In today’s world of ultra-processed foods, it can be challenging for parents to manage what their children eat. With the prevalence of junk food and sugary treats, it is essential for parents to find a balance between allowing their children to enjoy delicious treats and ensuring they maintain a healthy diet. Nutritionists emphasize the importance of avoiding processed sugar and instead opting for natural sweeteners like fruits and jaggery to support children’s overall health and well-being.
Pooja Kedia, a nutritionist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Bangalore, highlights the significance of preparing sweet treats without processed sugar. By using wholesome ingredients and natural sweeteners, parents can create delicious snacks and desserts that are low in added sugar and packed with nutrients. Kedia shares four recipes that parents can prepare for their kids, offering a healthier alternative to traditional processed sweets.
One such recipe is Oats Pudding, which combines rolled oats, date syrup, milk, and water to create a creamy and satisfying dessert. This pudding is a great option for children who have a sweet tooth but want to avoid processed sugars. The addition of date syrup provides a natural sweetness that kids will love, without compromising their health.
Another recipe shared by Kedia is the Dry Fruit Banana Cake, which features mashed bananas, wheat flour, almonds, flaxseed, dates, almond milk, and maple syrup. This nutritious cake is a great way to sneak in fruits and nuts into your child’s diet while satisfying their craving for something sweet. The use of natural ingredients and minimal added sugar makes this cake a guilt-free treat for kids.
For a fun and fruity option, Kedia suggests making Mango Pancakes using mango cubes, jaggery powder, wheat flour, corn flour, milk, butter, cardamom powder, and salt. These pancakes are a delicious and colorful treat that kids will enjoy, while also providing them with essential nutrients from the mango and jaggery. By using whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners, parents can feel good about serving these pancakes to their children.
Lastly, Kedia recommends making Sattu Dry Fruit Ladoo, a traditional Indian sweet made with sattu flour, dry fruit powder, ghee, jaggery, and cardamom powder. These bite-sized treats are rich in protein and fiber, making them a healthy snack option for kids. The use of jaggery as a sweetener adds a natural sweetness to the ladoos, making them a nutritious and satisfying treat for children.
Overall, these recipes offer parents a way to indulge their children’s sweet cravings without compromising their health. By using natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients, parents can provide their children with delicious and nutritious treats that support their overall well-being. Making small changes in the way we prepare food can have a significant impact on our children’s health and help them develop healthy eating habits for life.
