1. Balanced Daily Diet
A child’s plate should include all food groups:
Grains & cereals: roti, rice, oats, dalia
Proteins: dal, beans, paneer, egg, curd
Fruits & vegetables: seasonal fruits, green leafy vegetables
Dairy: milk, curd, cheese
Healthy fats: ghee, butter (small amounts)
👉 Aim for 3 main meals + 2 healthy snacks daily
🥛 2. Milk & Dairy
Milk: 400–500 ml/day
Avoid excessive milk (can reduce appetite & cause anemia)
Prefer curd, paneer over flavored milk.
🍎 3. Fruits & Vegetables
At least 2 fruits + 2 vegetables daily
Offer in different colors (banana, apple, papaya, carrot, spinach)
Cut into small pieces to avoid choking
🍳 4. Protein Is Essential
Daily protein sources:
Dal, rajma, chole
Egg (if non-vegetarian)
Paneer, curd
Nut powder (ground peanuts/almonds – age appropriate)
🍪 5. Snacks – Choose Wisely
✔️ Healthy snacks:
Fruit, boiled corn
Roasted chana
Poha, upma
Homemade sandwiches
❌ Avoid:
Chips, biscuits, chocolates
Packaged juices
Soft drinks.
🧂 6. Limit Salt & Sugar
No extra salt or sugar
Avoid junk food and fast food
Do not add sugar to milk or juices
💧 7. Fluids
Plenty of water
Coconut water, thin buttermilk
Avoid bottled juices
⏰ 8. Feeding Tips for Parents
Fixed meal timings
No mobile/TV during meals
Encourage self-feeding
Do not force feed
New foods may need 10–15 attempts
⚠️ Warning Signs – Consult a Doctor If:
Poor weight gain
Refuses most foods
Frequent illness
Excessive milk intake
Signs of anemia or vitamin deficiency
🌟 Key Messages for Parents.
Healthy eating habits that are built in the formulative years last a lifetime.Please remember that variety,balance and patience are more important than quantity.
