India’s growing economy is often seen as a symbol of progress, but when it comes to children’s health, the picture is far from the ideal. There is an increasing crisis behind the bright surface: obesity, type 2 diabetes, early heart disease, poor intestinal health, hormonal imbalance and even insulin resistance are being seen rapidly in young Indians. And one of the main reasons combines them all together – food.

Real food is missing from our children’s plates

Integrated lifestyle expert Luke Cottinho believes that the root of many childhood health issues lies in (not) on their plates.

“We have spent years spent working with adults, which became unresolved in childhood, saying – Nutrition, emotionally, physically. So I believe that the most influential health intervention does not start in hospitals or clinics alone. They start in the kitchen. In school tiffin, on the table of the family,” COTINHO INDITOODAY.IN.

Despite the rich supply of India’s fruits, vegetables, grains and spices, many children are suffering from malnourished, overweight or hidden metabolic issues. The gap between access and application is widening, and this is their health cost.

Currently, a triple burden of malnutrition, including malnutrition, deficiencies of micronutrients and oven in India, faces a triple burden.

‘Food is a weapon’

Nutritionist and chronic disease expert Deepta Nagpal highlighted the power of food in fighting the disease when used properly.

“Food is a weapon, if we use it wisely, it can create a miracle,” she tells indivday.in. “It is not just an apple that can keep a doctor away, I believe that a well -balanced food served with love is cooked with scratches using seasonal grains and wisely planned, very low with general knowledge and little, can help improve immunity, help in many diseases and prevent.”

His clinical observation reflects a disturbing trend:

“This is not just obesity. If we look deep in our practice, I see high blood sugar levels in children under 9 years of age. Young with fatty liver due to junk food. Predibity, high cholesterol, or with fatty liver.”

Coutinho states that various regions of India already have traditional diets rich in timely testing, nutrients that are perfectly suited for local climate and children’s needs. He says, “Jawar Bhakari, from millet khichdi to rasam and idli in the north, and Kodo Baji in Central India in the west, rich in its own nutrients in every region, seasonal foods are perfectly suited to local climate and growing children,” they say.

A balanced plate is a powerful tool

Nagpal breaks out how an ordinary home-cakeing Indian plate can support immunity and development.

“A plate of lentil rice, curd, pickle, and salad is a perfectly balanced food. Lentils give full protein. Yogurt and pickle are probiotics that help digestion and intestine health. Salad provides minerals and vitamins.

Coutinho says, “Local and seasonal foods are not just delicious, they biologically combine with our body. Food is information for our genes. They grow in the soil we live on, they face the same climate, and the land that is belonging to the land that is related to the microbial and nutritional intelligence.”

When children eat local, seasonal foods, they form strong internal systems that support digestion, energy, mood and immunity.

Millets such as ragi and jowar regulate blood sugar. Local greens support iron levels. Cold-represented oil and fermented foods support hormonal health.

“Regularly, including such foods, we are not only improving energy, digestion and growth-but also proofing our children against lifestyle disorders,” Cottinho says.

Foods that deserve a place on your child’s plate

Nagpal suggests easy, everyday foods that pack a powerful punch for children with vegetarian or non-meat:

• Khus Khus (Popy Seed): Calcium can be added to high, soup, steppes or smoothies.
• Eggs: An excellent source of protein, if no religious restrictions apply.
• Ghee: Intestinal supports health and immunity.
• Sesame seeds: Great plant-based source.
• Beet: Increases blood flow, helps children to stay active.
• Ragi: Cheap and rich in calcium.
• Four magazes: A mixture of watermelon, pumpkin, cucumber, and watermelon seeds, often combined with saffron and milk.

Busy houses make nutritious food practical

In the digital world, how can parents balance the facility with quality? Nagpal provides hacks that the busiest families can also follow:

• Include children in the plan of food so that they understand where the food comes from and why it matters.
• Teach children how to read the label and identify real food.
• Promote simple food by adding an egg or cheese cube to khichdi or dal rice.
• Smoothies: Add fruits, seeds, coconuts for an easy morning.
• Try a one-pot meal such as Veji Stews with Paneer or Noodles.

Traditional foods such as sprouts, sesame seeds, yogurt, and vegies with vegies can be fun and filled.

Nagpal warned against long -term damage from processed snacks and packed food, “Packed foods reduce mood, reduce focus, reduce immunity, and obstruct growth. They contribute to ADHD and include chemicals that interrupt hormones and intestines.”

In contrast, real food helps in making serotonin, feel-gud chemical, and supports brain, immune and physical development.

One day in the life of a healthy baby food plan

Here is a simple, balanced sample food plan given Deep Nagpal recommends supporting the intestine, brain and immune health:

Breakfast

• Eggs and nuts
• Dal disciple with right
• Paneer or Egg Sandwich
• During dawn
• Curd
• Nat or milk

lunch

• Parathon with egg or cheese
• Vegetable rice
• Cheese
• Evening snack
• Nut lados
• Sesame seed toast
• Hammus with Veji
• Beetroot-Cart-Mosambi Juice
• Eggs

dinner

• Soup or Stews
• Dal
• Paneer, tofu, milk, or chicken