Proteins are essential for children's growth and development, but not all proteins are created equal. There are lean proteins and strong proteins, and it is important to understand the difference between them to ensure that our children are getting the nutrients they need.

Lean proteins are those that do not contain all essential amino acids or contain these amino acids in inadequate proportions for the body's needs. Essential amino acids are those compounds that the body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from food.

Examples of lean proteins include cereals, beans, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These foods are good to add variety to children's diet, but they should not be the main source of protein in their diet.

On the other hand, strong proteins contain all essential amino acids in adequate proportions for the body's needs. Examples of strong proteins include meat, eggs, dairy products, and soy. These foods are essential to ensure that children receive adequate amounts of essential amino acids for growth and development.

It is important to add strong proteins to children's diet, but we must be careful about the quantities consumed. Too much strong protein can be harmful to health, especially to the kidneys. In general, children need about 0.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

Another important aspect to consider is the quality of the proteins. Animal proteins are considered of higher quality than plant proteins. This is because animal proteins contain all essential amino acids in adequate proportions for the body's needs.

However, there are also sources of high-quality plant proteins, such as soy and quinoa. These foods are an excellent choice for children who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

In conclusion, proteins are essential for children's growth and development, and lean proteins are an important part of their diet. However, strong proteins should be the main source of protein in children's diets to ensure that they receive all essential amino acids necessary for growth and development. It is also important to be mindful of the quantity of proteins consumed and to opt for high-quality sources of proteins.