Diets for Children With Low Carbs, Low Sugars & High Protein

Following a nutrient-dense diet with low carbohydrates and sugar teamed with high protein is a promising way to lower weight and increase health. The American Heart Association suggests that no more than 35 percent of calories come from fat, so choose lean protein sources when attempting any high-protein diet.

South Beach Diet

The South Beach diet is split into three phases. The first focuses on high-protein foods like chicken, tofu, beans, and meat substitutes. Faux chicken nuggets and soy bacon are some kid-friendly meal ideas. Plenty of high-fiber veggies keep the diet's calorie and sugar count low. Eggs and reduced-fat cheese and dairy are all excellent protein sources. The diet's second phase includes fruits, some sweeter veggies like sweet potatoes and pumpkin and whole grains for variety. Phase three is the least restrictive phase, by which point kids will have learned that there are plenty of choices without eating super-sweet desserts or processed foods.

The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH)

The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension was initially designed for those with high blood pressure, but is now recognized as an overall healthy eating plan. A daily intake six to 12 servings of whole grains and two to four servings of fats and sweets supports a lower-carb, lower-sugar lifestyle. The diet emphasizes plant-based protein sources, with small amounts of lean meat and dairy products. Since the plan is designed to be high in fiber, low in calories and low in processed foods, weight loss without excessive hunger often is a result.

Teach Children to Make Their Own Best Choices

Teach children to forgo overly sweet foods and processed foods and shift their focus toward the seafood, lean meats and nuts that they like. Introduce eggs or zero-cholesterol egg whites for high-protein breakfast. Serve tofu stir-fries and low-sugar soy milk as vegetarian protein sources. Give them easy rules to follow. For instance, tell them that they can have two sweet foods and four whole-grain bread items a day, then go over school menus to steer them toward higher-protein choices. Ask your child's doctor or dietitian what the perfect number of calories is for children to maintain a healthy weight, and make sure to include at least five servings of grains, two cups of veggies, one and a half cups of fruit, three cups of dairy or other calcium-rich foods, and five ounces of protein per day.

Set Limits on Restriction

No matter which plan is adapted, avoid some dangers of excessively low-carb or high-protein diets. After the Atkins low-carb diet swept the nation, health professionals came out to say that high-protein, low-carb diets could be detrimental to health. When you eat high amounts of cholesterol and fat, you increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. So make sure the proteins don't come with too much cholesterol or fat, and when you're cutting down on carbs, cut out starches -- potatoes, bread, pasta, rice -- but keep eating plenty of vegetables and fruits.