Healthy Ways for Your Child to Gain Weight
Although our nation’s focus tends to be on obesity, weight loss continues to be a serious issue. Many parents are cautious about their children being overweight, and rightly so, but being underweight can cause health problems, too. If your child needs to put on weight, as diagnosed by a professional pediatrician, take a look at these healthy ways to gain pounds.
Add healthy calories. No doctor will tell a child to gain weight by snacking on burgers, fries, and milkshakes. You want to make sure your child puts on weight healthily, and this doesn’t mean indulging in calorific meals. You can increase calories by choosing healthy foods like peanut butter, sunflower seeds, fruit, or wholegrain toast.
Go nutrient dense. Choose whole foods to put on your child’s plate. Go for nutritious carbohydrates, such as brown rice, and load up on beans, lentils, and vegetables. This helps to ensure your kid’s body is receiving as much nourishment as possible. These foods are incredibly cheap and accessible, as well.
Sneak in high-calorie healthy foods. Peanut butter, nuts, avocado, and olive oil are high in calories but are healthy fats. They are a great source of energy and can help to knock down any inflammation in your child. Add almonds to cereal and salads, make PB&J sandwiches with extra peanut butter, and fill up their lunch box with veggies and guacamole.
Wait until your child has finished eating to offer them a drink. Fluids can fill up small stomachs fast, so avoid offering your child a drink before mealtime. When you do, choose high-calorie drinks like fruit smoothies and juices.
Stay positive about food. Avoid putting pressure on your child to eat. They may feel uncomfortable and end up eating less. It’s important for them to develop a happy and healthy relationship with food.
Before increasing your child’s calories significantly, talk to the pediatrician. Being underweight may be due to a underlying health issue, in which case, diet changes won’t help. Contact the Pediatric Surgical Associates for all your pediatric surgical needs. Our pediatric surgeons in Orange County are experts at protecting your kids’ health and wellness!