How to Make a Nutritious High Calorie Shake for Your Skinny Child

Sometimes no matter what you feed your children, they just don't gain weight. If your child is one of those tiny, skinny, boney kids you might think about giving them junk food just to gain weight. Of course, you probably know that is a bad idea...and you probably know that it doesn't work. This shake is great for breakfast, an afternoon snack or dessert. This recipe serves two children & can be modified to suit your taste.

Chocolate Banana Protein Shake: Serves 2 young children (or Adults!)

You will need:

Yogurt (I usually buy the larger containers)
1-2 bananas, depending on size & preference
Whole Milk
Protein Powder (I like to use the chocolate flavor)

Optional Ingredients:

Wheat Germ
Blueberries
Strawberries
Hershey's Syrup

You will also need a blender.

1. Start with 8 ounces of yogurt in the bottom of the blender. 8 oz is also 1 cup. I think that strawberry or vanilla yogurt work the best for this recipe.

2. Break up 1-2 bananas and add them to the yogurt.

This is also the time to add a tablespoon or so of wheat germ, a handful of blueberries or strawberries. If you add a lot of other fruit you are probably only going to need 1 banana as your shake will get too thick.

3. Fill the blender to the 24 ounce line on your blender with Whole Milk. 24 oz is also 3 cups.

* If I am using Vanilla flavored protein powder this is when I would add the Hershey's Syrup. *

4. Add two full servings of protein powder. (More or less to taste)

5. Blend & Serve.

* If you break up the bananas into a few pieces it helps to get them blended better so there are very few or no chunks.
* Freezing the fruit overnight turns your shake into a smoothie!
* Adding Yo-Baby Yogurt will increase fat & calories.

This recipe, as described here, contains in each serving (approximately):

772 Calories
119 grams of fat
42 grams of protein

This of course all varies depending on the specific types of fruit, milk & yogurt.

* This shake has been approved by my children's pediatrician. If you have any concerns about this recipe or your child's health it is best to talk to your child's pediatrician. *