High Calorie, Real Foods for Kids: Recipes Included!

Brain Balance Nutrition Alternatives to PediaSure

For our picky eaters, making changes to their limited, preferred menu can be daunting. PediaSure and other store-bought supplements are routine solutions that parents and physicians rely on to ensure that children are consuming adequate calories each day. These sweet drinks are enjoyed by even the pickiest of eaters.

The downside to these drinks is their long ingredient list begins with sugar and also includes corn and soy: two ingredients that may cause inflammation. They usually include artificial dyes and other chemical additives.

In addition, these sweet drinks can quickly become a crutch; children need to learn to consume a variety of textures and flavors. If they’re filled up with Pediasure, or always have access to it, there may be little incentive for them try new things. These drinks are not a good long term solution for the clean eating goals of Balance 360.

Here are several high-calorie recipes to help support your child’s growth and calorie intake as they transition away from processed foods, including Pediasure.

The goal is to keep moving towards our nutritional goals in a gentle, steady pace. We do not wish to compromise your child’s weight or growth status by implementing Balance 360 too quickly.

To monitor your child’s growth, please measure and record your child’s weight once a week and height once per month.

Balance 360 Approved, High Calorie Recipes

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Makes 1 serving

• ½ avocado, mashed
• 1-2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• 1 Tablespoon sunbutter (or other nut butter)
• pinch of salt

Blend until smooth: enjoy right away or chill in fridge for later.

Nut Butter Smoothie

Makes 1 serving

• 2 Tablespoons peanut, almond or sunflower seed butter
• 1 cup of non-dairy milk, such as almond or coconut
• 1 small banana, fresh or frozen
• 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Optional: ice, cinnamon, vanilla extract

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Creamy Strawberry Popsicle

Makes 6 popsicles

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 20-oz package frozen strawberries
• 2 Tablespoons honey

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Divide between six popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

Tip: for creamier popsicles, place canned coconut milk in the fridge the day before making. Open, discard watery portion, and only use cream.

About Balance 360 Nutrition

Balance 360 nutrition focuses on research-backed recommendations to optimize brain health, development and performance. By providing education and support around our pillars of nutrition we empower you to set a foundation of a brain-healthy lifestyle. Through one-on-one meetings with our nutrition experts we meet you where you are and help you set realistic, achievable goals to elevate your brain health.

Our primary areas of focus consist of fuel, hydration and reducing systemic inflammation. Fuel provides our bodies and brains the nutrients needed to function at an optimal level. Proper hydration affects every cell in our bodies. We work to identify and minimize common dietary drivers of inflammation including added sugars, ultra-processed foods, dyes and artificial sweeteners.

Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment of specific medical conditions. Discuss this information with your healthcare provider to determine what is right for you and your family.