The Wrong kind of Weight Issue...

America is full of overweight and obese kids, but there are few out there on the other end of the spectrum who need just as much attention and focus. The underweight kids, not always as obvious as you would think, and in America, the land of plenty even harder to find. According to the CDC a child needs to have a BMI or Body Mass Index rating between 5% and 85%  to be considered a healthy weight. Well I am the parent of that 'skinny kid' and after many excuses and statements of shes just a thin kid, I'm beginning to think its not so simple. She is about the same weight as her 3 year old brother. After a few hours on line, a boat load of websites, doctors opinions and friendly advice I've decided I need to boost my kids weight, (she's 35.3 pounds and 44 inches tall, 6 years old). Now before I get reprimanded, she grows steadily, has a good appetite even if it is quenched easily, she isn't behind in school or physical activities, she gets plenty of sleep and is overall active and healthy, Shes just has a BMI of less than 1% and has no body fat. I don't expect her to gain a boat load of weight (I'm hoping for a pound a month), shes lean and that's fine but healthy is always best, and right now she's too tiny to be healthy. So tonight I invested in a bento lunch kit, vowed to be a hot-breakfast-chef and have some ideas I hope to implement to aid this lithe child to gain better eating habits. We eat fairly well, always loading up on fruit and veggies, steering clear of sugar and bad calories, but now it seems we need more calories in the same space. The problem is that shes a very picky eater, and she eats very little even of the food she does like.  Any advice, guidance or help is always appreciated. I will be looking to my co-blogger for tips, and ideas on healthy food and snacks, cus healthy and creative is her speciality! Will keep updates coming!