Creating a balanced diet and good habits for toddlers whose appetite varies from day to day can be challenging for even the most dedicated parents. Growth rate slows during the toddler years (age 1-3) as kids become more active; toddlers are also more distracted which results in them having less appetite. With all this going on, toddlers tend to only eat when really hungry and will often only eat a limited range of foods but this does not seem to affect their overall health and growth. However, it is very important to maintain and develop good habits early and parents should continue to provide a balanced diet to sow the seeds for a long term healthy lifestyle.Appetite and food intake can vary significantly from day to day and meal to meal, but meals offered should still be balanced and include meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals to provide optimum energy. Sugary snacks and highly processed food containing preservatives, colours and additives are not necessary and should be actively avoided. It is more important to provide a range of nutrients and different textures five to six times daily to take into account toddlers’ small tummies.Fat is a necessary component of a toddler’s diet for energy, growth and development, and yoghurt and cheese need to be included along with butter, eggs, meat and avocado. Water is the only drink required beyond milk for optimum body function. Generally, families that have a routine and sit down together at mealtimes without the distractions of television or other gadgets will not have any difficulty establishing a healthy feeding pattern. Toddlers are positively influenced by a good routine, regardless of their appetite, and modified versions of family meals should offer a balanced diet. For more tips on healthy food for kids see: Choose Healthy Foods for Kids.Resources:Dietary Guidelines for Toddlers – Cherie Lyden – TheFoodCoachImage: Sk Elena/Shutterstock