To ask about five a day …

[Playinthepark]

Does this count for a two year old?

I do try really hard to make sure she eats well and she definitely doesn’t eat junk, but even then it’s hard getting five portions of fruit and veg into her, anyone else struggle?

I think what you're doing sounds grand. It's not just fruit and vegetables that she needs but also protein and carbs and fat (obviously you can get those from fruit and vegetables too but they're not always the best source). It sounds like she has a good balanced diet.

I think you’re ok. Remember the portion is the size of her hand, so pretty tiny (a couple of carrot sticks would do it). We usually have one meal that’s raw veg of choice (red pepper sticks and cucumber for DS2, red pepper, tomatoes and cucumber for DS1 tonight) plus a wrap with ham or cheese etc. Filled pasta is another sneaky one (we have the spinach and ricotta tortellini…I’m not sure the boys even realise it has veg in!) with a tomato sauce and that’s two.

Thanks. She won’t eat porridge, which is a pain - it’s one of the few things she really doesn’t like.

I’ve been advised against fruit juice by dentists, so hoping to avoid, DH drinks loads of it though!

My kids are a bit older; but a small glass of fruit juice / smoothie with breakfast (1portion)
Veg sticks (cucumber, pepper, carrots, spoonful of sweetcorn) with lunch (1-2 portions)
Broccoli, peas, carrots, pepper with dinner
(1-2 portions)
Bowl of fruit salad either for pudding or as a snack at some point (1-2 portions) some grapes, strawberry, blueberries, apple slices, half banana, small satsuma, small box raisins.
I agree, it is a minefield & I don't manage this every day, but typically average 3-4 portions per day.

Thanks, I think she’s reasonably balances, it’s just difficult because she has such a petite appetite, something like offering her a biscuit can mean she won’t eat her dinner. So I have to incorporate fruit and veg into lunches and dinners and it can be hard getting the balance right! I wish she was one of those children who wanted to eat all the time!

@Playinthepark If you have the fruit juice at breakfast then if you brush her teeth after it’s ok. Our dentist said it’s really an issue if kids have fruit juice and squash all day long not once a day at breakfast.

Will think about it. I’m worried it may spoil her appetite a bit! That’s all I need.