Consuming protein rich foods help in the development of strong body. Are you including protein rich foods in your child’s diet? Have a quick look at the list of top 5 protein rich food for kids right away.Protein – the usual worry of parents if their kids are getting enough of it! Proteins are the building blocks of the body and your kids need it to grow their bodies, make them strong, for muscle growth and repair, and also to have
strong bones, strong mind, and strong future. You should be aware how much protein your kids need: 45 g of protein per pound for toddlers, 0.5 g per pound for kids aged 4-6, 0.45 g per pound for preteens, and teens need 0.4 g per pound. Here are few protein rich foods for kids.
1. Soybeans
Soybeans are a great source of protein among all beans and legumes. You can serve your kid a tall glass of soymilk that provides equal amount of protein as skimmed
milk does minus the problems of gas and indigestion that animal milk does to your kid. Soymilk is also a great option for lactose-intolerant kids.
Tofu can be made from soymilk that is much healthier than cottage cheese and is highly proteinaceous. You can even make soy yogurt for your kids that are equally high in protein. You also get processed soy meat that tastes like meat when you cook them and your kids would surely enjoy them. Soy meat is loaded with protein and has no bad effects of animal meat.
2. Other Beans, Lentils, and Legumes
If your kid is not much fond of soy products, you still have plenty of other lentils, legumes, and beans for your kids. Try to serve a bowl of pulses every day during lunch along with other side dish – by this way, your kids will get a regular intake of protein. There are so many beans and lentils available in the market – green moong, Bengal grams, masur dal, urad dal, etc. A bowl of rajma, a bowl of sambar, a bowl of sprouted pulses, etc. can easily meet the protein requirement for your kids.
3. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts, such as
almonds, pistachio, peanuts, etc. and also seeds like flaxseed are protein-rich sources. Pack a box of mixed nuts sprinkled with roasted seeds or peanut butter
sandwiches for your kids’
snack break, and you never have to worry if they are having enough protein. You can also prepare almond milk, which is a high protein drink your kids would never say no to.
4. Grains
There are the wonder cereals, such as quinoa and oats, which are considered to contain a lot of protein. You can make quinoa or oats poha for your kids and add them to other dishes whenever you can. As they are not very tasty, kids do not prefer eating them as a whole. But kids would surely like to have breads and pasta, which are also good sources of protein.
5. Fish and Meat
Many kids are not fond of protein derived from fins and meat, but they can always derive protein from other sources. Only animal sources have enough protein – it is a myth now. But if your kids can eat animal protein, then you can make tasty non-vegetarian treats for them as fish and meats contain a lot of protein. But always remember that eating too much of non-vegetarian food is never good for health for a long run. So be wise when you choose the options to feed your kids.
When you buy foods for your kids from the stores, always check the food labels to be sure how much protein or other minerals the specific foods have. There are many protein-fortified foods available in the market, which you can always rely on. But the best way is to feed your children natural sources of proteins – the most effective way to grow and become strong.
Why is it important to include protein rich foods in the diet of kids? Which are the important sources of protein for kids? What can happen if kids are deprived of protein rich foods? Discuss here.