Every parent wants to do what’s best for their child, and that includes finding delicious ways to incorporate new foods into their diets. It can be hard to find the right ingredients that provide essential nutrients for growth and appeal to young palates. Below are a few ways parents and child care providers can create filling, healthy meals and snacks.

5 Tasty Foods to Encourage Healthy Child Development

1. Eggs

Parents and child care providers know the importance of starting the day with a healthy breakfast, but many underestimate how powerful eggs can be. They’re rich in choline, which stimulates cell growth, and lutein, which protects eye health, as well as B vitamins and protein. Scramble them with cheese and diced vegetables and serve over whole-grain toast to give your child the fuel they need for a full day at preschool.

2. Berries

Berry season is here, which means your child can get an immune system-boosting dose of vitamin C with every snack. Berries are delicious straight out of the fridge, and they can be cooked with a little water and lemon juice to make a sweet, all-natural topping for pancakes, toast, and yogurt. These bite-sized fruits are high in fiber, so your child will feel satisfied and energized after breakfast or a snack.

3. Dairy Products

Dairy is easy to incorporate into your child’s diet, from milk over their favorite breakfast cereal to cheese at lunch and yogurt at snacktime. These foods provide calcium and vitamin D for strong, healthy bones and are surprisingly versatile. Milk and yogurt are nutritious on their own and can be blended with fruit to make smoothies for a rich treat.

4. Nut & Seed Butters

While many child care centers disallow peanut butter due to the prevalence of allergies, there are alternatives for this kid-friendly protein source. Almonds, cashews, and sunflower seeds can all be ground to the same consistency as natural peanut butter, so your child can enjoy their favorite sandwich or dip apple slices. Nuts and seeds are high in fiber and healthy fats, which are essential for a balanced diet.

5. Iron-Rich Foods

Iron contributes to healthy brain growth, preparing your child for a lifetime of learning. Iron is found in both meat and vegetables, but meat tends to have higher concentrations that are easier to absorb. Look for lean chicken and cuts of beef with low fat content. If you plan to make burgers at home during the summer, choose ground beef that is at least 92% lean. The best vegetable sources include beans, lentils, and chickpeas.

Whether you’re looking for summer child care or thinking ahead to the fall, Guilford Child Development will connect you with the right provider. This network of community groups helps families throughout North Carolina’s High Point area find affordable, high-quality care that includes reading help, food programs, and access to nursing care. Visit them online or call (336) 887-8224 to find out how they help families succeed.