Diet and nutrition for kids is a challenge. Most children are bombarded with persuasive and attractive advertising from a very young age. Most foods advertised tend to be high in sugar or salt and are often sponsored by colorful cartoon characters.
Children need to be given a choice and must be allowed to eat little and often.
Major Food Groups
Fats
There is no need for children to eat low-fat products. Fats are a necessary component of anyone’s diet. The issue with fat is that of moderation due to the higher calorie content of fats. Some of the more important fats required in childhood development are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats.
Sources of omega-3 are tuna, salmon, sesame seeds, nuts, sardines. (Note that nuts are not suitable for very young children due to a choking risk.
Sources of omega-6 are Avocado, sunflower seeds, corn, almonds.
Protein
Protein is essential but needs to be moderated in children so as not to overload the kidneys. Good protein sources include; Eggs, milk, cheese, unflavored yogurts, chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, fish, and even some grains such as oats and millet.
Carbohydrates
There is never any need to reduce carbohydrates in children and it should make up the biggest portion of their diets. Many children receive their carbohydrates from sugary juices, candies, processed breakfast foods, and many other snack foods.
Good carbohydrate choices include; Fruits, vegetables, bread, crackers, whole grain cereals, unsweetened muesli.
Weight Loss for Kids and Teenagers
Children who are overweight should never go on restrictive diets or even have foods restricted. Any approach should include the entire family and result in improving the diet of the parents as well as the children.
The program must address behavioral issues as well as nutritional issues.
| PariPlan | A healthy program that addresses parenting skills, busy families, and money other aspects that encompass weight management. |
| Trim Kids (book) | A 12 week program suitable for children, pre-teens, and teenagers. |
| Slim Kids | A smaller program aimed specifically at children. |
Meal Plan Ideas for Kids
Breakfasts
- Low-sugar granola. Can be served with milk, chopped banana, or diluted fruit juice.
- Cup of cornflakes with chopped apple and/or chopped nuts.
- Scrambled eggs on toast, perhaps with plain yogurt and berries.
- Oatmeal with raisins.
- Baked beans on toast with a small glass of whole milk.
Lunches
- Baked potato with tuna.
- Shepherd’s pie and green vegetables.
- Macaroni cheese and green vegetables.
- Chicken and lentil soup.
- Pasta with ham and peas.
- Tuna sandwich
Dinners
- Omelet with green beans.
- Lamb with small new potatoes lightly roasted (not fried) in olive oil.
- Tuna with pasta bows and vegetables.
- Pita bread with chicken slices and sliced sweet red peppers.
- Salmon fillet with mashed potato and ratatouille.
- Chicken and mixed vegetable casserole.
Snacks
- Cup of plain popcorn (home-made).
- Fruit and unsalted mixed nuts.
- Cream cheese on oatcakes and grapes.
- Smoothie made of milk and red berries.
- Unsweetened nut butter (almond is popular with children) on toast.
- Sliced carrots and celery with avocado dip.
- Fresh fruit salad with oat pancake.
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