Despite an obesity epidemic in this country, nearly 4 percent of children and teens are underweight. Being underweight is not the same as being thin or slender. Some children have a naturally slight build and maintain it with a well-balanced diet and physical activity. However, true underweight may be a sign of dietary, health or emotional problems.
If you are concerned that your child may be underweight, consult your child’s physician. Assuming your child has no underlying medical concerns, the idea will then be to encourage weight gain in a healthful way, with food. Empty calories from foods high in fat and added sugars might add a few pounds, but they will not provide the nutrients a child needs to build strong bones and a healthy body.
If your child is underweight, start by ensuring that most meals and snacks are nutrient-rich. Good sources of protein for weight gain include eggs, peanut butter and other nut butters, bean soups, hummus and full-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Whole wheat bread and pasta, mashed potatoes and hot cereal are excellent carbohydrate choices, while nuts and seeds, and avocados, are healthy fat sources to help your child gain weight.
When planning snacks, be sure they provide additional calories and great taste. Consider these healthy, higher-calorie foods:
Along with eating these foods, work to make mealtimes pleasant and not rushed. Involve your children in meal planning, shopping and food preparation to encourage their interest in food and eating. Doctors may recommend a high-calorie supplement drink for picky eaters who refuse to add new foods to their diet. Make sure, though, that your child isn't filling up on beverages, like juices or even milk, so that she's hungry at meal-time.
If your child is getting enough calories but still does not seem to be gaining weight appropriately, continue to work with her doctor to discover any underlying conditions. Chances are good, though, that with some patience and conscientious meal and snack plans, your child will strike a good height and weight balance.
What a great world we live in. You want something, you get it! You n
A big trend these days is the diet of the week ? youve probably heard
Diet delivery is one of the fastest growing trends in the dieting i
Foods will usually be portion of our everyday life. It gives us ene
The Dukan diet plan is a much acclaimed and highly effective diet plan
This summer, get your ca
Copyright © www.020fl.com Lose Weight All Rights Reserved