What to Feed Your Little One

I came across this article on www.BabyCenter.com about super foods to feed your children.  I am no dietitian, but I am passionate about eating healthy and teaching my little one to do the same.  One thing I have learned about children is that they will eat what you feed them.  If you offer them healthy foods, they will eat them.  If you give them sweets and junk food to choose from, they will develop a palate for those foods and forgo the healthy choices.

1. Avocado
The only vegetable laced with monounsaturated "good" fats that may lower "bad" LDL cholesterol that can harm the heart, avocado is also a super source of soluble fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar. And it's full of vitamin E, which protects your cells from free radicals.

2. Blueberries
Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — substances that slow the body's release of chemicals that can damage cells — blueberries can help lower cholesterol, sharpen memory, and fight certain cancers. These little fruits offer big health benefits, whether fresh or frozen.

3. Oats
These mild-tasting, versatile whole grains help prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes, will keep your child feeling full, and aid in escorting bad cholesterol out of the body.

4. Salmon
This cold-water fish contains healthful fats known as omega-3s that can lower the risk of heart disease. These nutrients may also help improve mood and prevent memory loss.

5. Spinach
An excellent source of iron, calcium, and folic acid, along with vitamins A and C, spinach is great for growing bones and brains.

6. Sweet Potatoes
Packed with vitamins B, C, and E, plus calcium, potassium, and iron, sweet potatoes are also rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, which keeps digestion moving along properly.

7. Yogurt
Rich in calcium and a good source of protein, yogurt helps build strong bones and teeth. It also aids in digestion and fights bad bacteria in the gut.

Buy plain low-fat yogurt and add your own fresh or frozen fruit to it. That way, you'll avoid the sugar that's in flavored yogurts. It's so creamy and comforting that most kids go for it.