Healthy Lunch Ideas For 15 Month Old

What are some healthy lunch ideas for a 15 month old? With a wide variety of foods and drinks your child will enjoy, setting up a healthy lunch is an easy task. With that being said, you want to avoid “happy meals” full of junk food, so here are some healthy lunch ideas for 15 month old toddlers.

Here are some healthy lunch ideas for 15 month olds.

Healthy Lunch Ideas For 15 Month Old

It is quite natural to completely run out of ideas for meals or even snacks for a 15-month-old child when you are used to a very typical meal schedule for yourself. The nutritional requirements for adults and kids are quite different and figuring out what food items can suffice them both can be quite tricky. This is where a proper meal plan and a simple schedule can be quite handy.

Nutrient Requirements for a 15 Months Old Child

1. Supporting nutrients

When eating less, there is a higher likelihood that minor nutrients like probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and others won’t be present in the necessary amounts. Therefore, it requires additional attention to make sure that these are part of the diet.

2. Water

Since most children won’t remember to drink as much water as they need, it is strongly advised to include water in the diet. Your child should consume no less than one litre of water per day.

3. Iron

As your child gets older, his need on breastfeeding, which is the body’s main supply of iron, will start to diminish, increasing the need for iron from other foods. Make sure he consumes 7 mg of iron each day from diet.

4. Salt

Salt is the main food source of sodium for us. While that could typically satisfy a child’s general dietary needs, households that use salt sparingly should take special care of this.

5. Fibre

Your children can actually benefit from all the nutrients if they have regular bowel movements and have good digestion. Fiber in the diet not only makes sure of this but also maintains the body’s overall performance.

6. Sugary substances

These are the foundation of every meal your child would eat because they are the source of all energy. Since several biological functions heavily rely on carbohydrates, there should be no compromising on the amount.

7. Proteins

Families who are vegetarians might be concerned about giving their children the right amount of protein. Although meat does include a significant amount of protein, there are vegetarian options that are still nutritious.

(8) Calories

Your child’s growth may not be as rapid now as it was when he was a newborn. This leads in an average daily calorie demand of about one kilocalorie, which rises progressively over time.

How Much Food Does Toddler Need at 15th Month?

A toddler’s nutritional needs within the first several years keep within the range of 1000 to 1400 calories, depending on your child’s physical activities and metabolism. Therefore, to ensure that the youngster is receiving the right nourishment, breakfast suggestions and meal choices need to be balanced.

Best Foods for Fifteen-Month-Old Baby

Some specific food items make for great choices in giving your little one a wholesome meal that provides the necessary nutrition he needs.

1. Meat

It’s crucial to understand that young children cannot consume huge cuts of meat like steaks or hams like adults. By choosing lean meat substitutes, such as minced pork, soft fish, crumbled chicken or ham, etc., the age-appropriate protein need can be mostly met. When consuming seafood, people should exercise caution.

2. Legumes and Nuts

While eggs are a terrific option for a lunch that will give your children both protein and fat, vegetarians can rejoice that legumes and nuts are a superior substitute. It is not advisable to provide nuts to children directly since they pose a choking risk. However, using foods that include nuts as an ingredient shouldn’t cause any issues.

3. Vegetables

Most kids will start eating their veggies around this age. Certain items might still be a bit difficult to chew, and those can be either boiled or steamed to soften them up. Avoid fried vegetables and opt for a variety that gives your kid a wider taste spectrum to enjoy.

4. Grains

When selecting food items, parents are advised to use whole grain versions as a simple approach to meet their child’s nutritional needs. These can also be found in different forms of pasta, rice, and roti. On the other hand, any fortified cereals without artificial ingredients are also a fantastic option.

5. Fruits

Not only do fruits provide your kid with a different range of tastes as compared to other food items, but the presence of natural fibre in them also helps in stimulation of the digestive system as well as help in procuring different vitamins.

6. Snacks

While your little one might munch of tiny pieces of cookie or toast, it is best to avoid giving any sugar-heavy products early in life. Make use of cheese based items or steamed veggies to satiate the random cravings.

7. Oil

Even a 15-month-old baby requires fat, much more than anybody else. Those are the energy reserves that keep them going. Opt for oils that have no trans fats or go for alternatives like butter.

8. Dairy

A combination of protein and calcium is highly necessary for kids at this age since their bones and muscles need to be strong. Make sure you include whole milk and some yoghurt in your kid’s diet.

9. Juices

Although it is best your kids have fruits instead of juices, these still can be a great addition to his diet, but only when pressed fresh and absent of any additions. Don’t replace water intake with juices.

10. Multivitamins

A child’s nutritional needs could be unmet due to their body type or family lifestyle. To combat such a situation, a multivitamin that can make up for any dietary deficiencies is necessary.

