Hey there! If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself wondering how to help your child stay
active and alert, especially during those crucial moments like sports or studying. Well, I’m here to tell
you that one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal might just be hiding in plain sight – nutrition.
Yes, that’s right – what your child eats can have a profound impact on their ability to do things, be it
playing or studying. So, let’s dive into the importance of nutrition and explore how it can make a real
difference in your child’s life.
Why is Nutrition Important?
First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room – why does nutrition matter when it comes to
children? Well, think of your child’s body and brain as a high-performance engine. Just like any engine, it
needs the right fuel to run smoothly. And that fuel comes in the form of nutrients.
Balanced nutrition is important for overall growth and development. When your child consumes
nutritious foods or drinks, they’re giving their bodies and brain the nutrition they need to stay focused
and alert.
Practical tips for providing nutritious food to kids
But how can you ensure your child receives adequate nutrition? It’s simpler than you might think. Start
by incorporating meals that cover all major food groups. Add protein-rich foods into their meals and
snacks, such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds. (2)
Additionally, you may consider convenient options like Complan, a nutrition drink that has 34 vital
nutrients, including 100% milk protein, vitamins and minerals. By offering a balanced diet with plenty of
protein-rich options, you’re laying the groundwork for your child’s success.
How to increase protein intake for a child on a vegetarian diet?
Increasing protein intake for a child on a vegetarian diet in India can be done effectively by incorporating
a variety of protein-rich foods that are both nutritious and delicious. Here are some practical tips and
ideas:
1. Incorporate Pulses and Legumes:
Pulses and legumes are a staple in Indian cuisine and are excellent sources of protein. (3) Include a
variety of dals (lentils) such as toor dal, moong dal, masoor dal, and chana dal in your child’s diet.
Chickpeas (chole) and kidney beans (rajma) are also great options.
2. Utilize Soy Products:
Soy is a powerhouse of protein. Introduce your child to soy-based foods like tofu, tempeh, and soy
milk. Soy chunks and soy granules can be added to curries and pulao.
3. Embrace Dairy Products:
Dairy products are rich in protein and are widely consumed in India. (5) Incorporate milk, yoghurt (curd),
paneer (cottage cheese), and cheese into your child’s meals. A glass of milk or a bowl of yoghurt can
make a great protein-rich snack.
4. Nuts and Seeds:
Nuts and seeds are not only high in protein but also in healthy fats and other nutrients. Include
almonds, walnuts, cashews, and seeds like chia, flax, and pumpkin seeds in your child’s diet. These can
be added to smoothies, and salads, or eaten as snacks.
5. Incorporate Eggs (if the diet allows):
If your vegetarian diet includes eggs (making it ovo-vegetarian), they can be an excellent source of
protein. Boiled eggs, omelettes, and scrambled eggs can be nutritious additions to your child’s diet.
6. Use Protein-Rich Flour:
Consider using besan (gram flour) to make protein-rich dishes like chillas (savoury pancakes) and
pakoras (fritters). Multigrain flour that includes high-protein grains can also be used to make rotis and
parathas.
Addressing Common Concerns: Is Complan Right for My Child?
Now, let’s address a common concern many parents harbour: is Complan suitable for my child? While I
can’t speak for every child, I can share my own experience. Complan offers a convenient and delicious,
particularly beneficial for picky eaters or busy families. Since it is scientifically designed for growing
children, Complan serves as a nutritious option that complements a balanced diet.
Integrating Complan into Your Child’s Routine
So, how can you seamlessly integrate Complan into your child’s daily routine? You can mix it with milk,
blend it into smoothies, or explore creative recipes like protein-packed pancakes or muffins. The key is
to identify what resonates best with your child’s preferences and lifestyle, making nutrition inherent
part of their day.
Connecting the Dots: How Complan Supports Growing Children
Complan has 100% milk protein, offering 63% more protein than other leading nutrition drinks. It is
clinically proven to support 2x faster growth.
Other Complan Benefits: Supporting Memory and Concentration
But wait, there’s more! Complan also supports memory and concentration.
More commonly asked questions
Let’s delve into some common questions and pain points moms face, and how prioritizing nutrition can
be a game-changer for your child’s focus.
Q1: My child is always distracted and has trouble focusing. Could their diet be to blame?
Absolutely! Research shows that nutrition plays a significant role in cognitive function and
concentration. If your child’s diet lacks essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals, it can
impact their ability to focus. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods can provide the fuel their brain needs to
stay sharp and alert.
Q2: How can I ensure my child gets enough protein in their diet?
Getting enough protein doesn’t have to be complicated. Include protein-rich foods in their meals and
snacks, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Q3: My child is a picky eater and refuses to try new foods. How can I ensure they still get the nutrients
they need?
Picky eating can be a challenge, but there are ways to work around it. Sneak nutrient-rich ingredients
into their favourite dishes, such as adding veggies to pasta sauce or blending fruits into smoothies.
Q4: I’m a busy mom and struggle to find time to prepare nutritious meals. How can I make sure my child
eats well?
I hear you! Balancing work, household chores, and parenting can be overwhelming. That’s where meal
planning and preparation come in handy. Take some time each week to plan out meals and snacks, and
consider batch cooking to save time. Having nutritious options readily available can make mealtime
stress-free.
Investing in Your Child’s Potential
The correlation between nutrition and concentration is clear. By prioritizing a balanced diet abundant in
protein and essential nutrients, you’re equipping your child with the foundation they need to excel
academically and beyond. While products like Complan are there to support your child’s nutritional
requirements, remember that they are just one facet of the equation. Ultimately, nurturing your child’s
mind and body is a journey well worth undertaking.
As we wrap up our exploration into the importance of nutrition in enhancing your child’s concentration,
I hope you’re feeling empowered with practical tips and insights to support your little one’s journey towards sharper focus and academic success. Remember, by prioritizing a balanced diet rich in
macronutrients like protein and essential vitamins and minerals, you’re laying the foundation for your
child’s cognitive development and overall well-being.
If you found this article helpful and informative, why not share it with other moms in your circle?
Together, we can empower more parents to prioritize nutrition and unlock the full potential of their
children’s minds. Whether it’s through social media, email, or a casual chat over coffee, sharing this
valuable information can make a world of difference for families everywhere.
So go ahead, hit that share button, and let’s spread the word about the importance of nutrition in
fueling young minds. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of countless children and
help them reach new heights of success.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and here’s to nourishing our children’s minds and futures, one
nutritious meal at a time!
References:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224629/#:~:text=To%20function%20adequately%2C%
20the%20central,et%20al.%2C%201994.
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/high-protein-foods
4. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/soybeans
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4703621/
6. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/nuts-and-seeds
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3146027/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog post are independent and unbiased views of solely the
blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Complan.
