Home / Health Insurance / Articles / Child / Child Development / 10 Healthy Weight Gain Foods For Kids - Must Read!

10 Healthy Weight Gain Foods For Kids - Must Read!

Team AckoDec 5, 2024

If you are looking for healthy weight-gain foods for kids, you are at the right place!

healthy-weight-gain-food-for-kids

Contents

Healthy Weight Gain Food for Kids
How to Help Your Child Gain Weight
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Question

Some children suffer from being underweight despite the healthy foods that their parents are providing them. The good news is that there are healthy weight-gain foods available for kids! The problem may not lie with the food but with the number of times that the child gets to eat it. A healthy, balanced diet is a must for every child, and instead of filling up your little one’s tummy with empty calories like cake or junk foods, try and focus on giving your child foods that are rich in protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Healthy Weight Gain Food for Kids

Since most kids are picky eaters, you need to make sure what you give them is a fine blend of tasty and healthy! The following food items are good to have as staples in your child’s diet to help them gain weight:

1. Root crops

Root crops (sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, yams, and turnips) are excellent sources of carbohydrates that will provide your child’s body with the energy that they need. You can simply boil or bake it and serve it with some butter or honey.

2. Eggs

While eggs are a great source of high-quality protein, they also provide vitamins A, D, and Selenium. But do not go overboard with it. As with all types of food, add eggs in moderation, along with other nutritious options.

3. Nuts

Different nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, and hazelnuts) vary in the nutrition they provide. They are a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals. You can also try recipes that include nuts or simply serve them as evening snacks.

4. Full cream milk

Milk is not only a high-calorie food but also a good source of calcium and vitamin D. There are other ways to incorporate milk into your little one’s diet besides morning breakfast. You can also offer milkshakes; they are fun and tasty and provide the same benefits.

5. Peanut butter

This is an excellent source of good fats and minerals. Serve it with fresh fruits, whole-grain bread, and even vegetable slices for a nutritious and delicious snack.

6. Cheese

Just like milk, cheese is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and fat. The best thing is that your child loves it, and you can add it to anything. From creamy mozzarella for pizzas and stringy cheddar for sandwiches to tangy parmesan for pasta and soft cream cheese for bagels, the variety is endless. You can also try feta in salads or ricotta in desserts. With so many options, incorporating cheese into meals is both fun and nutritious!

7. Avocados

This fruit has a good amount of fat and is high in calories. This not only helps your child gain weight but also benefits their skin, thanks to the abundance of nutrients like Vitamin E, which nourishes and protects the skin, and Vitamin C, which promotes collagen production for a healthy glow. The only downside is that it is a seasonal fruit.

8. Mangoes

Mangoes are loaded with Vitamin A, which supports eye health, and Vitamin C, which boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin. They are also rich in minerals like potassium, which helps maintain hydration and proper muscle function. You can serve mangoes directly to your child or use them to make a pie or smoothie for a delicious treat.

9. Yoghurt

Yoghurt can help in weight gain because of the high calories it provides. This is an excellent source of calcium and protein. Choose fruit-flavoured options and not low-fat varieties, as you want your child to gain a certain amount of weight.

10. Bread

Make sure to add starch, such as bread or pasta, to your child’s diet. Bread is an excellent source of calories, which is helpful if your child needs to gain weight.

The key to a healthy weight gain is to consume a high amount of calories in the form of nutrient-rich foods like the ones mentioned above. Also, make sure that you do everything correctly. Always discuss this with your paediatrician so that they can monitor your little one’s progress closely.

How to Help Your Child Gain Weight

If you're looking to support your child in healthy weight gain, several key strategies should be considered. Ensuring balanced nutrition, incorporating nutrient-dense foods, and encouraging regular eating patterns can all contribute to sustainable weight gain. Here are some practical tips.

Focus on nutrient-dense foods: Choose healthy fats, proteins, and complex carbs, such as avocados, nuts, whole grains, eggs, and lean meats.
Increase caloric intake gradually: Instead of large meals, offer small snacks throughout the day to increase calorie intake without overwhelming your child.
Include high-calorie smoothies and shakes: Blending fruits, vegetables, yoghurt, and nut butter can be a tasty, calorie-dense option for children.
Encourage healthy snacking: Keep snacks like cheese, dried fruits, and whole-grain crackers available to promote healthy snacking habits.
Ensure regular physical activity: Regular physical activity can stimulate appetite and build muscle mass.
Consult a dietitian: Visiting a dietitian can provide personalised guidance based on your child’s specific nutritional needs, ensuring a tailored approach to healthy weight gain.

Conclusion

Ensuring your child eats various healthy weight-gain foods is essential for their growth and well-being. Incorporating nutrient-dense foods such as proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals will support their development. Introduce these foods gradually and in moderation, considering your child's preferences and dietary needs. Consult with a paediatrician or nutritionist for personalised advice.

Frequently Asked Question

Here’s a list of FAQs about 10 Healthy Weight Gain Foods For Kids

What are some signs that my child needs to gain weight?

Signs may include low energy, slower growth, or a healthcare provider having noted they're underweight for their age.

How can I encourage my child to eat nutrient-rich foods for weight gain?

Introduce a variety of foods, involve them in meal prep, and make food visually appealing to boost interest and appetite.

How often should I offer high-calorie snacks to my child?

High-calorie snacks can be offered between meals as part of a balanced diet, ideally 2-3 times a day if needed.

How can I make these weight-gain foods kid-friendly?

Try recipes like smoothies, nut butter sandwiches, homemade energy bars, and fun salads to make them more appealing.

Should I consult a paediatrician before making changes to my child’s diet?

Yes, always consult a healthcare provider to ensure the dietary changes meet your child’s unique growth and health needs.

Explore More Articles on Food & Nutrition

Busting the food myths during pregnancy

Diet During Pregnancy, Nutritional Needs: What to Eat, What not to Eat

How nutritional supplements will become your best buddies now

Your ideal folate-rich pregnancy diet & foods you should avoid

13 best diet Foods for pregnant women in the second trimester

Why a healthy diet is the biggest priority for you now

Your ideal diet now and why you shouldn't really be ''eating for two!''

Your ideal diet now: How much Vitamin C do you need?

Why your ideal diet should have more of iron now

Nutritional supplements you should be taking

What you should be eating and avoiding

Why you should be eating high-fiber foods now

Why this is the right time to completely kick caffeine out of your diet

Healthy snacks you should keep in handy now

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

Recent

Articles

Understanding K2 Challan in India

TeamAcko Dec 17, 2024

Netherlands Work Visa: All You Need to Know for Indian Applicants

TeamAcko Nov 13, 2024

Delhi Set to Roll Out WhatsApp-based System for Seamless Challan Payments

TeamAcko Nov 8, 2024

Seychelles Visa for Indians: A Guide

TeamAcko Oct 25, 2024

The UK Youth Mobility Visa: A Summary

TeamAcko Oct 25, 2024