It takes time for a toddler to advance into a diet more typical of an adult or young child. Easing them into a different diet is the way to go when you're introducing new foods to your child. You don't want to upset their stomach by giving them something you're not quite sure if their stomach is ready to digest yet.

You'll also want to get them started on a healthy diet for other reasons. Soon enough, they will be exposed to all sorts of junk food. Ice cream, fries, chips - nothing is out of reach in this convenient and modern world. The sooner you start them on a healthy diet, the quicker they will get used to it - and of course it's good for them!

Stuff as much health into your toddler's diet! You don't always have to sacrifice taste for it either. There are plenty of good dishes out there that cater both to the palate and the health. So without further delay, let's have a look at what the healthiest choices are for a toddler's diet:

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is the food that will give your kid the energy to go through the day. It's packed with fiber and carbs, and can take care of the all the energy requirements for the day. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which after regular consumption, prevents constipation and keeps your digestive system healthy.

Oatmeal is cheap and extremely healthy, so if you can have your child appreciate an oatmeal for breakfast every day, you're covering an important meal of the day.

You can learn more about oatmeal here. 

2. Kidney Beans

Better known as Rajma in India, kidney beans are an excellent weaning food that serves up a variety of benefits. They are rich in minerals and help keep cholesterol levels in check (adults, pay heed).

3. Basil

Do you want to introduce your child to the sumptuousness of Italian food? Then giving them occasional pasta dressed with Basil is a great idea, because basil is an herb rich in many vitamins, including A, C and K. Furthermore, it is also rich in calcium and potassium. Pasta is easy to make and basil is easily available and affordable, so get out there and make some!

4. Cinnamon

A truly wonderful spice, cinnamon helps regulate sugar levels, and we all know how kids somehow find some sugar to consume. You can add it to salads, curd based dishes or just as a spice onto some of your main courses. Your kids will love them.

5. Fruits And Veggies

A good portion of fruits and vegetables should obviously make up a part of your child's diet. It is from them that they will obtain their vitamins and minerals. Sure, it can be difficult for a child to get used to the bland, bitter and sometimes unappealing taste of vegetables. But as we did, he or she will soon become appreciative of the tastes and subtleties of the many different kinds of vegetables.

An all-round diet including protein, iron, vitamins and minerals, and carbohydrates is what you should be looking for.

And there you have it. Some healthy ideas for excellent meals that will ensure your child is getting everything he or she needs. This is the age where their bodies are developing at the fastest and their diet needs to keep up with their growth. There's also a mental aspect to it: as we said before, you don't want your child getting hooked onto a particular food or throwing a fit about veggies when much older (and more troublesome). No one's saying no to the occasional treat, however!

You have everything you need to know to prepare a solid meal plan for your toddler. So work a meal plan around these ingredients and worry not about your child's development!