What do you feed your toddlers?

I always dread mealtime because I always feel guilty about allowing soo much "not healthy" food. They eat things like tofu, green beans, whole wheat bread with cream cheese, bagels with butter, chic peas, carrots and green beans, chichen pieces, broccoli, chedder cheese, etc.
But lately DH has given them chicken nuggets and hot dogs and they LOVE them. Are these Ok foods for them at 12 months? What are you feeding?

 

I think moderation is key. I don't see how a small amount of the junk food could hurt personally.
I'm just naturally not a real black or white person, I like moderation.
If they eat healthy 80-90% of the time, I think that's great!

 

I offer a fruit, veggie and main dish at every meal. The girls are super picky though, they only like carrots and green beans and the only main dishes they will eat are grilled cheese, meatballs, chicken strips, fish sticks and pasta. My pedi says moderation and as long as they are eating some type of veggie we're good.

 

Sorry, but I don't see that hotdogs and chicken nuggets are junk food. I do however buy chicken nuggets that I KNOW has good (and real) meat in them so I tend to buy the Perdue whole grain nuggets. They love them and they love dipping them in ketchup. My girls eat chicken nuggets every other day or so. I also alternate with veggie burgers which they seem to really like. I don't cook all that much so I have to resort to a lot of quick type meals. Cream cheese and jelly sandwhiches, peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese, yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, etc. One of my dds is a picky eater so her menu is much smaller. Sometimes her meal will consist of crackers and fruit <_< . I used to worry about making sure EVERYTHING they ate is "healthy" but like pp said, everything in moderation. If you haven't already, you might try those Gerber toddler meals. They are fantastic. They are ready in 30 seconds, perfectly portioned and come with a vegetable.

 

I think as long as they are getting foods from every food group throughout the day you are doing pretty good. Mine eat a lot of chicken nuggets and veggies .......they pretty much eat what we do. I wouldn't worry too much.

 

I think everyone should have a little "junk" food but only in moderation. The main food sources and meals should be healthy. My girls get fresh, whole fruit and mixed veggies everyday along with yogurt, cheese, rice, pot pies, pastas, etc. and a protein source like chicken, etc. (all organic) But they do eat hot dogs on occassion. They LOVE them! We dont give them chicken nuggets, hamburgers, pizza, french fries, things of that nature, but they do get their "junk" food. They eat what we eat, and we all eat pretty healthy. On occasion you will find dh and I sneaking over to McDonalds during their nap time for our fast food fix, but that is very few and far between...

 

Sounds like you are doing good. As for nuggets and hot dogs, there are good brands out there that you can chose to make these options healthier when you decide to give them - Coleman, Applegate farms, Willshire Farms all are organic and have great hot dogs, including chicken and turkey variety. You can make your own nuggets, or you can offer vegetarian chicken nuggets too. And, I agree with the previous post, everything in moderation.

 

It sounds like you're doing fine. I wouldn't worry about giving them a few things like hot dogs and chicken nuggets. (Especially if you buy good ones -- all-meat, organic if possible, etc.) The danger is that if they really like them, you'll wind up giving them that more often because you know they will eat it. Just resist the urge!