Calcium-rich Foods

• Milk and milk products are an important source of energy, proteins, calcium and vitamins.  A child must have about 1/2 litre of milk products per day.

• A child below five years should be given milk and not skimmed milk.

Appetite-spoiling Foods

• Heavy snacks between meals should be avoided as they spoil the child's appetite. It is better to offer him fruits and sandwiches instead of cakes and chocolates.

• You should control your child's intake of sweets, biscuits, chocolates, cakes, colas, etc. because sugar is a major cause of tooth decay. It is always better to give juices instead of colas.

Tips for Fussy Eaters

• If your child is a fussy eater, try to make his meals more attractive by giving him foods like milkshake, pudding, ice-creams etc.

• If your child is a poor eater, invite some other children over during mealtimes who are of the same age and are good eaters.

• If your child is fit and healthy, and is growing and gaining weight as expected, do not fuss about his eating.

• Avoid getting into a battle at meal times. Mealtimes should be enjoyable and you should talk about things other than food.

Tips for Overweight Children

• If your child is over weight, reduce the use of cooking oil. Instead of frying, grill or bake the food.

Cooking Tips for Mothers

• Use less of sugar, salt and refined flour (maida or all-purpose flour) preparations.

• Unpolished rice or par-boiled rice is better than polished rice.

• Do not overcook vegetables, they lose their nutritive value.

• Do not cook fruits since the essential vitamin C is lost.

• The skin of many vegetables is rich in vitamins and minerals, so offer fresh fruits to the child with their skins.

• Wherever possible, use jaggery instead of sugar, since it is very high in iron.

• Avoid adding too much spice.