Healthy And Interesting Food Ideas For 15-Month-Olds

Once your tiny tot hits 15 months, they can distinguish different tastes and may change their food habits. At this age, they would want to have more than just pureed and mashed foods. Hence, you could consider trying some healthy food ideas for 15-month-olds. These food options need to be healthy as well as appeal to your infant’s changing tastes.

Since your baby needs to have at least three meals a day with healthy snacks in between, you may want to try out various recipes. Hence, we have compiled a list of the best food ideas for a 15-month-old baby.

Foods You Can Feed A Toddler

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that during the first two years following birth, roughly 50% of calories come from fat. (1). Additionally, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises giving a 15-month-old approximately 13 grams of protein each day. (2).
Plan a balanced lunch by including one source of protein and one source of carbs, as well as enough fat to finish the dish. Cereals, bread, rice, wheat, pasta, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dry fruits, dry beans, oil, milk, and dairy products can all be included in a 15-month-old’s meal plan. The necessary foods that you can feed your infant are listed below.

1. Cow’s milk (whole or full cream milk)

Several mothers ask us, “How much milk for a 15-month-old?” You may give 360-480ml cow milk (3) every day to meet the daily requirements of calcium and vitamin D.

• As your baby is a toddler now, offer them cow milk in a cup and not in a bottle.
• Divide 480ml of milk into three servings and these can be given in any form, such as milkshakes, puddings, yogurt, paneer, custard, etc., to offer a variety rather than plain milk. But always remember to give one form only once a day.
• You may continue or stop breastfeeding now. You no longer have to offer formula milk as the solid food diet caters to all the requirements.

2. Fresh fruits and vegetables

Help your kid acquire a liking for as many raw, natural foods as you can. This contains a selection of fresh fruits and veggies that will make your baby’s supper nutritious as well as bring color to the plate. The regular consumption of such a meal will ensure that your child receives an adequate supply of the fundamental nutrients required for growth and development.

3. Cereals

Cereals are a good supply of carbohydrates, which are the body’s primary fuel source. A toddler requires the energy to support the physical changes their body is through during development. Consequently, incorporate a variety of cereals, including rice, wheat, and millets, into their regular diet and serve them at various times throughout the day. The diet can also include fortified cereals without salt, sugar, or artificial coloring.

4. Protein and fat diet

Foods high in protein are a must in the toddler’s diet. For a balanced dose of fat and protein, include beef, chicken, and eggs if you want animal protein. You can also try fish like pollock, catfish, and canned mild tuna. But keep in mind to cook them thoroughly as you go.
Cheese is a fantastic source of protein if you prefer vegetarian foods. For a 15-month-old, it makes a fantastic finger food and may be added to practically any meal. Likewise, include a variety of pulses in your diet. The meal can also include nuts and seeds, but you should mash or powder them first to prevent swallowing.

Note: Introduce one new food at a time with brief waiting periods. Look for signs and symptoms of any allergy which might come up with the addition of new foods in the diet.

Diet Chart For 15-Month-Old Babies

Early morning

• ½ to 1 cup whole milk

Breakfast

• ½ cup iron – fortified breakfast cereal or 1 cooked egg
• Add fruit to cereal or offer as it is
• ½ banana, sliced
• 2–3 sliced strawberries

Mid-morning

• 1 slice toast or whole wheat muffin
• Apply 1–2 tablespoons cream cheese or peanut butter, or yogurt
• A few fruit slices
• ½ cup whole milk

Lunch

• ½ Sandwich sliced turkey or chicken, tuna, egg salad, or peanut butter
• ½ cup cooked green vegetables
• ½ cup cereal

Evening snack

• 2–3 tablespoons fruits or berries or 1–2 ounces cubed or string cheese
• 1 cup whole milk

Dinner

• 2–3 ounces ground or diced cooked meat
• ½ cup cooked yellow or orange vegetables
• ½ cup pasta, rice, or potato
• ½ cup whole milk

Source: Healthychildren.org

Simple Homemade Recipes For 15-Month-Old

Here are a few simple homemade food ideas for your 15-month-old baby.

Breakfast recipes

1. Whole-Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 (adult)

You Will Need:

• 3tbsp butter
• 1tbsp vegetable oil
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup wheat flour
• 3tbsp sugar
• 1½tsp baking powder
• ½tsp baking soda
• ½tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1½ cup low fat buttermilk
• 1 egg white
• ¾ cup maple syrup
• Cooking spray

How To:

1. Mix flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Whisk them together.
2. While whisking, combine buttermilk, oil, egg, and egg whites in a bowl. Add the mixture to the flour mixture. Stir well.
3. Heat a nonstick griddle coated with cooking spray, over medium heat.
4. Spoon around one-fourth cup onto the griddle, per pancake.
5. Turn over the pancakes when the tops are covered with bubbles and the edges are cooked.
6. Serve with syrup and butter.

