Lentils
Lentils are a powerhouse of nutrients that support your child’s health. They are an important source of plant-based protein, an essential nutrient during periods of rapid growth and development. Another nutrient found in lentils that also aid your child’s growth is the mineral zinc, which plays an important role in helping babies reach the normal expected height and weight for their age.
Lentils are known to deliver a good amount of blood building nutrients such as iron and folate which work together to build healthy new red blood cells.
Brown Rice
Unlike white rice which is stripped off its fiber, vitamins and minerals during processing, brown rice maintains all its valuable nutrients. Rich in magnesium, an important mineral for muscle nerve function as well as bone formation. Brown rice also contains many B vitamins that play a vital role in metabolism, healthy brain development and proper nervous system functioning.
Orzo Pasta
Orzo is a short grain pasta shaped like a long grain of rice. The name orzo translates to “barley” in Italian due to their close resemblance in appearance. Orzo is made of semolina wheat flour giving it a light, fluffy, and slightly firm texture.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C! When obtaining iron from plant-based foods, it is important to pair it with foods rich in vitamin C because vitamin C is needed for plant-based iron to get absorbed into the blood and be used by the body.