Hi everyone,
I have a 2-year-old toddler who is a picky eater and I struggle to get him to eat healthy foods. I have noticed that he loves eating foods that are high in sugar and salt, like cookies, chips, and sugary drinks. I'm worried that too much of these foods could be harmful to his health.
Can anyone suggest some foods that I should avoid giving my toddler because they are high in salt or sugar? And what are some healthier alternatives that I can offer him instead? I would really appreciate any advice or tips that you have.
Thank you!

Hi there,
I completely understand your concerns as a fellow parent. I have a 3-year-old son and I had the same worries when he was younger. The best thing you can do is to try and limit your child's intake of sugary snacks and drinks as much as possible.
Some of the foods that I avoid giving my son include packaged snacks like granola bars, fruit snacks, and crackers as they are often high in salt and sugar. Instead, I offer him fruit, vegetables, and healthy snacks like popcorn (without added salt or butter).
Another strategy that has worked for me is to make my own versions of popular snacks. For example, I make homemade granola bars with oats, nuts, and dried fruit instead of buying packaged ones with added sugar. I also use dates and honey to naturally sweeten desserts instead of sugar.
It's also a good idea to read food labels carefully and look out for terms like "high fructose corn syrup" and "added sugars." Finally, moderation is key. It's okay to indulge your child occasionally, but make sure that most of their daily intake is from healthy, whole foods.
Hope this helps!