HomeAnswersChild HealthunderweightMy 4-year-old boy is underweight. What can I do to gain weight?

How to modify diet for children with underweight?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 16, 2023
Reviewed AtNovember 16, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My 4-year-old boy is underweight. He is 30 lbs. I consulted a doctor and he said not to give many dairy products and should focus on protein intake. So how can I give complete protein nutrition to the child without dairy products? What else can I do to gain weight? Please suggest.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

To provide full protein nutrition to a child without dairy products, you can include the following non-dairy protein-rich foods in their diet:

  1. Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and other legumes are excellent sources of protein. You can make soups, and stews, or incorporate them into salads.
  2. Tofu and tempeh: These soy-based products are rich in protein and can be used in various dishes. Tofu can be blended into smoothies or stir-fried, while tempeh can be used in sandwiches or salads.
  3. Nuts and seeds: Almonds, peanuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are high in protein. You can make nut butter for spreads or sprinkle seeds on cereals and yogurt alternatives.
  4. Quinoa: Quinoa is a complete protein source and can be used in place of rice or added to salads.
  5. Seitan: Also known as wheat gluten, seitan is a high-protein meat substitute. It can be used in stir-fries or sandwiches.
  6. Plant-based milk: Choose fortified plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. These often have added protein and essential nutrients.
  7. Nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast is a good source of protein and can be sprinkled on dishes as a cheese alternative.
  8. Vegetables: Some vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and peas contain decent amounts of protein. Include a variety of veggies in your child's meals.

To help your child gain weight in a healthy way, focus on nutrient-dense foods. You can:

  1. Increase healthy fats: Include avocados, nuts, and seeds in their diet for healthy fats.
  2. Whole grains: Opt for whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat bread, and oats for added calories and fiber.
  3. Frequent meals: Encourage small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day.
  4. Protein: Ensure they are getting enough protein from non-dairy sources as mentioned above.
  5. Healthy snacks: Provide nutrient-dense snacks like hummus with veggies, fruit with nut butter, or homemade energy bars.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Veerabhadrudu Kuncham
Dr. Veerabhadrudu Kuncham

Pediatrics

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

protein rich dietunderweight

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Child Health

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy