High energy diets for children

What are high energy and high protein diets?

Your child gets energy from what they eat and drink. Energy is measured in calories or kilojoules. This information can be found on the food labels of packaged foods.

Energy is important to help your child’s body:

• function
• protect itself from infection
• recover from illness

In foods, we get most of our energy from:

• carbohydrates, such as sugar
• fats
• protein

Protein in food helps to repair and build your child’s body. It also gives them energy.

Some foods have more energy or protein than others. Eating more of these foods can make up a high protein, high energy diet.

Why might my child need a high energy diet?

There are different reasons why your child might need a special diet. Your child might need a high energy, high protein diet if they need more protein or energy. This might be because they are underweight, losing weight or losing muscle.

This may happen if your child has a:

• short-term illness, such as an infection
• long-term illness
• poor appetite or nausea that prevents them from eating properly
• procedure or surgery

The amount of energy and protein in your child’s diet will depend on their individual needs. Children with conditions such as cystic fibrosis need more energy in their diet. Children with some liver conditions or burn injuries need more protein in their diet.

A high energy, high protein diet can help your child recover from losing weight or muscle. It can also help them catch up on their growth and development.

How will I know if my child needs a high energy diet?

You should speak to your doctor about your child if:

• you are concerned about their growth
• they have been unwell or not eating
• you think they are losing weight

You can also speak to an early childhood nurse or a dietitian.

Not all high energy or high protein foods are healthy. A dietitian can give you advice on how to meet your child’s nutritional needs.

What types of foods make up a high energy diet?

Some foods that are high in energy include:

• full cream dairy products like milk and yoghurt
• cheese
• margarine and butter
• sour cream and creamy salad dressings
• sugar, honey and jam

It’s important to choose high energy foods that are also healthy. Some high energy foods lack other nutrients that are important for your child’s development. Try to avoid ‘sometimes’ foods or junk foods like:

• chocolate
• lollies
• biscuits and other desserts
• fast foods

High energy, low nutrient drinks like fruit juice, cordial and soft drink can also damage your child’s teeth and lower their appetite for more nutritious foods.

What types of foods make up a high protein diet?

Some foods that are high in protein include:

• meats such as beef, chicken and pork
• fish and other seafood
• eggs
• cream
• full cream milk
• cheese
• beans

How can I give my child a high energy diet?

There are many ways you can include high energy and high protein foods into your child’s meals. You can:

• choose full cream dairy over low-fat products
• add nuts and seeds on top of salads
• add a thick layer of butter or avocado when making sandwiches
• prepare cereal and smoothies with full cream milk
• add extra butter to mashed potato and other meals
• add grated cheese or cream to soups, pastas and sauces

Remember to make healthy choices for your child. Include high energy, high protein foods in their diet that also have other nutrients that they need.

You may find your child gets full easily or has a poor appetite. To help them meet their high energy or high protein needs, you can:

• give them smaller meals more often, up to 5 or 6 times each day
• take high energy snacks out and about with you
• encourage them to eat their high energy and high protein foods first
• give them drinks fortified with energy or protein, such as milk or a smoothie

Moving around before meals, eating meals with family, and rewarding your child with desserts after meals can also help.

At what age can my child start a high energy diet?

If your infant or child has high energy needs, plan their diet with guidance from your doctor or a dietitian.

From 4 to 6 months old, you can start feeding your child solid foods. This includes foods high in energy and protein.

Try giving your child nut butters, which are high in energy and protein. These can be spread on breads or added to porridge. Do not give children under 3 years old whole nuts, since these are a choking hazard.

You should avoid giving honey to children under 12 months old.

Does my child need vitamins or supplements?

There are some carbohydrate supplements available for infants and children that can be added to meals.

Speak to your doctor or a dietitian before giving any vitamins or supplements to your child.

What if my child is vegetarian or vegan?

If your child is vegetarian or vegan and needs high energy and high protein, talk to your doctor or dietitian.

There are high energy foods that are suitable for plant-based diets, like:

• plant oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, peanut oil and canola oil
• avocado
• alternatives to milk, cheese, yoghurt and ice-cream made from plant products like coconut, oats and nuts
• dried fruit
• dips such as hummus

High protein plant-based foods include:

• legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, baked beans and hummus
• grains such as quinoa
• meat alternatives like tofu, tempeh, falafel and seitan
• nutritional yeast
• nuts, seeds and pastes such as peanut butter

Some plant foods are high in both energy and protein, like:

• soy products, including soy milk and yoghurt
• nuts, seeds and nut butters like peanut butter and tahini

Encourage your vegetarian or vegan child to eat more often to meet their high energy or high protein needs.

Resources and support

For support and advice, speak to your doctor or find an Accredited Practising Dietitian on the Dietitians Australia website.