Food Group: Protein

Kids need protein to build, repair, grow, and maintain all cells in the body. Protein takes a primary role in the growth of muscle and tissue growth and repair.



Kids need 0.45-0.55 grams of protein per pound of body weight. For example, a 30 pound child needs about 15 grams of protein per day.



Another way to measure for kids, is to encourage 2-4 ounces of meat or beans, plus 2 cups of dairy per day.


Below are some healthy protein sources and the amount of protein they each have. For some fun ways to serve protein, head over to the original protein page.