06 Jul Best High Protein Foods For Toddlers
As most toddler parents know, getting a little one this age to eat a healthy, balanced diet can be a challenge. However, it is very important for kids at this important developmental age to eat as healthy as possible. This includes getting plenty of protein.
Protein plays an important role in your child’s growth, development, energy and it is essential in building a strong immune system. However, for picky toddlers who want cookies, sweets, and nothing else, getting this essential amount of protein can be difficult.
For kids in that important 2-3 year age range, they need about 13 grams or two ounces of protein per day. When they reach four, this amount doubles. The good news is, they can easily get an entire ounce of protein with some simple, delicious foods, such as:
- 1 inch cube of cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup of beans
- 1 ounce of meat or chicken
- 1 ounce of fish
There are other high-protein food sources to try as well, many of them are toddler-friendly. Some of our favorite healthy protein-packed options include: - Milk (or soy milk)
- Hummus
- Peanut Butter
- Whole grain bread
- Yogurt
- Cooked quinoa
While you may see a few different “kid-friendly” options in the grocery store that has “protein” on the label, be careful about turning to artificial food sources for your child’s protein needs. Some of the different bars, packaged treats, and kid-friendly options are very processed and can contain a lot of saturated fat, trans fat, added sugars, and salts.
So, before you hand your child a “protein bar” for their allotted amount for the day, make sure to read the label. All of these additives in products like this always do more harm than good, even if the snack contains protein. Protein always is best from natural sources.