If your child's doctor has recommended that she gain weight, don't take her to the nearest fast-food restaurant. Foods that are high in saturated fat may help your child gain weight, but they may also put your child at risk for serious medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Feeding your child a diet of lean protein, whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables will help her gain the weight she needs to grow healthy and strong.
Step 1
Start with breakfast, even if your child is in a hurry to go to school. Before your child runs out the door, give him a portable container of yogurt with a plastic baggie of nuts, fruit, flax seeds and sunflower seeds. If your child has time to sit down for breakfast, cook him two scrambled eggs with cheese and vegetables.
Step 2
Choose full-fat dairy products instead of skim or low-fat milk products. Add milk to soup and hot cereal instead of water. Depending on your child's age, give her approximately three to four servings of dairy every day.
Step 3
Get creative with toppings when cooking for your child. Add dried fruit, avocado, nuts and sunflower seeds to salads and pour a small amount of olive oil on top to incorporate healthy fats into your child's diet. Sprinkle cheese and bread crumbs on top of meat and pasta to add additional calories into your child's meals.
Step 4
Put peanut butter on bread, veggies, bagels, crackers and ice cream. Peanut butter is packed with protein and will help your child gain healthy weight. She may be more apt to eat foods she doesn't like if you spread peanut butter on them.
Step 5
Offer second helpings. If your child has cleared her plate, swoop in with another helping of food. Even if she eats a few more bites, she's adding more calories to her diet, helping her gain weight.
Tips and Warnings
- Give your child several high-protein snacks throughout the day.
- Consult your child's doctor before making any changes to his diet.
Things You'll Need
- Yogurt
- Nuts
- Fruit
- Flax seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Scrambled eggs
- Dried fruit
- Avocado
- Nuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Olive oil
- Cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Peanut butter
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