Healthy vegan alternatives for toddler meals
This blog post on Toddler Recipes Australia will provide delicious and healthy vegan alternatives for toddler meals. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll find the perfect vegan meal to satisfy your toddler. With easy-to-find ingredients, helpful cooking tips, and nutritional information, find the perfect vegan meal to ensure your toddler eats a balanced and nutritious diet.
Healthiest Vegan Alternatives for Toddler Meals in Australia
Here at Toddler Recipes Australia, it is no secret that we believe in the importance of introducing our toddlers to healthy eating habits right from the start. Unfortunately, due to the rising cost of food in Australia, vegan meals for toddlers can be difficult to afford and hard to come by. But that doesn’t mean that vegan alternatives can’t be healthy, tasty, and cost-effective.
As a father of one, and cybersecurity specialist from Australia, I have put together some ideas for vegan alternatives for toddler meals that are sure to keep them happy, healthy, and satisfied.
Avocado Toast
This one is easy enough for even the most novice of cooks. Simply toast some multigrain bread and then mash up some ripe avocado on top. For toddlers, it is best to spread the mashed avocado thinly, to make it easier to eat. You can season the toast with some black pepper and a little bit of sea salt, or add some garlic flakes, if you wish. This is a great breakfast or snack alternative that is sure to fill your toddler up with good fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Zucchini Fritters
These delicious veggie-filled fritters are quick, easy and exceptionally nutritious. To make them you need to grate one or two zucchinis, thoroughly drain the water off, and then mix with some mashed avocado, almond meal, and seasonings. In a separate bowl, crack an egg and mix in some maple syrup. Then form the mixture into patties and shallow fry in some olive oil for about two minutes each side. Serve with a side of salad or mashed potatoes and your toddler will have a tasty and healthy meal.
Green Smoothie Bowls
These smoothie bowls are not only unbelievably nutritious, but they are also incredibly colourful and tasty. All you need to do is blend a head of spinach with some frozen bananas, unsweetened almond milk, and blueberries until smooth. You can then top the smoothie with whatever your toddler desire – from hemp seeds, to chopped nuts, to chunks of pineapple or mango. This is a great way to get some green veggies into your toddler, without them even noticing.
Chickpea Burgers
These vegan chickpea burgers are sure to be a hit with your toddler. All you need to do is combine one can of chickpeas, some garlic, onion, and some herbs of your choice in a food processor. Once the mixture is a chunky paste, form into patties and then fry in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil or garlic butter. Serve the patties in wholemeal buns with some vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato, and your choice of condiments.
Veggie “Bolognese”
This is a great way to introduce your toddler to some healthy veggies, while still making them feel as though they are having a proper ‘toddler-friendly’ meal. You simply need to finely chop some celery, carrot, and onion in a pan with some garlic and a splash of oil. Once the veg has softened add a tin of chopped tomatoes, some basil leaves, and some freshly grated parmesan cheese. Simmer for about 10 minutes, before serving over some gluten-free pasta. Not only is this dish vegan and toddler-friendly, but it is also packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
Nutritious Vegan Granola Bars
These homemade vegan granola bars are an excellent snack alternative that is full of flavour and goodness. All you need to do is mix some rolled oats, chopped nuts, chia seeds, and coconut flakes in a large bowl. Heat some maple syrup and coconut oil in a small saucepan, pour over the top of the dry ingredients, and then stir to combine. Place the mixture into a baking tray, press firmly, and then place into the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 20 minutes. Once cooked, cut into bars or squares, and then store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Vegan alternatives to toddler meals don’t have to be hard to make or expensive to buy. By following the ideas above, you can ensure that your little one is getting the most out of their meals in terms of both taste and nutrition.
-James