what do you feed your toddlers?

My four year old granddaugher is so picky at times. She loves baked mac and cheese, only chinese chicken, instant breakfast, caprisun juice, chips, apples, bananas, plain pasta, grape jelly sandwiches on whole wheat and lotsa of candy. I try to get her to eat as healthy as possible but at this age its so hard. There are days that she will eat 3 meals and a dessert which is a good day. Other days she can't be bothered with eating regular meals she just wants to eat junk food.

Well... my kids are also very picky that's why I add some arts and colors to the food I prepare for them. And I always say yes to them If they will finish their food. And I don't give them candies and chocolates or anything before the lunch or dinner so they can eat a lot. I do buy some fruits, yogurt, milk and their favorite cookies. I seldom buy chips, instead I make some banana chips or camote chips (yam).

I blame myself for how picky my 2 1/2 year old son has become. When my daughter was little I NEVER let her have any junk food until she was about my sons age. She ate so good until pretty much that point. Once she had a taste of sweet things she stopped liking healthy things like broccoli etc. She eats better then my son does but shes pretty picky to. My son I wasent so strict with so I've let him eat gummies and other things. He is so picky he will only eat like pizza nd spaghetti os, ramen noodles, chicken noodle soup. I wish I had been more strict with his diet now so he would have been a healthier eater.

Small children are scared for new things. for example new people, new places. like that they are scared for new foods also. You must introduce a new food with patience and in an attractive way. I hope some articles in my blog in my profile may help you.

All my three kids (during toddler years) also love instant noodles, hotdogs, and fried chicken with gravy, french fries, but I try to limit those foods as much as possible. Come to think of it now, they still love these foods esp. fried chicken and instant noodles. They also love Toblerone chocolates and Pringles, and as far as I remember the only vegetable they love to eat during those years is potato (as in french fries). ^_^ and yes they are choosy.. or they just don't want to eat what we like them to eat. :)

i'm fortunate my child have a matured palette too. she eats vegetables and fruits as well. parents must be a good example towards a child. i notice my niece is a chooser eater cause her parents are also choosing what they want to eat. i've never fed my child "baby foods" which are readily available, again this is an observation and from some parent's advices too.