I wish I could get my kids to eat as well as yours. My sugar addict hubby sabotages all my efforts. I throw stuff out. He buys more.

Since your son's diet is pretty nutrient dense already, maybe just focus on the healthy cal/fat part. More dipping sauces that have avocado in them, nut butters for his fruit (if he can eat nuts, if not, sunbutter). More paleo-type mayos with olive oil, or full-fat greek yogurt mixed with honey or pesto or something he likes for dipping.

My son is only 3, but also <0%ile and new doc is concerned with weight (although old doc wasn't). He loves hummus (not paleo, I know) and I let him eat gobs of it because it's high fat. I also let him eat chunks of butter since he love it... although this probably won't work with a 12 year old!

Maybe also add extra coconut oil or butter into as much as you can. I would think it's easy to hide into other things without changing taste too much, and would add extra fat and cals.

Maybe make one of those paleo muffins or anytime cookies to add to his lunch, since that's probably lowest fat based on the example below.

If you let him drink milk, then full fat milk has lots of fat/cals. I know milk isn't the best, but I often feel like when my toddlers pick at their dinners, at least they're getting healthy fats and cals from their milk.

Or even just the cream from coconut milk can sweetened with honey and on top of berries.

Good luck. I think I'll be dealing with the same thing as my boys grow. But as my old doc says, our kids have their whole life ahead of them to get fat. It's ok for them to be thin while they're kids as long as they're growing OK.

Are you doing just lean meats on purpose? This seems pretty low in fat.
What about snacking on caveman bars? (I make them with cranberries, apricots, cocoa nibs etc...) http://civilizedcavemancooking.com/foodslideshow/apple-pie-lara-bars/

Trail mix is awesome. I make my own for the kids (or buy the wildroots brand when in a pinch) and they gobble it up. High in healthy fats. Also I cook everything in a lot of coconut oil. Saying that though - my son is small for his age too. Although at his last appt the Dr expressed concern at his weight until my son took his shirt off for the exam and he retracted his concern, saying that he didn't look 'skinny' just slim and he is fine. My kids aren't PALEO though - my husband is a total non-believer so they do eat grains with their dad. I just try to get in there first for most meals and give them the good stuff.

Costco sells coconut chunks that are great for snacking on. Unfortunately they do have cane sugar on them but not a lot when you look at the label.

I have been there. My daughter was put on the failure to thrive list beacuse she was just too underwieght.. still is. My best advice: Nuts and seeds, avocados (like on his wrap), it's a battle but your not alone!!!

There was a similar problem on Robb Wolf's most recent podcast about a father whose doctor told him they needed to fatten up their baby more. Robb Wolf suggested checking out the World Health Organization's recommendations for height/weights, NOT the US guidelines. Here is the link:

http://robbwolf.com/2012/09/04/sumo-deadlift-high-pull-episode-148/


If your kid eats a lot perhaps his body is craving fat. Seriously pour fat over all the food! Dip all those snacks/veg/finger foods into fat based dips. Coconut oil, olive oil, tallow, bone broth. Make paleo mayonnaise, butter, etc. Top those scrambled eggs and cheese with organic sour cream and avocados.