My 5 year old son has been tube feeding for 5 years and has always been in the <5th percentile. Now he has finally sky rocketed to the 20th percentile! As a result I am given some freedom to try to wean him off of the tube. This sounds so exciting but I am terrified!!! He has struggled with his weight for so long and needs the high calorie diet to grow and thrive. What is abnormal to others (tube feeding) is so common to him and me. It is a huge adjustment and I am very freaked out. I have never had to stress about his calorie count b/c the tube took care of it and now I am racking my brain trying to think of high calorie, but nutritious ideas. He has to take in 2000 calories per day. He will be drinking his Pediasure (4 cans) so that gives him 960 calories. We still have another 1040 that he must take in orally. He is not a big eater and quantity is something I need to push with him.
For example, at school they get a snack in the afternoon which is usually fruit or veggies. That is a wonderful snack, but in a high calorie world, it's not the most desirable. I want to think of something to send with him for his snack that would be nutritious, but meet his needs.
Any high calorie ideas at all would be so helpful. Thank you!!!!
Nuts and cheeses are loaded with protein and calories. And the nuts are loaded with good fats (not all fats are the same).
A handful of almonds is a great snack. Or peanut butter smeared on just about anything... toasted bread, apple slices, celery, ritz crackers, bananas...
Breads, whole grains, pastas, cereals, potatoes, beans, and rice are great for high calorie diets. Crackers and Cheerios are tasty as well as healthy high calorie foods. Italian food is perfect for high calorie meals as well as being delicious.
I always had problems gaining weight as a kid and my pediatrician thought that maybe something wrong with me (I have a high metabolism, so I burn off all the fat). Good thing I love bread and all things Italian.
Peanut butter comes to mind.
I can also recommend a protein drink for kids that is better than Pediasure if you are interested. Although you want him to gain weight, be careful with what you chose so that he gains muscle and not fat.
Has your pediatrician recommended a feeding therapist or nutritionist for him? I used to work in early intervention and it took feeding therapy for the children with feedng tubes to get used to different textures in their mouths.
Avocados. Guacamole is a good snack food & he can dip the veggies in it. Plus I have found that if you take a half an avocado & use it in smoothies it is a great filler & gives them a very smooth taste & texture. Plus he will be getting lots of good fats.
Nuts are good too.
Stick to whole milk instead of skim or 1%, he will get more calories that way. So if you put a half an avocado & use whole milk & whole (greek would be best) yogurt in a smoothy he will be getting a very nutritious & tasty snack or meal.
My oldest is in a similar situation. We have always used whole milk or cream for him, full-fat yogurt (Stonyfield Farms makes a good one), pasta with olive oil, toast with natural peanut butter, skin-on chicken, 80% lean hamburger, etc. We also eat a lot of eggs. A hard-boiled egg might be a great snack for your little guy. Cheese cubes, nuts, beef jerky or smoked salmon, cream cheese on a bagel... I'm getting hungry just thinking about these options!
What about peanut butter, cheese, nuts, seeds, avacado, tofu, various meats? Lots of protein and whole grains that provide a lot of nutrients, but still limit fat and sodium?Nuts, seeds and avacado are high fat, but it is the good fat our bodies need. Do you have a Hyvee near you? If not, you could get in touch with one in Omaha via email or phone. They have dieticians on staff that can help you with meal planning. They are very helpful and I believe their services are free. You could also get in touch with a dietician through the local hospital. Good luck!
A.
Fruit and veggies will be good, but with a high calorie dip to go with it.
It sounds like a consultation with a nutrition specialist would be very helpful given your son's history. I'd ask your pediatrician for a recommendation. That being said, full-fat yogurt and puddings are great sources of calories for children who need to gain weight. You can also add powdered milk to other liquids to increase their calories and protein (and calcium too!). Cheese and nut butters are good options too as well as sausage (which most kids like). Mac & Cheese (while not a snack) is a surprisingly high calorie food--especially if you add a little extra butter to the mix. My son is very slim for his age and doesn't always eat enough to stay on his growth curve if I don't push him so I find lots of ways to sneak in extra calories, even if it's buttering his toast a little more generously. Good luck!
J.
Avocados are high in calories. A whole avocado has around 250 calories. My daughter is 2 and she can eat a whole one. Nuts and cheese as, Victoria said, are high in protein and calories.
