play.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sectioned plate for their meal.\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using age-appropriate plate sizes allows your kids to build a proportionate meal themselves. Rather than limiting them verbally when they are taking heaping scoops of mashed potatoes, give them a smaller plate at the beginning to limit their total servings to an appropriate amount. Changing plate size to suit your kid’s needs, in addition to active conversations with your child about balancing food groups on their plate, will help them establish \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/kids-food-creating-positive-relationship/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a positive relationship with food\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.  \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19313\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Thanksgiving-plates-full-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Thanksgiving for kids\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Thanksgiving-plates-full-1024x683.jpg 600w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Thanksgiving-plates-full-1024x683-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Fill Your Kid’s Plates With Fruits and Vegetables\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When building your child’s plate, start with fruits and veggies. Go directly for the green beans, sweet potatoes, fruit medley or any fresh produce that is served. You can ensure that \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/get-kids-eat-vegetables/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vegetables do not go unforgotten\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> among the other delicious offerings by filling the plate with these options first. Not only will this provide a colorful plate, but your child will also get a dose of vitamins and minerals.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Stick to Lean Meats\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to protein, turkey is typically the main star of Thanksgiving. While turkey is delicious, dark meat tends to be higher in fat and calories than white meat. When selecting turkey for your child, go for smaller pieces of skinless, white meat. If you have a \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/nurture-life-meals-for-picky-eaters/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">picky eater\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on your hands, this will be a particularly suitable option because it is fairly neutral in both flavor and color, making it an approachable food for them to consume. A small side of gravy is helpful for adding flavor to the meal. Treat it as a dipping sauce to avoid excess gravy on the plate.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Desserts in Moderation\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It would be unrealistic to expect your child to avoid desserts during Thanksgiving. Instead, try to moderate them. Allow your kids to have a small portion of dessert at the end of the meal, no larger than what can fit in the palm of their hand. In addition, try waiting to enjoy dessert until the end of the meal as they should already be satisfied from dinner and will hopefully indulge in a fewer amount of sweets. Lastly, try adding a glass of milk to the dessert course as it’ll secretly fill them up and give them that extra dose of calcium.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Use Thanksgiving Dinner to Teach Kids About Food and Healthy Eating\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because many foods eaten at the Thanksgiving dinner table are consumed annually, this holiday provides an excellent opportunity for your child to learn about and try new foods. Aim for a colorful plate of vegetables, fruit, carbohydrates and lean protein. Our suggestion is to incorporate a green vegetable such as Brussels sprouts or green beans, choose a seasonal fruit such as stewed apples or cranberries, select bright orange sweet potatoes, butternut squash or another starchy vegetable as the carbohydrate, and round out the balanced plate with white turkey meat as a source of lean, high quality protein. It is important to focus on the balance of these food groups as holiday meals can often be carbohydrate heavy. \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.myplate.gov/MyPlate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MyPlate guidelines\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> demonstrate a great visual representation of food groups. By encouraging children to eat new dishes, they are able to expand their palate and hopefully incorporate these new foods routinely throughout the year.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During this abnormal year, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to express appreciation for all of the loved ones in your life—even if you may not be able to share the holiday with them this year. . By involving your kids in the meal planning process and teaching them effective strategies on how to balance their Thanksgiving plate, your family can find a balance between eating healthy and making the most out of this holiday.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=how-to-create-a-healthy-thanksgiving-plate-for-kids-20201111\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19314 size-large\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CTA-cozy-menu-final-copy-1024x448.jpg\" alt=\"Thanksgiving for kids\" width=\"1024\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CTA-cozy-menu-final-copy-1024x448.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CTA-cozy-menu-final-copy-300x131.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CTA-cozy-menu-final-copy-768x336.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CTA-cozy-menu-final-copy-1536x672.jpg 1536w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CTA-cozy-menu-final-copy-1200x525.jpg 1200w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CTA-cozy-menu-final-copy.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"mobileImage":762,"__typename":138},{"node":763,"__typename":305},{"sourceUrl":764,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Thanksgiving-Plate-header-mobile-1.jpg",{"node":766,"__typename":146},{"id":767,"link":768,"sourceUrl":769,"altText":770,"__typename":145},"cG9zdDoxOTMxNg==","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/how-to-create-a-healthy-thanksgiving-plate-for-kids/thanksgiving-plate-header/","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Thanksgiving-Plate-header-880x450.jpg","Thanksgiving for kids",{"nodes":772,"__typename":153},[773,774,775],{"name":52,"slug":53,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"__typename":6},{"edges":777,"__typename":225},[778],{"node":779,"__typename":192},{"id":780,"name":781,"posts":782,"__typename":191},"dGVybToyMjY3","thanksgiving for kids",{"edges":783,"__typename":190},[784,798],{"node":785,"__typename":175},{"id":786,"slug":787,"categories":788,"title":793,"excerpt":794,"featuredImage":795,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxNTgzNA==","thanksgiving-for-kids",{"nodes":789,"__typename":153},[790,791,792],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"How to Plan a Memorable Thanksgiving for Kids","\u003Cp>For many of us, Thanksgiving doesn’t feel the same without family time and visiting extended relatives. But with CDC guidelines discouraging large family gatherings, we all may need to find different ways to make the holiday feel special this year.  To maintain Thanksgiving flavors alongside a whole helping of holiday  fun for your little ones&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/thanksgiving-for-kids/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":796,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":797,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/memorable-thanksgiving-header.jpg",{"node":799,"__typename":175},{"id":753,"slug":755,"categories":800,"title":754,"excerpt":805,"featuredImage":806,"__typename":174},{"nodes":801,"__typename":153},[802,803,804],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},"\u003Cp>Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, which means navigating this year’s changes while trying to maintain family filled moments around the dinner table. Because your whole family might not be able to get together,  it’s especially important to enjoy Thanksgiving traditions this year. However, this food-centered holiday  can often lead to unhealthy eating. Although excess eating every&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/how-to-create-a-healthy-thanksgiving-plate-for-kids/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":807,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":808,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Thanksgiving-Plate-header.jpg",{"node":810,"__typename":236},{"authorMeta":811,"name":306,"description":307,"avatar":814,"__typename":235},{"avatar":812,"__typename":229},{"node":813,"__typename":305},{"sourceUrl":304,"altText":19,"__typename":145},{"url":309,"__typename":234},{"title":816,"metaDesc":817,"opengraphUrl":756,"opengraphTitle":754,"opengraphDescription":817,"opengraphImage":818,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":819,"opengraphModifiedTime":820,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19,"__typename":243},"Healthy Thanksgiving Plate Ideas for Kids | Nurture Life","Don’t be as stuffed as the turkey! We ensure a wholesome, balanced Thanksgiving meal for your family by controlling portions and food groups on the plate.",{"sourceUrl":808,"__typename":145},"2020-11-11T10:11:33+00:00","2024-07-09T16:53:36+00:00",{"id":698,"title":706,"slug":699,"link":822,"uri":823,"date":824,"modified":825,"content":826,"featuredImageForMobile":827,"featuredImage":831,"categories":837,"tags":843,"author":906,"seo":912,"__typename":174},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/breakfast-for-kids-comparison/","/blog/breakfast-for-kids-comparison/","2020-10-21T14:37:41","2023-11-13T21:14:35","\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether your kids are curious toddlers or active preteens, the best way to start the day is a nutritious breakfast. But let’s be honest; when everyone is hustling and bustling to start the day on time, convenience matters, too!\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help you find the right balance of convenience for parents and well-balanced nutrition for kids, we’re comparing five easy \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breakfast ideas for kids\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of all ages. Each of these morning meals can be ready to serve in minutes—but only Nurture Life’s breakfasts include a\u003C/span>\u003Cb> full serving of vegetables \u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for your kids’ most important meal of the day.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let’s check out how these six meals stack up, nutrient by nutrient.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.leggomyeggo.com/en_US/products/waffles/kellogg-s-eggo-homestyle-waffles-product.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Kellogg’s Eggo Homestyle Waffles\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.leggomyeggo.com/en_US/products/waffles/kellogg-s-eggo-homestyle-waffles-product.html\">\u003Cb>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19108\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-eggo.jpg\" alt=\"breakfast for kids\" width=\"400\" height=\"850\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-eggo.jpg 400w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-eggo-141x300.jpg 141w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" />\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>What to like\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Eggos are undeniably convenient, as these \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pre-made meals \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can be popped in the toaster and ready to eat in minutes. You can even wrap them in a napkin and eat them on the go if you’re in a rush to get out the door with an \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/15-breakfast-ideas-for-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">easy school-day breakfast\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Offering 20% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for both calcium and iron, these waffles do serve up some essential minerals for your kids’ growth and development. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>What to consider\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: While Eggo waffles are relatively low in the “bad” stuff like sugar and fat, they’re also low in many nutrients (such as protein) that your kids need to feel energized, alert and well throughout the day. One serving size has 4 grams of sugar, which isn’t too bad for a frozen meal—until you consider all the extra sugar added by traditional waffle toppings like maple syrup, jam and chocolate spread. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out just how much added sugar (33 grams!) comes from your typical \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.nutritionix.com/i/great-value/syrup-original/5506311ec6d372a762638151\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">generic-brand syrup\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> below. Notice also that one serving of syrup has more calories than the Eggo waffles themselves with no minerals, vitamins, or other nutritional benefits to speak of.\u003C/span>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19109\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-syrup.jpg\" alt=\"breakfast for kids\" width=\"400\" height=\"850\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-syrup.jpg 400w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-syrup-141x300.jpg 141w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If kids establish a regular habit of this much sugar in the mornings, they’ll be primed for a \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/tame-childs-sweet-tooth/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sweet tooth battle\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for many years to come. Lower-calorie syrups that rely on \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/sugar-substitutes-faqs/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sugar substitutes may not be much better\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, either.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=heatable-meals#product-eggs-maple-sausage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Nurture Life Egg Bite with Mini Pancakes &amp; Sweet Potatoes\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19110\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-nurture-life-egg-bite.jpg\" alt=\"breakfast for kids\" width=\"400\" height=\"850\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-nurture-life-egg-bite.jpg 400w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-nurture-life-egg-bite-141x300.jpg 141w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>What to like\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The name Eggos certainly has a ring to it, but their waffles can’t compare to our freshly made Egg Bite with Mini Pancakes! This meal serves up the same fun thanks to the kid-friendly mini pancakes, and it can also be ready to serve in minutes. However, it offers far more in terms of balanced nutrition—including \u003C/span>\u003Cb>3 times the protein and over 6 times the dietary fiber of Eggos\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">! \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cheesy egg bite is also a kid favorite, and it’s boosted by a medley of sweet potatoes for a full serving of morning veggies. Our sweet potatoes are deeply roasted in a light maple glaze to achieve that classic breakfast flavor with \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/reduce-sodium-sugar-intake-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">much less sugar.\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>What to consider\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This meal has been thoughtfully balanced in terms of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Your little one will start their day energized and will stay fuller longer than they would with the simple carbohydrates of sweetened syrup and processed waffles. The mini pancakes taste delicious all by themselves, or consider serving them with some freshly cut fruit or unsweetened coconut shavings.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=breakfast-for-kids-comparison-20201021\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-19112\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nurture-Life-Meals-for-picky-eaters-CTA5-2-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"breakfast-for-kids\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nurture-Life-Meals-for-picky-eaters-CTA5-2-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nurture-Life-Meals-for-picky-eaters-CTA5-2-300x150.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nurture-Life-Meals-for-picky-eaters-CTA5-2-768x384.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nurture-Life-Meals-for-picky-eaters-CTA5-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.cheerios.com/products/honey-nut-cheerios\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Honey Nut Cheerios\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19113\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-cheerios.jpg\" alt=\"breakfast for kids\" width=\"400\" height=\"850\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-cheerios.jpg 400w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-cheerios-141x300.jpg 141w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>What to like\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In terms of nutritional content, Honey Nut Cheerios share a lot in common with Eggos; they’re also low in fat and relatively low in sugar—though at 12 grams, there’s much more added sugar than ideal, especially when the recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics is for kids to have less than 25 g added sugar per day. Unlike Eggos, Cheerios do contain some dietary fiber (3 grams), which helps support regular digestion and keeps your kids feeling full. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serving Cheerios with 2% milk definitely improves the nutrition by adding a punch of protein and calcium to support healthy muscle and bone development.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>What to consider\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Like Eggos, Honey Nut Cheerios aren’t necessarily a terrible choice among all the ready-to-serve or\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pre-made meals\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> out there—but they do have little to offer in the way of healthy, balanced nutrition. Although both \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meals for kids\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are fairly low in fat and sugar, they’re also low in many of the nutrients your kids need to power their day. A cup of milk helps, but the cereal itself doesn’t shine.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/product/egg-mcmuffin.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>McDonald’s Egg McMuffin\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19115\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-egg-mcmuffin.jpg\" alt=\"breakfast for kids\" width=\"400\" height=\"850\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-egg-mcmuffin.jpg 400w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-egg-mcmuffin-141x300.jpg 141w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>What to like\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Given the reputation of McDonald’s and other \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/picky-eaters-fast-food/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fast food \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meals for kids\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the Egg McMuffin may seem not so bad—and it’s certainly not the very worst option on their menu. This breakfast sandwich is high in protein and relatively low in fat, and it serves up a fair amount of minerals like calcium and iron. \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/protein-for-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adequate daily protein is especially critical for growing kids\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as this essential macronutrient powers muscle development, hormone transport and more.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>What to consider\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If your #1 priority is super-\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">easy meals for kids\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there’s no doubting the McDonald’s drive thru. But ease—not nutrition—is definitely where McDonald’s leads the way. Besides the high protein content, there’s little to love in the Egg McMuffin (or any of their other breakfast options, for that matter!). \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With more than 760 milligrams of sodium, this small sandwich has roughly \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/sodium-recommendations-kids-faqs/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">half of a child’s recommended Daily Value for sodium\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you order the Egg McMuffin Meal, you’ll add another \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/product/hash-browns.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">310 milligrams of sodium from the deep-fried hash browns\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.naturevalley.com/product/oats-n-honey-crunchy-granola-bars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cb>Nature Valley Oats N’ Honey Crunchy Granola Bars\u003C/b>\u003C/a>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19116\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-nature-valley-bar.jpg\" alt=\"breakfast for kids\" width=\"400\" height=\"850\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-nature-valley-bar.jpg 400w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Nutrition-facts-nature-valley-bar-141x300.jpg 141w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" />\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>What to like\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Compared to other breakfast-on-the-go options like fast food, Nature Valley’s granola bars tend to be lower in calories and fat. These bars are sweetened but still relatively low in sugar, especially compared to some other pre-packaged breakfast items commonly marketed to kids—which tend to be filled with chocolate, marshmallows or excessively sweetened dried fruit. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cb>What to consider\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Similar to Cheerios, these granola bars aren’t terrible but aren’t great, either. They only have 3 grams of protein per serving and lack important nutrients like calcium, potassium and vitamin D. All 11 grams of sugar are added during processing, and the low protein won’t keep your kids feeling energized or full for very long. It’s also important to keep in mind that lower-calorie does not always mean “healthier,” especially for active and growing kids.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the comparison above is a great starting point, remember that you don’t have to serve the perfect \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/25-healthy-breakfast-ideas-for-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breakfast for kids\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> every single day! Use the comparison above to be mindful about your family’s morning habits, but don’t feel guilty about running through the drive thru or serving a quick bowl of kids’ cereal when you need to. No matter what’s on the table, you can always make quick-and-easy nutritional improvements by serving a side of fresh fruit, unsweetened nuts or Greek yogurt. And you can keep a few \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurture Life breakfasts and other meals\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on hand when you’re in a hurry and want something equally quick and healthy.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any questions about our freshly made, nutrient-dense \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">meals for kids \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and adults of all ages, please send us a message at \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"mailto:support@nurturelife.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">support@nurturelife.com\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=breakfast-for-kids-comparison-20201021\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-19118\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Breakfast-comparison-CTA-FINAL-VERSION-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"breakfast for kids\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Breakfast-comparison-CTA-FINAL-VERSION-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Breakfast-comparison-CTA-FINAL-VERSION-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Breakfast-comparison-CTA-FINAL-VERSION-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Breakfast-comparison-CTA-FINAL-VERSION-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"mobileImage":828,"__typename":138},{"node":829,"__typename":305},{"sourceUrl":830,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Breakfast-comparison-mobile.jpg",{"node":832,"__typename":146},{"id":833,"link":834,"sourceUrl":835,"altText":836,"__typename":145},"cG9zdDoxOTExOQ==","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/breakfast-for-kids-comparison/breakfast-comparison-desktop/","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/breakfast-comparison-desktop-880x450.jpg","breakfast for kids",{"nodes":838,"__typename":153},[839,840,841,842],{"name":8,"slug":9,"__typename":6},{"name":52,"slug":53,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"__typename":6},{"edges":844,"__typename":225},[845,860,876],{"node":846,"__typename":192},{"id":847,"name":836,"posts":848,"__typename":191},"dGVybTozNTY1",{"edges":849,"__typename":190},[850],{"node":851,"__typename":175},{"id":698,"slug":699,"categories":852,"title":706,"excerpt":707,"featuredImage":858,"__typename":174},{"nodes":853,"__typename":153},[854,855,856,857],{"name":8,"slug":9,"id":7,"__typename":6},{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":859,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":710,"__typename":145},{"node":861,"__typename":192},{"id":862,"name":863,"posts":864,"__typename":191},"dGVybTozNzg2","breakfast ideas for kids",{"edges":865,"__typename":190},[866],{"node":867,"__typename":175},{"id":698,"slug":699,"categories":868,"title":706,"excerpt":707,"featuredImage":874,"__typename":174},{"nodes":869,"__typename":153},[870,871,872,873],{"name":8,"slug":9,"id":7,"__typename":6},{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":875,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":710,"__typename":145},{"node":877,"__typename":192},{"id":878,"name":879,"posts":880,"__typename":191},"dGVybTozMTA4","easy meals for kids",{"edges":881,"__typename":190},[882,896],{"node":883,"__typename":175},{"id":884,"slug":885,"categories":886,"title":891,"excerpt":892,"featuredImage":893,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxODIwMg==","5-steps-recreate-summer-camp",{"nodes":887,"__typename":153},[888,889,890],{"name":8,"slug":9,"id":7,"__typename":6},{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":106,"slug":107,"id":105,"__typename":6},"5 Steps to Recreate Summer Camp at Home","\u003Cp>It’s clear why kids and their parents are crazy about summer camp. While kids spend hours playing outside with friends, camp provides parents the peace of mind that their little ones are staying active and engaged during months without school. But if for whatever reason, you decide to use this year for stay-at-home fun, we’ve&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/5-steps-recreate-summer-camp/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":894,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":895,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/desktop-header-1.jpg",{"node":897,"__typename":175},{"id":698,"slug":699,"categories":898,"title":706,"excerpt":707,"featuredImage":904,"__typename":174},{"nodes":899,"__typename":153},[900,901,902,903],{"name":8,"slug":9,"id":7,"__typename":6},{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":905,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":710,"__typename":145},{"node":907,"__typename":236},{"authorMeta":908,"name":425,"description":426,"avatar":911,"__typename":235},{"avatar":909,"__typename":229},{"node":910,"__typename":305},{"sourceUrl":424,"altText":19,"__typename":145},{"url":428,"__typename":234},{"title":913,"metaDesc":914,"opengraphUrl":822,"opengraphTitle":706,"opengraphDescription":914,"opengraphImage":915,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":916,"opengraphModifiedTime":917,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19,"__typename":243},"Breakfast for Kids Nutrition Comparison | Nurture Life","Back to school already?! Get your kids into a healthy school routine with Nurture Life’s 4 exciting new kids meals. Delicious & packed with veggies.",{"sourceUrl":710,"__typename":145},"2020-10-21T14:37:41+00:00","2023-11-13T21:14:35+00:00",{"id":919,"title":920,"slug":921,"link":922,"uri":923,"date":924,"modified":925,"content":926,"featuredImageForMobile":927,"featuredImage":931,"categories":937,"tags":942,"author":1031,"seo":1037,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxODk3Mg==","What Is Baby-Led Weaning, and Is It Right For Your Baby?","baby-led-weaning","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/baby-led-weaning/","/blog/baby-led-weaning/","2020-09-30T20:03:00","2024-07-11T13:59:31","\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you’re in the google-frenzied days of young parenthood, you’ve likely come across the phrase “baby-led weaning” at some point in your late-night internet searching. You may have stumbled upon it on social media or even have friends who swear by it. But what \u003C/span>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is\u003C/span>\u003C/i>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> baby-led weaning, exactly? And more importantly, is it the right choice for your little one?