Smoothies to fatten up a skinny toddler

[triana1326]

So my DD is skinny, skinny, skinny. She's also super active and her dad is skinny too. So I'm sure a lot of it is genetics and activity. But she hasn't gained a single pound in almost a year. She's definitely growing taller, but I'm not sure about head measurements as we've switched peds a few times. She's also a picky eater and I have to practically force her to eat anything when she's playing.

Basically I'm looking for healthy recipes for smoothies to help put just a little meat on her bones. I'd love to have any recipes that would also get her to eat greens.... Help me feed my child!

[carmel23]

We actually grow a lot of lettuce, and put it in the freezer, and add it to smoothies. I'll just wash it, put it in the freezer for like 20 minutes, and then throw it in the blender.

Nut butter smoothies are soo good! You can add almond or peanut butter, coconut milk, etc.

Full fat yogurt, fruit, and there is a hemp protein powder we get at our market sometimes (soy free--my DD is allergic to soy).

Does your little one like fish? Salmon is really good, and high in good fat.

Nuts for snacks--we snack on nuts (much better for the teeth then crackers) but this is tough with some toddlers...

hth, I'll think of something and come back!

[dahlialia]

my almost-daily smoothie is: banana, frozen strawberries, soymilk, spinach, peanut butter, flax seeds.

You could use higher fat dairy, or flax oil if you are using soymilk. If the smoothie being green isn't a problem, you can't even taste the spinach in it - it's a great way to get in greens. and if the colour is a problem, frozen blueberries take care of that I would maybe skip the flax seeds for a toddler if they were picky about texture.

[allical1284]

Add avocado to whatever green smoothie recipe she likes! Avocados have such a mild flavor and nice creamy texture; it is a perfect way to boost the healthy fats in a smoothie.
DD's fave is 1/2 a frozen banana, scoop of frozen blueberries (or any other berry), handful of spinach (or kale or any other green), whole milk yogurt, and a big chunk of avocado.
ETA: If you don't already have one and if you've even been on the fence about getting a high-powered blender (Vita-Mix or Blendtec), I would look into getting one. We got a factory refurbed vita-mix at a discount and it is honestly the most used piece of equipment in the kitchen now. I was appalled by the price at first, but it was sooo worth it!