Feed Your Little One Vital Superfoods In Smart Ways Right From The Start

In the spirit of World Nutrition Week, we celebrate National Nutrition Week in India from 1st to 7th September with the theme of this year being focused on "Feeding Smart Right From Start". In addition to educating people about the importance of a nutritious diet for better health and well-being, as well as components of a healthy food chart, this year we spread awareness about the role of a nutritious meal plan during the formative years of child development.

Seeds of nutritious dietary practices sown in children of our country today, will reap the fruits of a healthy and strong nation tomorrow. Hence, it is important to cultivate healthy dietary habits in kids from an early age, that encourages them to make better and informed lifestyle choices during later stages of life.

What is a healthy diet for a child?

Similar to the components of a super plate for adults, a healthy meal plan for kids includes food sources that supply all the basic nutrients which are essential for the effective functioning of cells, muscles and organs in a human body. Daily portion intake quantity of the nutrients for kids may differ from that of adults.

In order to encourage kids to consume healthy food, parents are advised to experiment with unique ways of serving kids the same food sources through exciting variations in recipes that seem tasty and appealing to kids. Kids love to indulge in a wholesome platter filled with a variety of flavorsome superfood dishes.

Include the following healthy food to make your little one's plate colorful and nourishing:

Vegetables & Fruits: Nearly half-a-plate of a healthy meal plan for kids consist of fruits & vegetables. Leafy greens, carrots, beetroots, mushrooms among other vegetables are rich in nutrients which can be easily added to salads & hummus, included in food wraps and topped on pizza dough. Fruits and berries such as strawberries, cranberries, apples, cherries, kiwi among other vitamin-rich fruits can be served as fruit salads & fruit pie or added to creamy pudding and blended into smoothies.

Whole-grains: About a quarter portion of your child's plate should be filled with whole-grains. Organic whole-grains such as quinoa and teff are a gluten-free substitute to regular whole-grains such as wheat, white rice among others. Quinoa is used in a range of tasty dishes that kids love to eat, such as quinoa upma, quinoa idli and quinoa cutlets. Quinoa flour and teff flour can be used in a variety of baked delicacies such as pancakes, brownies and cookies that kids relish.

Healthy Proteins: Another quarter portion of your child's balanced meal must contain protein-rich foods. Eggs, fish, beans, peas, nuts and edible seeds such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and chia seeds are popular sources of protein.

Quinoa is also a complete protein. Adding organic edible seeds to salads, smoothies and porridges makes it healthy and yummy to be added to your tiny-tot's diet. Chia pudding is another nourishing delight to feed kids the right dessert. Choose nut mixes, granola bars and edible seed crackers over processed foods to stock up nutritious snacks for your kids.

Healthy Oils: Unsaturated fats are considered healthy, especially for growing children that require adequate energy supply for high nervous functioning, brain development as well as to absorb vitamins from the other foods consumed. Healthy plant-based oils added to regular dishes in moderation along with regular intake of nuts and seeds as snacks is beneficial for kids.

Dairy: Unsweetened dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that are required by our body on a daily basis. Serve your kids a glass of milk along with our quinoa muesli or quinoa ragi fills that come in exciting flavors. Top the yoghurt bowl with edible seeds such as chia seeds or flax seeds to add a nutty twist to such dairy food sources.

Water: Water is the only constant of every meal belonging to all age groups. Keep your kids hydrated throughout the day with water and beverages that are made using natural ingredients such as lemon juice. Adequate consumption of water improves digestion, and regulates oxygen levels of the body, which is essential for kids as they always stay active through physical sport activities and games.

Fitness is equally important for kids as it compliments dietary practices for a healthy lifestyle. Kids naturally engage themselves in games and physical workouts which is just the right thing to do!

Make the smart choice to feed your little one with exciting organic food products from our nourishing range of superfood delights to prepare a variety of tasty and nutritious delicacies. Celebrate this National Nutrition Week by inculcating healthy dietary habits in your children right from the budding years of childhood for a bright and healthy life in the years to come!