\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>What Is Baby-Led Weaning?\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baby-led weaning, often written as BLW, is a method of introducing your baby to solid food. It differs from conventional \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">baby food stages\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in two important ways:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Progression\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Instead of starting with Stage 1 single-ingredient purees and then moving to \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/best-combo-baby-purees/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stage 2 combination purees\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, BLW skips purees altogether and goes straight to whole foods as soon as your baby is developmentally ready. In this case, whole foods mean soft, mushable chunks of solid food that your baby can pick up with their tiny hands.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Independence\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Instead of the parents maintaining control over mealtime, the baby gets to take the reins. (Hence the name “baby-led!”) Rather than being spoon-fed, your baby independently chooses which foods to pick up and how much to eat.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca class=\"btn btn-yellow min-w-169 sm:min-w-150\" href=\"/menus/?navItem=finger-foods\" target=\"\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop Finger Foods\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Why Do Some Parents Choose Baby-Led Weaning?\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baby-led weaning has gained popularity for a wide variety of reasons, from healthy development for baby to mealtime convenience for parents. Here are just a few of the benefits that make some parents choose BLW:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BLW allows babies to experiment with bringing food to their mouth from a very young age. Daily practice develops and then \u003C/span>\u003Cb>reinforces motor skills, hand-eye coordination and chewing muscles\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">—all critical self-feeding abilities that \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/finger-foods-vs-pouches/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may be hindered by too many smooth purees\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BLW \u003C/span>\u003Cb>puts babies in charge of how much to eat\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Instead of being spoon-fed an entire puree jar just for the sake of finishing it, your baby will learn to eat when hungry and stop when full. (With BLW, you don’t have to worry about \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/can-overfeed-baby-5-common-faqs-infant-overfeeding/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">overfeeding a baby\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Babies are very good at knowing when they’re full, and you’re simply taking advantage of this instinctive ability.)\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BLW gives babies the opportunity to \u003C/span>\u003Cb>explore new tastes and textures\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially compared to standard store-bought purees. While purees tend to look and feel the same, finger foods allow babies to distinguish the many different textures, colors, shapes and smells of \u003C/span>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whole, adult-like \u003C/span>\u003C/i>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">food—which will in turn develop a more accepting palate and help prevent \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/4-practical-tips-feeding-picky-toddler-new-foods/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">picky eating in toddlerhood\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and beyond.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although purees are often marketed on convenience, in reality, many parents find \u003C/span>\u003Cb>BLW to be even more convenient\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6202902/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several studies and surveys\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have shown that BLW reduces stress at mealtime, as the parents are no longer responsible for constant feeding and the entire family can enjoy the same meal (with some age-appropriate alterations as needed to ensure safe \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finger foods for the baby\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.)\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>When Can You Start Baby-Led Weaning?\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most babies are developmentally ready to start BLW at around 6 months old. That is, their bodies are physically capable of grabbing, mushing, chewing and swallowing chunks of real table food. However, some babies may take up to 10 months to be ready, and that’s perfectly normal, too. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rather than age, the most important indicator of \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/transitioning-baby-finger-foods/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">readiness to transition to finger foods\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is your baby’s developmental progress. Look for signs that include\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ability to sit up in a highchair unassisted \u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trunk control (no more bobble head movements!)\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ability to prop themselves up on their forearms \u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Curiosity about table food\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that even when your baby is ready for finger foods, that doesn’t mean that solids should totally replace liquids. Your baby should still be getting the majority of their nutrition from \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/got-milk-transitioning-breast-milk-formula/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breast milk or formula until about 12 months of age\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>What Are the Best \u003C/b>\u003Cb>First Finger Foods\u003C/b>\u003Cb> for BLW?\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For BLW, texture is key. Your baby’s \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first finger foods\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should be soft—soft enough that you can smash the piece with no more than gentle pressure between your fingers. When you’re just starting out baby-led weaning, try cutting foods into long strips. Since most babies under 8 months do not yet have the pincer grasp, they’ll need to pick up the food using their whole hand.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try soft, easy-to-palm foods like these:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweet potato, white potato or butternut squash—cooked until soft and cut into long strips\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soft-cooked veggies with natural “handles” like broccoli, carrots or cauliflower\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thin strips of soft bread, pancake or French toast\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naturally soft fruits like banana, mango or melon\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your baby has gotten used to picking up and eating solid foods, you can start cutting them into smaller pieces and even mixing ingredients together. \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/stage-3-baby-food-different/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurture Life’s \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stage 3 baby food\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a great way to introduce your baby to creative combinations of ingredients, all sized to encourage proper development and nutritionally balanced to help your baby grow up well.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=baby-led-weaning-20200930\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-18978\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/BLW-blog-CTA1-2-1024x597.jpg\" alt=\"first finger foods\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/BLW-blog-CTA1-2-1024x597.