High Fiber Foods for Toddlers

A mother is always worried about her toddler's health because kids do not eat a balanced diet due to their choosy nature. What they like on one day, they will not even look at it the next day. This makes their diet very unbalanced; often it is rich in fats and sugars and low in fiber. This article centers around high fiber foods for toddlers which can be included in their daily diet. The following paragraphs will cover the various high fiber foods.

What are High Fiber Foods

Fiber is one of the essential nutrients required by our body. Fibers are soluble fibers and insoluble fiber. Soluble fibers bind with the fatty acids in the stomach. It is also responsible for slowly releasing the sugar in the bloodstream. This type of fiber helps to reduce the risk of heart diseases and lowers the cholesterol levels in the body. The insoluble fibers helps to clean the intestines and also maintain the pH level in the stomach. This ensures regular bowel movements and cleans the stomach of all the toxins. Fibers help to release energy into the body. Fiber rich foods not only help in keeping the glucose level in check but are also necessary to keep all the body functions going on without a hitch. Foods high in fiber are digested faster than the others. Vegetables, fruits and whole grains make a good high fiber diet as they are very rich sources of fibers.

High Fiber Foods for Kids

Mentioned below are the various high fiber foods for kids. These foods are easily available and can hence, form a part of the kid's regular meals. Some of these high fiber foods for toddlers are loved by the kids and the others need to be prepared in ways which will make them very appealing to the kids.

Whole Grains
While choosing breads, choose whole wheat, multi grain and whole grain breads. These breads are high in fiber. All the other bakery products also need to be chosen the same way. If the child wants to eat pasta or spaghetti, choose those made from wheat. Prefer brown rice over the white one. Also, select high fiber cereals for breakfast.

Vegetables
In order to make your kid eat vegetables like zucchini, carrots, broccoli, infuse these into the pasta or make a burger patty from these high fiber vegetables. A mixed vegetable curry can also be served with rice and that could include all these high fiber vegetables.

Fruits
Fruits will have no issues in becoming a favorite with the toddlers. Fruits like strawberries, oranges and cantaloupes are fruits high in fiber. Add some to his/her cereal everyday, pack one for lunch and serve fruits as desserts. Make amazing desserts from fruits, if the kid does not eat them plain. Avoid juices, instead try to make the kid eat the fruit. Fruits make a very interesting choice of high fiber foods for toddlers.

Nuts
Almonds, cashew nuts and peanuts are high in fiber. Give some to the toddler as a snack in between meals. Dried fruits, also good sources of fibers, and these high fiber foods for toddlers can be given to the kids to snack on.

List of High Fiber Foods

The above mentioned broad categories of high fiber foods are mentioned below in details. Make your meals with the help of this list of high fiber foods. As mentioned above, they are easily available.

• Wheat
• Barley
• Brussels Sprouts
• Spinach
• Bananas
• Green Beans
• Pears
• Lentils
• Prunes
• Berries
• Lima Beans
• Apples
• Raisins
• Broccoli
• Oatmeal
• Dates
• Tomatoes
• Kidney Beans
• Raspberries
• Meatballs
• Split Peas
• Oat Barn
• Navy Beans

You can make numerous different recipes from these high fiber foods for toddlers. Prefer these foods over the high sugary ones. This will help to keep your children healthy and active from a younger age. However, do not go overboard with the fibers as too much fiber can cause gas and the child may bloat.