Kids are notoriously picky eaters.
So trying seafood? It might be out of the question for your kids. For other families, picky eating isn’t an issue, but seafood just isn’t a regular part of the weekly meal plan.
But that may be something you want to change, according to a new study from Pediatrics, a journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The report says kids don’t eat enough seafood, with more than 90 percent of the animal protein kids get coming from other sources.
Since certain fish and shellfish are good sources of lean protein, calcium and other nutrients – and the main natural dietary source of the essential nutrients docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid – it may be something parents should consider adding to the family diet. You can read the full report here.
So how much fish is right for your child? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics website healthychildren.org, kids should eat “small servings of a variety of fish and shellfish one to two times per week.”
If you’re interested in your child eating more seafood, consider these tips.
1. Tuna
According to healthychildren.org, canned light tuna (solid or chunk) is one of the best choices for kids.
2. Salmon
Salmon has a mild flavor and can be a great choice for introducing kids to fish. Try one of these 10 kid-friendly salmon recipes.
3. Trout
Another low-mercury fish, trout is a good choice for kids. Try this crispy rainbow trout recipe that’s popular with kids.
4. Shrimp
Shrimp has lots of protein and a mild taste. Not sure your kids would find it appetizing? You might be surprised. Try one of these 14 kid-friendly shrimp recipes from popsugar.com.
5. Cod
If your kids are really unsure about fish, you can’t go wrong with trying it in nugget form. Consider this Parmesan-baked fish nuggets recipe geared toward kids.