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/BLW-blog-CTA1-2-300x175.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/BLW-blog-CTA1-2-768x448.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/BLW-blog-CTA1-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>What About Choking? Is Baby-Led Weaning Safe?\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choking is the biggest concern that parents express about baby-led weaning. While understandable, it’s not as serious of a risk as many parents fear. Here are some tips to reduce the choking risk for your baby:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never leave your baby alone while they are eating.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure your baby eats only while sitting upright in their high chair (and that they can support their neck and head without assistance).\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid circular foods like grapes, hot dogs or blueberries, as well as raw vegetables in any size or shape. Particularly sticky foods (like nut butters) or hard fruits (like apples) are best avoided, too.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know the difference between choking and gagging. In the first few weeks of BLW, your baby may gag quite a bit. This is a completely normal physical response to food traveling too far in the back of their mouth. A baby who is gagging will look and sound as if they have a mild cough; a baby who is choking will look scared and make no noise. \u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides choking, food allergies are another potential safety risk with BLW. Be sure to start with single-ingredients and introduce only one new food to your baby at a time. Familiarize yourself with \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/big-8-allergens/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the Big 8 allergens\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which are responsible for 90% of all food allergies in the United States. Speak with your pediatrician if your baby experiences any food reactions.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>How Do You Start Baby-Led Weaning?\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every baby is different and will experience a different journey as they begin to eat real food. Stay flexible, have fun and use these tips to help your transition to \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finger foods for baby\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-led weaning:\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Start one at a time. \u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Put just one or two pieces of the same type of food in front of your baby so you don’t overwhelm them. \u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Let them focus.\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To keep mealtime smooth and positive, introduce new foods only when your baby is alert and in a distraction-free environment. \u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Slow down.\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some babies accept finger foods right away, and some don’t! If your baby needs more time, try a slower transition by serving \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/best-first-baby-purees/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">single-ingredient purees\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for some meals.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Mix it up. \u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no rules to “correct” baby-led weaning. It’s totally okay to let your baby explore independently for some meals and to spoon feed purees for others.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Forget utensils.\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> At this very early stage, hands and fingers are the very best tools, giving your baby a chance to fully experience what they’re eating.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Embrace the mess.\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Smashing, dropping, smearing, throwing—it’s all part of the learning process! Lay down some spare plastic bags or a washable splat mat to prevent a big cleanup.\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Cb>Don’t stress.\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If any aspect of feeding becomes too emotionally charged, your baby may develop negative associations with food. Be kind to yourself and take a break if and when the BLW journey becomes frustrating. You can always serve purees for now and try solid food again another day. The more fun and positive meals are, the better for your baby (and you!).\u003C/span>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>Should You Try Baby-Led Weaning?\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There’s no right or wrong answer. There are endless ways to parent, and ultimately, the best choice for your family comes down to what works for you. Many child development experts are fans of the baby-led method, but plenty of babies move through the more conventional \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">baby food stages\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and still develop perfectly happily and healthily. Give BLW a shot if you’re interested, but don’t feel guilty if you aren’t. You know what’s best for your family!\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any questions about baby-led weaning or how Nurture Life’s \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?currentPage=1&amp;navItem=baby-10-24-mos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">convenient and healthy \u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">baby food delivery\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can assist you in the BLW journey, we’d love to hear from you. Send our nutrition experts a message to \u003Ca href=\"mailto:nutrition@nurturelife.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">nutrition@nurturelife.com\u003C/a>\u003C/span>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=baby-led-weaning-20200930\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-18976 size-large\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Final-CTA-BLW-blog-1024x789.jpg\" alt=\"finger foods for new eaters \" width=\"1024\" height=\"789\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Final-CTA-BLW-blog-1024x789.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Final-CTA-BLW-blog-300x231.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Final-CTA-BLW-blog-768x592.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Final-CTA-BLW-blog.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"mobileImage":928,"__typename":138},{"node":929,"__typename":305},{"sourceUrl":930,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/BLW-mobile-header.jpg",{"node":932,"__typename":146},{"id":933,"link":934,"sourceUrl":935,"altText":936,"__typename":145},"cG9zdDoxODk3Mw==","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/baby-led-weaning/blw-header/","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/BLW-header-880x450.jpg","first finger foods",{"nodes":938,"__typename":153},[939,940,941],{"name":25,"slug":26,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"__typename":6},{"name":106,"slug":107,"__typename":6},{"edges":943,"__typename":225},[944,988,1016],{"node":945,"__typename":192},{"id":946,"name":947,"posts":948,"__typename":191},"dGVybToxNjQ4","baby food delivery",{"edges":949,"__typename":190},[950,961,974],{"node":951,"__typename":175},{"id":919,"slug":921,"categories":952,"title":920,"excerpt":957,"featuredImage":958,"__typename":174},{"nodes":953,"__typename":153},[954,955,956],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":106,"slug":107,"id":105,"__typename":6},"\u003Cp>If you’re in the google-frenzied days of young parenthood, you’ve likely come across the phrase “baby-led weaning” at some point in your late-night internet searching. You may have stumbled upon it on social media or even have friends who swear by it. But what is baby-led weaning, exactly? And more importantly, is it the right&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/baby-led-weaning/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":959,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":960,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/BLW-header.jpg",{"node":962,"__typename":175},{"id":963,"slug":964,"categories":965,"title":969,"excerpt":970,"featuredImage":971,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxODM3Mw==","finger-foods-vs-pouches",{"nodes":966,"__typename":153},[967,968],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},"Stage 3 Baby Food: Why Experts Recommend Finger Foods Over Pouches","\u003Cp>When babies reach the age for Stage 3 baby food, parent life becomes a whirlwind—as if it wasn’t already! Newly active and extra-curious, babies at 10+ months are beginning to assert their independence and to transition from an all-milk/formula diet to one that incorporates real foods. Tasked with finding a new source of nutrients, many&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/finger-foods-vs-pouches/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":972,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":973,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Pouch-Header.jpg",{"node":975,"__typename":175},{"id":976,"slug":977,"categories":978,"title":983,"excerpt":984,"featuredImage":985,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxODM2OA==","introduce-baby-nurture-life",{"nodes":979,"__typename":153},[980,981,982],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":34,"slug":35,"id":33,"__typename":6},{"name":43,"slug":44,"id":42,"__typename":6},"How to Introduce Your Baby to Nurture Life Finger Foods","\u003Cp>If your baby is gulping down purees in the blink of an