Every parent wants to see their child grow up healthy and happy. One of the biggest challenges of parents is the eternal quest to make sure your kids get the right amount of daily nutrition and also gain healthy weight. However, tracking the food intake of underweight children and changing their eating habits is another chapter entirely. In addition to a well-balanced and caring diet, you also need to make sure you’re giving your little one a good dose of high-calorie foods to help them gain weight. Let’s take a look at the following healthy foods for children to gain weight.
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Healthy Foods for Children to Gain Weight
Potatoes
Potatoes contain carbs that convert to glucose, which is used by the body for energy. Any glucose that cannot be used by the body is converted into fat, which helps the child gain weight. This humble vegetable is rich in carbohydrates, amino acids, and fiber, helping to gain weight in a healthy way. In addition, it is delicious and a favorite among children. You can mash them and serve as a side dish or stir-fry them with a little spice. You can also treat your child to another popular variation of this vegetable – sweet potato. From sweet potato cakes to nutritious sweet potato soup, choose according to your child’s preferences. As a good source of starch, it can help your child gain weight.
Eggs
Good and rich in protein, eggs can help regulate your child’s weight. Eggs help build the body’s growing muscles and tissues. Eggs should be boiled thoroughly and given to young children in small quantities. Packed with nutrients like phosphorus, protein, zinc and calcium, eggs are healthy foods for children to gain weight.
Dairy products
Basic dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter are staples in any child’s diet. Milk contains a good amount of calcium, which helps build strong bones and keep your child’s overall health in check. Make sure you give your child at least two glasses of milk a day to reach their goals and gain weight. Instead of giving them raw milk, you can make sure they get their daily intake in the form of cereals or milkshakes. Avocados are also a major source of healthy fats that promote weight gain.
Chicken
Chicken is a high-calorie and high-protein food for kids. It is also rich in phosphorus, an essential mineral that supports your teeth and bones, and is beneficial for the kidneys, liver, and the functioning of the entire central nervous system.
Dry fruits
This is one of the healthiest foods to gain weight for kids. These miracle potions are not only packed with vital nutrients, but also packed with fiber and will help boost your little overall calorie needs. Also, they are known for increasing your child’s immunity. You can blend all of the dried fruits together to make a homemade powder that can be used with milk or fed to your baby while watching TV. From cashews and almonds to dates, apricots and pistachios, there’s so much to choose from!
Salmon
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, selenium and choline that support brain function, cognitive function and neurological health in young children. So it might be a good idea to cook a tasty and healthy salmon dish for your kids every now and then.
Tofu
Tofu, a soy product, contains protein and essential amino acids, plant-based iron, calcium, manganese, phosphorus and selenium. It is a nutrient-dense food with high levels of protein and healthy fats, both of which are ideal for proper growth in children.
Bananas
Bananas are the fastest source of energy and contain many healthy carbohydrates for weight gain. On average, a banana is known to have around 105 calories, making it the go-to snack for most people and even for active kids. In addition, this versatile fruit can be consumed as a milkshake, fruit salad, creamy dessert or just eaten straight away. They are available in the Indian subcontinent and are also very easy to buy. And is known as a best food for children to gain weight.
Beans and lentils
Beans and lentils are rich in protein. On average, every 100 grams contains nearly 300 calories. Beans are also a great source of soluble fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and cures irritable mood swings. If your child is a fussy eater, try giving them beans cooked in their favorite way.
