How can I help my vegetarian child gain weight?

[amid chaos]

I would be more concerned with a healthy diet rather than gaining weight as your goal. It takes a bit of education to be a healthy vegetarian and your daughter needs to be part of the process. I strongly recommend a nutritionist.

As for other ideas..

black bean soup....it's "cool" cause it's black!!

Chili...you can use tofu very easily in this.

you can buy vegetarian refried beans, add to roasted veggies in a wrap.

a multi vitamin is a must.

protein shakes

try to get creative with eggs, maybe she will change her mind about them

Quiche

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

My dd was a vegetarian by choice from age 5 until 11. SHe just started meat again about 6-8 months ago. Her staples are whole wheat pasta, soybeans black beans, couscous and whey shakes.

 

[mbw12]

Can anyone tell me a brand (or recipe) for the protein shakes and/or whey shakes. I would like to do this for my child....but dont know much about it....and dont want to get something that they maybe shouldnt have? (i have visions of A-Rod and/or other athletes using protein shakes that have steroids in them and dont want to give to my kids!....lol...just kidding...)

 

[dchi]

I have a thin tall son, he is 18 now and last month his ped told him to eat more peanut butter and cheese. The Dr. wrote on his paper normal and then...( thin ) I also give my son milkshakes...I know it is not healthy but he loves them and drinks all of it. ( He does have a big appetite, and is not a vegitarian ) Anyhow, i would try frozen cheese ravioli, mac and cheese, veggie lasagna, cheese stuffed bread, milkshakes, high calorie foods. Good luck!

 

[Tauwillow]

I also suggest hummus - its easy to snack on, totally yummy, and full of nutrients.

We make smoothies at home regularly - without any sugar. We use a can of pineapple (no syrup - just normal juices), a banana that we've frozen, plain yogurt, and whatever frozen fruits we're hankering for. We've occasionally added whey protien as well. Totally good stuff, without the need for ice or sugar!

My daughter is a semi-vegitarian (she eats seafood, dairy and eggs) of her own choosing. She decided when she was 9 and we've been entirely supportive.

We love indian food, and there are all kinds of terrific vegitatian options within the cuisine that are full of flavor and essential nutrients. Perhaps you could look there for more options.

 

[alexandria674]

A friend of mine made this bean dish for her family. She got tortillas and lay it out on a pan, put beans and cheese on it, then another tortilla on it, beans and cheese, another tortilla and so on. Then she covered it all with cheese, avocados, tomatos, green onions, and black olives. She put it in the oven at 350 for about ten minutes and then put low fat sour cream. She would make this dish for her daughter who was a strict vegetarian. When she served her daughter, my friend would slip chicken in the dish and then give it to her husband.