Keto For Kids – is it a good idea? Or the worst dietary recommendation ever?
According to THIS ARTICLE AT CHILDREN’S HEALTH DOT COM “Melissa Fossier, a registered dietitian at Children’s Health℠, does NOT recommend the keto diet for children and teens – unless it’s used only for specific medical reasons.” The article goes on, calling the ketogenic way of eating a “fad” diet.
Where children, specifically, are concerned, Melissa says that;
“The keto diet is not recommended for weight loss in children because it seriously limits carbohydrates, and children need carbs to be mentally and physically active. Children on a healthy, well-balanced diet should typically eat about 130 grams of carbohydrates a day (approximately 45-65% of their calories), whereas the keto diet limits carbohydrates to approximately 20-30 grams a day.”
I was interested in this point of view because there’s so much confusion about diet in western society. And that confusion is instilled in children at a very young age. So, I have to wonder; what’s the best answer? Who can we trust for quality nutritional information? What should we feed our kids for optimal health?
I’m not saying I have the answers.
I don’t.
But I’d like to offer you some opposing views from authorities in the industry so that you are better informed.
Then you can decide for yourself.
Dr. Ken Berry, in the video above, offers some compelling reasons to consider raising your children on a carb-restricted diet.
Not necessarily for weight-loss. For obesity-prevention. To safe-guard against insulin-resistance and Type 2 Diabetes.
Do we need to worry about obesity and diabetes in kids?
You better believe it!
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Children and adolescents in the USA aged 2-19 years show a prevalence for obesity at a whopping 18.5%! That means about 13.7 million children and adolescents in this country are fat and sick.
Does that mean removing all carbohydrate and fiber-rich foods from their diets is recommended?
Probably not.
But restricting REFINED CARBOHYDRATES and most pre-packaged foods so that you can avoid empty calories is certainly a good idea.
And not just for kids!
But teaching children, at an early age, to recognize the difference between processed, packaged, unhealthy carbs vs. healthy, whole-food carbs, like; broccoli, cauliflower, Romaine and other lettuces, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, radishes, cucumbers, avocado, zucchini and other squashes, mushrooms, lemons, limes, grapefruits, all kinds of berries and some other lower-sugar-content fruits, nuts, seeds, etc… is a great idea! And one that will serve them their entire lives!
And hopefully ward off any potential chronic illnesses as they grow into adulthood.
Listen to THIS POD CAST with Dr. Anthony Gustin where he chats with power-lifter athlete, trainer, and dad of 2, Danny Vega for some great ideas about raising healthy kids on a keto-centered diet.
Then do some more research on your own, if you still have questions, and want to be better informed about what to feed your children in order to ensure they grow up healthy and happy, with a strong immune system designed to defend them against chronic disease and illness.
Until next time…
I wish you good health!
~Tracy