Growth spurts, sports activities or fast metabolism are all causes for girls to be underweight. Low weight may cause your daughter to miss her period and have decreased nutritional intake. According to the University of Nevada, nearly 25 percent of children may have trouble with eating. Follow a variety of tips to increase weight in a healthy manner without indulging in fast food or empty calories.
Plan
A regular eating schedule is critical. Girls should eat three meals a day or more and a variety of snacks. Start with a healthy breakfast such as yogurt fruit smoothie and oatmeal with fruit, then encourage her to eat snacks between all meals and do not skip any meals. Create a relaxing environment when serving meals to your child to encourage her food intake. Aim for 1 to 2 lbs. of extra weight per weight, suggests the Center for Young Women's Health. Weight gain may fluctuate each week and will vary per person.
Dairy Products
Opt for whole milk products instead of low-fat or fat free. Use whole milk in cereals, smoothies, soups and stews. Serve a glass of milk with her meals instead of water. Add extra cheese, such as American or cheddar, wherever you can. For example, sprinkle cheese onto the entrée or mix into her breakfast eggs. Always add an extra slice of cheese to your child's sandwich or burger.
Snacks
Don't forget to provide snacks for your daughter to eat throughout the day. Before leaving the house for school, give your daughter extra snacks she can enjoy between classes or after school. Opt for nuts and dried fruit, granola bars or cheese sticks. Pack protein bars that have balanced amounts of carbohydrates, protein and fat. Avoid bars high in only one nutrient.
Sports and Excercise
If your daughter participates in sedentary lifestyle, increasing her activity levels may increase her appetite. Even small amounts of exercise may be beneficial. Encourage her to walk the family dog, go on a daily jog or join a school sports team. Many gyms offer activity programs for young children and teenagers to encourage sports and exercise. Not only will exercise make your daughter grow hungry, she will also increase her muscle mass.
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