Colorado Springs School District 11 Food & Nutrition Services Response To Inquiries About Low-Carb Diets For Kids

Three keys to healthy eating:  Balance, Portion Size and Moderation 

Children need nutrient-dense foods, including vitamins, calcium and iron.  Low carbs may restrict or limit needed nutrients for growing bodies.

 District 11’s approach to a healthier lifestyle through nutrition is balance, portion size and moderation.  We do not develop menus to fit specifically into a low carbohydrate diet. A diet low in carbohydrates may not include some critical nutrients that children need, especially in developmental stages. 

 The primary advantages of complex carbohydrates (compared with simple carbohydrates) are that they are more nutrient-dense, provide more B vitamins (necessary for energy metabolism) and include more fiber and iron.  Complex carbs contribute to a nutritionally balanced diet.  No matter what age you are, vegetables and whole grains provide essential vitamins and nutrients.  Milk, an excellent source of vitamin D and calcium which are essential for strong bones, is sometimes missing on low carb diets.

 Carbohydrates fuel muscles and help promote good health.  Kids can play longer without feeling tired when complex carbs are in their diets.  The glucose from carbohydrates is a source of energy.  Without glucose the body must draw energy from other sources such as ketones, a byproduct that comes from breaking down body fat. Studies show that energy derived from ketones could affect the brains capacity to process information and perform.

 A well-balanced diet, including a variety of foods, will help children establish healthy eating habits for life.  Children and adults also should focus on proper portion size and enjoy a variety of foods in moderation.