Negros Oriental -- Feeding our toddlers is hard work, and it’s okay to make it easy on yourself when needed! Toddlers are full of exploring and discovery, they now learn to eat and are more physically active. Proper nutrition gives your child they need for growth, health, learning and development.

Here are the tips on how to plan and prepare toddler meals.

• Set a good example of eating healthy for your child
• Consider your child’s eating abilities and preferences. Make it colorful. Serve more finger foods. Toddlers loved to eat using their fingers. 
• Balance what you offer by including protein (meat, dairy, nuts, or beans), a complex carb (like a whole-grain bread product), fruit, vegetables, and some healthy fat. This will help ensure your toddler is exposed to a variety of nutrients and textures.
• Give healthy snacks two hours before meal. Nonstop snacking interferes with the kid’s appetites and disrupt hunger
• Do not force a child to eat. Make eating time a learning time. No nagging. Kids eat better when they are relaxed.
• Keep it simple, affordable, and nutritious!

Here are a few Filipino meals that might put a smile on your child’s face:

Suam – This Filipino corn soup is a great ulam especially for kids who would only eat their rice when it is swimming in soup!! There’s corn, a bit of meat, and of course, soothing broth. Yummy and affordable too!

Munggo Gisado – This is super affordable and protein-rich! If your kids dislike ampalaya tops, you can always use sili tops as an alternative. You may use tinapa flakes or leftover fried fish if you do not have minced pork or shrimps for sahog.

Misua Patola – This is a great ulam for babies and kids and could even be a stand-alone meal. It is super easy to cook as well and will not bore a hole in your budget.

Fish or Chicken Fingers – Ditch the over-priced and preservative-laden chicken nuggets and just make your own for the kids. This is easy to make using fish or chicken fillet, and you can even make some in advance and just freeze it until you are ready to cook.

Lumpia Shanghai or Fish Lumpia — This is a perfect finger food and ulam for babies and kids. You can also make a big batch and just freeze the other portions until ready to cook. // ND II Niña Estela Lindsay Romero, RND