Kids love to eat yummy foods with cream, cheese, potatoes, chocolate, fattening meats, etc. Even though they are delicious and rich protein sources which are a necessity in growing up kids diet, they are also high cholesterol foods. Undoubtedly, kids need a lot of energy to be strong and develop a healthy metabolism, with the consumption of meals which are high in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and water content. But only with the right amount of exercise and movement will they benefit in the right way, as these foods in excess can lead to respective health issues. While considering healthy foods for kids, you have to keep in mind that there are required amounts of calories in it, as many American kids suffer from child obesity, at early ages, i.e, from 3 to 14 years due to under-consumption of a low calorie diet. Obesity at such an early age can lead to many severe heart problems, therefore, try to make some low calorie foods for kids, which are equally tasty and healthy but have lesser amount of fat. Read on to find some yummy meals for your children!
Low Calorie Meals for Kids
Low calorie foods like certain green low calorie vegetables, chicken, yogurt, non-fat creams, low fat butter and wheat flour, can be used to make meals for children. You can not deprive them of the necessary vegetables and high calorie meats, but give these in lesser amounts to prevent overeating. Overeating is one of the major causes of childhood obesity, as kids can eat uncontrollably when they find something tasty. Junk food, is also a trigger to high calorie consumption, which shouldn’t become a habit. Seafood is the best choice for healthy, protein rich, low calorie, iodine rich and heavy sources of iron foods for developing children. There are also a few low calorie diet menus that you can choose for your kids. Mentioned in the coming up paragraphs, are a few low calorie foods for kids which will fill them up and not let them gain weight as well!
Breakfast
Healthy breakfasts are very important as they raise blood glucose level in the kids’ bodies, providing them with necessary energy for the day and also prevent them from sugar cravings and slumps. There are many low calorie foods for kids, you can use as breakfast meals, and repeat them every four days to avoid monotony. These can also double up as some great low calorie snacks for kids. These free low calorie recipes for breakfast are;
6 or 8 oz. of 100 percent fruit juice or a piece of fruit
One-half whole grain bagel
1 cup of cereal with 6 or 8 oz. of skim milk
Low-fat yogurt
Protein sources like turkey, sausage, eggs, smoked salmon
Lots of Water
Lunch
Lunch is also an important meal of the day and it can be heavy if you want. After breakfast, which has to be the heaviest meal of the day, lunch can be a little light but should be filling. Kids generally, ignore lunch as they always want to play, but make sure you give them food which they will want to eat, in order to provide them with energy. Homemade sandwiches, burgers and other filling low calorie foods will surely stop them from eating out so, make sure you pack some healthy lunch like;
Chicken nuggets made with trans-fat-free cracker crumbs
Fish nuggets made similarly
Bean Burgers with Spicy Guacamole
Green Pizza
Turkey-Mushroom Burgers
Garden Pasta Salad
Sweet potato Fries or Russet Fries
Low-fat flavored yogurt
Dinner and Dessert
Low calorie foods for kids also can be eaten for dinner, provided they are very light. Dinner should be the easiest meal of the day and hence, spaghetti with sauces, rice, mashed potatoes, grilled meats, etc. should be your dinner choices. There can also be some yummy low calorie desserts which can be made for your kids. These desserts can have low fat cream, very little chocolate, fruits, and skimmed milk. Some more meals which could be included in low fat food list are;
Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce
Pastas
Curried Fish (Tuna and Salmon)
Pinto Bean & Andouille Sausage Stew
Pork & Bok Choy Stir-Fry
Low Calorie Soup Recipes
Rice Recipes
Dried Fruit Compote with Green Tea & Lemon
Fruits Salads
With such a large variety of choices for low calorie foods for kids, I am sure you can save your children from obesity. It is only you who can control their appetite and provide them with healthy foods, so plan out their meals a little and serve them the best.
