Homemade Healthy Foods for Kids to Gain Weight

When it comes to eating, our little ones have the biggest tantrums. Their half-empty lunch boxes or leftovers during meals deprive them of the nourishment they need during their growth years. The lack of essential nutrients in the diet hinders their growth and restricts them from gaining weight.

You must have seen kids of the same age having different weight patterns and growth. If you are struggling to increase your child's body weight, this article featuring the best weight gain food for kids is just for you. It discusses healthy foods that naturally nourish your little one, supporting their growth and development. Let’s start: 

Common reasons for slow weight gain in children

Several factors can contribute to a child not gaining weight properly or experiencing difficulty gaining weight. It's essential to recognize that every child is unique, and their growth patterns vary. Given below are some common reasons for improper weight gain in children: 

1. Poor appetite

 A lack of regular meal routine, health conditions, or distractions like mobile phones can reduce your little one’s hunger. 

2. High Metabolism

 Some kids have a high energy consumption compared to others. They burn calories quickly, making it harder to gain weight. 

3. Nutritional deficiencies

Every child needs a well-balanced diet for healthy growth and development. Lack of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals can make weight gain difficult for them. In the later section, you will get a list of the best baby weight gain foods to fill nutritional gaps and promote growth. 

4. Frequent illness

Kids have a developing immune system and are likely to fall ill quickly. Common cold, indigestion, or infections can affect nutrient absorption, slowing the weight gain. 

5. Picky eating

Most children avoid eating vegetables, nuts, and fruits rich in nutrients. They choose junk food over healthy ones affecting their overall growth. 

6. Eating Disorders

Some kids might develop eating disorders in their early days, leading to improper nutrition intake. Moreover, food allergies can restrict your child’s dietary options, which can make it difficult to gain weight. 

7. Emotional factors

Stress, anxiety, or emotional problems are likely to affect your child's eating and, eventually, their growth. 

8. Excessive physical activity

Highly active kids have a strong metabolism and burn calories more quickly than others. They need additional nutritional support to maintain their growth. 

It's important to note that while parental concern about their child's weight is understandable, it is essential to approach this matter with sensitivity and open communication. Focusing on promoting overall health and well-being is crucial rather than solely emphasizing weight or appearance.

In this blog, we'll explore a variety of delicious and nutritious foods that can help kids increase weight in a healthy and balanced manner.

Key Tips to Help Children Gain Weight Healthily

Effective strategies to support healthy weight gain in children, including nutrition tips and meal ideas. This infographic provides practical advice for parents to help children grow and thrive.

Best Foods to Support Weight Gain in Kids

If you are confused about how to help your child gain weight, then the list of weight-gain foods below will likely help you. 

1. Homemade Ghee

Ghee, or clarified butter, is a nutritional powerhouse and an essential ingredient in many Indian households. Rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants, adding a spoonful of homemade Ghee to your child's meals can increase calorie intake and aid in healthy weight gain.

2. Nutritious Khichdi

Khichdi is a comforting and nourishing one-pot meal with rice, lentils (moong dal), and vegetables. Enhance its nutritional value by using ghee, adding extra lentils, and incorporating a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, and spinach. This balanced weight gain food provides growing children with essential proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

3. Protein-Rich Chana Chaat

Chana chaat is a delightful and tangy snack made with chickpeas (chana) and colourful vegetables. Toss them with chaat masala, lemon juice, and fresh coriander leaves for added flavour. Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein and fibre, perfect for promoting healthy weight gain in children. This chana chaat is a tasty food for toddlers to gain weight.

4. Milk and Dairy products 

Milk and milk products are a good source of nutrition for children. You can include whole milk, yogurt, paneer, and cheese in your kid's diet to fulfil their nutritional needs. These foods are rich in calcium, protein, fat, and probiotics.

Prepare a creamy and nutritious smoothie by blending whole milk with soaked and chopped dry fruits like almonds, dates, and figs. This delightful drink is rich in calcium, healthy fats, and natural sugars, making it a perfect addition to your child's daily diet.

You can also use Ayurvedic milk mixes to give your little one a magical blend of nutrition and taste. These milk powders contain natural ingredients and Ayurvedic herbs that promote growth, weight gain, and holistic wellness.

5. Ragi (Finger Millet)

Ragi, a traditional Indian grain, is a rich calcium, iron, and dietary fibre source. Cook ragi flour with milk or water to make a nutritious and easy-to-digest porridge for your child. Sweeten it naturally with jaggery or a hint of honey. This flavorful porridge is light and perfect food for toddlers to gain weight.

6. Peanut Ladoo

Peanut ladoos are not only scrumptious but also loaded with nutrients. Roast peanuts, grind them, and mix them with jaggery, ghee, and dried fruits. These energy-dense treats are perfect for quickly boosting your child's calorie intake.

7. Bananas

Bananas are excellent for weight gain because they contain carbohydrates and calories. You can let your child eat a banana daily or blend it with milk to prepare a smooth, tasty banana shake. Mashed banana is one of the most trusted baby weight gain foods.

8. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain good vitamins, minerals, and fibre that can help add a few kilograms to your child's body. The mild, sweet taste of the vegetable fits perfectly in various dishes that your kids will love. Your little one can eat roasted sweet potato, or you can prepare fries, pancakes, patties, soups, and curries for an added twist.

9. Avocado

Avocado has healthy fat and calories to support weight gain in children. It is a popular pick in the weight gain fruits list. You can prepare a sandwich or toast by adding butter, mashed avocado, and salt. Plus, kids also love avocado pudding and smoothies.

10. Beans 

Beans are a good source of protein and fibre, which help promote growth and digestion in children. You can use the vegetable in various ways and dishes. Many kids enjoy eating fried beans or mixing them in other dishes as a snack.

11. Seeds and nuts

In most Indian households, eating seeds and nuts is a morning ritual. They are nutritious and support your little one's growth and development. Some popular seeds and nuts used as weight gain food are cashews, pumpkin seeds, almonds, etc. 

It is advised to soak the seeds overnight and then eat them in the morning. You can also get nut butter like peanut butter and use it on toast, sandwiches, oatmeals, pancakes, etc. Always ensure your child is non-allergic to the seed or nut before letting them eat it. 

12. Tofu

Tofu is the best weight-gain food for lactose-intolerant children. Where cottage cheese is made of milk, tofu is prepared from soybeans. You can use tofu in sandwiches, curries, toast, noodles, soups, and many more dishes to help your little one gain weight. 

Conclusion

Weight gain is not a one-day thing, especially for kids who are fussy eaters. The best way to help your kids increase their weight is by providing them with fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-rich homemade healthy foods. By incorporating healthy fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates into their diet, along with baby & kids care products, we can ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients to support their growth and development.

With love, patience, and these wholesome weight gain foods for kids, you can encourage your child's weight gain journey while nurturing their overall well-being.