Are you amazed how your kids never seem to stop eating?

Are you amazed how your kids never seem to stop eating?  Starting around
age 4 kids need almost as many calories as an average adult female.  Since kid’s
tummies do not hold as much as an adult they need to have at least 3 meals and 2
snacks every day.  4 to 8 year olds need 1600 to 1700 calories per day.  Each
time they eat they should consume 300 to 400 HEALTHY calories.  As a dietitian,
I do not recommend juices or processed foods but look for whole foods that are
quick and easy to prepare.

So what should you give them?  If you are pulling your hair out trying to
figure out what to feed them to get in the extra calories read on!  It is easier
than you think.

Looking to add healthy weight to your child?  Then add calories by:

• Adding olive or canola oil to their toast, pancakes, bagel, etc.  Adding oil
  can add 50-100 calories. Add butter as well to disguise the
  flavor & add calories.  On the weekend or your day off, make pancakes
  from scratch and add oil to the recipe.  They will keep for about 5 days in the
  refrigerator so you can eat them during the week.
• For a real treat try adding a little bit of cinnamon/sugar/cocoa.  It gives
  the flavor of the process chocolate-nut spread without being overly processed.
  Cocoa (the kind you use in baking) is a great source of anti-oxidants
  too!

• Add peanut butter or other nut butters, sunflower butter, cottage cheese to
  add extra calories and protein.  Adding a 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to a
  banana makes it a 300 calorie snack that gives a punch of protein & fiber
  too.  Cut the banana in half & make it a “sandwich” – just like mom used to
  make!

By adding these tips to your arsenal you’ll add up the calories to keep
your little ones full of healthy energy!