5 Ways to Increase Weight in Children
Are you worried about your child’s weight and wondering how to help them gain healthy weight? Fret not! Here are five effective ways to increase weight in children, ensuring their overall growth and development.
1. Offer Nutrient-Dense Foods:
To help your child gain weight, provide nutrient-dense foods that are high in calories, healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Include nuts, seeds, avocados, whole grains, lean meats, dairy products, and plenty of fruits and vegetables in their diet.
2. Encourage Frequent Meals and Snacks:
Having small frequent meals and snacks can be beneficial for children with smaller appetites. Encourage your child to eat five to six times a day with three main meals and two to three healthy snacks in between. Snack ideas include yogurt parfaits, fruit smoothies, peanut butter sandwiches or hummus with vegetable sticks.
3. Make Mealtime Enjoyable:
Create a positive atmosphere during mealtime by making it enjoyable and relaxed. Allow your child to decide the portion size they want to eat and never force them. Avoid distractions like television or mobile phones during meals.
4. Boost Calorie Intake without Overfeeding:
Add calorie-dense ingredients like olive oil, peanut butter or cheese while preparing your child’s meal to help them gain weight without overfeeding them. However, ensure not to exceed their daily calorie requirement because too many calories can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
5. Promote Regular Physical Activity:
While focusing on the diet aspect of a child’s growth is important, don’t forget the value of regular physical activity in promoting weight gain through muscle development. Encourage your child to take part in sports or other fun activities like swimming, dancing or hiking.
In conclusion, helping your child increase their weight begins with offering nutrient-dense foods at frequent intervals throughout the day, creating an enjoyable mealtime environment, and ensuring regular physical activity. Always remember to consult with a pediatrician or a nutritionist if you have concerns regarding your child’s weight or diet.