What are the best protein sources for kids?
Firstly, let’s look at the fundamental basics. When born, children start receiving their nutritional benefits either through milk, or a formula that’s developed with the right balance of ingredients to support their nourishment. Children then transition to getting most of their nutrition from solid food and it’s important they get a variety of food groups to meet their needs when it comes to vitamins, minerals and macronutrients.
Raising a good eater can be overwhelming for parents to ensure they get the right balance – a healthy eating pattern ensures optimal growth and development, and can help reduce the risk of chronic disease later in life. This means a balance of protein-rich foods, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables.
As they grow, their needs change – as do their tastebuds, and it can be hard to change young minds about foods they suddenly no longer like.That’s when the need can arise for a product to help supplement protein – like Protein Balance. Protein Balance is a protein powder safe for children and teenagers designed specifically for them – with 20g of protein per serve, and a good source of dietary fibre as well.
Best protein sources for kids
Protein is also found in many household staples. Some of the best natural sources of protein for kids include:
- Red meat
- Chicken
- Fish
- Legumes (like beans)
- Dairy foods (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Tofu
- Nuts and seeds
Ideally, a balanced diet would contain a combination of all of these best sources of protein for kids. For those who are more active when it comes to sport and outdoor activities, living an active lifestyle or need a little extra protein in their diet, a protein powder for children is a great supplemental addition.
Are protein shakes ok for kids?
There’s a lot of talk that protein shakes are bad for kids – and that’s because of the balance needed with a child’s nutrition, and the risks involved with too much protein in their diet.
Is protein powder safe for kids? It is, if you make sure it’s replacing deficiencies in their diet. If they’re not eating enough protein, it’s fine to supplement with a protein shake for kids – which is why Protein Balance is a great option because it is designed with children’s nutritional needs in mind.
Formulated with young people’s protein intake and nutritional needs in mind, it is powered by Whey Protein Concentrate and has added dietary fibre from peas, along with a lactase enzyme making it easier for growing and sensitive bodies to break down lactose. Protein Balance also comes in a great tasting Choc Malt flavour which has been described as like a milkshake – sure to delight even the fussiest of tastebuds.
We’ve found that Protein Balance is a great protein powder for kids due to the combination of its benefits and its taste – it's also easy to make and fun for kids to take part in, whether you’re adding it to water or milk in a shaker, or blending it up with other ingredients into a smoothie.
Ebony is our resident wordsmith here at Bulk! A reforming journalist and a graduate of the University of Tasmania, she's our resident copywriter, cat mum, pilates princess and (self appointed) Chief Swiftie!
More about Ebony AbblittReferences:
Haines, J., Haycraft, E., Lytle, L., Nicklaus, S., Kok, F.J., Merdji, M., Fisberg, M., Moreno, L.A., Goulet, O. and Hughes, S.O. (2019). Nurturing Children’s Healthy Eating: Position statement. Appetite, [online] 137(30797837), pp.124–133. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2019.02.007.
Gov, D. (n.d.). Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020 -2025 Make Every Bite Count With the Dietary Guidelines. [online] Available at: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov./sites/default/files/2021-03/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf.