Protein Shakes for Kids

When it comes to protein shakes for kids, health experts have different opinions. According to them, the average American diet contains more than sufficient amounts of protein. Hence, some says, serving protein shakes or protein powder is not at all essential for children. Otherwise, excess proteins in the body will be converted and stored in the form of fats. In the true sense, active children and those having problem of malabsorption will benefit from protein shakes. Such shakes not only contain protein, but they are also rich sources of vitamins, minerals, essential fats and many other nutrients.

Healthy Protein Shakes for Kids

As childhood obesity is on the rise, responsible parents should plan their child's diet properly. The daily protein requirement for children depends on their age, body weight and activeness. Based on the age, the daily protein requirement for 1-3 years old kid is 0.55 g per pound body weight; whereas the daily protein requirement for age groups 4-6 years is 0.50 g per pound body weight. If you think your child's diet lacks protein nutrient and your child needs high protein diet, following are some protein shake recipes for kids, which you can try out:

Protein Shake with Milk

Ingredients

• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 ½ cup milk (or soy milk)
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (rinsed)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened yogurt
• 1 scoop whey protein
• 1 tablespoon wheat germ
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 scoop ice cream
• Fresh fruit slices

Directions for Preparation

First start with crushing the ice cubes in an electric blender. Add some water to the ice and blend for a few minutes. To this, add milk or soy milk (for pure vegetarians). You can substitute ½ cup milk with water for reduced calorie count. After mixing for 2-3 minutes, add strawberries and unsweetened yogurt to the liquid mixture. Stir in wheat germ and whey protein, and lastly add a scoop of ice cream to add a smooth texture. For imparting a sweet taste, add honey to the protein shake. Decorate with fresh fruit slices and serve in a tall glass with a straw in it.

Protein Shake with Fruits

Ingredients

• 1/2 banana (peeled and diced)
• Juices of 3 medium oranges
• 4-6 ripe strawberries or blueberries (washed)
• 1 riped mango (peeled, pitted and diced)
• 1 scoop of good quality protein powder

Directions for Preparation

One of the tasty and healthy protein shakes for kids can be prepared by mixing several fruits. Gather the above ingredients and prepare them as stated. You can change the fruit items as per your kid's choices, except that the flavors should be matched. In a clean electric mixer, add the fruits, juice and protein powder. Blend for 4-5 minutes, or until you get a smooth concoction. Pour in glasses and serve.

Tasty Protein Shake for Lunch

Ingredients

• 1 cup soy milk
• 1 ripe banana (peeled and diced)
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon almond butter
• 1 drop vanilla extract
• Ice cubes (optional)

Directions for Preparation

In a mixer, add ice cubes (if you are using them), soy milk and banana. Run the mixer for 3-4 minutes, till you get a consistently thick mixture. Stir in protein powder, honey, almond butter and vanilla extract. Mix well and serve. Going through 'are protein shakes good or bad' will help in better understanding the benefits and negative effects of these protein supplements.

If you are thinking of preparing homemade protein shakes for kids to gain weight, remember to keep a note of the daily calorie intake and diet menu. A practical solution is to consult a dietitian and seek advice about the daily calorie required for optimal growth. That way, you can have a brief idea whether serving protein shakes is required or not. If the response is yes, then only go for it. Prepare safe protein shakes for kids with different flavors and I am sure, they will love having them.