N for Nutrition
I completed my post-graduation in Foods and Nutrition and after that did an internship from the Bangalore Mallya Hospital. I had big plans to make a career for myself as a Dietitian. Plans changed a bit when I came to Bangalore after marriage. We went to the US in November 2001 and from that day forth have been on a wonderful adventure together. I did a short course on food management in the US and wanted to go for a teaching job in college. So did my MPhil in Dietetics after coming back from the US.
Bangalore was just the beginning and now 16 years later, I am a freelance Dietitian, an entrepreneur, and a MOTHER. A title that I cherish more than the title of a Dietitian after my name.
I will be sharing some tips as a Dietician mom with you all today.
I met an old friend a few days back after many years. She told me that she allows junk food in her house and I was surprised. According to her, she grew up in a family where food was very controlled. They were not allowed to eat any junk food and never allowed food between meals. So, when she went to college, she had full access to junk food and, so, she had a hard time controlling herself.
So, she allows her children to eat everything and they have full access to eating anything in the house. They can choose their own snacks between meals. She never forces them to eat anything but makes sure they don’t waste any food.
Should we allow our kids full freedom with food or not? Should we guide them or not?
These days, there are changing food habits in kids. Is it a good idea to allow our kids anything and everything?
Due to unhealthy habits, nowadays, kids are prone to a lot of lifestyle diseases at a very young age. They are at risk for juvenile diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and bone problems.
Important Nutrition tip– A nutritious meal is a good combination of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Do not worry if a child eats less in one meal. They can make up for it in the next meal. Balance is the key. Make sure they are getting these important things in a day- Fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products and cereals.
I am writing about Parenting for A to Z challenge and sharing my thoughts as a mother of a teen and a tween. Sharing my personal experiences as a mom and hope to help other moms and also learn from them through this challenge. Read all posts here.
A for Affection
B for Believe
C for Confidence
D for Dance
E for Extracurricular
F for Food
G for Guilty
H for Hacks
I for Independent
J for Joint or Nuclear
K for Kindness
L for Looks
M for Money
April 17, 2017 at 12:24 am
These are valid suggestions – I feel even for us grown ups, it’s important to remember, it’s about Nutrition! & Water (I keep having to remember to drink enough!).
Ishieta @ Isheeria’s
April 17, 2017 at 9:23 am
Thankyou Ishieta
April 17, 2017 at 11:05 am
I agree with you dear. A balanced diet is the key to good health always.
April 17, 2017 at 11:58 am
Thanks Roma 🙂
April 17, 2017 at 3:33 pm
Balance is the key, but you need to give children slight leeway and ensure that junk food is not indulged in instead of meals and that they work off the calories in the form of games.
I love your balanced approach to mothering and nutrition, Deepa.
April 17, 2017 at 3:36 pm
Yes..agree. Balance is very important. Thanks Mayuri. 🙂
April 17, 2017 at 3:45 pm
Insightful blog post Deepa.
Indeed,it is said in our scriptures that: Food turns into poison when it exceeds the limit.
April 17, 2017 at 3:55 pm
Very good tips Deepa, glad to know a dietician who can guide us new moms
https://smitasangle.wordpress.com/2017/04/16/e-for-elevator-a-story-on-eve-teasing-atozchallenge/
April 17, 2017 at 5:04 pm
Thanks Smita 🙂
April 17, 2017 at 5:39 pm
Yup, balance is the key. A bit of everything is okay, but which kind of food gets dominance is what we need to watch out for.
Nasty
April 17, 2017 at 6:07 pm
Thanks Neha 🙂
April 17, 2017 at 7:02 pm
How do we ever know that? Not just in case of kids but with us as well… I eat a lot of healthy stuff, follow the conventional way of eating, drink lots and lots of water yet when sometimes we get the tests done, something or the other is always deficient 🙁
I keep figuring what is it that I am doing wrong and I feel, if I have no answer for myself, how will I ensure I’ll keep my kids healthy? (If only, I have any)
I really need some tips on this one ya!
Cheers
BoisterousBee
April 17, 2017 at 7:12 pm
Geet..I understand what you are saying. My mantra is eat healthy and stay active. But some things are not in our control as they are genetic. For example- Cholesterol, diabetes etc. No matter how healthy u eat or are active, you will get it. I have such example sin my family. I never recommend crash diets but a balanced meal, less junk and exercise. You will be fine. 🙂 Thanks for reading.
April 17, 2017 at 8:14 pm
Kids need healthy and nutritious food for their physical and mental growth as well as all round development. While, it’s not possible to keep the kids away from junk (given the times we live… media exposure etc), a balance is certainly needed. Of course, I have seen parents who have not introduced their kids to junk till they are 10.
April 17, 2017 at 9:20 pm
Yes Shilpa..balance is also not easy. But worth trying. Thanks for reading 🙂
April 18, 2017 at 1:35 am
I part-way agree with your friend. I allow some junk food, but make sure my kids know about healthy choices and try to limit, rather than completely rule out, junk food in the house. All things in moderation and all that. For example, pizza and slushies for lunch today. But they were at a play gym where they got a good three hours of running around. I figure things balance out. School lunches are always healthy. Week-day meals too. So learning that junk food is a fun extra? I think that’s fine.
April 18, 2017 at 9:39 am
Yes Louise..We cannot be completely strict with our kids. Some cheat days are allowed and ok. Most important is to be active. Thanks for sharing 🙂