Weight gain tips

Article Translations: (Spanish)

Some children who have trouble eating enough to gain weight may need extra calories. Here are some easy ways to add calories to foods.

Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of nonfat dry milk powder to:

casseroles
cooked cereal
cream soups
custard
mashed potatoes
meatloafs
milkshakes
baked goods
muffins
pancakes
puddings
scrambled eggs
whole milk
yogurt
smoothies

Add a powdered breakfast drink (such as Instant Breakfast®) to:

milk, milkshakes, smoothies, or ice cream

Add extra margarine, olive oil, oil or butter to:

cooked cereal
pasta dishes
potatoes
baked goods
rice
sandwiches
vegetables
casseroles/hot dishes

Add cheese to:

casseroles
crackers
hamburgers
mashed potatoes
salad
meatloaf
sandwiches
soups
vegetables
eggs

Spread cream cheese or peanut butter on:

crackers
fruit slices
graham crackers
bagels
muffins
pancakes
pretzels
bread products

Include supplements, such as:

Boost®
Carnation Instant Breakfast®
Ensure®
Pediasure®
Sport shakes®
Yo-J®

For extra protein, eat more of these foods:

eggs
cheese
cottage cheese
legumes
meats
avocado
milk
peanut butter
puddings
ricotta cheese
yogurt – Greek or regular

Questions?

For more information, these books by Ellyn Satter (Bull Publishing Company, Palo Alto, CA) are helpful:

Child of Mine
How to Get Your Kid to Eat...But Not Too Much

This is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call nutrition services at your hospital.

Minneapolis: 612-813-6865
St. Paul: 651-220-5678

Last reviewed by Children's Nutrition Services 8/2015 

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