5 Creative Ways to Get Your Kids More Protein

It’s not usually that hard to get kids to eat the things they love —- which often aren’t the things you want them to eat. Along with plenty of vegetables and fruit, kids need protein to help their bodies grow. Though it’s not always easy to get kids to eat what you know they need, luckily, there are some creative ways to get your kids to eat more protein, without a fight at the dinner table.

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You asked: How much protein for kids?

Protein requirements for kids depend on their age and gender, but in general, according to the Cleveland Clinic:

• Kids 4 to 9: 19 grams per day
• Kids 9 to 13: 34 grams per day
• Kids 14 to 18: 46 grams for girls, 52 grams for boys

Talk to your child’s healthcare provider for individualized recommendations.

How to get your kids more protein

Here are some fun and delicious solutions to make sure your kids are getting what they need.

1. Shakes. If you call it a “smoothie,” it sounds healthy. Call it a shake, and it feels like a treat. Load up your blender with Greek yogurt, a frozen sliced banana, nut or seed butter, vanilla extract, and Naked Nutrition Kids Daily Essentials Shake powder (in chocolate or vanilla), and everybody wins. One scoop has 8 grams of protein — and tons of other essential nutrients, like 100% of their day’s vitamin C, plus iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins D, K, E, and more. And it has no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors. So your kids get a yummy treat, and you get peace of mind knowing they’re taking in good nutrition.
2. Add protein to baked goods. When you make muffins, pancakes, cookies, brownies, or other treats for your kids, add protein. Start by swapping in ¼ cup of Naked Nutrition Kids Daily Essentials Shake powder for the flour. Or try a recipe that’s already formulated with protein powder.
3. Make better mac. If your kids love mac and cheese (don’t they all?), adding Greek yogurt bumps up the protein. Whether you make it from scratch or use a boxed variety, swap Greek yogurt for some or all of the milk. If you’re making it from scratch, swap a legume-based pasta for some or all of the noodles. Cook the noodles in bone broth; they’ll absorb some of it, adding more protein to your pasta dish.
4. Take a dip. Dipping is fun for kids — plus, dips are quick and easy, and you can make them savory or sweet. Use a base of Greek yogurt for either. For a savory dip, mix in lemon, garlic powder, and dried dill for a ranch flavor. For a sweet version, blend in Naked Nutrition Kids Daily Essentials Shake powder in chocolate or vanilla, and add a dash of cinnamon. Bonus: Serve the savory dip with cut-up veggies, or the sweet one with fruit, and your kids get even more nutrition.
5. Upgrade crunchy snacks. A crunchy snack is so satisfying, and your kids can enjoy them while also getting some protein. Make or buy roasted edamame or chickpeas as a protein-rich alternative to puffs or chips.

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