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Low-carbin' It With Tots?
Preparing Meals for Toddlers While You're Dieting
By Lisa A. Goldstein
Low-carb diets are popular with many adults, but what if you're eschewing carbs in front of your chewing toddler? If you're thinking this is a safe diet for him or her, think again.
"Toddlers and low carbs – they do not go together under any circumstances," says Ronni Litz Julien, a registered dietitian and author of What Should I Feed My Kids? How to Keep Your Children Healthy by Teaching Them to Eat Right (Career Press, 2006).
Calling it a nutrition expert's nightmare, Julien says the most important information parents need to arm themselves with is that toddlers are in the midst of a major growth spurt, especially brain growth. "They need protein, and they require carbohydrates – not just for energy and fuel, as we adults need, but also for brain energy," she says.
It's OK for adults to limit – but not completely avoid – carbs. "Toddlers, or any children for that matter, are not mini-adults," Julien says. "They cannot be fed like them either."
There are no advantages to a toddler being on a low-carb diet. However, because adults who follow low-carb diets tend to be healthful eaters, they can teach healthy eating to their children. Teaching your toddler healthful habits from early on is important, as there are healthy carbs and not-so-healthy ones, along with healthier fats and not-so-healthy ones, Julien says. Children need to learn the concept of moderation.
"If adults are avoiding potatoes and pasta, yes, we need to prepare those foods for our toddlers at mealtime," Julien says. "Without a doubt!"
