Dear Komalji,
My son is seven years old.
His weight is around 21.5 kg.
I feel that his physique is too lean. He is not much interested in food. Every time, we have to push him to eat.
He falls sick very often, especially with throat infection.
His daily diet is:
Breakfast: Milk every day with PediaSure powder and bread/egg white/chapati/paratha on rotation basis.
Before lunch: Apple/Orange/Seasonal fruit
Lunch: Usually Chapati/Rice/Dal sabzi
Evening: Milk with PediaSure powder
Dinner at 9 pm: Usually Chapati/Rice/Dal sabzi
This is almost his daily routine.
The problems we are facing:
He doesn’t eat much.
He falls sick very often.
He is too lean but active.
Please advise a good plan for him.
Regards
Avinash Kumar
Ans: The growth of a child is influenced by poor or adequate nutrition, environment, exercise, hormones, serious or chronic illnesses, etc.
Based on his activity and nutritional requirements, he needs to take a high protein diet which will help increase his muscle mass.
Include protein-rich foods like eggs, low fat dairy products, nuts, lean meat, etc, in every meal.
Add lots of vegetables, fruits and salads in his diet to include antioxidants and fibre which will improve his gut health.
His immunity will improve with a good nutritional balance in his diet and energy-dense foods to sustain his activities.
He must drink enough water to remain well-hydrated, sleep for at least eight hours daily and have a happy social environment.