High Calorie Smoothies

High calorie smoothies are a good option for many children struggling to gain weight. Many parents feel giving their child a supplement such as Pediasure is not healthy because it is so processed and high in sugar. Although supplements are a good option for children who refuse to eat solid food, smoothies and shakes are often better accepted and more economical than supplements. The recipes below all contain as many calories or more than a typical supplemental drink (~250 calories/8oz), and most provide a few servings of fruit as well. All smoothies should be pureed in the blender to provide an even consistency. You may need to play around with the amounts to determine how your child will accept it best. To thicken any shake you can add baby rice cereal, and to thin it out more milk or water can be added. Peaches and Cream Smoothie: 1/4 cup heavy cream/ ¾ cup whole milk/ 1 cup canned peaches in heavy syrup/ 1 cup ice cream

Berry Banana Smoothie: 1 cup milk/ 1 cup yogurt/ 1 banana/ 1 cup berries

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake: 1 cup whole milk/ 1 packet chocolate Carnation Instant Breakfast/ 2 tbsp peanut butter

Vanilla Oreo Shake: 1 cup whole milk/ 1 packet vanilla Carnation Instant Breakfast/ 1 cup vanilla ice cream/ 3 Oreo cookies

Apple Pie a la Mode Smoothie: 8oz apple pie filling/ 1 cup vanilla ice cream/ 2 tbsp caramel sauce

Coconut Pineapple Drink: 1 cup coconut milk/ 1 cup crushed pineapple

Chocolate Banana Smoothie: 1 cup milk/ 1 banana/ 1 cup chocolate ice cream/ 1 ounce heavy cream

Tropical Mango Pineapple Smoothie: 1 cup coconut milk/ 1 mango/ 1 cup crushed pineapple

Some children don’t like sweet flavors and prefer salty or bland. For these children unconventional drinks high in calories may be necessary. Although vegetable smoothies and juices are often used as low calorie supplements, the addition of high calorie products such as avocado increase the caloric content, making them acceptable drinks for children who struggle with weight gain.

Guacamole Smoothie Supreme: 1 avocado/ 1 cup tomato juice/ 2 carrots/ 1 clove garlic/ 2 tsp cilantro

Veggie Rice Surprise: 1 tomato/ 1 cup vegetable juice/ ½ cup baby rice cereal/ 4 tbsp wheat germ

Soy Sensation: 1 cup tofu/ 1 cup Plain soymilk/ ½ cup spinach/ 1 squash/ Salt to taste

For more ideas on how to provide your child with the best nutrition possible, make an appointment.

Return Home from High Calorie Smoothies