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I've been looking online at the recommended meal portions for a toddler. That's what I've been basing my portion sizes on, but I'm wondering if I'm serving enough food in general. I have a little one who is constantly asking for food and will literally eat 4-5 helpings if I let her. I've been telling her she's done after 2, but I feel terrible b/c I always have this thought in the back of my mind like what if she really is hungry. Parents say she does the same thing at home. They just redirect or they would be feeding her constantly. Example of a meal...she is 2: slice of whole grain toast with fruit spread, 1/2 banana, 1/4 cup oatmeal and cup of milk. Lunch: 1/4 cup whole grain spaghetti, 1/4 cup veggies, slice garlic bread, applesauce. Does that sound about right or do you think I"m offering too little food. I always give her seconds, but then I tell her meal time is over and we'll eat again at the next meal. Sometimes she's ok with that and sometimes she cries. Breaks my heart.
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These are the USDA recommended meal patterns. It lists serving sizes for each age group.
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Thank you!Comment
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Don't forget protein!Comment
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I typically do include protein with every meal. My 4 yo has actually started pointing out which food item is protein and saying, "This will keep me steady all day!" to all of the other kids. haha I realize I didn't include it in the example, but like spaghetti might have meat in the sauce or if not I often add peanut butter to bread instead of garlic toast. I do consider oatmeal to have protein in it so I don't always serve extra with that, but breakfast often has yogurt, peanut butter, an egg, or a cheese stick with it. I truly think this child just enjoys eating, but I'd hate to be wrong and have her be hungry.Comment
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Every child is different so I would feed her until she is full personally if that is possible. Maybe more portions?
My two daughters are super tiny. One eats like a horse and the other is picky and eats barely enough to live!
Protein is in everything by the way, even veggies have protein
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I'm kind of worried that she doesn't recognize when she is full. She will literally eat 4 or 5 servings per meal and within 30 minutes tell me, "I'm hungry. I eat." This is why I struggle. I really don't think she is still hungry. I think she eats for something to do, but I always worry that if she is hungry I'm cutting her off too soon. Her parents tell me she would eat non stop if they didn't stop her as well. Unfortunately, she won't eat any veggies for me though. She eats everything else, 4 and 5 servings if I allow it, but she always always leaves the veggies and tells me "Don't like it." What's funny is her mom says she veggies more than anything else at home.Every child is different so I would feed her until she is full personally if that is possible. Maybe more portions?
My two daughters are super tiny. One eats like a horse and the other is picky and eats barely enough to live!
Protein is in everything by the way, even veggies have proteinComment
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I went by a regular serving to start.I used those little plates that were divided.I would give a second serving of the main course and then if she hasn't eaten any veggies I would say no. She's not that hungry.That being said I told parents ahead of time that I wouldn't make meals a fight.I served fruits and only a few veggies I knew they liked.Cheating I know. Typical lunch grilled cheese carrot sticks an apple with milk.I sometimes would serve half a banana instead of carrots.I do think sometimes its just something to do eat.Comment
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Their little stomachs are the size of their fist. I think you are serving enough. I WOULD give her a full glass of water to drink before meals. I have a child similar and it has never improved, is only getting worse despite a diabetes diagnosis AND the child is significantly overweight now. (years of over eating)Comment
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I would offer unlimited veggies. First reason being they won't "fatten her up" so to speak. And if she is truly hungry she will eat them. Here that is what I do. I always have carrot and celery sticks and if they keep wanting more food at the table after reasonable servings and seconds if I have it they are offered those.Comment
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I have one who is always hungry. I serve the recommended portions one time, and they have to eat everything to get seconds. Usually it stops "hunger" when they are told they have to finish their zucchini first.Comment
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