2. Winter Squash Puree (Healthy Starter)

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 1 to 1-1/2 cups

You Will Need:

• 1tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1tbsp precut fresh or frozen winter squash or pumpkin cubes
• Water or milk as needed

How To:

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
2. Mix olive oil and squash in a bowl. Toss them.
3. Spread the squash on the baking sheet.
4. Roast the squash for 20 minutes. Puree in a blender until smooth.
5. Sieve the mixture and add water or milk to get the consistency.

3. Purple Puree

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2½ cups

You Will Need:

• 1½ cups blueberries (puree)
• 2 frozen spinach (10oz packages)
• 1/2tsp lemon juice
• 2tbsp water

How To:

1. Place spinach in a pan and add water. Boil, cover, and simmer for seven minutes.
2. Drain the water. Make a puree of spinach, blueberry, water, and lemon juice until smooth.

4. Ragi Idli

Prep time: 40 minutes
Servings: 10 idlis

You Will Need:

• 2 cups idli batter (fermented)
• ½ cup nachi flour or ragi flour
• Salt to taste
• 1tbsp oil (to grease)
• 1/4 cup + 2tbsp warm water

How To:

1. Add warm water and the flour to a bowl. And mix to get a thick paste.
2. Add the paste to idli batter. Add salt. Stir gently.
3. Set aside for nearly 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, boil the water in a steamer and grease the plates with oil.
5. Pour the batter into molds and place the idli stand in the steamer.
6. Allow it to steam for ten minutes and serve warm.

5. Oats Chilla

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 chilla

You Will Need:

• 1 cup oats
• Water as needed
• ¼ cup chickpea flour
• 1tsp cumin
• Pinch of turmeric
• ½ grated carrot
• 1 small onion
• Oil or ghee as needed

How To:

1. Add powdered oats to a bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Add water as per requirement.
2. Grease the oil on a pan. Heat it.
3. Spread a ladle of batter on the pan. Drizzle oil around the edges.
4. Flip it once it is cooked. Cook the other side too.

Healthy Snacks For 15-Month-Old

6. Oven-Roasted Green Beans (Finger Food)

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: ½ cup

You Will Need:

• 1lb green beans (trimmed)
• Sea salt to taste
• 2tsp extra-virgin olive oil

How To:

1. Preheat the oven to 425ºC. Put jelly-roll pan for ten minutes in the oven.
2. Take the beans in a bowl, sprinkle oil, add salt. Toss them well.
3. On the pre-heat baking sheet, place bean mixture in a single layer.
4. Bake for eight minutes until crisp and tender.

7. Dates Sesame Ladoo

Prep time: 20 min
Servings: 12 to 15 ladoos

You Will Need:

• 300gm dates
• 1 cup sesame seeds
• ¼ cup cashews or peanuts (roasted)
• 4 green cardamoms

How To:

1. Take a pan, add sesame seeds. Dry roast them on the medium flame.
2. Cool and powder them.
3. Mash the dates well and add sesame seeds powder. Knead for a few minutes to get a soft mixture.
4. Make it into small balls. Store in an air-tight container.

8. Pasta Kheer

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3 to 4 servings

You Will Need:

• 2 cups milk
• ¾ cup pasta
• ¼ cup jaggery syrup or organic sugar
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1 ½ rice flour mixed in ¼ cup water or milk

How To:

1. Boil water in a pan. Add and cook pasta for a few minutes.
2. Drain and keep aside.
3. Heat butter and ghee in a pan, add cashews (if desired). Keep them aside after roasting.
4. Pour milk into the same pan and boil. Add pasta and allow it to cook.
5. Take a cup and add rice flour, water, and milk. Mix well without lumps.
6. Pour this into the pan slowly, while stirring.
7. Allow the pasta kheer to thicken. Sprinkle cardamom seeds on it.
8. Add jaggery syrup or organic sugar as a sweetener.

9. Carrot Puree

Prep time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3 to 4 cups

You Will Need:

• 1 yam (peeled and cut)
• 3 carrots (peeled and cut)
• 2tbsp water

How To:

1. Add yam and carrot to a pan with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Drain out water and puree the contents in a processor.

Lunch Ideas For A 15-Month Baby

10. Baby’s Little Pasta

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 cups

You Will Need:

• 1½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2tbsp uncooked pasta

How To:

1. Add the chicken broth to a pan and bring it to a boil. Add pasta.
2. Cook for seven minutes with intermittent stirring.