5 Steps to Knowing How to Eat Meat

Although we eat meat every day without any major issues, babies' digestive systems aren't as strong as adults', so there are several taboos to keep in mind when it comes to them eating meat. So, how should you give meat to your child? What's the best type of meat? And how much should they eat each day?

1. Choose small-sized animals

For babies, the smaller the animal, the higher its nutritional value. So, ranked by size: the best meats are fish and shellfish, followed by chicken and duck, and finally beef, lamb, and pork.

Tofu and Shrimp Noodle Soup

Among all meats, fish has the highest protein content, accounting for about 15% to 24%, and most of this protein is absorbable by the human body. Next is shrimp, whose calcium can be absorbed by the body, benefiting the development and growth of their bones and teeth. The protein in these meats not only contributes to a child's healthy physical development but also boosts their immune system.

2. Choose light-colored meats

Meat color is mainly divided into three categories: first, meats that are dark red and bright red, primarily lamb, pork, and beef; second, meats that are flesh-colored or light pink, primarily fish, chicken, and duck; and third, colorless meat products, mainly from aquatic and seafood sources.

Tomato Sole Fillet

Therefore, the lighter the color of the meat, the higher its nutritional value. This is because darker red meats contain more fat and cholesterol than lighter-colored meats. So, parents should give their children more light-colored meats, such as seafood, and try to limit their intake of darker red meats, pairing them with vegetables for a balanced diet.

3. Choose the way of eating meat according to age

For babies around one year old, considering their developmental stage, mothers can blend the meat into a paste for them, making it easier and safer for them to eat. When the baby is around three years old, mothers can make meatballs for them. When the baby gets older, you can simply cut the meat into chunks for them to eat.

Handmade Beef Balls

4. Choose the amount of meat intake according to age

Parents should remember that the recommended amount of meat intake varies for children of different ages. The younger the child, the smaller the amount of meat they need. For example, for children under one year old, the daily meat requirement is 25-40 grams, and for eggs, it's 50 grams per day. For children between one and three years old, the daily meat intake should be around 100 grams. By the time they reach preschool age, the variety of meats should be increased: 25 grams of poultry, 35 grams of fish, and up to 60 grams of eggs per day.

Meat and Potato Balls

5. Choose the right time to eat meat

The best time to eat meat is at noon, and it's best to avoid giving it to your child at night. Eating meat at noon ensures they have enough energy to sustain their activities in the afternoon. Eating too much at night can also lead to indigestion.