#asktheexpert tell me some weight gain recipes and fruits for my baby

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Accepted Answer

For your 3-year-7-month-old baby, promoting healthy weight gain through nutritious, calorie-dense, and balanced foods is important. Here are some weight-gain recipes and fruit suggestions that are not only healthy but also appealing to a toddler:

Weight Gain Recipes:

1. Banana and Peanut Butter Smoothie:

Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 tbsp honey (optional).

Method: Blend all ingredients together to make a creamy smoothie.

Benefits: Bananas and peanut butter are calorie-dense and full of healthy fats and protein, helping in weight gain.

2. Oats with Full Cream Milk and Nuts:

Ingredients: 1/4 cup oats, 1 cup full cream milk, 1 tsp honey, 1 tbsp crushed almonds or walnuts.

Method: Cook oats with full cream milk, then add honey and crushed nuts on top.

Benefits: Oats are rich in fiber, and nuts provide healthy fats, both great for weight gain.

3. Cheese and Avocado Sandwich:

Ingredients: 2 slices of whole wheat bread, 1/2 avocado (mashed), 2 slices of cheese.

Method: Spread mashed avocado on the bread slices and add cheese in between to make a sandwich.

Benefits: Avocados and cheese are rich in healthy fats and calories, helping your child gain weight.

4. Sweet Potato Mash with Ghee:

Ingredients: 1 small sweet potato, 1 tsp ghee, a pinch of salt.

Method: Boil or steam the sweet potato, mash it, and mix in ghee and a pinch of salt.

Benefits: Sweet potatoes are rich in healthy carbs, and ghee adds extra healthy fats for weight gain.

5. Whole Wheat Pancakes with Honey and Butter:

Ingredients: 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1 egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp butter.

Method: Make pancakes using the flour, milk, and egg, then drizzle honey and a small amount of butter on top.

Benefits: Whole wheat provides fiber, and honey and butter offer added calories for weight gain.

6. Rice and Dal Khichdi with Ghee:

Ingredients: 1/4 cup rice, 1/4 cup yellow dal (lentils), 1 tsp ghee, pinch of turmeric and salt.

Method: Cook rice and dal together in water, then add ghee, turmeric, and salt to enhance the flavor.

Benefits: This is a nutritious, calorie-dense meal packed with carbs and proteins for healthy weight gain.

Fruit Suggestions for Weight Gain:

1. Bananas: High in calories and carbohydrates, bananas are a great source of energy and can aid in weight gain.

2. Avocados: Packed with healthy fats, avocados are great for healthy weight gain and overall nutrition.

3. Mangoes: Rich in vitamins and sugars, mangoes are calorie-dense and beneficial for weight gain.

4. Papaya: Contains digestive enzymes and is rich in vitamins, making it a good fruit for overall health and weight gain.

5. Apples: Though lower in calories than some other fruits, apples are a good source of fiber, and when paired with nut butters, they can become calorie-dense.

6. Pears: Similar to apples, pears are nutritious and high in fiber, which aids digestion and supports weight gain.

7. Dates: Very calorie-dense and rich in iron and fiber, dates can be added to smoothies or served as a snack.

Additional Tips:

Whole milk is better than skim milk for weight gain, as it contains more calories and healthy fats.

Healthy fats like ghee, butter, coconut oil, and nut butters should be incorporated into meals.

Offer frequent small meals with high-calorie foods throughout the day, rather than just three large meals.

Smoothies and shakes are great ways to sneak in extra calories and nutrients.

Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child's weight and health, but these recipes should help with promoting healthy weight gain.