PW invited parents of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad to share their insights on how they ensure their children consume healthy meals
I believe good food choices can shape children’s overall personality. Therefore, we make an effort to ensure that every home cooked meal my son Nipun (primary school) consumes, has a blend of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins, avoiding processed food as far as possible. To keep Nipun motivated, we encourage him to pick colourful fruits or leafy vegetables of his choice from the grocery. Simple activities like making a salad or spreading peanut butter on a slice of bread, helps Nipun value what he eats. We also lead by example. While occasional treats are allowed, the focus remains on moderation. We have learned that children develop healthier eating habits when they see food as joyful, not forced” — Mandira Mazumdar, teacher at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Vasundhara
Staying away from an “eat on the go” culture is becoming increasingly difficult for children for whom sugar and salt have become new addictions. Keeping this in mind, we eat our meals together with my daughter Sayuri (class V) and discuss the role of nutrients and how they enable our growth. Instead of banning “fun” food, we limit their consumption. To add variety to Sayuri’s meals, I prepare fancy food with clean ingredients. Keeping a stock of healthy snacks at home such as khakhras, makhanas and buttermilk, makes it easy to eat healthy. I also ensure that Sayuri is never hungry so she doesn’t reach a point where she is famished and binge eats” — Dr Aarushi Dua, Chief medical officer (homoeopathy) ESI Hospital
I ensure my son Parth’s (class III) lunchbox always contains a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich items like sprouts, paneer are regular choices. I prepare simple yet creative options like stuffed parathas, sprouts cheela, paneer & corn sandwich, veg idli, pancakes etc. I consciously avoid processed and packaged foods, replacing them with healthier alternatives such as nuts, homemade muffins & cookies. Adequate hydration is also important, so I provide water instead of sugary drinks. Involving Parth in the selection and preparation of food encourages him to develop healthy eating habits.” — Nisha Gupta, homemaker
For me, healthy eating is less about restrictions and more about building a loving relationship with food at home. I often cook Ayad’s (class II) favourites with a healthy twist, like spinach sauce for pasta or whole-wheat pizza. Fruits are always part of our daily routine, and thankfully Ayad enjoys them. We also follow one simple family rule: at home he eats what mama says, and when we are dining out, he gets to choose freely. Of course, I don’t deny him treats. Snacks are never hidden or labelled ‘special’ I keep some in his room. If he wants a candy or a packet of chips, he asks with moderation, never greed. We never force Ayad to finish what’s on his plate. We start with small portions, once he feels full, mealtime ends” — Nadia Baig, lawyer, Amazon India
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