Healthy Eating
Inculcate healthy eating habits in children
When children are out of school, they are often physically less active, binge on junk food and unhealthy sugary drinks, indulge in extended screen time, and develop irregular sleep patterns. All these factors are linked to weight gain and obesity. Healthy eating in childhood and adolescence is important for proper growth and development. Here are some ways to inculcate healthy eating habits in children.
#Healthy Cooking with Children
Summer holidays are an opportunity to start cooking with your children. Not only will it keep them occupied, but will also make them feel valued and you can have fun together as a family. Follow these age-appropriate ideas to keep your kids excited, safe and well-educated in the kitchen:
- Ask children to help out in the kitchen
- Let them handle age-appropriate kitchen tasks
- Tailor cooking tasks to maturity levels
- Foster independence but ensure appropriate supervision
#Choose My Plate Everything you eat and drink matters! MyPlate is a reminder to find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime. The right mix can help you and your children be healthier now and in the future. Start with small changes to build healthier eating styles and focus on variety, amount, and nutrition.
- Eat seasonal fruits: Check what whole fruits are in season in your area. This can also help save money.
- Vary your veggies: Try adding a new vegetable to a different meal each day.
- Grains: Make half your grains whole grains.
- Protein: Vary your protein routine. Try legumes, lean meat, and fish.
- Dairy: Move to low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt.
- Limit Salt and Sodium: Many processed foods contain high amounts of sodium. Choose fresh vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood when possible.
- Limit Saturated Fats: Keep it lean and flavorful. Try grilling, broiling, roasting, or baking—they don’t add extra fat.
- Limit Added Sugars: Split the sweet treats and share with a family member or friend.
Source: Choose my Plate
Additional Resources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Eat Right
#Healthy Recipes Explore new, delicious, and healthy recipes during the summer holidays! Here are our staff’s picks to try out this week:
Contributors: Ms. Samaah Chalil, Ms. Raji Anand, Dr. Sohaila Cheema and Dr. Sathyanarayanan Doraiswamy
Editing: Mr. John Hayward