eye, trying to grab small chunks of food off the high chair or even reaching longingly for whatever’s on your plate, it may be time to introduce finger foods! Use the simple guide below to help transition your baby from smooth purees to&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/introduce-baby-nurture-life/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":986,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":987,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/How-to-introduce-your-baby-to-Nurture-Life-finger-foods-header.jpg",{"node":989,"__typename":192},{"id":990,"name":991,"posts":992,"__typename":191},"dGVybTozNTI3","baby food stages",{"edges":993,"__typename":190},[994,1007],{"node":995,"__typename":175},{"id":996,"slug":997,"categories":998,"title":1002,"excerpt":1003,"featuredImage":1004,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxODY1NA==","new-finger-foods",{"nodes":999,"__typename":153},[1000,1001],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":43,"slug":44,"id":42,"__typename":6},"4 New Finger Foods Just in Time for Spring","\u003Cp>Spring’s here, and so are four new Finger Foods on the Nurture Life baby and kid menu! As always, these little jars serve up a whole lot of flavor (specially chosen for a baby’s newly developing palate!), along with essential nutrients for this critical developmental stage. Our Finger Foods are soft, mushable and well sized&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/new-finger-foods/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":1005,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":1006,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/desktop.jpg",{"node":1008,"__typename":175},{"id":919,"slug":921,"categories":1009,"title":920,"excerpt":957,"featuredImage":1014,"__typename":174},{"nodes":1010,"__typename":153},[1011,1012,1013],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":106,"slug":107,"id":105,"__typename":6},{"node":1015,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":960,"__typename":145},{"node":1017,"__typename":192},{"id":1018,"name":1019,"posts":1020,"__typename":191},"dGVybTozNjI2","baby-led weaning",{"edges":1021,"__typename":190},[1022],{"node":1023,"__typename":175},{"id":919,"slug":921,"categories":1024,"title":920,"excerpt":957,"featuredImage":1029,"__typename":174},{"nodes":1025,"__typename":153},[1026,1027,1028],{"name":25,"slug":26,"id":24,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":106,"slug":107,"id":105,"__typename":6},{"node":1030,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":960,"__typename":145},{"node":1032,"__typename":236},{"authorMeta":1033,"name":425,"description":426,"avatar":1036,"__typename":235},{"avatar":1034,"__typename":229},{"node":1035,"__typename":305},{"sourceUrl":424,"altText":19,"__typename":145},{"url":428,"__typename":234},{"title":920,"metaDesc":1038,"opengraphUrl":922,"opengraphTitle":920,"opengraphDescription":1038,"opengraphImage":1039,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":1040,"opengraphModifiedTime":1041,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19,"__typename":243},"Baby-led weaning is a popular method of introducing your baby’s first finger foods. Learn about this early feeding strategy & see if it’s right for you.",{"sourceUrl":960,"__typename":145},"2020-09-30T20:03:00+00:00","2024-07-11T13:59:31+00:00",{"id":1043,"title":1044,"slug":1045,"link":1046,"uri":1047,"date":1048,"modified":1049,"content":1050,"featuredImageForMobile":1051,"featuredImage":1055,"categories":1061,"tags":1067,"author":1157,"seo":1163,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxNTc3MA==","The Best Fall Vegetables (and How to Make Them Kid-Friendly)","fall-vegetables-kid-friendly","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/fall-vegetables-kid-friendly/","/blog/fall-vegetables-kid-friendly/","2020-09-29T15:54:06","2024-07-11T14:10:28","\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Nurture Life, we’re all about sharing nutritious, well-balanced and creative meals with our kids. And there’s no better way to nurture a healthy appreciation for different flavors and textures than to teach your kids to eat seasonally!\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out \u003C/span>\u003Cb>eight of our favorite fall vegetables\u003C/b>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> below, along with wholesome recipes and easy ideas for serving in-season veggies that your kids will actually like.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>1. Winter Squash \u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“Winter” might be in their name, but winter squash—including acorn, butternut and spaghetti squash—are typically ready for harvest as early as September and October. Squash’s naturally sweet taste and vision-boosting vitamin A (among other essential nutrients!) make this fall veggie a win-win for parents and kids alike.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Kid-Friendly Winter Squash Recipe\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To incorporate some winter squash into \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/10-kid-friendly-dinner-ideas-for-fall/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kid-friendly dinners for fall\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, try this \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://cookieandkate.com/roasted-butternut-squash-soup/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">roasted butternut squash soup\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This recipe keeps things simple with just a handful of ingredients: butternut squash, olive oil, vegetable broth and a few spices/aromatics. A quick blend is all it takes to achieve that silky-smooth consistency.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Nurture Life Meal Recommendation\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want\u003C/span>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> all \u003C/span>\u003C/i>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the butternut without so much meal prep, order \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=heatable-meals#product-mac-cheese\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurture Life’s Mac &amp; Cheese with Butternut Squash\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or our \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/cheeseburger-mac-cheese-with-butternut-squash-uP/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheeseburger Mac &amp; Cheese with Butternut Squash\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">! These kid-friendly meals include butternut squash blended into satisfying cheese sauce for a nutritious autumn meal that’s ready in less than 2 minutes. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=fall-vegetables-kid-friendly-20200929\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-18949 size-large\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-CTA1-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"healthy mac and cheese meals for kids \" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-CTA1-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-CTA1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-CTA1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-CTA1-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-CTA1-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>2. Cabbage\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With more than 2 grams of fiber per cup, this fall veggie helps support healthy digestion for growing kids. Red and purple cabbage also have special flavonoids called anthocyanins, which studies show may reduce cancer risk.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Kid-Friendly Cabbage Recipe\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cabbage’s strong crunch and fairly neutral flavor make it a great food for kids of all ages. We love these \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.superhealthykids.com/recipes/parmesan-roasted-cabbage-wedges/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">parmesan roasted cabbage wedges\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> because instead of hiding the veggie, they make it the star of the show! \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These delicious cabbage wedges are also quick, easy and adaptable to your kids’ taste preferences. Just brush cabbage wedges with oil, salt, spices and Parmesan cheese, and then bake for about 25 minutes.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Nurture Life Meal Recommendation \u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurture Life’s \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=heatable-meals#product-chicken-vegetable-dumplings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicken &amp; Vegetable Dumplings with Edamame\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> features dumplings filled with cabbage, chicken and tofu for a meal that packs in plenty of protein and some hidden veggies.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=fall-vegetables-kid-friendly-20200929\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-18950 size-large\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-favorites-CTA-dumplings-4-1024x597.jpg\" alt=\"toddler chicken &amp; vegetable dumplings with edamame \" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-favorites-CTA-dumplings-4-1024x597.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-favorites-CTA-dumplings-4-300x175.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-favorites-CTA-dumplings-4-768x448.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-favorites-CTA-dumplings-4.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>3. Pumpkin\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone’s quintessential fall ingredient, pumpkin is packed with vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. The beta carotene in pumpkin turns into vitamin A to help keep your kid’s vision and immune system sharp.