Ideas for Healthy Meals for Lactose-Intolerant Toddlers

Fruit Smoothie

Although many breakfast foods contain or are prepared with dairy products, there are various foods lactose-intolerant toddlers can eat. For example, oatmeal with fresh fruit, Cream of Wheat and French toast made with soy milk are all healthy options. Also consider a low-calorie, non-dairy fruit smoothie. To make the smoothie, combine one-half cup vanilla soy yogurt, one-half cup fresh or frozen strawberries, 2 ice cubes and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract in a blender and blend until smooth.

For lunch, take advantage of calcium-rich green leafy vegetables. For example, this spinach salad and homemade dressing recipe from KidsHealth is especially for lactose-intolerant children. Make the dressing first by mixing 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons of orange juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons of canola oil, one-fourth teaspoon of dry mustard and one-third teaspoon of poppy seeds. Place the dressing in the refrigerator. Next, mix 6 cups of torn spinach, one-half cup mandarin oranges, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 4 ounces of soy blue cheese crumbles and one-half cup of cashews in a large bowl. Pour the dressing evenly over the salad. This recipe serves four.

This low-calorie, low-fat casserole incorporates more vegetables into your toddler's diet. Another KidsHealth recipe, it is a good source of carbohydrates, fiber and protein. Spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and combine 1 sliced zucchini, 1 sliced yellow squash, one-half chopped red bell pepper, 2 tomatoes, and one-fourth cup fat-free Italian dressing into the dish. Cook the vegetables in the microwave for 10 minutes and stir every 2 to 3 minutes. You can serve this dish with brown rice; you can also add soy mozzarella cheese to the vegetables.

Cook lactose-free meals that allow toddlers to eat with the entire family. Use 16 ounces of skinless chicken breasts, a 15-ounce can of black beans, 2 cloves of minced garlic, three-fourths of a cup of salsa, red peppers, onions, hot chili pepper, and cumin (add the last four to your taste) to create a meal that is a good source of protein and fiber. This recipe, which serves four, contains 380 calories, 5 grams of fat, 40 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per serving. Serve the dish over brown rice. If you want to add a cheesy flair, sprinkle it with soy cheddar cheese.