Low-carb diets restrict sugar and carbohydrates (such as rice, bread, noodles, and sweets) while increasing protein and healthy fats. This regimen is typically adopted by adults for weight loss and blood sugar management. However, children should not follow a low-carb diet.

During their developmental years, a deficiency in any food group—including carbohydrates, fats, protein, and fiber from vegetables and fruits—can impact a child's mental and physical well-being. Children may experience fatigue, lethargy, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. For a child in puberty, an inadequate diet can hinder both physical and physiological development.

Instead of restricting food or enforcing diets, parents should ensure their children receive adequate amounts of the four essential nutrient groups for healthy development: protein, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals.

Encourage your child to consume fiber-rich carbohydrates like whole-wheat bread and whole grains. Supplement their diet with healthy fats found in unsaturated sources and omega-3-rich foods such as salmon, fatty fish, and olive oil. Additionally, children should increase their intake of fiber, green vegetables, and fruits. Prioritize preparing meals by steaming or boiling, and opt for lean, low-cholesterol foods.

Adults must limit children's consumption of foods high in fat, cholesterol, and sugar, including high-energy snacks, sugary drinks like soft drinks and milk tea, as well as fatty meats, butter, organ meats, fried foods, and sweets.

Limit children's consumption of high-fat, high-energy foods. Photo: Anh Chi

Obese children should maintain a balanced diet, eating three full meals daily, on time, slowly, and chewing thoroughly. Their last meal of the day should be at least two hours before bedtime.

Beyond diet, encourage your child to engage in appropriate physical activity for at least one hour daily. Additionally, limit their screen time on electronic devices like televisions, computers, and phones.

Dr. Lam Van Hoang,

Head of the Endocrinology and Diabetes Department,

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM