What foods help an underweight child gain weight safely?

Question

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.

Answer 1

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:

Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and other legumes are excellent sources of protein. You can make soups, and stews, or incorporate them into salads.
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.
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.
Quinoa: Quinoa is a complete protein source and can be used in place of rice or added to salads.
Seitan: Also known as wheat gluten, seitan is a high-protein meat substitute. It can be used in stir-fries or sandwiches.
Plant-based milk: Choose fortified plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. These often have added protein and essential nutrients.
Nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast is a good source of protein and can be sprinkled on dishes as a cheese alternative.
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 healthily, focus on nutrient-dense foods. You can:

Increase healthy fats: Include avocados, nuts, and seeds in their diet for healthy fats.
Whole grains: Opt for whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat bread, and oats for added calories and fiber.
Frequent meals: Encourage small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day.
Protein: Ensure they are getting enough protein from non-dairy sources as mentioned above.
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.