If your child has been examined for any underlying health problem and no condition has been diagnosed, it is your responsibility to ensure that he is not underweight.According to WHO, underweight children are more prone to develop infectious diseases later on in their life. You should know the appropriate weight gain foods for children to help your underfed child pile on some pounds. You need to choose high-calorie foods that provide the right sort of nutrition for their growth.
Foods that help children who want to gain weight are as follows.
Full-cream dairy products
Milk, yoghurt, butter, ghee and cheese are some dairy products which must be fed to your child as much as he can digest. Make sure that these dairy foods are made from full-cream milk to help your child add some pounds to his body. Use these products as toppings, spreads or in smoothies. Calcium and iron contained in full-cream dairy products are needed by children in their growing years.
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Whole Grains
Whole grain wheat, brown rice, cereals, granola, crackers, cornbread and pasta can help your child have healthy weight gain. According to food pyramid, your child should have 6 servings of whole wheat grains. Prepare a food chart to include different cereals. Combine these with nuts, peanut butter and dry fruits.
Nuts
These are high in calories and can prove to be a healthy and delicious alternative to salted crispy foodstuffs such as chips and crackers. Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, macadamias, walnuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, cashews, dates and pistachios are good sources of healthy fats and protein for your kids apart from additional calories for weight gain. Mix these in desserts, decorate over main course as topping or have them as snacks.
Olive Oil
This oil is rich in energy and with a small serving, you can help your child get many calories. Olive oil is good for the heart too as it contains monounsaturated fat and antioxidants. Moreover, this oil has a somewhat fruit-like flavour and you can use it in combination with several foods. You can cook up your child’s meal with a few tablespoons of olive oil or use it as a dip for the bread.
Do not allow the meal time for your child be a daily source of anxiety. Try out various combinations of these foods based on the child’s favourite foods. Find out what he likes best by trial and error and include weight gain foods in them. Weight gain foods for children should be included in their meal with some tact that all parents are adept in.
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