Getting your finicky toddler to eat enough calories can be challenging. You don't want him to fill up on cookies and candy, but he's rejecting the meats, cheeses and grains you're trying to feed him. It may take some experimenting and some rejected foods, but, there are still plenty of high-calorie, healthy foods that even the most picky toddler will enjoy.
Cheese
Cheese is a good source of protein and fat for your toddler. You can serve crackers and cheese as a snack, or add shredded cheese to vegetables, casseroles, rice, pasta and baked potatoes.
Meats
Try different meats to find at least one your toddler enjoys. Offer deli meat slices; homemade, breaded chicken or fish sticks; or meatballs made from ground beef or turkey. Put gravy or sauce on meats to moisten them and increase calories, or make a chicken salad with plenty of mayonnaise.
Dairy
If your child won't drink milk, he can get his dairy in other forms. Make puddings with whole milk, make smoothies with yogurt and fruit, or give him a bowl of ice cream.
Grains
Offer your child mini bagels with peanut butter and whole grain pasta with butter or olive oil. Make waffles, pancakes or french toast with eggs and whole milk, and serve with butter and a bit of syrup.
Fruits and Vegetables
Dried fruits are higher in calories than fresh fruit, so offer your child dried apples or bananas and raisins. Saute vegetables in a little bit of olive oil, to add a healthy fat, or cover broccoli or peas with cheese.
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