A Simple Heart-Healthy Daily Meal Plan

Here is an example of how parents can build a balanced daily meal plan. Adjust portions to the child’s age, appetite, activity level, cultural food preferences and growth needs.

• Breakfast: Oatmeal with fruit and milk, or vegetable idli with sambar. Protein rich breakfast is good for kids too.
• Midmorning snack: An apple, orange, banana or another whole fruit.
• Lunch: Brown rice or whole-wheat roti, dal, vegetables and plain yogurt.
• Afternoon snack: Roasted chickpeas, unsalted nuts if safe, or fruit.
• Dinner: Whole grain roti or another grain, vegetables and beans, tofu.

The aim is variety, adequate nutrition and consistent healthy habits. Do not put children on strict dieting or calorie restriction without medical guidance.

Image credit: Image by Monique Vasconcelos Nique from Pixabay (Free to use under Pixabay content license, Published on May 20, 2018)