MyPlate is the easiest way to plan your bachcha's balanced meals - just imagine their thali divided into sections! Half the plate should be fruits and vegetables (sabziyan aur phal), one quarter should be grains (roti, chawal), and one quarter should be protein (dal, paneer, eggs, chicken). Add a small serving of dairy (doodh) on the side, and you have a complete, nutritious meal.
Unlike the old food pyramid that was confusing, MyPlate works perfectly with Indian food traditions. Your dadi's wisdom of serving a balanced thali was right all along!
Watch: Child hood obesity: an epidemic in kids every parent need to understand.
Good nutrition in childhood sets the foundation for lifelong health. A balanced diet helps your child:
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| **Brain Development** | Better focus in school, memory |
| **Physical Growth** | Strong bones, healthy weight |
| **Immunity** | Fewer infections, faster recovery |
| **Energy** | Active play, no afternoon fatigue |
| **Mood** | Better sleep, less irritability |
Children who eat balanced meals have better concentration, stronger immunity, and healthier growth patterns.
Use a small katori as reference:
Consult your pediatrician if your child:
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Maida roti | Whole wheat roti |
| White bread | Multigrain bread |
| Packaged juice | Fresh fruit or nimbu pani |
| Chips | Roasted makhana or chana |
| Biscuits | Homemade mathri or khakhra |
Expert Insight: As our pediatricians remind parents: 'Milestones have wide ranges. Focus on progress, not comparison.'
A: Haan, bahut common hai! Toddlers often reject new foods initially. Keep offering small amounts without forcing. Try mixing vegetables into familiar foods like paratha or dal. Most children outgrow this phase by age 5-6.
A: Food-first approach is best. Supplements should only be given if your pediatrician recommends after checking for deficiencies. Focus on improving diet variety instead.
A: While some repetition is fine, try to include variety over the week. Each food provides different nutrients. Even small changes help - different colored vegetables, different dals, etc.
A: Check their growth chart with your pediatrician. If they're following their growth curve, staying active, and generally healthy, they're likely eating adequately. Don't compare with other children.
A: Yes, if needed. Dahi, paneer, ragi, sesame seeds (til), and green leafy vegetables provide calcium. For children with milk allergies, discuss fortified alternatives with your doctor.
A: Absolutely! Indian vegetarian diets can be perfectly balanced. Combine dal with rice/roti for complete protein. Include variety of dals, paneer, dahi, nuts, and seeds to meet protein needs.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2024
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