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Kid-Friendly Pumpkin Recipe\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pumpkin spice lattes aren’t the only way to enjoy a sweet serving of pumpkin! This \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://feednutrition.com/recipe/pumpkin-freezer-fudge/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pumpkin freezer fudge\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> uses canned pumpkin, raw almond butter and medjool dates to serve up those perfect hints of autumn spice without added sugar.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>4. Cauliflower\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The vitamins C and B6 of cauliflower are important for tissue development and nerve health. Like cabbage, the versatile texture and neutral flavor make cauliflower a great foundation for any fall dinner.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Kid-Friendly Cauliflower Recipe\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roasted cauliflower is great, but have you tried cauliflower rice? You can purchase pre-riced cauliflower in your grocery store’s frozen aisle, or you can “rice” your own cauliflower by roughly chopping, grating or pulsing it in a food processor. Once the cauliflower is riced, this \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://pinchofyum.com/15-minute-cauliflower-fried-rice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cauliflower rice stir-fry\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> makes a quick and light version of homemade fried rice. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Nurture Life Meal Recommendation\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With Nurture Life’s \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=heatable-meals#product-chicken-meatballs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicken Meatballs with Pasta and Veggies\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can serve up healthy cauliflower with familiar pasta &amp; meatballs—the perfect meal for chilly weather paired with one of our favorite fall veggies.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=fall-vegetables-kid-friendly-20200929\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-18989\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA2-1-1024x597.jpg\" alt=\"healthy kids food\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA2-1-1024x597.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA2-1-300x175.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA2-1-768x448.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA2-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>5. Sweet Potatoes\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, with just a small serving providing more than a day’s worth of Daily Value (DV). Like many of our favorite fall vegetables, they’re also packed with fiber and have a naturally sweet taste that kids adore.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Kid-Friendly Sweet Potato Recipe\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a homemade side dish big enough to share, bake these quick \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://accounts.outsideonline.com/oidc/o/authorize/?prompt=none&amp;response_type=code%20id_token&amp;response_mode=query&amp;state=%7B%22token%22%3A%22e3ae1c92e41d9f64e8b240d40cea95889fe71369889eac2e63a9b24396672a1f16679dba09480c1523634ad3eeab742ff4ef0c6517b0623c03f8a1a563abaa449df932512f3fa5b23867825e0c84f8188482cb58ff9845facb1f3bcabd11462a1faf40e78dc476955f8d97b35f6f0a8ec720c6b3f8df228ee755b83e0c8c993f014778b7cde1f8fa57bc2d83631d29819f%22%2C%22iv%22%3A%22b81c628751993d8ac23ac732%22%7D&amp;nonce=a39f88b9-5975-4917-8ab0-d3ecef390f62&amp;client_id=zW6ji0kF1tAJjnFx9Ey9xtRlS7AHK6dpgbkmtNrf&amp;redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cleaneatingmag.com%2Fauthorize\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sweet potato latkes\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Using sweet potatoes, apples, eggs and Greek yogurt, they pack a helping of protein, fiber and nutrients. Since they’re baked rather than fried, they’re lighter and less greasy but still flavorful. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Nurture Life Meal Recommendation\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short on time? Then serve up this bright orange veggie in minutes with \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/chicken-bites-with-green-beans-roasted-sweet-potatoes/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurture Life’s Chicken Bites with Green Beans &amp; Roasted Sweet Potatoes\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This dish is a tried-and-true kid-favorite served with naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes that your little one can dip in our organic ketchup.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=fall-vegetables-kid-friendly-20200929\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-18991 size-large\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA3-1-1024x597.jpg\" alt=\"chicken bites with veggies for kids \" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA3-1-1024x597.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA3-1-300x175.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA3-1-768x448.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA3-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>6. White Potatoes\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">White potatoes tend to get a bad rap, but they can actually be a very healthy food for kids! They have antioxidant vitamin C and energy-boosting potassium, and their light flavor pairs well with any of your kid’s favorite sauces, seasonings or condiments.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Kid-Friendly Potato Recipe\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forget the deep-fried French fries and serve these \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.thehealthymaven.com/crispy-baked-curly-fries/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">crispy baked curly fries\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> instead! This recipe calls for nothing more than potatoes, olive oil, salt and herbs. Just oven bake until perfectly crispy and golden brown.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although a spiralizer makes those curlicues that kids love, you can also use this recipe with regular thin-sliced potatoes. To make the meal even more fun, \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/overcome-picky-eating-involving-child/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">get your picky eater involved\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by having them sprinkle their own herbs on top.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Nurture Life Meal Recommendation\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nothing says fall like mashed potatoes! \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/pot-roast-with-mashed-potatoes-EI/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurture Life’s Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a hearty cold weather dish featuring white potatoes smoothly blended with organic cauliflower for a full serving of veggies. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=fall-vegetables-kid-friendly-20200929\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-18992\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA4-1024x597.jpg\" alt=\"healthy kids food\" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA4-1024x597.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA4-300x175.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA4-768x448.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-favorites-CTA4.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>7. Broccoli \u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did you know that just one cup of broccoli provides an entire day’s worth of vitamins C and K? Picky eater or not, this little veggie tree is a great food for kids of all ages. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Kid-Friendly Broccoli Recipe\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your little ones don’t have to fear broccoli any more! \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/change-picky-eaters-mind-7-foods/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change your picky eater’s mind\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by mixing blanched broccoli into your kid’s favorite pasta, soup or stew. \u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, this \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://www.tasteandtellblog.com/tuscan-broccoli-stovetop-mac-cheese/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stovetop broccoli mac and cheese\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a great way to mix broccoli into something your kids already love. Using frozen veggies for a one-pot dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes, it pairs broccoli with that classic mac-and-cheese flavor.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Nurture Life Meal Recommendation\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also dish out the broccoli by serving Nurture Life’s Chicken Parmesan with Broccoli. Paired with our baked chicken patty and tomato sauce blended with butternut squash, this dish combines two fall veggies for a boost of kid-friendly nutrition.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=fall-vegetables-kid-friendly-20200929\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-18954 size-large\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-favorites-CTA-chicken-parm-1-1024x597.jpg\" alt=\"chicken parmesan with broccoli for kids \" width=\"1024\" height=\"597\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-favorites-CTA-chicken-parm-1-1024x597.