5 Surprising Sources of Protein

If your child isn’t a fan of meat, add these satisfying, protein-rich foods to his diet

By Catherine Robertson

During childhood the correct balance of healthy foods is essential.  Protein is often of special concern because of its role in the development of body cells, tissues and internal organs. With some childrens’ aversion to eating meats, many parents worry that their child is not getting enough of the good protein required for optimal health.

Surprisingly, some of the best and most nutritious sources of protein are not meat or animal products at all.  For instance:

Soy beans or edamame are complete sources of protein which many children will happily eat as a snack because they are bite-sized and they taste good.

Tempeh is another form of soy that can be added to soups or stews. It is extremely versatile like tofu, and just one cup of tempeh has around 40 grams of protein.  For a non-animal source, that is outstanding.

Cheeses are another high-protein food, in particular fresh Parmesan cheese which has 36 grams of protein per 100 gram serving. Other hard cheeses offering high yields are Edam and cheddar. Ideal as a finger food, cheese makes the perfect anytime snack.

Greek yogurt can be added to so many different dishes. It can be eaten as a dessert with fresh fruit, granola or honey, or made into savoury dips for fresh veggies.

Wild salmon and tuna are superfoods which are also very high in protein. While they are animal-based sources, many children will happily eat these fish because they have a mild flavour. What also makes them great is that they’re high in omega-3 and fatty acids that are integral in brain development

Adding surprising sources of protein to your kids’ diet is easier than you might think. With a little bit of knowledge and some fun and interesting recipes, there’s no need to concern yourself with protein deficiency. Your kids will get enough if they eat a balanced diet including protein-rich food choices.

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