Woman and toddler eating muffins in kitchen.
Kristen Carli (not pictured) is a dietitian and feeds her child processed foods.
  • I'm a mom and dietitian, and I don't mind feeding my toddler processed foods.
  • Processed foods exist on a spectrum, and some are better than others.
  • When I'm thinking about my toddler's diet, convenience, balance, and moderation are key.

I'm a dietitian, and I feed my 2-year-old processed foods. Yep, you read that right. Sure, I believe that a diet filled with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains is the most nutritious way to eat. But the truth is, balance and moderation are key in any diet, especially for growing toddlers.