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Protein is an essential part of many foods. When young, children are extremely selective about food, but making them eat a balanced diet (by explaining the importance of healthy diets) is usually one of the parent’s prime responsibilities. Your child needs to consume a nutritious, balanced diet for his proper development and growth. And one very important component of his diet has to include protein. But why is protein so important?1
Because protein plays such an important role in the healthy growth and development of children, it is no wonder that protein has one of the highest nutrient content values in the food we eat.2 That means that when your kids see you choosing healthy foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, dairy products, etc., they are likely to mimic you and eat those foods themselves. But if you want your kids to grow and develop healthily, you have to take the time to explain to them the importance of protein, and why it is so important. This is where the importance of protein for kids comes in.
Kids just don’t understand the importance of eating a healthy balanced diet; they just know that mommy or daddy will be happy if they can have all the “fun” they want – and that’s all that matters. Protein is something that your kids need every day, so make sure you’re taking the time to teach them the importance of protein for kids, because this way, they’ll have good healthy habits that will last a lifetime.3
Are Protein Bars Safe For Kids to Eat?
It is a good question to ask, “are protein bars safe for kids to eat?” This is an important concern because many children have food allergies and some of them are extremely nutritionally challenged. Children who have food allergies need protein in order to maintain a healthy diet and a strong immune system. Therefore, protein bars for kids are a good alternative if you are trying to get your kids the right amount of protein to keep them healthy and alert.4
If a protein bar contains corn syrup, it is not a good choice for kids. In fact, you should try to avoid those protein bars at all costs. If you go into your local supermarket or a health food store, you will find protein bars with corn syrup included, but it is usually in small doses. If you must give your child a protein bar with corn syrup, choose a sugar-free alternative. You should also read the ingredients list for any protein bars for kids you buy to make sure there are no artificial colors, sugar, or other additives. If you feel the need to give your child a protein bar, make sure you read all of the ingredients carefully so you are not buying something that will harm them.
While eating protein bars for kids is a healthy choice, they still take calories and nutrients. If your child has a sweet tooth, you may want to limit their intake of these bars because they can get addicted to the sugar and end up eating more than they should. Remember, any excess sugar they consume will turn into fat, which is then stored as body fat when they are adults. To limit their intake of sugar, limit their intake of sugary cereal, cookies, and candy.
What Age Should Kids Start To Eat Protein?
There really isn’t a simple answer to this question, because there are several different factors that go into determining a young person’s nutritional needs. Some of these factors include the number of calories a young person is receiving from their diet, their activity level, and how much they weigh.5
If a young person is not receiving sufficient calories to sustain his or her activities then their protein intake will need to be stepped up. For instance, young people who are extremely active can benefit by eating more protein so that their muscles can grow and become stronger. Likewise, people who are sedentary can benefit by eating more protein so that they can maintain a healthy weight. However, this protein consumption should only begin after a young person has achieved his or her initial weight and height. Athletes, for example, often require higher protein levels in order to enhance their training and performance.
The best answer to this question would be when a young person has started to experience the normal growth and development of their bones and muscles. Protein helps with the growth and maintenance of bones and muscles, and many athletes have said that consuming it before and after they begin training is crucial to their success.6 As long as the protein is consumed after a young person has reached his or her proper height and age, then they will have no concerns about developing a deficiency of protein during their teenage years. However, this isn’t always the case. In order to ensure that a young person receives the proper amount of protein each day, it may be necessary for them to receive it through their food.
Can a 13-Year-Old Eat Protein Bars?
In an ideal world, everyone would be following the dietary advice of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which suggests that a teenager should consume one gram of protein for every pound of body weight. That amount is equivalent to about two eggs in a non-diet meal plan. But what of healthy protein bars for teenagers? Can a 13-year-old really consume these?
Even though the USDA has some helpful nutritional guidelines for teens, they stress the importance of including protein from real food in a balanced diet. While many diet plans recommend skipping breakfast and skipping lunch, the American Dietary Association stresses that most kids need at least six small meals per day. Real, nutrient-rich protein can be found in a wide range of sources, including lean beef, chicken, eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, and soy products.7 Even among protein bars for teenagers, egg protein is the most popular, followed by tofu and beans. As a protein source, steak is good but it’s nowhere near as filling as whole eggs or tofu.
A teenager who is eager to get started on a healthy eating plan will probably gravitate toward one of the protein bars for teenagers. But even when they’re not actively following a specific eating plan, your teen should still be consuming enough healthy protein to meet his or her daily needs. Protein plays a key role in muscle development and repair, which can help prevent muscle deterioration and injury later on. 8
What Are the Benefits of Protein Bars For Teenagers?
The benefits of protein bars for teenagers are endless! With just a few ingredients, you can get all the benefits of protein bars for teenagers. There are several different ways protein is made in foods. Whey is a protein concentrate derived from milk and egg whites. It is quickly digested and provides excellent protein for an energy boost.
The benefits of eating protein bars include boosting your immune system. Your body has to have the proper amount of protein to fight off infections. Protein helps build muscle and burn fat. Protein also helps you digest food better. If you are trying to lose weight, protein bars can help you feel fuller longer and keep you from getting hungry between meals. They are easy to eat and provide the right amount of protein that your body needs.
When looking for the best protein bar brands for teenagers, look for natural ingredients. These types of products contain no artificial flavors or colors. The best protein bars for teenagers should contain natural whey protein concentrate. Look for chocolate or vanilla flavors. Also, look for protein binders to make sure that the protein molecules are fully coated and don’t lose their protein flavor.
As far as protein bars for teenagers are concerned, these can be great snack foods and you can find them in almost any grocery store. Some have a lot of different flavors, and there are some that taste like chocolate or vanilla. Whatever your choice is, remember to always read the labels. Look for protein binders to ensure that the protein molecules are fully coated and do not lose their protein flavor. The benefits of protein bars for teenagers are many, but make sure they are high in protein and low in fats and calories to ensure good health over the long haul.
Image Credits
The Grocer / April 23, 2020
Cherish Nutrition / 2021
Pexels / July 17, 2017
Nugonutrition.com / 2021
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3 “Why Is Protein Important In Your Diet? | Piedmont Healthcare.” https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/why-is-protein-important-in-your-diet Accessed 3 Aug. 2021.
4 “How Much Protein Do Kids Need? | Epicurious.” 2 Nov. 2017, https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-much-protein-do-kids-really-need-article Accessed 3 Aug. 2021.
5 “Is Your Child Eating Too Much Protein? | Parents.” 7 Jan. 2015, https://www.parents.com/recipes/scoop-on-food/is-your-child-eating-too-much-protein/ Accessed 3 Aug. 2021.
6 “Importance of Proteins for a Kid’s Healthy Growth – Right To Protein.” https://righttoprotein.com/blogs/why-protein-rich-diet-is-important-for-kids-health.html Accessed 3 Aug. 2021.
7 “American Dietetic Association | NESAWG.” https://nesawg.org/american-dietetic-association Accessed 3 Aug. 2021.
8 “Healthy Eating for Healthy Teens – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.” 6 Jun. 2021, https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/dietary-guidelines-and-myplate/healthy-weights-for-healthy-teens Accessed 3 Aug. 2021.
