Final answer:
To encourage a picky toddler to eat a more healthful diet, a nurse should recommend serving foods of different textures and colors, offering a variety of whole foods including vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy. These practices help ensure the toddler receives essential nutrients and develops healthy eating habits.
Step-by-step explanation:
When addressing the concerns of a parent whose toddler is a "picky eater," a nurse should provide advice that encourages a healthful diet and positive eating habits. Instead of serving mixed foods or using food as a reward, which can lead to unhealthy habits, the nurse should recommend:
- Providing foods of different textures and colors: This creates a more visually appealing and sensory-varied eating experience, which might entice the toddler to try new foods.
It's important to include a variety of foods within each food group. For instance, serving different vegetables like dark green ones (spinach and broccoli) and orange ones (carrots and sweet potatoes) can be beneficial. Offering a mix of whole grains, lean meats such as fish and chicken, and low-fat dairy products, ensures that toddlers ingest a diverse array of essential nutrients.
Moreover, fresh whole foods should be prioritized over processed ones, as they typically contain more nutrients. By integrating these strategies into feeding practices, parents can aid their toddlers in expanding their palate and adopting healthy eating habits that contribute to their overall well-being.