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EVERY BITE COUNTS WITH BEEF
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Every bite a baby takes counts, especially in the first 1,000 days of life. Starting babies with beef as a complementary first food can ensure they get nutrients they need. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Women Infants and Children’s Program and now the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend introducing solid foods, like beef, to infants and toddlers, in order to pack every bite with protein, iron, zinc and choline.
Up until 2020, nutrition recommendations for children under 2 years of age were excluded from national dietary guidance. However, for the first time ever, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee has addressed the importance of developing nutrition recommendations for children from birth to 24 months of age. Importantly, the Committee recommended animal-sourced foods, such as beef, as a foundational food for healthy growth in the early years.
The essential nutrients found in beef support growing bodies and healthy brain development in babies and toddlers. Serving nutritious foods babies and toddlers love to eat, like beef, is also simple and easy. Beef can be pureed, mashed, chopped or shredded at various stages to meet changing feeding needs.
The educational web pages, linked below, discuss the benefits of including beef in a healthy eating pattern to support growth and development in the early years.
The fact sheets below were created in collaboration with pediatric expert and registered dietitian, Jill Castle, MS, RD, LDN. They provide tips and information regarding important nutrients, introducing new textures, and starting solids.
A lifetime of good nutrition begins with babies, and beef can play a role as a first food, bringing quality nutrients to the table. For more information, visit https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/nutrition.
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EARLY-YEARS INSPIRED RECIPES
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With these Early Years-inspired recipes, there’s no need to make multiple meals at dinner anymore. These recipes have been adapted for little ones in order to serve a dish the whole family will love.
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BEEF NOODLE STIR-FRY
Beef Noodle Stir Fry is ready in 20 minutes and is made with whole-wheat pasta, beef tenderloin, carrots, broccoli and red peppers with a honey garlic soy dressing!
View Recipe >>
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SKILLET SWEDISH MEATBALLS
Skillet Swedish Meatballs are a one pot comfort meal, perfect for the littlest fingers or biggest forks in your family. Made with the ease of a simple skillet sauce and frozen beef meatballs.
View Recipe >>
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LEARN WITH BEEF: FREE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
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Eating in the Early Years E-Vent is an immersive, on-demand virtual experience to review and discuss the current state of the science around nutrition recommendations for birth to 24 months, unpack what and how we feed infants and toddlers, and determine ways to inspire behavior change to improve nutrition outcomes in the early years. This event has been approved for 8 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for RDs and DTRs.
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ASK THE EXPERT: KATIE SERBINSKI, MS, RD
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For additional information regarding beef nutrition research, resources, as well as partnership opportunities, please contact Katie Serbinski, MS, RDN, Director of Nutrition and Consumer Communications for the Michigan Beef Industry Commission.
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ABOUT THE MICHIGAN BEEF INDUSTRY COMMISSION
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The Michigan Beef Industry Commission builds demand for beef products by growing consumer trust and promoting beef’s value; thereby enhancing opportunities for all segments of the beef industry. The Michigan Beef Industry Commission, the Beef Promotion and Research Board and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, are all working together in a coordinated state/national effort to promote beef and veal products in order to hold market share and increase the demand for beef and veal.
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FOLLOW THE MICHIGAN BEEF INDUSTRY COMMISSION ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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