Adding Calories to Fruits

The people at Children's loved this one, and it's working for us. I cut the fruit up really small, coat it in yogurt (whole milk) and then toss it in finely shredded coconut. Whole Foods has some that is really tiny pieces of coconut. Our 9 month old loves it and so does our 2 1/2 yo. Keifer is another big hit with our kids, although I can only find it made with whole goat's milk. For our littlest, I mix it with Carnation Instant Breakfast for added calories. Since your son is old enough to drink milk, you could use milk. The dip you already had recommended sounds really good, too. I think I'll try it. If he eats applesauce, you can add a tablespoon of oil to it to boost calories. I blend up peaches and pears to make the same consistency sauce and add oil to it, as well, for a change. You can add plums to applesauce to make it more interesting. Pie fillings work and the sugar helps with calories, although not as much as fat. Our kids love "Guacamole" made from bananas and avocados. Again, you can add oil for fat. I use both cooking oil and flax seed oil. Extra virgin olive oil is fairly easy to hide, too. The coconut thing is the best we've found for fruit. It seems to hide the coating. Just don't get the low fat. :) I'll be looking for other ideas people have as we're still fighting this battle with two kids. GL! We just had our first therapy session with Children's for the baby and we're pleased with the help we've gotten so far. We went with someone else for our son, but she's no longer practicing, so we're enjoying the new take. I think you'll like them there.

Try adding grains in, like oatmeal, the flavored packets. Or eggs, good source of protein with eggs mixed in.
The bad thing is that raw veggies are more absorbed with a small amount of fat. Hence low fat dressings are better then no fat dressings. Maybe have him help you make a dressing, like get the packets and mix it up himself, that way he can try what he made. If he loves veggies though that is awesome.
Pizza, with cheese is great for kids too believe it or not.
Try making smoothies with whole milk too, or milkshakes with whole milk and frozen strawberries.
I wouldn't worry about calorie boosting fruits if he can get the calories from other things. Too much fruit isn't good either and if he likes veggies concentrate on that.
Maybe try things like brocolli rice, the Uncle Bens mix is a great hit with my kids and I add in frozen brocolli but not as much water and my kids gobble it up.
I think having a side of fruit with something substantial like grains and meats would be sufficient without worrying about adding more to fruits themselves.
Calories can come from many sources, whole milk products is the biggie then go from there. Good luck.

I know you said your son isn't a dipper, but you could try this. We make a fruit dip that my kids love. Mix cream cheese, a little brown sugar, cinnamon and a dash of vanilla in a bowl, microwave it for just a couple seconds until it is dipping consistancy. If he still doesn't like to dip with this mixture, you could spread it on a tortilla and roll it up, then slice it into pinwheels...I have done that as a treat for my kids on occasion.

Otherwise, will he drink smoothies with whole milk yogurt?That would help boost calories, and he can have the fruits he wants in there. Plus, you might be able to add protien powder or something into the smoothie. I add flax seed powder to ours.

If you need another referral for a better feeding plan, I prefer to refer families to Kay Toomey. She is a feeding consultant and I think she does a better job than Children's with many kids. She helps families develop plans that are individualized to their needs. contact info 1780 S Bellaire St
Denver, CO 80222 ###-###-####‎

What I like about her is that instead of just saying add calories, she will help you with the behavioral aspects of the feeding issues, and also with the sensory issue such as your son not liking the coatings or sliminess of the foods.

Also have you tried "thick-it"? it is an additive you put in milk and sauces that adds significant calories. You also need to think more about adding invisible calories instead of worrying about fruit - give him whole milk full calorie milk shakes with ice cream, make casseroles with full calorie sauces, etc, where he won't notice dips or sauces. Much easier!

take care, S.