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-favorites-CTA-chicken-parm-1-300x175.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-favorites-CTA-chicken-parm-1-768x448.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-favorites-CTA-chicken-parm-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cb>8. Kale\u003C/b>\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of our \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/blog/superfoods-for-kids/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">top superfoods for kids\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, kale is packed with vitamins A, K and C. One cup of raw kale also has nearly 3 grams of protein, making it an ideal source of plant-based protein.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cb>Kid-Friendly Kale Recipe\u003C/b>\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of all the fall vegetables on this list, kale is the most bitter—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be kid-friendly, too. \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://feednutrition.com/recipe/kale-chips/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kale chips\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are the perfect way to crisp up the kale and mask its slight bitterness with any of the spices and seasonings your kids like most. It takes just 15 minutes for homemade chips, fresh and hot from the oven!\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether your kid prefers crispy chips or smooth cauliflower, fall veggies \u003C/span>\u003Ci>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can \u003C/span>\u003C/i>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">be kid-friendly! All it takes is a little creativity and in-season grocery shopping. If you’re short on time, browse \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?navItem=heatable-meals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nurture Life’s menu for babies, toddlers and kids\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to serve up all those classic fall flavors in less than 2 minutes. If you have any questions about our menu, please reach out to \u003C/span>\u003Ca href=\"mailto:support@nurturelife.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">support@nurturelife.com\u003C/span>\u003C/a>\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u003C/span>\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https://nurturelife.com/menus/?utm_source=blog_internal&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;utm_campaign=conversion&amp;utm_content=fall-vegetables-kid-friendly-20200929\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-18955 size-large\" src=\"https://content.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-CTA1psd-copy-1-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"mac and cheese, chicken parm, pot roast with veggies, and spaghetti with meatballs \" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-CTA1psd-copy-1-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-CTA1psd-copy-1-300x188.jpg 300w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-CTA1psd-copy-1-768x480.jpg 768w, https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Fall-CTA1psd-copy-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" />\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"mobileImage":1052,"__typename":138},{"node":1053,"__typename":305},{"sourceUrl":1054,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/header-3-mobile.jpg",{"node":1056,"__typename":146},{"id":1057,"link":1058,"sourceUrl":1059,"altText":1060,"__typename":145},"cG9zdDoxODkzNg==","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/fall-vegetables-kid-friendly/header-3desktop/","https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/header-3desktop-880x450.jpg","healthy food for kids",{"nodes":1062,"__typename":153},[1063,1064,1065,1066],{"name":52,"slug":53,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"__typename":6},{"edges":1068,"__typename":225},[1069,1087,1119],{"node":1070,"__typename":192},{"id":1071,"name":1072,"posts":1073,"__typename":191},"dGVybToyMDU5","fall vegetables",{"edges":1074,"__typename":190},[1075],{"node":1076,"__typename":175},{"id":1043,"slug":1045,"categories":1077,"title":1044,"excerpt":1083,"featuredImage":1084,"__typename":174},{"nodes":1078,"__typename":153},[1079,1080,1081,1082],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"\u003Cp>At Nurture Life, we’re all about sharing nutritious, well-balanced and creative meals with our kids. And there’s no better way to nurture a healthy appreciation for different flavors and textures than to teach your kids to eat seasonally! Check out eight of our favorite fall vegetables below, along with wholesome recipes and easy ideas for&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/fall-vegetables-kid-friendly/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":1085,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":1086,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/header-3desktop.jpg",{"node":1088,"__typename":192},{"id":1089,"name":1090,"posts":1091,"__typename":191},"dGVybToyMDE1","food for kids",{"edges":1092,"__typename":190},[1093,1103],{"node":1094,"__typename":175},{"id":1043,"slug":1045,"categories":1095,"title":1044,"excerpt":1083,"featuredImage":1101,"__typename":174},{"nodes":1096,"__typename":153},[1097,1098,1099,1100],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":1102,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":1086,"__typename":145},{"node":1104,"__typename":175},{"id":1105,"slug":1106,"categories":1107,"title":1114,"excerpt":1115,"featuredImage":1116,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoxNTcyMQ==","kids-dont-need-kids-meals",{"nodes":1108,"__typename":153},[1109,1110,1111,1112,1113],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":70,"slug":71,"id":69,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},"How to Raise Kids Who Don’t Need “Kids Meals”","\u003Cp>The next time you visit your local grocery store, take a minute to look around at the kids food options. You don’t have to look very long—a quick glance will show you what’s on offer: the same five or so ingredients, cooked into the same three dishes. If this sounds familiar to you, it’s all&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/kids-dont-need-kids-meals/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":1117,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":1118,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/PEB-A8-desktop-header-1.jpg",{"node":1120,"__typename":192},{"id":1121,"name":1060,"posts":1122,"__typename":191},"dGVybToxODI3",{"edges":1123,"__typename":190},[1124,1136,1146],{"node":1125,"__typename":175},{"id":1126,"slug":1127,"categories":1128,"title":1131,"excerpt":1132,"featuredImage":1133,"__typename":174},"cG9zdDoyMDA1OA==","veggies-early-often-pha",{"nodes":1129,"__typename":153},[1130],{"name":8,"slug":9,"id":7,"__typename":6},"Veggies Early and Often: Our Partnership with PHA","\u003Cp>At Nurture Life, we’re working toward a vision of healthier futures for every child, and “veggies on every plate” has been one of our core values since day one. That’s why we’re so excited to be joining Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) in their latest campaign: Veggies Early and Often. We’re already collaborating with&#8230; \u003Ca href=\"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/blog/veggies-early-often-pha/\">Read More\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\n",{"node":1134,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":1135,"__typename":145},"https://content.dev.nurturelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/desktop-header-1.jpg",{"node":1137,"__typename":175},{"id":1043,"slug":1045,"categories":1138,"title":1044,"excerpt":1083,"featuredImage":1144,"__typename":174},{"nodes":1139,"__typename":153},[1140,1141,1142,1143],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":1145,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":1086,"__typename":145},{"node":1147,"__typename":175},{"id":1105,"slug":1106,"categories":1148,"title":1114,"excerpt":1115,"featuredImage":1155,"__typename":174},{"nodes":1149,"__typename":153},[1150,1151,1152,1153,1154],{"name":52,"slug":53,"id":51,"__typename":6},{"name":61,"slug":62,"id":60,"__typename":6},{"name":70,"slug":71,"id":69,"__typename":6},{"name":97,"slug":98,"id":96,"__typename":6},{"name":115,"slug":116,"id":114,"__typename":6},{"node":1156,"__typename":146},{"sourceUrl":1118,"__typename":145},{"node":1158,"__typename":236},{"authorMeta":1159,"name":425,"description":426,"avatar":1162,"__typename":235},{"avatar":1160,"__typename":229},{"node":1161,"__typename":305},{"sourceUrl":424,"altText":19,"__typename":145},{"url":428,"__typename":234},{"title":1164,"metaDesc":1165,"opengraphUrl":1046,"opengraphTitle":1044,"opengraphDescription":1165,"opengraphImage":1166,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":1167,"opengraphModifiedTime":1168,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19,"__typename":243},"How to Make Fall Vegetables Kid-Friendly | Nurture Life","Pumpkin isn’t the only fall favorite around here! Check out 8 of our favorite fall vegetables plus recipes and ideas for kid-friendly dinners this fall.",{"sourceUrl":1086,"__typename":145},"2020-09-29T15:54:06+00:00","2024-07-11T14:10:28+00:00",{"__typename":6,"id":60,"name":61,"slug":62,"uri":63,"seo":1170},{"__typename":12,"title":65,"metaDesc":19,"opengraphUrl":66,"opengraphTitle":67,"opengraphDescription":19,"opengraphImage":17,"opengraphType":18,"opengraphPublishedTime":19,"opengraphModifiedTime":19,"opengraphSiteName":20,"metaRobotsNoindex":21,"metaRobotsNofollow":22,"twitterDescription":19,"twitterImage":17,"twitterTitle":19},1751870901128]