#asktheexpert please suggest weight gain food for my baby

Question

Accepted Answer

For a 2-year 11-month-old, it's important to offer a balanced and nutritious diet to support healthy weight gain and overall growth. Here are some weight-gain-friendly foods that are also nutrient-dense:

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Weight Gain Foods for Toddlers

1. Whole Milk and Dairy Products:

What to offer: Full-fat milk, yogurt, paneer (cottage cheese), and cheese.

Why: These are rich in healthy fats, calcium, and protein.

How to serve: Add milk to smoothies, use paneer in curries or parathas, or offer yogurt as a snack.

2. Bananas:

Why: High in calories and natural sugars, easy to digest.

How to serve: As a snack, mashed, in milkshakes, or mixed with yogurt.

3. Ghee and Butter:

Why: Great sources of healthy fats and calories.

How to serve: Add a small amount of ghee to rice, parathas, or dal.

4. Avocado:

Why: Packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

How to serve: Mash it on toast, blend into smoothies, or mix with boiled eggs.

5. Eggs:

Why: Excellent source of protein and healthy fats.

How to serve: Boiled, scrambled, omelets, or in pancakes.

6. Peanut Butter or Nut Butters:

Why: High in calories, protein, and healthy fats.

How to serve: Spread on bread, mix with fruits, or stir into porridge. (Ensure no nut allergies.)

7. Dry Fruits and Nuts:

What to offer: Almonds, cashews, walnuts, dates, and raisins.

How to serve: Make dry fruit powder and mix it with milk, or serve as a snack. Chop finely for easier chewing.

8. Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes:

Why: High in carbohydrates for energy.

How to serve: As mashed potatoes, baked fries, or in soups and stews.

9. Whole Grains:

What to offer: Brown rice, quinoa, oats, whole wheat roti, and millets.

Why: Provide long-lasting energy and essential nutrients.

How to serve: In porridge, khichdi, or as roti with vegetables.

10. Lentils and Legumes:

What to offer: Dal, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, and kidney beans.

Why: Rich in protein, fiber, and calories.

How to serve: As dal, soups, or hummus.

11. Full-Fat Curd Rice:

Why: Combines the calories of rice and the nutrients of curd.

How to serve: Add a dash of ghee for extra calories.

12. Homemade Milkshakes and Smoothies:

Why: Combines fruits, milk, and nuts for a nutrient-packed drink.

How to serve: Blend milk with bananas, dates, or nuts.

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Sample Meal Plan for Weight Gain

Breakfast:

Banana pancake with honey and a glass of milk.

Mid-Morning Snack:

Full-fat yogurt with chopped fruits and dry fruits.

Lunch:

Rice, dal, ghee, and a small bowl of curd.

A mashed boiled egg or paneer curry as a side.

Evening Snack:

Whole-grain sandwich with peanut butter or cheese.

Or a milkshake with dates and bananas.

Dinner:

Vegetable khichdi or roti with ghee and vegetable curry.

Sweet potato mash as a side.

Before Bed:

Warm milk with dry fruit powder.

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Tips for Healthy Weight Gain:

1. Offer small, frequent meals throughout the day.

2. Avoid processed or junk foods for weight gain as they lack essential nutrients.

3. Make meals calorie-dense by adding ghee, butter, or nut powders.

4. Ensure the child is physically active; physical activity stimulates appetite.

5. Stay consistent and patient, as weight gain can take time.

If your child is active and meeting developmental milestones, a slightly lower weight may not be a concern. Consult a pediatrician for personalized advice if needed. Let me know if you'd like further assistance!