Mom’s Frequently asked Questions about Children Nutrition

Over the years, we collaborated with leading Nutritionists across India to create awareness about children’s eating habits and guide mothers on they can  ensure the children have an #EarlyStartToHealthyLife

Our panel of nutritionists included- Pooja Makhija– Renowned Celebrity Nutritionist & Best Selling Author, Priya Karkera – Pediatric Nutritionist & Head Nutritionist- Fitterfly and Parina Joshi- Pediatric Nutritionist, Surya Hospitals.

Children and their picky eating habits have been the top most concern of every mother. As part of our parent social advisory initiative, here are some of the most commonly asked questions

Q: How to make teenage kids have their healthy food and on appropriate time?

A: Appropriate timing ideally depends on family meal timing. Make sure one meal of the day is eaten with the complete family sitting together, with no television and a healthy dish is prepared during this meal as kids would see the elders eating the healthy dish and would try to eat even if they dislike.

Q: We belong to a Jain family, how do I ensure my child gets his daily does of protein?

A: Firstly do note However protein requirement of every child depends on their age, weight, activity level. Having said that, here’s how you can make sure your child gets enough proteins – incorporate Dals and Pulses like Moong, Masur, Tur dal, Soya etc in his meals. Try including milk and milk products like curd, paneer, buttermilk in his daily meals.

Q: My son eats eggs and chicken and drink milk with proteinex. Eat fruits and vegetables also but still he is very lean. Please suggest he is 8 years?

A: At times, the child eats well and all his energy is utilized when involved in any outdoor sports activities or simply playing all day. If that is the case, then it shouldn’t be a concern, because he is eating well and leading a balanced and active lifestyle. Still if you would like, you may add ghee to rotis and dal rice etc and follow proper meal timings

Q: How do I encourage my school going children to eat more veggies?

A: You can incorporate veggies in the form of Frankie fillings, salads as a side dish, soups as a late evening snack, vegetable puree parathas or vegetable raita.

Q: How do I ensure my 10 year old tennis player has a good nutritional intake?

A: Make sure you give your child a pre-game dish and a post meal dish to boost his performance and recovery.
Pre-game dish: Fresh Fruits, Fruit juice (150-200ml), Chikki, Oats cookie 2-3 pieces
Post-game dish: Milk with Nuts, Paneer/Chicken/Egg preparation, Peanut butter sandwich

Q: Can you suggest calcium rich food alternatives for a 6 year old?

A: A lactose in-tolerant person could have curd and yoghurt, since the lactose is converted to lactic acid which is a good source of calcium and also works at a pro-biotic.
Other sources of calcium rich food alternatives include
Ragi (nachini), Nuts & Oil seeds – sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sun flower seeds and Green leafy vegetables- Shepu (dil leaves), Spinach, Methi leaves

Q: My daughter is 7 years old and her weight is around 40kg, could you suggest some tips to reduce her weight?

A: Firstly, her weight is slightly on the higher side, considering her age. But what about her height?
Weight should always be considered along with height of an individual, otherwise the numbers are misleading and cannot be interpreted alone. Make sure she is engaged in any form of physical activity – swimming, dance, playing outdoor games or sports, basically activities that keep provide her an active lifestyle.
Secondly, as parents we need to act as role models and lead by example by reducing junk food consumption at home and outside. Lastly, ensure you follow strict meal timings for your daughter.

Q: My son doesn’t like to eat eggs & chicken,what else can be given to him to meet his protein needs?

A: You can incorporate vegetarian sources of protein like Paneer, Curd, Buttermilk, Pulses- Moong, Chana, Chole etc. in his diet. You could also give him a complete protein mix i.e, combination of dal & rice.

Q. Is it ok to give calcium and iron supplements sometimes?

A: I would recommend, giving natural foods which are calcium and iron rich, unless there is a deficient of a particular nutrient and they are prescribed by a doctor or a nutritionist.

Q. What food to given to for children with low hemoglobin?

A: Please ensure she has green leafy vegetables at least once a day, which are iron rich sources like dates, ragi, nuts, garden cress seeds. Also ensure iron rich source is accompanied with a vitamin C rich sources like lemon juice, amla, fruits like papaya, apple, orange etc for better absorption of iron.

Q. My son will be completing 6 years now and is lactose-in-tolerant. Can you suggest calcium rich food alternatives?

A: A lactose in-tolerant person could have curd and yogurt, since the lactose is converted to lactic acid which is a good source of calcium and also works at a pro-biotic. Other sources of calcium rich food alternatives include, Ragi (nachini), Nuts & Oil seeds – sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sun flower seeds and Green leafy vegetables- Shepu (dil leaves), Spinach, Methi leaves.