An occasional Lean Cuisine frozen dinner won't adversely affect your child's health, as long as it is part of a balanced diet that follows USDA recommendations for children. When selecting frozen dinners for your child, read nutrition labels carefully, as many frozen meals are high in sodium. Balance a frozen meal with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables the rest of the day.
Caloric Intake for Children
Children have specific daily caloric requirements based on age, gender and activity level. Girls between 4 and 8 years old should consume 1,200 to 1,800 calories a day; between 9 and 13, 1,600 to 2,200 calories; and between 14 and 18, 1,800 to 2,400 calories. Boys require 1,400 to 2,000 calories between 4 and 8 years; 1,600 to 2,200 between 9 and 13; 1,800 to 2,400 between 14 and 18. The less active the child, the lower the caloric intake should be within the general range. Lean Cuisine markets over 120 different meals and snacks, most ranging between 200 and 400 calories. For an active child, a Lean Cuisine meal combined with fresh fruit or a salad could supply the recommended calories for lunch or dinner.
Sodium for Children
The main concern parents should have about Lean Cuisine is sodium. Children should consume no more than 1,200 to 1,500 mg of sodium per day. Many Lean Cuisine meals have between 550 and 600 mg of sodium, or just under half of a child's maximum recommended daily sodium intake. If you child eats a Lean Cuisine meal on a given day, avoid serving salty snacks or heavily salted foods for other meals to keep your child under the recommended maximum sodium intake.
Other Nutrients for Children
Approximately 10 percent to 30 percent of your child's calories should be derived from protein. Children 4 to 8 require 30 g to 105 g daily; children 9 to 13, 45 g to 135 g; and teens from 14 to 18, 45 g to 165 g. Fat should constitute 25 to 35 percent of a child's calories. The rest should come from carbohydrates. Children should also consume 25 g to 38 g of fiber per day. Most Lean Cuisine meals have close to the recommended proportions of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It may be difficult to get enough fiber from Lean Cuisine; make sure your child eats raw vegetables, fruit and whole grains at other meals.
Weight Loss for Children
Even overweight children should not be put on extreme calorie-restricted diets. The KeepKidsHealthy Weight Loss Guide recommends combining a sensible nutritious diet with increased exercise for safe and gradual weight loss. Restrict television and sedentary video game playing, and encourage your child to participate in sports and other physical activities. Have healthy low-calorie snacks such as fresh fruit and vegetables available, and restrict high calorie snacks and drinks. Work with your health-care provider or a registered nutritionist to design a healthy diet for your child.
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