Fast & Easy Diet Plans for Kids

Eating the right types of food in the right portions are important to a child's health.

Childhood obesity is a concern for most parents as it can lead to related health problems such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart failure and self-esteem issues. It is not recommended that children try to follow a fad diet or other unsafe ways of losing weight. Instead of cutting back on food, it is important that children eat the right types of food and learn to make the best dietary choices.

Carbohydrates

Although diets for adults usually cut back on carbohydrates, children should not do the same. In fact, carbohydrates should make up the largest portion of a child's diet. It is important, however, that kids eat the proper kind of carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables. Whole grains are another good source of carbohydrates and can be found in wheat bread, crackers, pasta and unsweetened cereals. Likewise, reserve bad carbohydrates such as candy, sweets and soda for special occasions or cut out of a child's diet completely.

Proteins

Proteins are an important source of nutrition in a child's diet but should be served in moderation so as not to put strain on their developing kidneys. Common sources of good protein include meat such as beef, lamb, poultry and fish. Healthy protein sources also include eggs and dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt. If you do not want your children to eat meat and animal products, substitute beans, tofu and certain grains like oats and millet for their protein needs.

Fats

Nuts, like almonds, are a good source of essential fats.

Low-fat foods are designed with adults in mind and are not appropriate for children. A growing child needs the right amount of healthy fats to have proper nutrition, but fats must be eaten in moderation as they also have a high cholesterol content. Kids need both omega-6 fats, which include nuts, tuna, salmon and sesame seeds, and omega-3 fats, which include almonds, avocado, sunflower seeds and corn. Foods like nuts and seeds are not recommended for smaller children as they can present a choking hazard.

Portions

The most important factor in a child's diet is portion size. Children have smaller stomachs and do not need a full adult portion of food. Before serving food, check the recommended serving sizes, and use that as a guide to making the right portions. Children should be served snacks in portions instead of being allowed to eat at their leisure. Although a child might be capable of finishing off a large portion of food, that food will stay in the child's body as fat.

References

• EveryDiet: Diets for Kids
• Slimkids: Healthy Weight Loss Tips

Resources

• Kids Health