Final answer:
The true statement about an appropriate diet for toddlers is that a varied and balanced diet is essential for their growth and development. An adequate and nutrient-dense diet is necessary to provide the right balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question about an appropriate diet for toddlers is that variety and balance are essential. A healthy diet for toddlers should not be high in added sugars, nor should it consist exclusively of solid foods. Additionally, it is not beneficial to strictly limit a toddler's fluid intake. Instead, a toddler's diet should be adequate and include nutrient-dense foods that provide sufficient essential nutrients, fiber, and adequate calories. Balance in the diet comes from not consuming an excess of any one nutrient over another and ensuring appropriate amounts of all nutrients are consumed.
A balanced diet provides the nutrients needed to maintain proper bodily functions, including growth and development, as well as vitamins and minerals to maintain good health. Calorie control and moderation are also important principles of a balanced diet, ensuring that the energy consumed equals the energy expended. Lastly, ensuring a variety in the diet, by including foods from the different food groups regularly, is key to providing the nutritional complexity needed for optimal health.