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Tips on Optimum nutrition | Yummylicious redefined

Yummylicious redefined is a newly propounded term by mother chefs. To make their fussy kids eat at home moms continue experimenting new delicacies with the traditional ingredients to maintain optimum nutrition in the diet. The preparation of these dishes has been more visually appealing to attract kids to the home kitchen and healthy eating rather than opting for restaurant foods.

Innovations required for optimum nutrition/Yummylicious redefined

  • understanding the taste of a child
  • involving him/her in shopping
  • planning how he/she can help in the kitchen
  • assigning tasks in the kitchen to keep up the level of excitement
  • asking for kid's suggestions if any
  • let him/her take the lead in final serving
  • enjoying the recipe with the whole family
Tips for Optimum nutrition | Yummylicious redefined | Flykiddz

Yummylicious redefined

What purpose will innovation serve?

  • mother will be happy that the child has accepted home-cooked food-her goal accomplished, 
  • the kid will appreciate home-cooked food and accept the fact that restaurant food can be recreated at home,
  • feeling of fulfilment for the kid because he/she will participate in the whole process and explore the association with new food varieties, 
  • the smell of cooking acts as destresser, 
  • the mother can share nutrition inputs and health tips with the child during preparation so as to arouse interest in healthy eating, 
  • child's confidence will be boosted and he/she would attempt alternative thinking strategies in other activities,
  • the child will be more conscious of hygiene,
  • my toddlers apply maths during cooking like counting, greater than, less than or addition, subtraction. They even find ways to express themselves and search new words or sing a poem which serves a great family time. I even share my experiences with food or share a story with them,
  • kids develop new skills and learn tips for safe cooking,  
  • Last but best is the child will eat of his/her own.

How to start?

Breakfast is highly recommended fuel to start a day. So initiate with a breakfast recipe, a well balanced nutritious meal. I remember my parents saying eat like a king in the morning. This does not mean to eat a lot but eat wholesome-healthy varieties-dairy products, nuts, cereals, vegetables, seasonal fruits. This will ensure good nutrition for both mental and physical activities.

How to proceed towards a balanced diet?

One successful step is a sign to move ahead. It may take months to move up the stairs and reach the level of a balanced diet. But when kids start eating, we must ensure that they maintain a healthy living by eating a healthy diet. Nutrient-dense foods are recommended by nutritionists and health experts. These foods are dense in nutrients rather than calories, for example, a banana and chips may have the same calories but banana has higher nutrition value. These contain both macronutrients; intake of these nutrients required in large amount and micronutrients; intake of these nutrients is required in small quantity but they are vital for red blood cell production, to build immunity, for healthy gums and teeth, to protect against the damage of the nervous system, to guard against chronic diseases and to keep our skin healthy and glowing. 

 Macronutrients:

  1. Fats: Paediatricians recommend a few drops of pure ghee in meals. All types of nuts are a good source of fats.
  2. Protein: Helps to repair our body. Good sources are pulses, legumes, soy products, eggs, meat, dairy products.
  3. Carbohydrates: banana, apple, carrots are a good source of carbohydrates.
  4. Fibre: Vegetables and fruits are good sources of fibre but when they are consumed whole and not as juices. Whole grains, pasta, brown rice must be replaced by fine grains.

Micronutrients: 

  1. Iron
  2. Calcium
  3. Vitamin
  4. Phosphorus
  5. Magnesium
These are found in fruits, leafy vegetables, dairy products and lean meats.

I believe when the foundation of a balanced diet becomes strong, it is reflected in the growth patterns of a child - better strength, improved concentration, healthier sleep patterns.

Benefits of optimum nutrition

  • Prevention from chronic diseases
  • Builds immunity
  • Fewer mood swings
  • Healthy weight maintenance
It is not easy to inculcate healthy eating habits in kids but when developed the pattern becomes the rule. That is why we often hear about food patterns and secret recipes followed in families started by older generations. They learn to eat right from the beginning when they are toddlers because as children grow it is far more difficult to change the taste of their palate. However, in toddlers small meals offered five to six times a day with adequate water intake goes well to achieve eating well with optimum nutrition. 
 Nevertheless, cooking together is a valuable treat to enjoy family time. The journey of yummylicious redefined ......ends at optimum nutrition.

Please share your tips on optimum nutrition in the comment section.

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