Does eating like a toddler deliver your daily nutrient intake? A dietitian’s verdict

2 weeks ago 9

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Sarah Davidson is an author and podcast host. The 36-year-old shares her day on a plate.

6.30am After my day starts at 5am with an early wake-up call from my one-year-old, I have a coffee. Breakfast needs to be fuss-free and filling. Teddy loves to eat whatever we’re eating so today it’s scrambled eggs and avocado.

9.30am Already feels like lunchtime. We share a plate of toddler-friendly foods: cheese slices, Greek yoghurt with berries and nuts, and a mini muffin. I have a second coffee.

12pm Again, lunch is often based around whatever Teddy’s having. He loves roasted vegetables, so I often have a variety ready in the fridge. I’ll mix them with tuna, rice, avocado and finish with a splash of balsamic and olive oil.

2.30pm Another snack – tea and some banana bread.

5.30pm We’re big fans of preparing meals in bulk that we can freeze. I like one-pot slow-cooker meals we can all enjoy, such as spaghetti bolognese.

8pm Chocolate-coated almonds and homemade Anzac biscuits.

Dr Joanna McMillan says

Top marks for… Starting the day with eggs and avocado is a nutrient-dense way to fuel busy mornings, while tuna, nuts and olive oil later in the day add a hit of Mediterranean-style healthy fats. Bulk-preparing family meals is a smart strategy that helps ensure a wholesome dinner is always at hand.

If you keep eating like this you’ll… Benefit from the nourishment your varied diet gives you (and Teddy). But with a muffin, banana bread, biscuits and chocolate almonds all in one day, your sugar intake creeps up, impacting dental health immediately and overall health in the long term while edging out more nutritious foods.

Why don’t you try… Tweaking your baking to use wholegrain, legume or nut flours and less sugar, so treats become more nutritious. Balance these sweet treats with savoury snacks such as hummus and vegie sticks. Adding a simple side salad to your evening meal will also give you an extra serve of greens, boosting fibre and phytonutrients for long-term health.

Sarah Davidson is a Dove ambassador. Dove’s Advanced Care Body Wash is available in stores now.

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