KidSports A Parents Guide for Young Athletes Related Articles
Protein plays an important role in maintaining a healthy diet. It helps build and repair muscles, make red blood cells and boost the immune system. It also helps keep hair, nails, skin, bones and organs healthy.
According to the website kidshealth.org, children need to eat about 0.5 grams of protein daily for every pound they weigh. Your child’s protein needs will grow as your child grows, but will level off once they reach adult size.
Proteins such as fish, poultry, lean red meat, nuts and eggs are a good place to start.
Here are a few fun tips that can help your child get the right amount:
• Fill celery sticks with chunky peanut butter. Two tablespoons of peanut butter gives kids 8 grams of protein.
• Pack low-fat cheese slices and whole grain crackers in your child’s lunch. An ounce of cheese typically has 7 grams of protein.
• Have some spaghetti! One cup of cooked pasta offers close to 5 grams of protein.
• Don’t forget about milk! Cow’s milk provides about 8 grams of protein per cup.
Overall, consuming adequate protein is important for children. It helps them grow, build strong muscles and stay healthy.
