Suggestions for Protein Fortified Foods

Updated on August 22, 2009
S.M. asks from Ashburn, VA
6 answers

Getting protein into my 18 month old is a challenge. I make a lot of meat, beans, etc., use whole wheat products, and serve a lot of dairy. However, I was wondering if anyone knows of protein fortified products. For example, I believe Barilla's whole wheat pasta qualifies as fortified. Anything hiding on the shelves of Whole Foods or Wegmans? Any other ideas?

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So What Happened?

Thanks for everyone's responses. My daughter loves carbs and dairy - like many kids - but refuses much of the other types of food we eat. Eggs go in once in awhile, and I haven't tried tofu. Normally, I wouldn't worry, but she has fallen off her weight curve considerably and consistently over the last six months, and the doctor is very concerned. We are trying to increase her calories without loading her up with more carbs or with junk. Doctor suggested protein fortified pasta since babies do need lots of protein, even with dairy. Thanks again.

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D.K.

answers from Washington DC on

I don't know of any specifically and intentionally fortified foods (mostly because I never noticed I guess), but how does she feel about scrambled eggs? A little butter on them and most kids will gobble them down. Also, kids that don't like most dairy usually still like string cheese which is full of protein. Peanut butter is also a fantastic source as well as good hot dogs (like Hebrew National) just heat slightly and hand it over, lunch meats (which again, most kids will eat even if they don't like meat in general) etc.. These are kid friendly versions of the protein rich foods grown-ups eat.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.K.

answers from Washington DC on

in another 6 months you can do peanut butter. Try string cheese for now.

Good luck!

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

if you're using meat, beans, whole grains and good dairy, i wouldn't worry too much. most foods that are 'fortified' aren't actually nutritionally helpful. when the nutrients aren't naturally occurring in the foods we generally just expel 'em unabsorbed. i'd just keep offering good honest real food. sounds like you're already doing everything right.
khairete
S.

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M.H.

answers from Washington DC on

hello s.m, Protein is a combination of 24 amino acids.
Animal products contain all of the essential amino acids.
Know you source when purchasing any foods...
sources of Protein:
Meats, Raw nuts, sun butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, almond butter, hummus, garbanso beans, black beans, basmati rice,tuna fish in water,organic eggs,roasted peanuts,quinoa and hemp seed... enjoy...M...

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L.E.

answers from Washington DC on

2 protein choices I use regularly are tofu (you can put it in a blender and add it to smoothies/shakes,or even put it in yogurt) and TVP (texturized vegetable protein -- Bob's Red Mill makes it, it's in a clear bag, and is available at most groceries in the health foods aisle). TVP takes on the flavor of whatever you cook it with and has to be rehydrated. 2 ways I make it are by adding it to soup or to the pasta as I cook it then use a strainer when I drain it so the tvp doesn't wash down the drown. Both my kids like it.

you can also try pureeing other protein sources (meat, etc) and adding them to whatever food he's eating, if possible. Jessica Seinfeld wrote a great book, "Deceptively Delicious", which talks about hiding vegetables and other healthy stuff in food.

good luck,

L., mom to 2 girls, including one with severe food allergies and formerly "failure-to-thrive", hence my familiarity with adding extra nutrients to food whenever possible.

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A.F.

answers from Washington DC on

Why do you worry so much about protein? The human body needs complex carbohydrates much more than it needs protein. If your child is eating whole grains like brown rice, oats, corn and whole wheat along with a few beans, he is getting all the nutrients he needs. Too much protein puts a stain on the kidneys. AF

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