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Low-carbin' It With Tots?
Preparing Meals for Toddlers While You're Dieting
By Lisa A. Goldstein
Indeed, says Kamesha Burrell, a clinical dietician at Children's Medical Center Dallas, extremely low carbohydrate plans such as Atkins, which limit carbohydrates to a mere 30 grams per day, aren't ideal for children because a more balanced diet typically includes at least 30 grams of carbohydrates per meal for young children.
"A healthier approach to low-carb dieting for children would be to incorporate carbohydrates with high nutrient/fiber values," Burrell says. "Products such as whole grains (pastas, rice, breads, cereals, etc.), fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat milks (for children over 2 years old) would be a much better alternative than 
complete (or drastic) elimination of carbohydrates. These foods are generally allowed to some level on a low-carb diet for parents; it's just a matter of allowing the children to eat a bit more freely on these foods while still maintaining optimal portion control and a balanced diet as recommended by pediatricians and the USDA."
Burrell says that toddlers – like all children – should be encouraged to consume foods that have been prepared for the rest of te family to foster proper long-term mealtime behaviors and increase exposure to a wider variety of foods. For parents who are following a diet that augments any nutrient value, foods that provide the missing nutrients should be added to the meal to allow the child proper development and growth.
